What Task 1 asks you to do
Speaking Task 1 describes a person with a problem and asks you to give them advice. You get 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak. It is the first task, so a calm, well-organized answer sets the tone for the rest of the test.
A typical prompt: "Your friend has been offered a job in another city, but it pays less than their current job. Advise your friend on whether to take it."
A structure that fills 90 seconds
- Greeting and context (about 10 seconds). Speak to the person: "Hi Sam, I heard about the job offer. Congratulations!"
- Your main advice (about 10 seconds). One clear sentence: "I think you should take it."
- Reason 1 with an example (about 25 seconds).
- Reason 2 with an example (about 25 seconds).
- A practical next step and a friendly close (about 15 seconds).
In your 30 seconds of preparation, write only keywords: the advice, two reasons, one example word each, and a next step. Five or six words is enough.
Sample answer
Hi Sam, I heard you got the job offer in Calgary. Congratulations! I know you're unsure because the salary is lower, but honestly, I think you should take it.
First, think about where this job leads. You told me the company is growing fast and promotes people from inside. Even if you earn a bit less this year, you could move into a senior role in two or three years, and that would pay much more than your current job ever will.
Second, look at your costs, not just the salary. Rent in Calgary is lower than here, and you wouldn't need to drive an hour each way anymore. When you add up rent, gas and parking, you might actually have more money left at the end of the month.
So my advice is this: before you decide, ask them if the salary is negotiable, and make a simple budget for both cities. I'm pretty sure the numbers will look better than you expect. Let me know what you decide, and if you move, I'll come and visit!
Why this answer scores well
- Task fulfillment: it gives clear advice to the right person, in a friendly tone, and uses the full time.
- Content and coherence: two separate reasons, each with a specific example, and signposts like "First" and "Second".
- Vocabulary: natural phrases such as "promotes people from inside", "add up" and "negotiable".
- Listenability: short, clear sentences that are easy to say at a steady pace.
Useful phrases for giving advice
- "If I were you, I would…"
- "Have you thought about…?"
- "It might be a good idea to…"
- "The main reason I say this is…"
- "One more thing you could do is…"
Common mistakes
- Giving three or four weak reasons instead of two strong ones.
- Stopping at 50 or 60 seconds. Use the full 90.
- Speaking about the person ("he should") instead of to them ("you should").
- Memorized openings that don't match the situation.
Practise this task with real timing in the free speaking drill, then see all 8 speaking tasks.
Want your Task 1 answer scored?
Record your answer in a session and get feedback on all four scoring areas.
Questions
How long is CELPIP Speaking Task 1?
You get 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak.
How many reasons should I give in Task 1?
Two well-explained reasons with an example each usually score better than several short reasons.