CELPIP speaking
Unusual Situation
How to Master CELPIP Speaking Task 8: The Unusual Situation
This is the final, fun, and creative task. You will be shown a strange, surreal, or "unusual" picture (e.g., a cat playing chess, a car made of fruit). Your prompt is to call a friend and describe what you are seeing, as they cannot see it.
What You Will Do
- You will have 30 seconds to prepare your description.
- You will only have 60 seconds to record your speaking.
The #1 Trap to Avoid
The biggest mistake is being disorganized. Test-takers see the strange image and just start laughing or listing random things ("There's a... and a... and a..."). The grader is testing your descriptive vocabulary and, most importantly, your ability to organize your description so the listener can "see" the picture in their mind.
The CLB 9+ "3-Part Description" (Use in your 30s prep!)
Use your 30 seconds to identify the main unusual object and its key details. This 3-part structure works perfectly.
- Part 1: The Greeting & Main Object (approx. 15 seconds): Start by addressing your friend and stating the main, weird thing. (e.g., "Hey [Friend's Name], you won't believe what I'm looking at. It's a picture of a giraffe riding a bicycle.").
- Part 2: The Details (approx. 30 seconds): Now describe it. Use descriptive words and prepositions. (e.g., "It's a huge, yellow giraffe, and it's wearing a tiny blue helmet. Its long neck is bent down to hold the handlebars. The bicycle is a red mountain bike, and it looks way too small for the giraffe.").
- Part 3: The Background (approx. 15 seconds): Conclude by describing the setting. (e.g., "The strangest part is the background. It's not a circus; it looks like a normal city street, and there are people on the sidewalk who are staring and taking pictures. It's hilarious. You've got to see this.").
Final Tips
- Use Prepositions: "On top of," "next to," "in front of," "it's covered in..."
- Use Rich Adjectives: Don't just say "big." Say "huge," "massive," or "tiny." Don't say "weird." Say "bizarre," "surreal," or "hilarious."
- Have Fun! This is the one task where you're supposed to sound surprised and amused. Let your tone match the picture.
Ready to Get Your Speaking Graded?
Can you describe a bizarre scene in just 60 seconds? This task is all about your vocabulary and your ability to create a clear mental image for the listener.
Our webapp uses advanced AI to grade your speaking. Find out your estimated score, see your filler words, and check if your description is clear and vivid.