CELPIP Speaking Task 2 is a 2-3 minute response to a question. It's the longest continuous speaking task. This article shows exactly what examiners are listening for—and how to score CLB 9.
What is CELPIP Speaking Task 2?
Format: You hear a question once. You have 30 seconds to prepare, then 2-3 minutes to speak.
Example question: "Tell me about a person who has influenced your life. Include details about who they are and explain why they have been an important influence."
Length: Aim for 2-3 minutes (not 1 minute, not 5 minutes).
What Examiners Are Really Listening For
- CLB 8: Clear, mostly correct, good ideas
- CLB 9: Clear, mostly correct, organized, sophisticated ideas, natural flow
- CLB 10: Excellent fluency, complex grammar, sophisticated vocabulary
Four things examiners evaluate:
- Fluency & Coherence: Do you speak smoothly? Do your ideas connect?
- Vocabulary: Do you use varied, appropriate vocabulary?
- Grammar: Are sentences correct? Any awkward errors?
- Pronunciation: Are you easy to understand? Bad pronunciation = lower score.
The 3-Part Structure That Gets CLB 9
NOT THIS (too short, too simple):
"My father is the person who has influenced me. He taught me to work hard. He is a good man. I respect him."
Problem: Too short. Basic vocabulary. No organization. Sounds like a beginner.
DO THIS (organized, sophisticated, natural):
Introduction (20 sec): Introduce the person and one main thing about them.
Body (90 sec): Give 2-3 specific examples and explain why they influenced you.
Conclusion (10 sec): Summarize in 1-2 sentences.
Full Example (CLB 9 Response)
Question: "Tell me about a person who has influenced your life."
Introduction: "I'd like to talk about my older brother, who has been one of the most significant influences in my life. He is an engineer, and he's always encouraged me to pursue challenging goals."
Body - Example 1: "When I was younger and struggling in mathematics, he didn't simply give me answers. Instead, he taught me how to approach problems systematically. He'd sit with me and walk through complex equations step by step. What inspired me was his patience and his genuine belief that I could improve. As a result, I actually developed a passion for math, something I never expected."
Body - Example 2: "Beyond academics, he demonstrated the importance of perseverance. When he was designing his first major project at work, it failed initially. Rather than giving up, he analyzed what went wrong and tried a different approach. Eventually, he succeeded spectacularly. Witnessing his resilience taught me that setbacks are not the end—they're learning opportunities. This perspective has shaped how I handle challenges in my own career."
Conclusion: "In summary, my brother's dedication, patience, and resilience have fundamentally influenced how I approach both my professional and personal growth. I owe much of my success to his unwavering support and example."
Word count: ~240 words (2:45 of speaking)
Why This Scores CLB 9
| Criteria | What Makes It CLB 9 |
|---|---|
| Fluency | Flows naturally. Few hesitations. Uses connecting words ("As a result," "rather than"). |
| Vocabulary | "Significant influences" not "important person." "Demonstrate resilience" not "show". "Unwavering support" not "always helps". |
| Grammar | Complex sentences: "When he was designing... it failed initially." "Rather than giving up, he analyzed..." Mostly error-free. |
| Organization | Clear intro → specific examples → conclusion. Ideas connected logically. |
Common CELPIP Task 2 Topics
Be prepared for questions like:
- Tell me about a person who has influenced you
- Describe a place you enjoy visiting
- Talk about a skill you learned and how you learned it
- Describe your career goal and why you want to pursue it
- Tell me about a difficult decision you made
- Describe an important event in your life
- Talk about a hobby and why you enjoy it
30-Second Preparation Strategy
When you hear the question, you have 30 seconds to prepare. Do this:
Second 1-5: Write down the main idea (one sentence)
Example: "My brother influenced me through teaching and resilience."
Second 6-20: Write 2-3 examples/reasons (bullet points)
Example:
• Taught me math systematically
• Showed me resilience through failure
• Provided emotional support
Second 21-30: Write 1-2 opening sentences
Example: "I'd like to talk about my older brother, who has been one of the most significant influences in my life."
Common Mistakes (CLB 8 vs CLB 9)
❌ CLB 8 Mistake: "He taught me many things."
✓ CLB 9 Version: "He provided me with invaluable guidance across multiple domains, from academics to personal resilience."
❌ CLB 8 Mistake: "I paused and um... I thought about it."
✓ CLB 9 Version: "Upon reflection, I realized..."
❌ CLB 8 Mistake: "He was very good and I learned a lot."
✓ CLB 9 Version: "His methodical approach and patient teaching style enabled me to develop a deeper understanding and genuine appreciation for the subject."
Pronunciation Tips for Better Score
- Slow down - You don't need to rush. Pausing shows you're thinking, not weakness.
- Stress the right syllables - "enGINeer" not "ENgineer". "reSILience" not "RESilience".
- Connect your words smoothly - "I'd like" sounds like "Idalike", not separate words.
- Don't mumble at the end of sentences - Finish strong.
- Avoid filler words - Replace "um," "uh," "like" with brief pauses.
Practice Method
- Read the example response aloud (2-3 times until natural)
- Practice a new topic using the same structure (intro + 2 examples + conclusion)
- Record yourself and listen back (sounds natural? Any pronunciation issues?)
- Get feedback from a tutor or book a CELPIP speaking session
- Repeat 5-10 times before your actual test
Bottom Line
To score CLB 9 in CELPIP Speaking Task 2:
- Speak for 2-3 minutes (not 1 minute)
- Use a clear structure (intro + examples + conclusion)
- Give 2-3 specific examples with explanations
- Use sophisticated vocabulary and complex grammar
- Speak naturally (no memorized speeches)
- Pronounce clearly and avoid filler words