The test starts. The recording begins. You have 90 seconds to give advice to a friend, family member, or colleague. Your mind goes blank. How do you start?
Undoubtedly, Speaking Task 1 sets the tone for your entire exam. If you stumble here, your confidence crashes.
Fortunately, you do not need to be a creative genius to score a CLB 9. You just need a reliable structure. Specifically, using a proven CELPIP Speaking Task 1 template ensures you never run out of things to say.
Below is the exact formula to organize your thoughts, sound natural, and finish perfectly on time.
The Secret to Task 1: Empathy First
Admittedly, most students jump straight to the advice. They say, “You should take the job.”
However, this is a mistake. The raters are grading you on “Task Fulfillment” and “Tone.” In Task 1, you are talking to someone you know. Therefore, you must sound supportive, friendly, and empathetic.
Consequently, a great CELPIP Speaking Task 1 template always starts with a “Buffer”, a sentence that acknowledges the person’s situation before telling them what to do.
The 4-Part “Pro” Template
Next, let’s break down the structure. Do not improvise. Instead, follow this simple roadmap every single time.
1. The Warm Greeting (5 Seconds)
Start with a natural, friendly opening.
- Formal: “Hi John, thanks for reaching out to me.”
- Informal: “Hey Sarah, it’s so good to hear from you!”
2. The Buffer (10-15 Seconds)
Immediately show empathy.
- “I heard about your situation, and I completely understand why you are stressed.”
- “That sounds like a tough choice, but I think I can help you decide.”
3. The Advice (60 Seconds)
Crucially, you need to provide two distinct pieces of advice, not just one. Use transition words to separate them.
- Advice 1: “First, I think you should…” (Explain why).
- Advice 2: “Also, have you considered…” (Explain why).
4. The Warm Closing (5-10 Seconds)
Finally, sign off naturally.
- “Anyway, let me know what you decide. I’m here for you.”
- “Good luck! Talk soon.”
Seeing the Template in Action
Now, let’s apply this CELPIP Speaking Task 1 template to a real prompt: Your friend is deciding whether to buy a car or a motorcycle.
“Hey Mike, thanks for asking for my opinion. (Greeting)
“I know this is a big purchase, and honestly, both options sound really exciting.” (Buffer)
“First, if I were you, I would probably go with the car. The main reason is safety. Since you drive on the highway every day for work, a car offers much better protection than a bike, especially in the winter.” (Advice 1)
“On the other hand, if you really want the thrill of a bike, you could buy a cheaper used motorcycle just for weekends. That way, you get the fun without risking your daily commute.” (Advice 2)
“Anyway, that’s just my take on it. Let me know what you pick!” (Closing)
Why Memorizing Isn’t Enough
Ultimately, having a CELPIP Speaking Task 1 template is only 50% of the battle.
You can have the perfect structure, but if your grammar is weak or your pronunciation is unclear, you will still get a CLB 6. Unfortunately, a PDF template cannot correct your mistakes.
In fact, relying solely on memorized scripts can make you sound robotic, which lowers your score.
Consequently, you need dynamic feedback. This is why Exam Hero is essential.
- Tone Analysis: Our AI listens to your voice. Do you sound friendly? Or do you sound like you are reading a script?
- Grammar Correction: We catch the small errors (like “advice” vs. “advise”) that human tutors miss.
- Time Management: Practice with our timer to ensure you hit that perfect 90-second mark every time.
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