CELPIP Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions
Take a clear position on a question and defend it with relevant reasons and examples.
At a glance
- Preparation
- 30 seconds
- Speaking
- 90 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 your position in the 30 seconds, then note two different reasons and a concrete example. A complicated opinion is less useful than a position you can explain clearly.
Manage your speaking time
Suggested 90-second plan: state your view, develop two reasons with detail, acknowledge a relevant limitation if useful, then conclude consistently.
Response plans are MockPip suggestions; follow the official preparation and recording timers.
A technique for this task
Develop rather than repeat: after a reason, explain its consequence or give an example. Connect every point to the exact question.
Try an original practice scenario
Practice scenario: Should community centres offer more activities on weekends? Explain your opinion.
This example is independently written for practice; it is not a question from an official exam.
Plan a clear response
- State your position in the first sentence.
- Develop two different reasons and illustrate one with a concrete example.
- Finish by connecting the reasons back to your position.
Example of a useful opening
I think weekend programs are valuable because people who work weekdays can attend. A Saturday language exchange, for example, would give more neighbours a chance to meet and practise together.
Use this as a model of structure. In your own attempt, respond naturally to the prompt you receive.
A common mistake
Repeating your opinion in different words does not add supporting ideas.
Check your recording
Are your reasons distinct, and does at least one have a concrete example? 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
Transcribe your main points as one sentence each. If two points say the same thing, replace one with a genuinely different reason and rerecord.
Check whether your answer completes the role, uses specific supporting details and ends before the recording timer expires.
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