CELPIP Speaking Practice Test
The CELPIP Speaking Test has 8 tasks in about 15 minutes, and each one has its own preparation and speaking time. Here is the official format of every task, one free question with a sample answer in each, and how raters score you.
Free Speaking CourseCELPIP Speaking Practice by Task
Each task tests something different. Pick one to see its format, strategies and practice questions.
Free CELPIP Speaking practice questions
There is one free question in every task, from the same bank as our Premium questions, and Premium unlocks the other 112 speaking question sets. You do not need an account to read them here.
Sister Toronto Housing Search
Your sister is starting university in Toronto and needs to find affordable housing. Give her advice about finding a good place to live.
Show the sample answer (CLB 9-10)
Hi there! Navigating Toronto's housing market as a student can be daunting, but with the right strategy, you'll find something perfect. I'd suggest starting with a multi-pronged approach: utilize online platforms like Kijiji, PadMapper, and university-specific housing boards, while simultaneously networking with current students and alumni who might know of available spots. Consider various options including shared accommodations, basement apartments, and student co-ops, which often offer the best value. Location-wise, explore neighborhoods like North York, Scarborough, or areas along subway lines for better affordability without sacrificing accessibility. Most importantly, create a budget that accounts for first and last month's rent, utilities, and transportation costs. Always conduct thorough viewings, verify landlord credentials, and trust your instincts about both the property and potential roommates.
Helping Someone in Community
Talk about a time when you helped someone in your community. Maybe you can talk about helping a neighbor, volunteering at a local event, assisting someone at work or school, or helping during bad weather. What did you do and how did it make you feel?
Show the sample answer (CLB 9-10)
I'd love to tell you about an incredibly rewarding experience I had last February during one of Toronto's worst blizzards. My elderly neighbor, Mrs. Chen, had been snowed in for three days, and I could see she was struggling to even get to her mailbox. Without hesitation, I grabbed my shovel and spent the entire afternoon meticulously clearing not just her driveway, but also creating a safe pathway to her front door. What struck me most was her genuine gratitude - she was nearly in tears and insisted on sharing homemade dumplings with me. That simple act of kindness sparked a beautiful friendship, and now we regularly check on each other. It reinforced my belief that small gestures can profoundly impact someone's life and strengthen the fabric of our community.
Picture Description ST B001
Describe some things that are happening in the picture below as well as you can. The person with whom you are speaking cannot see the picture.

Show the sample answer (CLB 9-10)
This vibrant illustration depicts a delightful scene of childhood recreation taking place in a well-maintained backyard environment. The composition features six children engaged in diverse leisure activities under pleasant weather conditions. To the left, an artistic young boy is simultaneously picking a red apple from a flourishing fruit tree while painting a cheerful bee illustration on a wooden easel, demonstrating multitasking creativity. The central area showcases a girl with dark hair enjoying some form of play activity, accompanied by an energetic brown and white dog that appears to be in mid-motion with its tongue playfully extended. On the right side, a blonde child is skillfully maneuvering a geometrically-shaped kite with blue, red, yellow, and orange panels against the clear sky. The foreground presents two additional children in restful positions: a brunette girl absorbed in reading a book and a red-haired boy clutching a purple ball. The domestic setting is completed by a charming house featuring terracotta roof tiles and multiple windows, with the entire scene bathed in warm sunlight punctuated by fluffy white clouds.
Predict Next Event B001
In this picture, what do you think will most probably happen next?

Show the sample answer (CLB 9-10)
Based on the idyllic scene before me, I anticipate several developments will unfold naturally. The young artist will undoubtedly continue refining his charming bee illustration, as evidenced by his focused posture and readily available painting supplies, likely adding intricate details or vibrant background elements. The boy with the colorful kite will maintain his aerial adventure, taking advantage of what appears to be optimal wind conditions and the expansive open space. The absorbed reader will probably complete her current chapter before potentially transitioning to join the more active pursuits around her. Meanwhile, the energetic dog will continue its playful interactions with the children, possibly initiating games of fetch or chase. The child holding the ball will likely organize a group activity, drawing the others into collaborative play. Given the perfect weather conditions, abundant space, and the children's evident enthusiasm, this delightful outdoor gathering will probably extend well into the afternoon, with activities naturally flowing from individual pursuits to more social interactions.
Choosing Maple or Oak
Your child is starting elementary school, and you need to choose between two schools in your neighborhood. Using the information below, choose the option that you prefer. In the next section, you will need to persuade your spouse that your choice is the better choice.
Maple Elementary School
- 15 minutes walking distance
- 25 students per class
- French immersion program available
- Monthly field trips included
Oak Valley Elementary School
- 5 minutes driving distance
- 18 students per class
- Strong arts and music programs
- After-school care until 6 PM
Show the sample answer (CLB 9-10)
I'm convinced that Oak Valley Elementary is undoubtedly the superior choice for our child's educational journey. Consider this: with only 18 students per class compared to Maple's 25, our child will benefit from significantly more personalized attention and mentorship. This intimate learning environment is particularly valuable during these formative years. Furthermore, their exceptional arts and music programs will nurture our child's creative talents, providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond academics. Most importantly, the after-school care until 6 PM eliminates our biggest concern about work-life balance. While the 5-minute drive requires minimal effort, the substantial advantages in educational quality and family convenience make this decision crystal clear.
Teenage Son Part-Time Job
Your teenage son wants to take a part-time job at a local restaurant to earn spending money. Your spouse thinks he should focus only on his studies and not work during the school year. This disagreement is causing tension in your family.
Choose ONE:
EITHER
Talk to your son. Explain why he should wait until summer to get a job.
OR
Talk to your spouse. Explain why your son should be allowed to work part-time during school.
Show the sample answer
Hi honey, I wanted to talk to you about our son's job situation. I understand you're concerned about his grades, but I think we should let him work part-time. First, having a job will teach him valuable life skills like time management and responsibility. He'll learn how to balance work and school, which is important for his future. Second, earning his own money will help him understand the value of hard work and make him more independent. Many successful students work part-time without their grades suffering. Finally, this job experience will look great on his college applications and help him build confidence. I think if we set clear boundaries, like limiting his hours to weekends only, we can support both his education and his personal growth. What do you think about giving him this opportunity?
Libraries Open Seven Days
Answer the following question.
Question: Do you think that public libraries should be open seven days a week in Canadian communities? Explain your reasons.
Show the sample answer (CLB 9-10)
I strongly advocate for seven-day library operations across Canadian communities. Libraries have evolved beyond book repositories into vital community infrastructure that addresses digital divides and social isolation. Extended hours would particularly benefit shift workers, newcomers accessing settlement services, and students requiring consistent study environments. While municipalities face budget constraints, the long-term societal benefits—improved literacy rates, enhanced digital skills, and strengthened community cohesion—justify the investment. Furthermore, weekend programming could foster intergenerational connections and cultural exchange, reinforcing libraries' role as democratic spaces that serve all residents equitably.
Describing Winter Coat Spouse
You are at a Canadian Tire store and you see a winter coat you would like to buy for your spouse, but your phone's camera is broken. Call your spouse. Provide a full and clear description of the coat and ask if you should buy it.
Show the sample answer (CLB 9-10)
Hi there! I'm calling from Canadian Tire because I've stumbled upon what I believe is the perfect winter coat for you, but unfortunately my phone camera isn't working. It's a sophisticated navy blue parka made from what appears to be high-quality ripstop material with excellent craftsmanship. The coat features a robust YKK zipper with an additional storm flap for superior weather protection. It has strategically placed pockets - two spacious hand-warmer pockets with fleece lining, plus a chest pocket with a secure zipper. The detachable hood has luxurious faux fur trim that looks both stylish and functional. At $79.99, it represents exceptional value given the premium construction and attention to detail. What are your thoughts on me picking this up for you?
The CELPIP Speaking test format
The CELPIP Speaking Test takes about 15 minutes and has 8 tasks. You speak into a microphone on the computer. Each task gives you preparation time, then a recording starts automatically when the screen says "Start speaking now".
Raters score Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability (how easy you are to listen to and understand) and Task Fulfillment.
Task 1, Giving Advice: 30 seconds to prepare, 90 seconds to speak. Task 2, Talking about a Personal Experience: 30 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak. Task 3, Describing a Scene: 30 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak. Task 4, Making Predictions: 30 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak. Task 5, Comparing and Persuading: 60 seconds to choose, then 60 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak. Task 6, Dealing with a Difficult Situation: 60 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak. Task 7, Expressing Opinions: 30 seconds to prepare, 90 seconds to speak. Task 8, Describing an Unusual Situation: 30 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak.
How CELPIP Speaking is scored
Trained raters score each response on Content/Coherence (how well your ideas are organized and developed), Vocabulary, Listenability (pronunciation, rhythm, pauses and grammar) and Task Fulfillment (relevance, completeness, tone, and speaking for the whole time).
CELPIP reports a level for each skill, and each CELPIP level equals the same CLB level for Canadian immigration (CELPIP 10, 11 and 12 all count as CLB 10+). Express Entry's Federal Skilled Worker program needs at least CLB 7 in all four skills. Canadian citizenship (ages 18 to 54) needs CLB 4 in speaking and listening. Express Entry gives the most points for your first official language at CLB 10 or higher in each skill. Results must be less than 2 years old.
How to prepare for CELPIP Speaking
Use the preparation time to plan a structure, not a script: who you are talking to, your main points in order, and how you will finish. Speak directly to the person in tasks that name one, use transitions to signal each new idea, and keep talking until the time ends, because pauses hurt completeness.
Practice out loud with a timer, record yourself, and listen back for long pauses and repeated words. Each task has its own shape: three suggestions in Task 1, a story in past tenses in Task 2, the people in Task 3, actions and feelings in Task 4, and a phone call you end in Task 8.
Our question bank has 120 speaking questions, with one free question in every task. Free accounts get 3 AI scorings to share between writing and speaking.
Related reading
CELPIP Speaking FAQ
Common questions about the CELPIP Speaking test