Quick Planning Strategies for CELPIP Speaking Tasks

You have between 20 and 60 seconds to prepare for each CELPIP Speaking task. This is not enough time to write a script, and that’s intentional. The test evaluates your ability to speak naturally, not recite memorized text.

Your planning goal is simple: create a mental roadmap that keeps you on track while allowing spontaneous, natural speech.

The 4-Step Planning Formula

Use this sequence every time you see a Speaking prompt:

Step 1: Identify the Topic (5 seconds)

Read the prompt carefully and underline or mentally note the exact question. Ask yourself: “What am I being asked to do?”

Task types you’ll encounter:

• Give advice to someone in a situation
• Describe a personal experience
• Express and support an opinion
• Compare two options
• Describe a scene or situation
• Make predictions or suggestions

Step 2: Choose 2-3 Main Points (10-15 seconds)

Pick the ideas that come to mind first. Don’t overthink this. The examiner rewards clear development over clever content.

For 60-second responses: aim for 2 points.
For 90-second responses: aim for 2-3 points.

Step 3: Jot Down Keywords (10-15 seconds)

Write 3-5 keywords per point: just enough to trigger your memory. These are nouns, verbs, or phrases, not complete sentences.

Example keywords for “Advice about moving to a new city”:

• Point 1: research neighbourhoods, safety, transit
• Point 2: join groups, meetups, hobbies

Step 4: Plan Your Opening Line (5-10 seconds)

Know exactly how you’ll start speaking. A strong opening reduces hesitation and sets a confident tone.

Strong opening formula: Restate the situation + your main recommendation or opinion in one sentence.

Task-Specific Planning Templates

Each of the 8 CELPIP Speaking tasks requires a slightly different planning approach. Use the template for the task you’re facing.

Task 1: Giving Advice

Planning Structure:

1. Opening: Address person directly (“Hey/Hi…”)
2. Advice 1: What (specific suggestion) + Why (reason)
3. Advice 2: What (specific suggestion) + Why (reason)
4. Advice 3: What (specific suggestion) + Why (reason)
5. Closing: Encouragement

Key Phrases: “If I were you…”, “One thing you could…”, “Another option would be…”, “That would help because…”

Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience

Planning Structure:

1. When/Where: Time/place keywords
2. What Happened: Action keywords 1, 2, 3
3. What I Learned: Feeling/lesson keyword

Key Details to Include: Who was involved? Specific details (3-5 descriptive words). Why it mattered.

Task 3: Describing a Scene

Planning Structure:

1. General Opening: What’s happening overall
2. People/Objects to Focus On: 3 items with description + action
3. Specific Details: Location, Clothing/appearance, Actions (2 keywords each)

Strategy: Don’t describe everything. Pick 3-4 key things to develop well.

Task 4: Making Predictions

Planning Structure:

1. Reference the Scene: “In this picture…”
2. Prediction 1: Person/object + Action + Why
3. Prediction 2: Person/object + Action + Why
4. Prediction 3: Person/object + Action + Why

Key Transitions: “It looks like… so probably…”, “Given that…, I’d expect…”, “The person who… will likely…”

Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

Part 1: Silent Selection (Preparation Time)

1. Option A: Key features, Pros, Cons
2. Option B: Key features, Pros, Cons
3. CHOOSE: Option A/B because (main reason)

Part 2: Persuasion (Speaking Time)

1. Opening: “I believe [Option X] is better because…”
2. Reason 1: Point + Detail/example
3. Reason 2: Point + Detail/example
4. Address Other Option: Acknowledge good + But why yours is better
5. Closing: Summary of main advantage

Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation

Planning Structure:

1. Tone: Respectful/Firm/Considerate
2. Audience: Who am I talking to?
3. Opening: Address person, state situation
4. Problem Statement: What’s the issue?
5. My Decision: What I’ve decided + 3 reasons
6. Closing: Respectful final statement

Tone Markers: “I understand… however…”, “I appreciate… but…”, “I need to be honest…”

Task 7: Expressing Opinions

Planning Structure:

1. Question: Restate the question
2. My Position: Yes/No (pick one!)
3. Reason 1: Main point + Example/detail
4. Reason 2: Main point + Example/detail
5. Reason 3: Main point + Example/detail
6. Conclusion: Restate position briefly

Opening Phrases: “I definitely think…”, “In my opinion…”, “I strongly believe…”, “I would say that…”

Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation

Planning Structure:

1. Role-Play Setup: “Hi [name], I’m [location]…”
2. Setting Details: Location + General scene (2-3 keywords)
3. Unusual/Key Elements: 3 elements with descriptions
4. Why It’s Unusual: Keyword reason
5. Closing: What I want them to do/know

Technique: Use simple words creatively. “It’s a thing that…” instead of technical term, “It looks like… but actually…”, “It’s made of… and…”

The Planning Balance: Not Too Much, Not Too Little

Over-Planning (The “Perfectionist” Trap)

Signs you’re over-planning:

• Writing full sentences or paragraphs
• Crossing out and rewriting ideas repeatedly
• Still planning when the beep sounds
• Reading your notes word-for-word

Result: Robotic delivery, reading tone, incomplete responses.

Under-Planning (The “Wing It” Trap)

Signs you’re under-planning:

• Starting to speak with no clear direction
• Long pauses mid-response while you think
• Repeating yourself to fill time
• Forgetting to address part of the prompt

Result: Disorganized responses, lack of coherence, missed task requirements.

Practice: Plan a Response in 30 Seconds

Effective planning turns prep time into a strategic advantage. With practice, this 4-step method becomes automatic, freeing your mental energy for clear, confident delivery.