What Task 7 asks you to do
Task 7 asks for your opinion on a question about society, work or daily life. You get 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak, the joint-longest speaking time in the test with Task 1. A clear position and well-developed reasons matter more than clever ideas.
Example prompt: Some people think employees should be allowed to work from home whenever they want. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your reasons.
A structure for 90 seconds
- State your opinion clearly (about 10 seconds).
- Reason 1, explained, with an example (about 30 seconds).
- Reason 2, explained, with an example (about 30 seconds).
- Acknowledge the other side briefly (about 10 seconds).
- Restate your opinion (about 10 seconds).
Take a side in the first five seconds of preparation. Then note two reasons that are different in kind, such as one about money or time and one about people or health.
Sample answer
I agree that employees should be able to work from home when they want, as long as their job can be done remotely.
My first reason is that it saves people a huge amount of time and money. In big cities like Toronto, many people commute over an hour each way. That's ten hours a week they could spend with their families or getting extra rest, and it also cuts the cost of gas, parking and transit passes.
My second reason is that people are often more productive at home. In an open office there are constant interruptions: phone calls, meetings, coworkers stopping by to chat. When I worked from home during a project last year, I finished my reports faster because I could focus for hours without distractions.
Of course, some people feel lonely at home, and teams do need to meet in person sometimes, for example to plan big projects. But that can be solved with one or two office days a month, not by forcing everyone in every day.
So overall, I believe giving employees this choice makes them happier, more productive and more loyal to their company.
Why this answer scores well
- The opinion is clear in the first sentence and repeated at the end.
- Two different reasons, each explained and supported with a concrete example.
- It acknowledges the other side, then answers it, which shows mature reasoning.
- It uses the full 90 seconds at a steady pace.
Useful phrases
- "In my opinion…" / "I strongly believe…"
- "The main reason is that…"
- "For example…"
- "Some people might argue that…, but…"
- "All things considered…"
Common mistakes
- Sitting on the fence ("there are good points on both sides").
- Giving four reasons with no examples.
- Finishing at 60 seconds and leaving 30 seconds of silence.
- Repeating the same reason in different words.
Practise Task 7 with real timing in the free speaking drill, then see all 8 speaking tasks.
Want your Task 7 answer scored?
Record your answer in a session and get feedback on all four scoring areas.
Questions
How long is CELPIP Speaking Task 7?
You get 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak.
Should I agree or disagree in Task 7?
Either is fine. Choose the side you can give two strong reasons and examples for.