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CELPIP, Speaking Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience

The Scent of Memory: 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.

Practice Talking about a Personal Experience freeRead the answer
Task
Talking about a Personal Experience
Time
30s to prepare, 60s to speak
Answer length
153 words, ~68s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Task

Describe 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, and how did you feel when it happened?

Sample answer

Certainly, I can recall a vivid instance where a simple aroma triggered a powerful flashback. It happened just last month when I was browsing a local antique shop. As I wandered through the dusty aisles, a faint, sweet scent of old parchment and cedarwood wafted towards me from a corner filled with vintage books. Instantly, I was swept back to my grandfather's study. I could almost see his worn leather armchair, feel the smooth spine of his favourite books, and hear the gentle rustle of pages as he read. He spent countless hours there, and the air always carried that very distinct, comforting fragrance. I remembered sitting on his lap, listening to his stories. It was an incredibly potent and emotional moment, unexpectedly bringing tears to my eyes. That particular smell didn't just remind me of him; it made me feel his presence again, a truly beautiful and poignant connection to my past.

153 words, about 68s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 153 words, about 68 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • 9 sentences in 68 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 153 words, about 68 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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