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CELPIP, Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

Barber Shop Chair for a Plant: sample answer

A model answer to this exam-style CELPIP describing an unusual situation 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
Describing an Unusual Situation
Time
30s to prepare, 60s to speak
Answer length
155 words, ~69s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Picture for “Barber Shop Chair for a Plant”

Task

You are walking past a local barber shop and see something truly unusual inside. Call your friend to describe what you see, what you think might be happening, and what could happen next.

Sample answer

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

Oh my gosh, you are not going to believe what I am seeing right now! I am walking past Tony's Cuts and I had to stop because it is totally bizarre. Inside, sitting in a classic red barber chair, there is a huge tropical potted plant, and the barber with a mustache is meticulously trimming its leaves with tiny scissors! He has a super focused look like he is shaping someone's hair, while waiting customers look completely bewildered. I think it might be a promotional stunt to get people to come in for a real haircut, or maybe he is just really bored and practicing his skills. I bet if this keeps up, this shop will become famous. People will line up to see the plant getting a trim, and who knows, maybe he will start offering foliage styling as a new service soon. It is definitely the weirdest thing I have seen all week!

155 words, about 69s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 155 words, about 69 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • Clear links between ideas: “while”, “because”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 8 sentences in 69 seconds: complete thoughts at a steady pace, without rushing to fit more in.

How CELPIP marks describing an unusual situation

  • 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 8: Describing an Unusual Situation guide

Common questions

How long should a CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation 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 155 words, about 69 seconds spoken.

How is CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation 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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