CELPIP Speaking Task 2: Personal Experience
Tell one specific story from your life in an order a listener can follow.
At a glance
- Preparation
- 30 seconds
- Speaking
- 60 seconds
- Response
- 1 recorded task
Preparation and speaking have separate timers. Read the role and task carefully, then finish your response within the recording time.
Speaking lasts about 15 minutes overall. There is no prescribed word count; organize enough relevant detail to use the speaking time naturally.
Format reference: official Speaking study pack · current test format. Checked 4 October 2026.
Use your preparation time
Choose one specific event quickly. Note the situation, the main challenge, what you did and the outcome in four short phrases.
Manage your speaking time
Suggested 60-second plan: about 10 seconds of context, 35 seconds of action and challenge, and 15 seconds for the outcome and reflection.
Response plans are MockPip suggestions; follow the official preparation and recording timers.
A technique for this task
Use past tense for the event and a clear sequence. One concrete turning point makes the story easier to follow than several unrelated memories.
Try an original practice scenario
Practice scenario: Describe a time you had to learn something new in a short period.
This example is independently written for practice; it is not a question from an official exam.
Plan a clear response
- Set the scene: when, where and what you needed to learn.
- Describe the action you took and one challenge you faced.
- End with the outcome and what you learned.
Example of a useful opening
Last summer I had to learn a new booking system at work in one week. I practised with a colleague after each shift, and by Friday I could help customers without checking my notes.
Use this as a model of structure. In your own attempt, respond naturally to the prompt you receive.
A common mistake
Talking about what you usually do instead of a single event makes the experience vague.
Check your recording
Did you tell a complete story with a beginning, action and outcome? Play your response back, choose one thing to improve, and record another attempt. If feedback is available for your attempt, use it alongside what you hear yourself.
Your next timed exercise
Listen back and check whether a listener can identify what changed because of your actions. Retell the same event with less background and a clearer ending.
Check whether your answer completes the role, uses specific supporting details and ends before the recording timer expires.
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