CELPIP, Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

Kitchen Fridge Covered in Receipts: 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: 118 words, ~52s
Written to: Level 10 target

The question

Picture for “Kitchen Fridge Covered in Receipts”

Task

You just walked into your kitchen and your refrigerator is completely covered in grocery receipts, not photos or magnets. You see a family member intently examining them. 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.

You absolutely won't believe the sight before me right now! I've just stepped into the kitchen and our entire refrigerator, usually adorned with charming family photos and kids' drawings, is instead completely plastered, top to bottom, with hundreds of grocery receipts. They're meticulously arranged, overlapping slightly, held by every magnet we own. My partner is standing there, a calculator clutched in one hand, their brow furrowed in concentration, meticulously tallying up the figures on various slips. I suspect they've finally decided to confront our escalating grocery bills, perhaps after a particularly shocking credit card statement. I can already picture tomorrow's shopping trip: a strict budget, coupons galore, and probably a very lean meal plan for the foreseeable future!

118 words, about 52s spoken

Why it works

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

The right length. 118 words, about 52 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
Clear links between ideas: “finally”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
6 sentences in 52 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 118 words, about 52 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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