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CELPIP, Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions

Mandatory Salary Disclosure for Companies: sample answer

A model answer to this exam-style CELPIP expressing opinions question, written to a level 10 target. See the question, the full answer and exactly why it works, then try it yourself.

Task
Expressing Opinions
Time
30s to prepare, 90s to speak
Answer length
231 words, ~103s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Task

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Companies should be legally required to make all employee salaries public. Explain your position with specific reasons and examples.

Sample answer

Linking words are highlighted: they show the structure a rater follows.

I strongly disagree with the notion that companies should be legally obligated to disclose all employee salaries publicly. While transparency is often lauded, this particular measure presents significant drawbacks that could undermine workplace harmony and individual privacy.Firstly, salary is an inherently private aspect of an individual's professional life, and mandating its public disclosure constitutes an undue invasion of privacy. Imagine the discomfort and potential resentment that could arise if colleagues, who might have different responsibilities, experience levels, or negotiation skills, suddenly had intimate knowledge of each other's exact earnings. This could foster an environment of jealousy and distrust rather than collaboration.Furthermore, such a policy could paradoxically exacerbate existing pay disparities or create new ones. Companies might become more rigid in their salary structures, making it harder to attract niche talent with competitive offers, or it could lead to an unfair public scrutiny of individual compensation without the full context of their contributions or market value. It might also disincentivize robust salary negotiations from employees.While I understand the argument that salary transparency could help address gender or racial pay gaps, there are more effective and less intrusive methods, such as regular internal pay audits and clear compensation policies, that respect individual privacy.Ultimately, the potential for negative social and professional consequences far outweighs any perceived benefits of mandatory public salary disclosure, making it an ill-conceived and potentially detrimental policy.

231 words, about 103s spoken

Why it works

What you can measure in this answer, and what CELPIP raters mark.

  • The right length. 231 words, about 103 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 90-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • Clear links between ideas: “furthermore”, “firstly”, “while”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 6 sentences in 103 seconds: complete thoughts at a steady pace, without rushing to fit more in.

How CELPIP marks expressing opinions

  • Content & CoherenceLevel 1–12

    Enough relevant ideas, organised clearly and supported with detail.

  • VocabularyLevel 1–12

    Words chosen precisely and appropriately for the topic.

  • ListenabilityLevel 1–12

    Rhythm, pronunciation, intonation and few distracting pauses or self-corrections.

  • Task FulfillmentLevel 1–12

    Answers every part, with the right tone and length.

Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions guide

Common questions

How long should a CELPIP Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions answer be?

You get 30 seconds to prepare and up to 90 seconds to speak. At a natural pace that's roughly 165 to 233 words. This sample is 231 words, about 103 seconds spoken.

How is CELPIP Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions scored?

CELPIP marks it on Content & Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability, Task Fulfillment, each on a Level 1 to 12 scale. Your result for the task comes from these together.

Is this a real CELPIP question?

No. It's an original, exam-style question written to match the official format. Nobody can legally publish real test questions.

Should I memorise this answer?

No. Use it to see the structure, length and linking words that work, then answer in your own words. Memorised answers rarely fit a new question and raters notice.

Where can I practice this question and get a score?

Open it on PrepScroll: record or type your own answer and get an instant estimated score on each CELPIP criterion, with what to fix. It's free to start.

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