CELPIP, Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

Community Centre Hallway Maze: 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.

Practice Describing an Unusual Situation free Read the answer

Task: Describing an Unusual Situation
Time: 30s to prepare, 60s to speak
Answer length: 140 words, ~62s
Written to: Level 10 target

The question

Picture for “Community Centre Hallway Maze”

Task

You are at the community centre for your weekly yoga class, but when you arrive, you see something highly unusual. A main hallway has been completely transformed into a maze! Call your friend to describe what you see, what you think happened, and what might happen next.

Sample answer

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

Oh my gosh, you are not going to believe this! I just arrived at the community centre for yoga, and the entire main hallway has been transformed into an elaborate maze! It is absolutely bizarre. They have used dozens of chairs, all different kinds, and strung caution tape everywhere to create winding, narrow passages. Adults look completely bewildered, bumping into each other trying to navigate, while kids are loving it, squealing and darting through the corridors. I guess this must be some unexpected summer camp activity or a special event they did not advertise. It is a chaotic way to keep kids occupied. My concern is how anyone is supposed to get to their scheduled activities, like my yoga class. I imagine staff will have to direct traffic or dismantle it before evening programs start. It is quite a sight!

140 words, about 62s spoken

Why it works

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

The right length. 140 words, about 62 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
Clear links between ideas: “while”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
10 sentences in 62 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 140 words, about 62 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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