Expressing Opinions

How the task works

A statement is put to you and you have ninety seconds to say what you think, after thirty seconds of preparation. The longest speaking task alongside Task 1.

Strategy that works

• Position in the first sentence, then two reasons, then a concession, then restate.
• Use your preparation to pick reasons you have examples for.
• Signpost as you go — "the main reason", "on top of that", "admittedly".
• Plan for ninety seconds, not sixty. Most people underfill this one.

What costs marks

• Sitting on the fence to sound balanced.
• Giving three reasons and developing none.
• Finishing at fifty seconds and repeating yourself to fill the rest.

Practise it

Worked examples of this task, with answers and explanations, are on the CELPIP speaking samples page. The rest of the section is set out on the CELPIP speaking description page.

Common questions