At a glance
- Skill
- Speaking
- Preparation time
- 30 seconds
- Time to speak
- 1 min 30 s
What you need to do
In Speaking Task 7, you get a question about a topic people disagree on — for example, whether employers should allow working from home. You give your opinion and support it with reasons.
Like Task 1, you have 90 seconds, so it's a chance to show a longer, well-organized answer. Either opinion can get a top score.
The topics are about everyday life in Canada — work, school, transportation, technology — so you don't need special knowledge, just clear reasons and good examples.
What you'll see on the test
- 30 seconds to prepare, then 90 seconds to speak.
- The question appears on the screen and usually asks you to explain your opinion.
- Recording starts and stops automatically.
What the test is looking for
Content and coherence
A clear opinion supported by two or three reasons, each with an explanation or example, in a logical order.
Vocabulary
Opinion and reasoning language, and precise words about the topic.
Listenability
How easy you are to follow: speaking smoothly without long pauses, clear sentences and good grammar control.
Task fulfillment
A clear, consistent opinion that answers the question, using most of the 90 seconds.
Step-by-step strategy
- 1
Decide your side in 5 seconds
Choose the side you can give the best reasons for — it doesn't have to be your real opinion.
- 2
Plan two or three reasons
Write one or two words for each reason, and think of one example for your strongest one.
- 3
State your opinion right away
"In my opinion, employers should definitely allow…" The listener should know your side from the first sentence.
- 4
Explain each reason
Give the reason, explain it and add an example or result. Use linking words between reasons.
- 5
Mention the other side, then conclude
Briefly say what others might think, answer it, and finish by repeating your opinion.
Useful phrases
Giving your opinion
- “In my opinion, …”
- “I strongly believe that…”
- “I think it's a good idea to… because…”
Adding reasons
- “The main reason is that…”
- “Another reason is…”
- “On top of that, …”
The other side
- “Some people might say that…, but…”
- “Of course, there are some disadvantages. However, …”
Concluding
- “So, overall, I think…”
- “That's why I believe…”
Common mistakes
Changing your opinion halfway through.
Choose a side and stay with it. You can mention the other side, but return to your own opinion.
Giving reasons without explaining them.
After each reason, say why it matters or give an example.
Spending all your time on one reason.
Plan two or three reasons so your answer covers different points.
Ending suddenly.
Finish with a short conclusion that repeats your opinion.
Examples with answers
Example 1
Task
Should dogs be allowed inside shops and cafés? Explain your opinion.
Sample answer (what the speaker says)
In my opinion, dogs should not be allowed inside most shops and cafés, although there could be some exceptions. The main reason is that not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Some people are afraid of them, and others have allergies. If a café is small and a big dog is sitting next to the tables, those customers might not feel welcome, and that isn't fair to them. Another reason is cleanliness. Cafés serve food, and even well-behaved dogs can bring in mud, especially in spring when the streets are wet. Staff would have to spend extra time cleaning. On top of that, dogs can be unpredictable. A calm dog might bark or jump if another dog comes in, and that could lead to an accident. Of course, some people might say that dogs are part of the family. I agree, and I think shops could have a dog-friendly patio or a special area outside. Service dogs should always be welcome, too. But overall, I believe most indoor spaces should stay dog-free.
Why it works: The opinion is clear from the start, and the speaker gives three different reasons, each explained with a concrete example. They answer the other side fairly, suggest a reasonable compromise, and finish by repeating their opinion. It fills about 90 seconds.
Example 2
Task
Is it better to live in a big city or a small town? Explain your opinion.
Sample answer (what the speaker says)
For me, it's definitely better to live in a big city, especially for newcomers to Canada. The main reason is jobs. Big cities have many more companies, so there are more opportunities in almost every field. When I was looking for work, I had interviews in three different industries in just one month. In a small town, there might only be a few employers. Another reason is services. In a city, you can find English classes, settlement agencies and doctors who speak many languages. For someone who is new, that support makes life much easier. On top of that, public transit in a big city means you don't need a car right away, which saves a lot of money when you're just starting out. Of course, some people say small towns are quieter and cheaper, and that's true. Housing can cost much less. But in my opinion, the extra opportunities in a city are worth it. So overall, I'd choose the big city.
Why it works: The opinion is stated right away and supported with three clear reasons — jobs, services and transit — each with an example. The speaker fairly admits a strength of the other side before returning to their view, and ends with a clear conclusion. It fills about 90 seconds.
Questions students ask
Do I have to give my real opinion?
No. Choose the side you can explain best. Raters score how well you express and support an opinion, not the opinion itself.
How long is Speaking Task 7?
You get 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak.
Should I talk about both sides?
Mention the other side briefly, but make your own opinion clear and spend most of your time supporting it.
Can I use examples from my own country?
Yes. A personal example from anywhere can support your opinion well, as long as it clearly connects to the question.