CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
In Task 8 you describe a picture of an unusual item or situation, on the phone, to someone who cannot see it. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. Set up the call, describe what makes it unusual, and end the call.
Practice Describing an Unusual Situation NowThe official format of Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
CELPIP's official strategies for Task 8
From CELPIP's Speaking Pro: Target 9+ Study Pack (2026).
- Start by setting up the role-play scenario ("Hi, Jill...").
- Describe the unique aspects of the picture.
- Focus on the things that you can describe well.
- If you can't think of accurate and specific vocabulary, create phrases using common words to express your meaning.
- End by finishing the phone call.
A 5-step structure for Task 8
Say who you are calling and why, then the size, the color and surface, the strangest part, and end with a question and a goodbye.
CELPIP Speaking Task 8 sample answer (60 seconds)
You are at a farmers market and see an unusual fruit you've never tried before, but the vendor doesn't speak English well and you cannot take a picture. Call your adventurous friend to describe the fruit and ask if you should buy it.
Hi Maya, I'm at the farmers market on Queen Street, and I'm looking at a fruit I have never seen before. The man selling it doesn't speak much English, so I can't even ask what it's called. I'll just describe it, and you tell me what you think.
It's about the size of a mango, maybe a little longer, and it's shaped like a big egg, round at both ends. It would fit in one hand.
It's bright orange on the outside, with short, pointy spikes all over it, like little horns. They look sharp, but I picked one up, and it's fine to hold.
The strange part is the inside. He has one cut in half on the table, and it's bright green, like lime jelly, and it's full of pale seeds that look just like cucumber seeds. Honestly, it looks like something from a science fiction movie.
So should I buy one so we can try it tonight? He held up four fingers, so I think they're four dollars each. Let me know before noon, because that's when the market closes. Okay, talk soon, bye!
It sets up the call, describes size, color, surface and the strangest part using common words ("like little horns", "like lime jelly"), and ends the call. This answer was spoken within the 60-second limit.
A free CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation practice question
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?
More CELPIP Speaking Task 8 practice situations
Set a timer, use the preparation time to plan, and answer each one out loud.
- You are at a garage sale and see an unusual chair your sister might love. Call her to describe it and ask if you should buy it.
- You found an unusual kitchen tool in your new apartment and don't know what it is. Call a friend who loves cooking and describe it.
- At a craft fair, you see an unusual lamp for your parents' living room. Call your dad to describe it.
- An unusual vehicle is parked on your street. Call a friend who loves cars and describe it.
- You are at a pet store and see an animal you have never seen before. Call your child to describe it.
- You are shopping for a retirement gift and see an unusual clock. Call a coworker to describe it and decide together.
Common mistakes on Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
- Starting without setting up the call. Greet the person and say why you are calling.
- Listing every detail instead of the unusual ones. Describe what makes the item or situation strange.
- Stopping when you don't know a word. Build a phrase from common words, like "shaped like a big egg".
- Forgetting to finish the call. End with a question or a plan, and say goodbye.
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Start PracticingTask 8: Describing an Unusual Situation FAQ
How long do I have for CELPIP Speaking Task 8?+
30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
Is CELPIP Speaking Task 8 a phone call?+
Yes, it is a role-play. CELPIP's strategies are to start by setting up the role-play scenario and to end by finishing the phone call.
What if I don't know the word for something in Task 8?+
CELPIP suggests creating phrases using common words to express your meaning, for example by comparing the size, shape or color to everyday things.
What should I describe in Task 8?+
The unique aspects of the picture, focusing on the things you can describe well.
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.