At a glance
- Skill
- Speaking
- Preparation time
- 30 seconds
- Time to speak
- 1 min 30 s
What you need to do
In Speaking Task 1, you read about a person who has a problem or a decision to make — a friend, a co-worker or a family member. You give them advice as if they were in front of you.
It's the first Speaking task and one of the two longest, so it's a great chance to show your level. Good answers sound natural, give several useful ideas and explain why each one will help.
The person and their problem change from test to test — a friend who wants to save money, a co-worker who is stressed, a cousin starting school — but the way to answer well is always the same.
What you'll see on the test
- 30 seconds to prepare, then 90 seconds to speak.
- The situation appears on the screen and stays there while you speak.
- Recording starts automatically when the preparation time ends and stops when your time is up.
What the test is looking for
Content and coherence
Two or three practical pieces of advice, each with a reason or example, in a clear order.
Vocabulary
Natural words and phrases for giving advice, not only "you should" again and again.
Listenability
How easy you are to follow: speaking smoothly without long pauses, clear sentences and good grammar control.
Task fulfillment
Speaking directly to the person, answering their actual problem and using most of the 90 seconds.
Step-by-step strategy
- 1
Plan three ideas in 30 seconds
Write or think of three short ideas, for example "update resume", "volunteer", "networking". Don't plan full sentences.
- 2
Open by speaking to the person
Start naturally: "Hi Maria, I know finding a job can be stressful, so here are a few ideas."
- 3
Give each idea a reason
Say what they should do and why it will help. A short example makes each idea stronger.
- 4
Use linking words
"First", "another thing you could do", "most importantly" help the listener follow you.
- 5
Finish with encouragement
End with one friendly sentence, like "I'm sure you'll find something great soon." Try to keep talking until the last few seconds.
Useful phrases
Starting
- “I understand how you feel, and I have a few ideas.”
- “If I were you, I would…”
Giving advice
- “You might want to…”
- “It would be a good idea to…”
- “Have you thought about…?”
- “Another thing you could try is…”
Explaining why
- “That way, you can…”
- “This will help you…”
- “The main reason is that…”
Finishing
- “I hope this helps.”
- “Good luck — I'm sure it will work out.”
Common mistakes
Talking about yourself instead of advising the person.
Keep your answer focused on them: "you could…", "you should…".
Giving one idea and repeating it.
Plan three different ideas so you have enough to say for 90 seconds.
Stopping after 40 or 50 seconds.
Explain each idea with a reason and an example. A short answer can't show your full level.
Reading a memorized template.
Raters can hear memorized speech. A simple plan and natural sentences work better.
Giving advice that doesn't fit the person's situation.
Read the task carefully. Advice for a student is different from advice for a new parent.
Example with answer
Example 1
Task
Your friend has just moved to a new city for work. She feels lonely and doesn't know anyone there. Give your friend some advice.
Sample answer (what the speaker says)
Hi Ana! I'm sorry you're feeling lonely — moving to a new city is really hard at the beginning, so please don't worry, it's completely normal. I have a few ideas that might help. First, you could join a club or a class for something you enjoy. You love hiking, right? Most cities have hiking groups that meet on weekends. That way, you'd meet people who like the same things as you, so it's easy to start a conversation. Another thing you could try is volunteering. For example, the library or a community centre often needs volunteers. You'd help other people, and you'd get to know your neighbours at the same time. Also, don't forget about your co-workers. Why not invite one or two of them for coffee after work? They probably know the best places in the city, and some of them might become good friends. Most importantly, give it some time. In a few months, I'm sure you'll feel at home. And call me anytime you want to talk!
Why it works: The speaker talks directly to Ana, gives three different ideas, and explains why each one helps with an example. Linking phrases ("First", "Another thing you could try", "Most importantly") make it easy to follow, and the friendly ending fits the relationship. Spoken at a natural pace, it fills about 90 seconds.
Questions students ask
How long is CELPIP Speaking Task 1?
You get 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak.
How many pieces of advice should I give?
Usually two or three. It's better to explain three ideas well than to list many ideas quickly.
What if I finish before the 90 seconds are up?
Add a reason or an example to one of your ideas, or add a short encouraging ending. Silence doesn't hurt you, but using the time well helps you show more.
Should I use the person's name?
Yes, if the task gives one. Starting with "Hi Maria" and speaking to her directly makes your answer sound natural and shows you understood the task.
Can I make notes during the preparation time?
Yes. Write a few key words for each idea rather than full sentences, so you can look up and speak naturally.