CELPIP
CELPIP Speaking Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience sample answers
10 exam-style questions, each with a model answer written to a high level, its length and why it works. Read a few to see the pattern, then answer one yourself.
- Sample answers
- 10
- Answer lengths
- 116–153 words
- Speaking time
- Up to 60s
- Part
- Speaking
All sample answers
- A time you overcame a fearTalk about a time in your life when you had to overcome a significant fear. Describe what the fear was, what motivated you to face it, and how you felt…118 words~52sEasier
- The Scent of MemoryDescribe a time when a particular smell unexpectedly brought back a very strong and vivid memory from your past. What was the smell, what memory did it evoke,…153 words~68sMedium
- A Helping HandTalk about a time when you helped a stranger with a physical task or by carrying heavy items. Describe what happened, how you felt about helping, and what the…116 words~52sEasier
- The Early BirdTalk about a time when you were the very first person to arrive at a party or social event. Describe what happened when you arrived, how you felt being the…129 words~57sMedium
- Teaching a Friend a New SkillDescribe a time when you helped a friend learn a new skill. What skill did you teach them, why did they want to learn it, and how did you guide them through…135 words~60sEasier
- Misjudging a ColleagueTalk about a time when you initially had a negative impression of a colleague or acquaintance, but later realized your initial judgment was completely wrong.…141 words~63sMedium
- My Minor InjuryDescribe a time when you had a minor injury. Talk about what exactly happened, how you felt at the moment, and what you did to recover from it.140 words~62sEasier
- Conquering Public Speaking AnxietyTalk about a time when you successfully overcame a fear of public speaking to deliver an important presentation or speech. Describe what the situation was, how…144 words~64sMedium
- Perfect Parking Stroke of LuckTalk about a time when you found the perfect parking spot in a very crowded place. Describe where you were, why it was so busy, and how you felt about your…143 words~64sEasier
- An Adult Theme Park AdventureTalk about a time when you visited a theme park as an adult. Describe what made this experience memorable and how it was different from visiting a theme park…122 words~54sMedium
How to use sample answers
- Read the question first and plan your own answer for a minute before you read the sample.
- Compare: what did the sample include that you missed? Notice its length, its order and its linking words.
- Don't memorise it. Answer a new question of the same type in your own words, then check your score.
Common questions
How is CELPIP Speaking Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience 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.
Answer a talking about a personal experience question yourself
Get an instant estimated CELPIP level for each dimension, with what to fix. Free to start, nothing to install.