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CELPIP, Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

Chess Game in the Middle of a Crosswalk: 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
137 words, ~61s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Picture for “Chess Game in the Middle of a Crosswalk”

Task

You are at a busy downtown intersection 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 are not going to believe what I'm seeing right now! I'm at the intersection of Main and 5th, and it's absolute chaos, but in the most surreal way possible. There are two people, completely oblivious to the world, playing chess right in the middle of the crosswalk! Cars are bumper to bumper, horns are blaring, and drivers are leaning out their windows with bewildered expressions. It looks like something straight out of a movie. I'm trying to figure out why anyone would do this. Maybe it's some kind of performance art, a social experiment to test public patience, or perhaps a publicity stunt. Regardless, a stern-looking traffic officer is already making his way through the stopped vehicles, so I predict this match is about to be abruptly ended, likely with some tickets and scolding.

137 words, about 61s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 137 words, about 61 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • 8 sentences in 61 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 137 words, about 61 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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