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CELPIP, Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

Cat Sleeping on Store Scanner: 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
132 words, ~59s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Picture for “Cat Sleeping on Store Scanner”

Task

You are at the grocery store and see something highly unusual. Call your friend to describe what you see, what you think happened, and what might happen next.

Sample answer

Hey, you have to hear this! I am at the grocery store looking at the most bizarre thing. There is a huge ginger cat, completely passed out, sleeping soundly right on the main checkout scanner! The cashier is trying to scan groceries, a box of cereal and a bag of oranges, carefully around this sleeping feline, looking both exasperated and amused. The customer whose groceries are being scanned is chuckling, and people in other lines are pulling out their phones to take pictures. I imagine this cat wandered in, found the scanner warm, and decided it was the perfect nap spot. I wonder what will happen next; will someone try to gently coax it off, or will it just wake up on its own? This is definitely making my grocery run memorable!

132 words, about 59s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 132 words, about 59 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • 8 sentences in 59 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 132 words, about 59 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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