What Task 8 asks you to do
Task 8 shows a picture of an unusual object or situation. You describe it to someone on the phone, usually because you need their opinion or help. You get 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. The listener can't see the picture, so precise description of shape, size, colour and position is what scores.
Example prompt: You are at a furniture store and see an unusual chair. Call your friend, who is helping you furnish your apartment, describe the chair, and explain why you think it would or wouldn't suit your place.
A structure for 60 seconds
- Why you're calling (about 5 seconds). "Hi Sam, I'm at the furniture store and I just found something really strange."
- Overall shape and size (about 15 seconds). Compare it to something familiar.
- Details: colour, material, special features (about 25 seconds).
- What you want from the listener (about 15 seconds). Their opinion, a decision, or help.
Note shape, size, colour and one unusual feature. Use comparisons the listener can picture: "about the size of a…", "shaped like a…".
Sample answer
Hi Sam, it's me. I'm at the furniture store, and I've just found the strangest chair. I want your opinion before I buy it.
It's shaped like a giant egg cut in half, so you sit inside the curve, and it's about as tall as I am. The outside is shiny white plastic, but the inside is covered in soft orange fabric, almost like the colour of a pumpkin.
The really unusual part is that it hangs from the ceiling on a thick silver chain, so it swings a little when you sit in it. There's also a small speaker built into the top, right behind your head, so you can play music from your phone.
I think it would look amazing in the corner next to my window, but I'm worried it's too big for my living room. Could you measure that corner when you get home and text me? Thanks!
Why this answer scores well
- It explains the reason for the call first, so the description has a purpose.
- Comparisons ("like a giant egg", "the colour of a pumpkin", "as tall as I am") let the listener picture it.
- It moves from overall shape to details, in a logical order.
- It ends with a clear request, which completes the task.
Useful phrases
- "It's about the size of…"
- "It's shaped like…"
- "It's made of…"
- "The strangest thing about it is…"
- "What do you think? Should I…?"
Common mistakes
- Saying "it's very nice" instead of describing what it looks like.
- Describing only colours and forgetting shape and size.
- Forgetting to speak to the friend or ask for anything.
- Long pauses while searching for the exact word; describe around it instead.
Practise Task 8 with real timing in the free speaking drill, then see all 8 speaking tasks.
Want your Task 8 answer scored?
Record your answer in a session and get feedback on all four scoring areas.
Questions
How long is CELPIP Speaking Task 8?
You get 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
What if I don't know the name of an object in Task 8?
Describe it instead: its shape, what it is made of and what it does. Raters reward clear description, not rare vocabulary.