Speaking Task 8 · Describing an Unusual Situation
CELPIP Speaking Task 8 Template: Shape · Size · Colour · Use
30s prep · 60s to speak
Describe the unusual object so the listener can picture it without seeing it, then say what it's for and what you think.
Free PDF: all 8 speaking templates- Shape
- Size
- Colour
- Use
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
Shape
15sSay why you're calling, what the object is, and its overall shape.
Starters
- Hi , I'm at and I've found the strangest . It's shaped like .
- Hey , you won't believe what I'm looking at. It's a in the shape of .
Phrases that score
- shaped like
- it looks a bit like
- you won't believe
Earns: Task Fulfillment, Vocabulary
- 2
Size
12sHow big it is, compared to something the listener knows.
Starters
- It's about as big as .
- It's roughly tall, so it would fit .
Phrases that score
- about as big as
- roughly
- tiny
- massive
Earns: Vocabulary, Content/Coherence
- 3
Colour
13sColours, materials and the details that make it unusual.
Starters
- It's bright with on top, and it's made of .
- The strangest detail is .
Phrases that score
- made of
- covered in
- on top of
- bizarre
Earns: Vocabulary, Listenability
- 4
Use
20sWhat it's for and whether you should get it. Ask what they think.
Starters
- Apparently, you use it to . I think we should because . What do you think?
- It's meant for . Honestly, it would be perfect for .
Phrases that score
- apparently
- it's meant for
- it would be perfect for
- what do you think
Earns: Task Fulfillment, Content/Coherence
See it in action
The template applied to a real task, part by part.
The task
You are shopping for a birthday gift for your nephew and see an unusual chair. Call your sister and describe it.
CLB 9+ answer, spoken (111 words)
1. Shape
Hi Anna, I'm at the furniture store looking for Leo's birthday present, and I've found the strangest chair. It's shaped like a giant open hand, so you sit in the palm.
2. Size
It's about as big as a normal armchair, so it would fit nicely in the corner of his bedroom.
3. Colour
It's grass green and made of soft foam, and it's covered in little rubber bumps, like a cactus.
4. Use
Apparently, it's meant for reading or playing video games, and it sits on a wide round base, so it won't tip over. Leo loves anything funny, so I think it would be perfect for him. Should I get it? What do you think?
Make it stick
Two quick rounds. Get the order right, then match each starter to its part.
Drag the parts of the Shape · Size · Colour · Use template into the right order.
- Size
- Colour
- Use
- Shape
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.
Answer about the picture out loud. You get 30s to prepare, then 60s to speak.
The part you should be on shows here while you speak.
Mistakes that cost marks
- Listing random details. Go in order: shape, size, colour, use.
- Plain words like "big" and "weird". Try "massive", "tiny", "bizarre" or "eye-catching".
- Forgetting the listener can't see it. Compare it to things they know.
Try this template on a real question, free
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