Speaking Task 7 · Expressing Opinions
CELPIP Speaking Task 7 Template: OREO Opinion
30s prep · 90s to speak
Opinion, Reason with Example (twice), Opinion again: the same shape as Writing Task 2, spoken in 90 seconds.
Free PDF: all 8 speaking templates- Opinion
- Reason 1 + Example
- Reason 2 + Example
- Opinion again
The template
Each part has a job, a budget and starters. Fill every blank with a detail from your prompt: raters score how well you answer the task in front of you, not memorised sentences.
- 1
Opinion
15sRestate the question and take one clear side.
Starters
- The question is whether . In my opinion, I strongly agree that .
- Personally, I firmly believe that .
Phrases that score
- I firmly believe
- I strongly agree
- in my opinion
Earns: Task Fulfillment, Content/Coherence
- 2
Reason 1 + Example
30sYour strongest reason, with a real-life example.
Starters
- My first reason is that . For example, .
- First of all, . I've seen this in , where .
Phrases that score
- my first reason is
- for example
- this means that
Earns: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary
- 3
Reason 2 + Example
30sA second, different reason, with its own example.
Starters
- Secondly, . For instance, .
- Another reason is . Take as an example: .
Phrases that score
- secondly
- for instance
- a good example is
Earns: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary
- 4
Opinion again
15sRestate your side and name your two reasons.
Starters
- So, because of and , I'm convinced that .
- That's why I firmly believe .
Phrases that score
- that's why
- because of
- I'm convinced that
Earns: Listenability, Task Fulfillment
See it in action
The template applied to a real task, part by part.
The task
Do you agree or disagree: Cities should ban cars from their downtown areas.
CLB 9+ answer, spoken (162 words)
1. Opinion
The question is whether cities should ban cars from downtown. In my opinion, I strongly agree that this is an excellent idea.
2. Reason 1 + Example
My first reason is that it would dramatically reduce air pollution. For example, in my city the downtown core is often covered in smog in the summer, and people with asthma are told to stay indoors. Without cars, the air would be much cleaner and healthier for everyone who lives and works there.
3. Reason 2 + Example
Secondly, it would make downtown much friendlier for people and local businesses. For instance, when my city closed one main street to cars last summer, cafes opened big patios, street musicians started playing, and the area was packed with families every weekend. The shop owners said it was their busiest summer in years, and nobody wanted the cars to come back.
4. Opinion again
So, because of the health benefits and the boost to local businesses, I'm convinced that banning cars downtown is the right choice for cities like mine.
Make it stick
Two quick rounds. Get the order right, then match each starter to its part.
Drag the parts of the OREO template into the right order.
- Reason 1 + Example
- Reason 2 + Example
- Opinion again
- Opinion
Practise the timing
Answer out loud while the bar shows which part you should be on. It's the fastest way to stop running out of time.
Pick any prompt and answer it out loud. You get 30s to prepare, then 90s to speak.
The part you should be on shows here while you speak.
Mistakes that cost marks
- Sitting on the fence. "I agree and disagree" sounds unorganised.
- Reasons without examples. The example is what fills 90 seconds with real content.
- Running out of time before the conclusion. Keep each reason to about 30 seconds.
Try this template on a real question, free
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