CELPIP speaking
Expressing Opinions
How to Master CELPIP Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions
This task is a direct test of your ability to form and defend an opinion. You will be given a prompt with a statement (e.g., "Technology is making people less social," "Cities should ban all cars from downtown") and you must clearly state whether you agree or disagree, and then defend your position.
What You Will Do
- You will have 30 seconds to prepare your argument.
- You will have 90 seconds to record your speaking. This is one of the longest speaking tasks.
The #1 Trap to Avoid
The biggest mistake is being "on the fence." Do not say "Well, I agree and I disagree..." This sounds weak and disorganized. The grader is not testing if you are a "nice" person; they are testing if you can build a strong argument. You must pick one side (Agree or Disagree) and defend it 100%.
The CLB 9+ "4-Part Argument" (Use in your 30s prep!)
Use your 30 seconds to pick your side and find 2 reasons. This structure is foolproof.
- Part 1: The Thesis (approx. 15 seconds): Start with a strong, clear statement of your opinion. (e.g., "The question is whether cities should ban cars. In my opinion, I strongly agree that this is an excellent idea.").
- Part 2: Reason 1 + Example (approx. 30 seconds): Give your first strong reason. (e.g., "My first reason is that it would dramatically reduce air pollution. For example, in my city, the downtown smog is a major health issue, and removing cars would clean the air for everyone.").
- Part 3: Reason 2 + Example (approx. 30 seconds): Give your second strong reason. (e.g., "Secondly, it would make the city core more friendly for pedestrians and businesses. For instance, it would encourage people to walk and use public transit, which is healthier, and it would allow cafes to open nice street patios.").
- Part 4: Conclusion (approx. 15 seconds): A simple, strong summary of your opinion. (e.g., "So, because of the health and community benefits, I am completely in favor of banning cars downtown.").
Final Tips
- Strong Opinion Words: "I firmly believe...", "I strongly agree/disagree...", "In my opinion...", "It's clear that..."
- Signpost! Use "Firstly," "Secondly," "For example," and "In conclusion." This makes your argument easy for the grader to follow.
Ready to Get Your Speaking Graded?
Can you build a strong, persuasive argument in 90 seconds? The key is having a clear structure and strong supporting examples.
Our webapp uses advanced AI to grade your speaking. Find out your estimated score, see your filler words, and check if your argument is strong and well-paced.