Best CELPIP Speaking Task 1 Questions with Answers for Success

Preparing for the celpip speaking test can feel overwhelming, especially when you don't know exactly what to expect. Becoming familiar with the CELPIP speaking test format and typical questions is essential for building confidence and readiness. Task 1 is often the first speaking task test takers encounter, and getting it right sets the tone for the entire speaking section. In this guide, you'll find high scoring CELPIP resources, including real-style sample questions with high-scoring answers, a proven 3-step template, and advanced strategies to help you improve your performance and achieve your target score in 2026.

Preparation for the CELPIP Speaking Test can include practicing with sample questions and understanding the test format. Taking a sample test is a great way to assess your skills and get comfortable with the test format. You can create an account on the official CELPIP website to access two free sample tests. Following a reputable YouTube channel can also provide additional sample tests and answers for extra practice.

Quick Overview of CELPIP Speaking Task 1

CELPIP Speaking Task 1 is called "Giving Advice." In this task, you speak to a friend or family member who needs help making a decision. The celpip speaking test format gives you 30 seconds of preparation time and 60 seconds of speaking time to deliver your response.

This article focuses specifically on Task 1 giving advice questions with Band 9-10 sample answers and step-by-step structure. All examples are adapted to typical Canadian contexts—study decisions, work choices, housing options, winter weather, and transit systems—to match what you'll actually see on test day.

What Is CELPIP Speaking Task 1 (Giving Advice)?

Task 1 is the first speaking task in the CELPIP Speaking module, and it's always about giving advice to someone close to you. The test format presents a scenario where a friend, sibling, cousin, or co-worker faces a difficult situation and needs your guidance.

You'll have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to record your response on a computer—no human examiner is present. Your advice must be practical, polite, and well organized.

Common Task 1 themes include:

• Choosing between job offers in a new city
• Deciding on accommodation in a Canadian city like Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto
• Selecting a course or program at a Canadian college
• Planning travel or preparing for a move to Canada
• Making lifestyle decisions about health or a fitness routine

A strong answer includes at least two pieces of advice with clear reasons. This isn't public speaking—it's more like talking to a close friend who needs your help.

Task 1 Answer Structure: Simple 3-Step Template

Every high score celpip speaking response follows a clear structure. Instead of improvising, use this simple 3-step template to stay organized and confident during the test.

Part 1: Greeting and Problem Summary (1-2 sentences)

Acknowledge the situation and show you understand the challenge.

Example: "Hey, I heard you're trying to decide between two apartments. That's a tough choice!"

Part 2: Two or Three Pieces of Advice with Reasons (Main Body)

Give specific examples and explain why each suggestion helps.

Example: "First of all, I think you should visit both places in person. Secondly, consider which one is closer to the SkyTrain…"

Part 3: Conclusion and Recommendation (1-2 sentences)

End with a clear recommendation and offer support.

Example: "So overall, I'd go with the basement suite. Let me know if you want me to come check it out with you!"

Key transition words to use:

• First of all
• Secondly
• Also / On top of that
• Finally
• So overall

This template keeps your response well organized and helps you avoid long pauses.

CELPIP Speaking Task 1 Question Types & Common Situations

Even though Task 1 is always about giving advice, the situation changes each time. Here are the most common categories you'll encounter:

Education decisions

Your friend might be choosing between a two-year business diploma in Vancouver starting in September 2026 and a one-year IT certificate in Toronto. Advice typically covers tuition costs, time to graduate, and career prospects.

Housing choices

A cousin is deciding between renting a basement suite near a SkyTrain station or sharing a downtown apartment in Calgary. Sometimes, you may also see 'option b' presented as moving to the countryside versus the city, where you should highlight differences in lifestyle, environment, and conveniences—such as the peaceful surroundings and space in the countryside compared to the vibrant city life and easy access to amenities.

Job offers

A co-worker must choose between a full-time office job with benefits and a higher-paying but unstable contract role. Your advice should weigh job security against income.

Travel or relocation

A friend is moving from India to Canada in January 2027 and choosing which city to start in. Consider weather, cost of living, and job markets.

Lifestyle and health

Someone wants to develop healthier habits and is deciding whether to join a gym or start jogging in their local park during a cold Canadian winter.

Money and savings

A roommate is thinking about buying a used car in 2026 or continuing to use public transit in Toronto. Discuss how to save money while staying mobile.

Sample CELPIP Speaking Task 1 Questions (2025–2026 Style)

The following sample questions are written to match the style and difficulty of real CELPIP prompts. Use them for celpip speaking practice.

Question 1: Your friend is considering taking an online CELPIP preparation course in May 2026 or studying alone with free materials. Give your friend at least two pieces of advice about what they should do.

Question 2: Your cousin is moving to Canada in February 2027 and is deciding between Vancouver and Winnipeg for their first job search. Give your cousin at least two pieces of advice about how to choose.

Question 3: Your roommate is thinking about buying a used car in Edmonton in 2026 versus continuing to use buses and the LRT. Give your roommate at least two pieces of advice.

Question 4: Your younger sister is unsure whether to enroll in a one-year accounting certificate or a two-year business diploma at a Canadian college starting in September 2026. Give her at least two pieces of advice.

Question 5: Your co-worker is debating whether to work overtime to save for a house down payment or to keep a better work-life balance. Give at least two pieces of advice.

Question 6: A close friend is planning their first Canadian winter and deciding whether to invest in expensive winter gear now or buy cheaper items this year. Give at least two pieces of advice.

Question 7: Talk about a time you helped a friend make an important decision. What advice did you give and what was the outcome?

High-Scoring Sample Answers for Task 1 (Band 9–10 Style)

These sample answers follow the 3-step structure, use everyday Canadian English, and stay within 90-110 words—perfect for the 60-second time limit.

Sample Answer 1 (Online Course vs Self-Study):

"Hey, I heard you're trying to decide how to prepare for your CELPIP test. That's actually a great question! First of all, I really think you should consider the online course. It'll save you time because everything is organized for you, and you'll get expert feedback on your speaking skills. Secondly, the structured practice test sessions will help you stay organized and track your progress. On the other hand, free materials are fine for reviewing vocabulary, but they won't give you the same level of support. So overall, I'd invest in the course—it'll make a big difference. Good luck!"

Sample Answer 2 (Vancouver vs Winnipeg):

"Hey, I know you're deciding between Vancouver and Winnipeg for your move. Both are great options! First of all, if you want milder weather, Vancouver is better—the winters aren't as harsh. However, Winnipeg has a much lower cost of living, so you'll save money on rent and everyday life expenses. Secondly, think about job opportunities in your field. Vancouver has more tech jobs, but Winnipeg has less competition. So overall, if budget is your main concern, I'd go with Winnipeg to start. Let me know if you need help looking for apartments!"

Sample Answer 3 (Used Car vs Public Transit):

"Hey, so you're thinking about buying a car in Edmonton? That's a big decision! First of all, a used car gives you more freedom, especially in winter when waiting for buses in the cold is tough. However, you need to consider insurance and parking costs—they add up fast. Secondly, Edmonton's LRT is actually pretty reliable downtown, so if you live near a station, you might not need a car yet. So overall, I'd suggest trying transit for a few more months before committing. If it's really inconvenient, then look for a reliable used car."

Sample Answer 4 (One-Year Certificate vs Two-Year Diploma):

"Hey, I understand you're choosing between the accounting certificate and the business diploma. Both are solid options! First of all, the one-year certificate gets you into the job market faster, which is great if you want to start earning soon. On the other hand, the two-year diploma gives you a broader education and more career flexibility in the long run. Secondly, consider tuition fees—the diploma costs more, but many employers prefer candidates with longer programs. So overall, if you can afford the time, I'd recommend the diploma. Let me know if you want to talk more about it!"

Language and Vocabulary Tips for Task 1

Good vocabulary matters, but clarity and organization are more important than using extremely advanced words. Focus on sounding natural rather than impressive.

Practical phrases for giving advice:

Linking your ideas smoothly:

Use connectors like "Furthermore," "Moreover," "Apart from that," and "However" to create flow. For example:

• Basic: "The apartment is cheap. It's far from transit."
• Improved: "The apartment is cheap. However, it's far from transit, so you'd spend more time commuting."

Descriptive language helps paint a picture, but keep it simple and relevant to everyday situations.

Timing, Fluency, and Pronunciation Strategies

Timing and fluency are major parts of your CELPIP Speaking score. Here's how to manage the 60-second response window:

Timing strategies:

• Practice with a 60-second timer and aim for 90-110 words
• Use the first 5 seconds to greet and briefly acknowledge the problem
• Reserve about 10 seconds at the end for your conclusion
• Never start talking about the next task's topic—stay focused

Fluency tips:

• Speak in complete sentences, not disconnected bullet points
• Take a deep breath before you start to calm your nerves
• If you need a moment, say "Let me think about that for a second…" instead of staying silent
• Practice each sample response aloud at least three times

Pronunciation strategies:

• Slow down slightly on key words like "decision," "opportunity," and "practical"
• Group words into natural phrases: "in the long run" or "on the other hand"
• Record yourself and listen back for unclear sounds or swallowed words

Avoid speaking too fast—examiners value clear communication over rapid delivery. With practice, you'll build confidence and speak naturally.

Common Mistakes in Task 1 (and How to Fix Them)

Many test takers lose points not because their English is weak, but because they answer incorrectly. Here are the most common errors:

Bad vs. Improved Example:

Weak: "Buy the car. It's good. You need it."

Improved: "If I were you, I'd buy a used car because it gives you more freedom, especially during winter. On top of that, you'll save money compared to buying new."

A sample response that follows the template will always outperform an unusual situation where you improvise without structure.

Practice Routine: How to Use These Task 1 Questions and Answers

Consistent practice is the key to celpip success. Use the sample questions and answers from this article to build your speaking skills day by day. Imagine yourself on a sunny day, calm and confident, delivering your response perfectly.

7-Day Practice Plan:

Tools to use:

• Your phone's voice recorder app
• A 60-second countdown timer
• A mirror to practice maintaining eye contact with an imaginary friend

Whether you're dealing with expressing opinions, making predictions, describing an unusual situation, or talking about a personal experience from your personal life, the structure remains the same. If you encounter bad news in a prompt, stay calm and focus on forward-looking advice.

This practice test routine works for any speaking task—from the previous task you just completed to the next task ahead. It even helps prepare you for later tasks like describing a scene or talking about a time you learned a new skill.

Start today with just one question. Record yourself, compare your answer to the samples above, and note what you can improve. With consistent effort, you'll communicate effectively, make new friends with the process, and walk into your celpip test ready to succeed.