CELPIP Speaking
Task 8 of 8
Describing an Unusual Situation
You describe an unusual image to someone who can't see it — often so they can picture or identify it. It pushes vocabulary, because ordinary words rarely cover an out-of-the-ordinary scene.
- to prepare
- 30 s
- to speak
- 60 s
- criteria scored
- 4
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What a Task 8 prompt looks like
An example written by Celpip Plus in the same shape as the real speaking task, with notes on how to read it.
In a second-hand shop you find the unusual object in the picture: a canoe paddle with a small light and a bottle opener built into the handlenote 1. Your cousin loves camping. Call her and describe the paddle in detailnote 2, then tell her whether she should buy itnote 3.
- 1 The object: you may not know what to call it. Describe its shape, size, parts and what they seem to do.
- 2 Your listener: your cousin can't see it, so describe it well enough for her to picture it.
- 3 The recommendation: end with a clear yes or no, and a reason linked to her camping.
How to prepare for Describing an Unusual Situation
- Describe the unusual image as if the listener cannot see it, giving enough detail for them to picture something they would not expect.
- Reach for precise and varied vocabulary to capture the odd or unfamiliar elements, since this task is designed to stretch your word choice.
- Compare unfamiliar objects to familiar ones so the listener can imagine shapes and details they have never seen.
What raters listen for in Task 8
- Content/CoherenceA description that moves from the overall shape to the details, then a clear recommendation.
- VocabularyShape, size and material words ("about a metre long", "rubber grip"), and paraphrase for parts with no name.
- ListenabilityClear, steady description without long pauses while you search for an exact word.
- Task FulfillmentDescribes the object and advises your cousin, rather than stopping after the description.
For how the four criteria turn into a CELPIP level from 1 to 12, read How CELPIP Speaking is scored.
Keep going with Speaking Task 8
Practise on the real interface
The same screen, timer and controls as test day — rebuilt so nothing on the exam is a surprise.
Describing an Unusual Situation: frequently asked questions
You describe an unusual image to someone who cannot see it, which pushes you to use more precise and inventive vocabulary than an ordinary scene requires.
Compare it to familiar objects and describe its shape, colour, size, and position, so the listener can build a mental picture without the exact term.
Because the image is unfamiliar, plain words often fall short, so the task rewards a richer and more exact range of description.
You get 30 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak in CELPIP Speaking Task 8.
The rest of the Speaking test
- Giving Advice, 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak
- Talking about a Personal Experience, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Describing a Scene, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Making Predictions, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Comparing and Persuading, 60 s to choose, 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Dealing with a Difficult Situation, 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Expressing Opinions, 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak
- Describing an Unusual Situation, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak