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CELPIP, Speaking Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience

Teaching a Friend a New Skill: sample answer

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

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Task
Talking about a Personal Experience
Time
30s to prepare, 60s to speak
Answer length
135 words, ~60s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Task

Describe 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 the process?

Sample answer

I vividly recall a time last summer when I helped my good friend, Sarah, learn the fundamentals of using her new DSLR camera. She had just bought it for an upcoming trip and felt overwhelmed by all the settings, eager to move beyond auto mode. We spent an afternoon at a local park, and I began by demystifying concepts like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, using simple analogies. I then guided her through practical exercises, demonstrating how to compose a shot and manipulate light. Initially, she struggled with the manual controls, but I patiently encouraged her to experiment, explaining the reasoning behind each adjustment. By the end of the session, her confidence had visibly blossomed, and she was actively thinking about her compositions. Witnessing her enthusiasm grow as she took intentional photographs was incredibly rewarding.

135 words, about 60s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 135 words, about 60 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • 7 sentences in 60 seconds: complete thoughts at a steady pace, without rushing to fit more in.

How CELPIP marks talking about a personal experience

  • 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 2: Talking about a Personal Experience guide

Common questions

How long should a CELPIP Speaking Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience answer be?

You get 30 seconds to prepare and up to 60 seconds to speak. At a natural pace that's roughly 110 to 155 words. This sample is 135 words, about 60 seconds spoken.

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.

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