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CELPIP, Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

Christmas Tree Made of Bicycles: 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
115 words, ~51s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Picture for “Christmas Tree Made of Bicycles”

Task

You are at your community's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and you've just witnessed something truly bizarre. Call your friend, Sarah, to describe what you see, what you think happened to create this situation, and what might happen next.

Sample answer

Sarah, you won't believe what's happening at the Christmas tree lighting! I'm here, and instead of our usual towering pine, they've erected this surreal Christmas tree made entirely out of stacked bicycles. Dozens of bikes are interlocked, forming a conical shape draped in twinkling lights. It's bizarrely beautiful, like modern art. I'm guessing it’s either a sustainable initiative from the local bike shop or a quirky protest against consumerism and holiday waste. The crowd is delighted, with kids pointing excitedly. I imagine this will be the talk of the town, and I wouldn't be surprised if photos go viral online, inspiring other communities to adopt their own unique displays next year. It's definitely unforgettable!

115 words, about 51s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 115 words, about 51 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • 8 sentences in 51 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 115 words, about 51 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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