CELPIP SPEAKING — AUG 23 REAL-EXAM STYLE CLB 12 Samples — Tasks 1–8

 CELPIP SPEAKING — AUG 23 REAL-EXAM STYLE CLB 12 Samples — Tasks 1–8

Each response is approximately 180–200 words and follows a natural speaking style rather than sounding memorised.

TASK 1 — GIVING ADVICE

Question:

Your friend wants to learn kickboxing but keeps changing from one coach to another. Give your friend advice.

CLB 12 Sample:

Hey Sam, honestly, I think the main problem is that you’re changing coaches before giving yourself enough time to improve. If I were you, I’d first decide what you actually want from kickboxing. Is your goal to get fit, learn self-defence, or eventually compete? Once you’ve figured that out, pick one coach who specialises in that area and stick with the programme.

I’d also suggest giving yourself a short trial period, maybe four to six weeks. During that time, don’t worry too much about whether you’re becoming an expert. Just focus on showing up consistently, learning the basic techniques and becoming more comfortable.

After the trial, sit down and honestly evaluate your progress. Are you getting fitter? Are your punches and footwork improving? Do you actually enjoy the classes? If the answer is yes, stay with that coach for a few more months. If not, then look for another option.

And seriously, give it a fair shot! Constantly switching instructors will only keep you stuck at the beginner stage. Pick a goal, choose a coach, commit for a while and then judge the results.

TASK 2 — PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Question:

Talk about a time when you relearned something that you had learned incorrectly before, without taking a formal course.

CLB 12 Sample:

Hey, one experience that immediately comes to mind was when I realised I had been using the wrong technique while typing on a keyboard. For years, I simply used whichever fingers felt comfortable, so I was extremely slow and made quite a few mistakes.

One day, I had to prepare a long document within a short deadline, and I realised how inefficient my typing style was. Instead of taking a formal course, I decided to teach myself the correct technique. I watched a few short tutorials, studied where each finger was supposed to go and then practised for about fifteen minutes every evening.

At first, it actually felt worse because I had to consciously think about every key. I was tempted to go back to my old method, but I stuck with it. Gradually, my fingers started moving automatically, and after a few weeks, my speed had improved considerably.

What surprised me was that I hadn't really needed a teacher. I simply needed to recognise the mistake and practise the correct method consistently. That experience taught me that sometimes unlearning a bad habit is harder than learning something from scratch, but it can make a huge difference.

TASK 3 — DESCRIBING A SCENE

Question:

Describe this image to someone who can't see it. The picture shows a public library holding a “skills exchange” event.

CLB 12 Sample:

Hey Sam, there is a picture of a really interesting community event taking place inside a public library. It looks like the library has organised a skills-exchange programme where people can teach one another practical skills.

Right in the foreground, a man appears to be showing another person how to repair a bicycle. There’s a bicycle between them, and he seems to be pointing towards one of its parts while explaining something. A little further away, another person is demonstrating pottery. I can see some clay and pottery equipment on the table, so it looks like a hands-on activity.

On the other side of the room, two people are sitting together and looking through instruction cards. They seem to be trying to understand the steps of whatever skill they have chosen. Near the entrance, there’s also a group of people waiting beside a registration desk. They may be checking in or choosing which activity they want to join.

Overall, the place looks busy but organised. Rather than people simply borrowing books, they’re actually learning useful skills from one another, which gives the library a much more interactive and community-oriented atmosphere.

TASK 4 — MAKING PREDICTIONS

Question:

What may happen next in the image?

CLB 12 Sample:

In the next few minutes, the people at the registration desk might finish signing in and join one of the activities happening around the library. The group waiting near the entrance will probably split up according to the skills they are interested in.

The bicycle-repair guy might finish explaining the basic repair technique and then ask the learner to try fixing the bicycle independently. If the learner manages it successfully, they may continue practising another part of the bike together.

Meanwhile, the person demonstrating pottery could hand some clay to the participants and encourage them to make something themselves. The activity might become more interactive once everyone gets a chance to work with the material.

The two people looking through the instruction cards might choose one particular skill and start following the steps together. They could also approach one of the instructors if they find something confusing.

As the event continues, more people may move around the room, exchange advice and join different demonstrations. By the end of the session, some participants might even decide to teach a skill of their own. Overall, the library could become quite lively as people move from simply watching to actively participating.

TASK 5 — COMPARING AND PERSUADING

Question:

Your friend has enough money to start only one new business.

Option A: A tool-lending library

Option B: A small recording studio

Choose one option and persuade your friend.

CLB 12 Sample — Choose B:

Hi Sam, out of the two, let’s go with the small recording studio. Seriously, think about it! It could be a much more exciting business, especially if we set it up properly.

First of all, there are so many people who want to make music, podcasts, voice-overs or even social-media videos, but they don’t have the equipment at home. We could give them an affordable place where they can record without spending a fortune on professional gear.

And here’s another thing: we wouldn’t have to depend only on musicians. We could rent the space to YouTubers, students, teachers, small businesses and podcasters. That gives us several different sources of income, rather than relying on one type of customer.

Plus, we could offer extra services like basic audio editing, mixing and equipment rental. Imagine someone walking in to record a podcast and paying not only for the room but also for editing. That’s an additional revenue stream!

The tool-lending library is a decent idea, but storing, maintaining and replacing damaged tools could become expensive and complicated.

So, honestly, I’d choose the studio. We can start small, keep the costs under control and expand once we build a regular customer base. What do you think? Let’s go for it!

TASK 6 — DIFFICULT SITUATION

Question:

You borrowed an expensive camera from a friend and accidentally left it somewhere. Choose one option:

A. Talk to your friend and apologise.

B. Talk to the police and get help.

Choose Option B.

CLB 12 Sample:

Hello, area officer. My name is Sam, and I’m calling to register a complaint and request your help in finding an expensive camera that I accidentally left somewhere.

I borrowed the camera from a close friend because I needed it for an event. Unfortunately, after the event, I realised that I no longer had it with me. I’ve already retraced my steps and contacted the places I visited, but so far, nobody has handed it in.

The camera is quite valuable, and I’m particularly worried because it belongs to my friend. I don’t want to simply tell him that I lost it without making a serious effort to recover it first.

I can provide you with all the relevant details, including the camera’s make, model, serial number and approximate value. I can also tell you exactly where I was during the day and the last place where I remember having it.

If there are any nearby security cameras or if someone has reported finding a similar item, I’d really appreciate it if your department could check.

I understand that you may not be able to locate it immediately, but I’d be grateful for any assistance or advice you can provide.

TASK 7 — OPINION

Question:

Should public libraries lend practical equipment such as tools and musical instruments in addition to books? Why? Why not?

CLB 12 Sample:

In my view, it should be agreed to.

On one hand, it can be extremely beneficial if public libraries lend practical equipment alongside books. If people can borrow tools, musical instruments or other useful items, they can learn through hands-on experience without having to purchase expensive equipment. For example, someone who wants to learn the guitar may not be able to afford one immediately, but borrowing an instrument from a library would allow that person to practise at home and decide whether learning music is genuinely worthwhile.

On the other hand, there could be some practical difficulties. These items are generally more expensive and fragile than books, so libraries would have to spend money on maintenance, storage and replacement. If borrowers damaged equipment or failed to return it, other members might lose access to it.

For these points, however, I believe the advantages outweigh the drawbacks. Libraries could introduce clear borrowing rules, refundable deposits and reasonable usage limits to protect their equipment. This would make practical learning more accessible while keeping the system manageable.

Overall, I strongly support the idea because modern libraries should not only provide information but also give people opportunities to learn, practise and develop practical skills.

TASK 8 — UNUSUAL SITUATION

Question:

You arrive at your workplace and discover that every chair has been replaced with a completely different type of fairy-comfy chair. Explain the situation to a friend.

CLB 12 Sample:

Hey Sam, you won’t believe, bro, what I’m seeing! Actually, I walked into the office this morning expecting another completely normal workday, and I literally froze for a second.

Every single chair has been replaced! And I don’t mean ordinary new office chairs. I’m talking about these bizarre fairy-comfy chairs that look like they’ve come straight out of a fantasy movie!

There’s one shaped like a huge flower, another that looks like a fluffy cloud, and I can see a purple butterfly-shaped chair near the meeting room. There’s even a giant mushroom chair with red spots! They look incredibly soft and comfortable, but honestly, they’re completely out of place in a professional office.

Everyone is laughing, taking pictures and trying different chairs. I just sat on the star-shaped one, and I have to admit, it’s ridiculously comfortable. I could probably fall asleep in it within five minutes!

Nobody seems to know what’s going on. Maybe the management is testing a new workplace-wellness idea, or perhaps there’s some kind of office event happening today.

Anyway, the whole atmosphere has completely changed. It doesn’t feel like an office anymore; it feels like a weird little fantasy lounge!