CELPIP, Speaking Task 1: Giving Advice

Friend's Risky Telescope Plan: sample answer

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

Practice Giving Advice free Read the answer

Task: Giving Advice
Time: 30s to prepare, 90s to speak
Answer length: 166 words, ~74s
Written to: Level 10 target

The question

Situation

Your friend plans to buy a powerful telescope. You suspect they might use it to look into nearby apartments, raising serious privacy and ethical concerns.

Task

What advice would you give your friend?

Sample answer

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

Hey, I heard you're considering buying a powerful new telescope, and it really sounds like an exciting new hobby! However, I wanted to gently discuss a small concern with you, especially with all those nearby high-rise apartments surrounding our building. My strong advice is to focus its incredible capabilities strictly on astronomical observations, completely avoiding any use that could accidentally or intentionally peer into private residences. Firstly, this is a very serious ethical and privacy violation. People genuinely deserve security and peace in their own homes, and observing them without their consent could easily lead to significant legal repercussions like voyeurism charges. Secondly, the universe offers countless ethical wonders for you to explore! Just imagine breathtaking views of distant planets, swirling galaxies, or colorful nebulae. This provides a deeply rewarding and respected hobby, completely free from any moral dilemmas. I truly want you to enjoy this new passion respectfully and safely. Let's find some amazing celestial targets together this weekend! I'm always here to support you.

166 words, about 74s spoken

Why it works

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

The right length. 166 words, about 74 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 90-second limit with room to finish calmly.
Clear links between ideas: “however”, “firstly”, “secondly”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
11 sentences in 74 seconds: complete thoughts at a steady pace, without rushing to fit more in.

How CELPIP marks giving advice

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 1: Giving Advice guide Template Tips

Common questions

How long should a CELPIP Speaking Task 1: Giving Advice 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 166 words, about 74 seconds spoken.

How is CELPIP Speaking Task 1: Giving Advice 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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