CELPIP Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions
In Task 7 you answer a "Do you think...?" question with your opinion. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak. Choose yes or no, and support it with about three reasons and specific details.
Practice Expressing Opinions NowThe official format of Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions
CELPIP's official strategies for Task 7
From CELPIP's Speaking Pro: Target 9+ Study Pack (2026).
- Read the question carefully; be sure your response is on topic.
- Quickly decide whether you will answer yes or no.
- Give about three reasons to support your position.
- Support each reason with specific details.
- Present your ideas logically, and use transitions to signal new ideas.
A 5-step structure for Task 7
State your position, give your reasons with transitions, add a specific example, and finish by repeating your position.
CELPIP Speaking Task 7 sample answer (90 seconds)
Do you think high school students should have to take a cooking class before they graduate? Explain why.
In my opinion, yes, every high school student should have to take a cooking class before they graduate. I'd put it right next to math and English, because cooking is a skill you use every single day for the rest of your life. Honestly, it might be the most useful class on the whole schedule.
The main reason is that it saves money. When students move out for college or their first job, a lot of them end up ordering takeout almost every night, and that gets expensive really fast. If you know how to cook a few simple meals, like pasta, soup or a stir-fry, you can feed yourself for a fraction of the price.
On top of that, it's better for their health. Fast food is easy, but it's often full of salt and sugar. A good class teaches students how to follow a recipe, plan meals for the week, and pick fresh ingredients at the grocery store, so eating well stops feeling like a chore. And those habits usually stick with you for years.
For example, when I moved into my first apartment, I could only make toast and instant noodles. I spent so much on delivery that I was always short of money at the end of the month. Then a friend taught me a handful of easy dinners, like chili and a simple curry, and within a few weeks I was saving money and feeling a lot more energetic.
I strongly believe a cooking class would help students more than almost any other course. It's practical, it's cheap for schools to run, and it prepares young people for real life, not just for their next exam. So I'd make it a requirement.
One clear side kept for the whole answer, reasons with specific details, transitions between ideas, and a personal example. This answer was spoken within the 90-second limit.
A free CELPIP Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions practice question
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.
More CELPIP Speaking Task 7 practice questions
Set a timer, use the preparation time to plan, and answer each one out loud.
- Do you think public transit should be free for everyone in Canadian cities? Explain why.
- Do you think children should have their own smartphone before high school? Explain why.
- Do you think employees should be allowed to work from home whenever they want? Explain why.
- Do you think stores should charge customers for plastic bags? Explain why.
- Do you think high schools should start classes later in the morning? Explain why.
- Do you think every adult should volunteer in their community? Explain why.
Common mistakes on Task 7: Expressing Opinions
- Switching sides or saying "it depends" for the whole answer. Choose yes or no and keep it.
- Drifting off topic. Answer exactly the question on the screen.
- Giving reasons without specific details, which makes the ideas feel thin.
- Running out of reasons before 90 seconds. Plan about three, with a detail or example for each.
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Start PracticingTask 7: Expressing Opinions FAQ
How long do I have for CELPIP Speaking Task 7?+
30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak.
Should I agree or disagree in Task 7?+
Either is fine. CELPIP asks you to quickly decide whether you will answer yes or no, then support that position.
How many reasons should I give in Task 7?+
About three, each supported with specific details.
Can I talk about both sides in Task 7?+
Choose one side and keep it. You can mention the other side briefly, but your answer should clearly support one position.
What CELPIP Speaking score do I need for Express Entry?+
Express Entry's Federal Skilled Worker program needs at least CLB 7 in speaking and in each other skill, and the most first-language points start at CLB 10. Canadian citizenship needs CLB 4 in speaking and listening.