Task 1: Giving Advice & Templates - CELPIP Speaking Course

What this task is: You speak to one person who needs help deciding or preparing for something. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak. Your job is to give 2–3 useful suggestions and support each with a brief reason or example. Keep a warm, respectful tone.

The CARE frame (your one-size plan)

C — Connect: greet them and name the problem in one line.
A — Advise: say you’ll give two (or three) steps.
R — Reasons: give Step 1 + reason/example, then Step 2 + reason/example (Step 3 if time).
E — End result: one-line wrap about the benefit or next step.

Sample skeleton (fill the brackets):

“Hi [name], I know [situation] is stressful. I suggest two steps.
First, [step 1] because [quick reason/example].
Second, [step 2]; for example, [tiny detail].
In short, these steps will [end result].”

What to do in prep time (30 seconds)

Write 4 quick cues: Opening / Step 1 + because / Step 2 + example / Wrap
If you have a third idea, mark it with a star and only use it if time allows.
Pick friendly verbs: try / set / practice / ask / check / book / bring / post / confirm.

Tone that fits Task 1

Use you; speak to the person.
Be supportive, not bossy: could you, try, it helps to.
Add one line of empathy when relevant: I know this is a lot. You’re not alone.

Phrase banks you can drop anywhere

Openers (Connect)

“Hi [name], thanks for asking. I know [topic] feels tough at first.”
“Good news—you have options. Let me share two steps that work.”

Advice verbs (Advise)

try, set up, practice, record, ask, check, bring, book, apply, post, confirm, follow up

Reasons & examples (Reasons)

because, so, as a result, this saves time, this reduces stress, for example, in case

Wrap lines (End result)

“In short, these steps will [benefit].”
“Do these this week, and you’ll feel [result] by [day].”

Templates by common themes

A) New job presentations

Connect: “Hi Alex, congrats on the new role. Presenting weekly can feel heavy at first.”
Advise: “I suggest two steps.”
Reason 1: “Practice with a timer; aim for 90 seconds per slide, so you finish on time.”
Reason 2: “Record one rehearsal and note where you rush; for example, slow down on the key slide.”
End result: “In short, this routine builds calm and keeps your message clear.”

B) Apartment noise complaint call

Connect: “Hi Maya, late-night noise is exhausting.”
Advise: “Try these two steps.”
Reason 1: “Keep a simple log (dates/times), so the manager can act.”
Reason 2: “Email the manager with two specific examples and ask for the plan.”
End result: “This makes it easy for them to follow up and fix it.”

C) Exam nerves

Connect: “Hi Sam, feeling nervous before exams is normal.”
Advise: “Here are two quick moves.”
Reason 1: “Study in 25-minute blocks with a 5-minute break; short bursts keep focus.”
Reason 2: “Print a one-page formula sheet for the last review; for example, key rules and one sample.”
End result: “You’ll stay steady and remember more.”

D) Finding a part-time job

Connect: “Hi Jamie, let’s make the search simple.”
Advise: “I suggest two steps.”
Reason 1: “Update your resume and ask for one referral from a teacher or supervisor.”
Reason 2: “Visit the community centre’s job board and set one weekly goal (5 applications).”
End result: “This routine keeps you moving and brings interviews faster.”

E) Moving to a new city

Connect: “Hi Noor, moving is a big change, but we can plan it.”
Advise: “Try two steps.”
Reason 1: “Book short-term housing for two weeks, so you can view places in person.”
Reason 2: “Join the local community group and ask three practical questions (commute, costs, safety).”
End result: “You’ll settle in with fewer surprises.”

F) Health & habits

Connect: “Hi Leo, you want more energy without a complex plan.”
Advise: “Two small changes.”
Reason 1: “Walk 20 minutes after dinner; this lifts mood and sleep.”
Reason 2: “Pack tomorrow’s lunch at night; for example, leftovers + fruit.”
End result: “Small steps add up and are easy to keep.”

G) Commuting delays

Connect: “Hi Priya, the evening commute is stressful.”
Advise: “Let’s try two moves.”
Reason 1: “Leave 10 minutes earlier on event days; for example, check the city’s event page at lunch.”
Reason 2: “Use an app with live updates and set an alert for your route.”
End result: “You’ll avoid missed transfers.”

H) English practice plan

Connect: “Hi Omar, your English is improving; let’s make it daily.”
Advise: “Two simple habits.”
Reason 1: “Record a 60-second story each day; you’ll hear what to fix.”
Reason 2: “Swap three vague words for precise ones after each recording.”
End result: “This builds clear, natural speech in weeks.”

Complete plug-in templates (copy and fill)

Template 1 — General decision

“Hi [name], I know [topic] is a big choice. I suggest two steps.
First, [action], because [benefit]. For example, [tiny detail].
Second, [action]; as a result, [benefit].
In short, this keeps things simple and [positive result].”

Template 2 — Preparing for an event

“Hi [name], the [event] is coming soon. Let’s keep it simple.
Step one: [practice/setup], so [result].
Step two: [check/confirm]; for example, [detail].
End result: you feel ready on the day.”

Template 3 — Asking for services

“Hi [name], I want to make this easy.
First, [document/info] ready so staff can help fast.
Second, [appointment/online step] and [follow-up].
In short, these steps save time and avoid a second visit.”

“Before → After” (Task-1 style upgrades)

Too casual → semi-formal and kind

Before: “Hey, chill, it’s fine.”
After: “Hi [name], this is a lot, but we can make it easier with two steps.”

No reasons → reasons with tiny examples

Before: “Practice more and you’ll improve.”
After: “Practice with a timer; for example, 90 seconds per slide. Then record one rehearsal and slow the fastest part.”

List with no result → clear end result

Before: “Update your resume and apply.”
After: “Update your resume and ask for one referral, so your application stands out.”

Timing map for 90 seconds (use the progress bar)

0–10s Connect + Advise (“two steps”)
10–40s Step 1 + because + example
40–70s Step 2 + because + example
70–90s End result (one line). If you still have time, add Step 3 in one sentence.

Common mistakes to avoid (and quick fixes)

Speaking about the topic, not to the person → say their name and use you.
Too many ideas → two strong steps beat four weak ones.
Vague claims → add one number, time, or place.
No wrap → finish with a benefit or next step.
Harsh tone → switch to “could you,” “try,” “it helps to.”

One-minute drill (any prompt)

Write two steps and one because/example for each.
Say the CARE script once.
Record and check: did you connect, advise, give reasons, and end cleanly?

#6. Task 1: Giving Advice & Templates