CELPIP, Speaking Task 1: Giving Advice
Wedding Cancellation Dilemma: 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.
- Task
- Giving Advice
- Time
- 30s to prepare, 90s to speak
- Answer length
- 223 words, ~99s
- Written to
- Level 10 target
The question
Situation
Your friend has serious doubts about their wedding, just three months away. They are struggling and considering cancelling everything. They need your help.
Task
What advice would you offer your friend?
Sample answer
Linking words are highlighted: they show the structure a rater follows.
Oh, my dear friend, I can only imagine how incredibly overwhelming and stressful this must be for you right now, having such profound doubts about your wedding, especially with only three months to go. It takes immense courage to even voice these concerns, and I truly commend you for being so honest with yourself and with me. Given the gravity of the situation, my strongest recommendation would be to pause all wedding planning activities immediately and seek professional guidance, specifically through couples counseling, before making any irreversible decisions. Firstly, a neutral, experienced therapist can provide a safe space for you and your partner to openly discuss these doubts without judgment, helping you both articulate your fears and expectations more clearly. Secondly, it allows you to explore the root causes of these doubts, whether they stem from pre-wedding jitters, compatibility issues, or external pressures, providing clarity before you commit to such a significant life change. Alternatively, if counseling isn't immediately feasible, consider taking a short, separate break from each other – perhaps a weekend away – to gain individual perspective and truly reflect on what you want. Remember, it's far better to address these profound feelings now, even if it means postponing or re-evaluating, than to enter a marriage with lingering uncertainty. I'm here for you every step of the way, no matter what you decide.
223 words, about 99s spoken
Why it works
What you can measure in this answer, and what CELPIP raters mark.
- The right length. 223 words, about 99 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 90-second limit with room to finish calmly.
- Clear links between ideas: “firstly”, “secondly”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
- 8 sentences in 99 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.
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 223 words, about 99 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.
More Giving Advice sample answers
- Office Kitchen Water PressureYour colleague is frustrated by very low water pressure in the office kitchen sink, making washing dishes difficult.…
- Friend's Risky Telescope PlanYour friend plans to buy a powerful telescope. You suspect they might use it to look into nearby apartments, raising…
- Toilet Seat UpYour partner consistently leaves the toilet seat up, causing you annoyance. You want to address this issue without…
- Vegan Diet Without CookingYour friend wants to switch to a strict vegan diet for health. However, they struggle to start, admitting they can only…
- Emotional Support Parrot in the OfficeYour colleague plans to bring their emotional support parrot to the open-plan office. They worry about management and…
- Neighbor's Loud House ColorYour friend is worried about a neighbor's plan to paint their house an unusual color. They fear it will affect the…
Now try a giving advice question yourself
Speak your answer and get an instant estimated CELPIP level with what to fix. Free to start, nothing to install.