How long is CELPIP Speaking Task 7?

You get 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak, which is longer than most other Speaking tasks.

Should I give two reasons or three?

Three. CELPIP's own advice is to give about three reasons, and 90 seconds is long enough for three reasons with one detail each. Two reasons usually leave you with nothing to say for the last 30 seconds.

Does it matter which side I choose?

No. CELPIP's four rating dimensions are about how you support your answer, not which side you take. Pick the side where reasons come to you fastest.

What if I finish before the 90 seconds are up?

Length is part of Task Fulfillment, so try to use most of the time. Add one more detail to your strongest reason, or answer the other side in one sentence ("Some people might say... but..."). Then close with your conclusion. You can practise the timing on a free Speaking Task 7 question or across all tasks on the Speaking practice page .

CELPIP Speaking Task 7 Template (Expressing Opinions)

Master CELPIP Speaking Task 7 with a clear template for stating your opinion, giving reasons, and persuading listeners. Get examples, structures, and key phrases.

Matthew ZareCELPIP Teacher

Updated October 22, 20268 min read

One side, three reasons

Opening
Yes, I firmly believe that [Paraphrased Topic] is a positive development.
Reason 1
First and foremost, since [Fact/Cause], it leads to [Result].
Reason 2
Moreover, we must consider that [Point 2].
Reason 3
Finally, even though some might argue [Counter-point], I still think that [Your Point] is more valid.
Close
Consequently, for these reasons, I am convinced that this is the right path forward.

CELPIP Speaking Task 7 in short: you get one "Do you think..." question, 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak. Pick a side in your prep time, give about three reasons, and support each one with specific details. Those are CELPIP's own published strategies. The template below is the frame. The words should be yours.

Print it: this Task 7 template, and the other seven, are in our free CELPIP Speaking templates PDF. One page per task, no sign-up.

Video lesson· 13:26

Ninety seconds on one side, and the mistake hidden inside a good answer

Jump to14

A full 90 second answer at exam speed, then the question: did you hear the mistake? The video shows what the official rated sample says, how to pick the side you can argue rather than the side you believe, and how to make three reasons sound like three.

CELPIP Speaking Task 7 Template: Full 90-Second Answer + Structure

The full CELPIP Speaking Course is free: CELPIP Speaking Course · More lessons on the CELTESTPIP YouTube channel

Goal

Answer a "Do you think..." question with your opinion (that is how CELPIP itself describes Task 7). Choose ONE side, yes or no, during your 30 seconds of preparation, and support it with reasons.

What does CELPIP actually rate on Task 7?

Every Speaking task is rated on the same four dimensions. This is CELPIP's own list of what raters look at:

Dimension	What raters look at	What it means on Task 7
Content/Coherence	Number and quality of ideas, how they are organized, examples and supporting details	Three reasons, each with a detail, in a clear order
Vocabulary	Word choice, suitable words and phrases, range, precision	Paraphrase the question instead of repeating it
Listenability	Rhythm, pronunciation and intonation, pauses and self-correction, grammar and sentence structure, variety of sentences	Mix short sentences with longer "since" and "even though" sentences, and keep a steady pace
Task Fulfillment	Relevance, completeness, tone, length	Answer the question that was asked, take one side, sound firm, and use most of the 90 seconds

Source: CELPIP Speaking Pro study package, Performance Standards. To see how these ratings turn into levels, read the CELPIP Speaking score chart.

What strong Task 7 answers do well

Tone (Firm & Direct)
Unlike Task 6, where you need to be soft and polite, Task 7 rewards a firm, direct tone. Tone is part of Task Fulfillment.
- Task 6: "I think it might be a good idea..." (Soft/Wordy)
- Task 7: "I firmly believe that..." (Strong/Direct). Do NOT use "fluff" words here.
Structure (Logical Flow)
Raters listen for organization (part of Content/Coherence), so give them a clear path: Opinion → Reason 1 (+ Support) → Reason 2 (+ Support) → Reason 3 (+ Support) → Conclusion.
Grammar (Complex Sentences)
Use subordinating conjunctions like "Since" (cause and effect) and "Even though" (concession). Variety of sentence structure is part of Listenability.
Vocabulary (Paraphrasing)
Do not repeat the prompt exactly. Use the methods below (Synonyms, Passive Voice, Re-ordering) to show range.

What does a CELPIP Speaking Task 7 question look like?

You see one question on screen, a 30 second preparation timer, and then 90 seconds of recording. This is the sample CELPIP uses in its 2026 study material:

Answer the following question. Do you think that governments should limit how much money company bosses make? Explain your reasons.

There is no right side. You are rated on how well you support the side you pick, not on which side it is. So pick the side you can argue best in 90 seconds, even if it is not the one you believe.

Want to try one now? Answer a free Speaking Task 7 question on the real clock, or read more CELPIP Speaking sample answers first.

What does CELPIP itself say to do on Task 7?

CELPIP publishes five key strategies for this task. Here is each one, and where it sits in the template on this page:

CELPIP's strategy	Where it is in the template
Read the question carefully; be sure your response is on topic.	Step 1: paraphrase the question before you answer it
Quickly decide whether you will answer yes or no.	The Stance: "Yes, I firmly believe..." or "No, I completely disagree..."
Give about three reasons to support your position.	Step 2: Reason 1, Reason 2, Reason 3
Support each reason with specific details.	The Support sentence after every reason
Present your ideas logically, and use transitions to signal new ideas.	"First and foremost", "Moreover", "Finally", "Consequently"

The full lesson, with rated sample answers explained, is in the free CELPIP Speaking Task 7 course lesson.

Step 1: The Direct Opening (Paraphrase)

Goal: Start immediately with a strong "Yes" or "No" and paraphrase the topic.

Grammar Booster: 3 Ways to Paraphrase

Do not just copy the question words. Use one of these three techniques to boost your vocabulary score immediately.

Method	Explanation	Example
1. Use Synonyms	Swap words with similar meanings.	Grade → Evaluate / Teachers → Educators
2. Active → Passive	Change the focus to the object.	Students should grade teachers. → Teachers should be graded by their students.
3. Change Order	Move the idea to the front.	Allowing students to grade is good. → Allowing student feedback is a positive step.

Structure

The Stance
"Yes, I firmly believe that..."
The Paraphrase
Apply Method 2 (Passive) or Method 1 (Synonyms) here.
- Question: "Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?"
- Paraphrase: "...permitting students to evaluate their educators is a productive idea."

Example

"Yes, I firmly believe that permitting students to evaluate their educators is a productive idea."

Step 2: The 3 Reasons (The Body)

Goal: Provide three distinct arguments. Crucial Rule: Every reason must be followed by a "Support Sentence" that explains why or gives an example.

Reason 1: The "Since" Logic (Cause & Effect)

Use this for your strongest point.

The Argument: "First and foremost, since [Cause], [Effect]."
The Support: "Therefore, [Conclusion/Why this matters]."
Example: "First and foremost, since students are the ones directly receiving the instruction, they have the best perspective on a teacher's clarity. Therefore, their feedback is essential for improving the quality of education."

Reason 2: The "Moreover" Transition (Adding Depth)

Use this to add a second layer to your argument.

The Argument: "Moreover, [Point 2]."
The Support: "This is important because [Explanation]."
Example: "Moreover, this system empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey. When they know their voice matters, they are likely to be more attentive and engaged in the classroom."

Reason 3: The "Even Though" Logic (Addressing Concerns)

Use this to address a potential negative but turn it into a positive.

The Argument: "Finally, even though some might argue that [Counter-point], I still think that [Your Point]."
The Support: "In reality, [Refutation/Fact]."
Example: "Finally, even though some critics argue that students might be biased or immature, I still think that the aggregate data from these evaluations creates necessary accountability. If a teacher consistently receives poor grades for clarity, it highlights a professional development need that must be addressed."

Step 3: The Conclusion

Goal: Wrap it up confidently.

Phrase: "Consequently, for these reasons..."
Example: "Consequently, for these reasons, I am convinced that this is the right path forward."

CELPIP Speaking Part 7: Model Answer (Score 9+)

Question: Do you agree or disagree that students in school should be allowed to grade their teachers?

Start of Response

Yes, I firmly believe that implementing a system where students evaluate their educators is a step in the right direction.

Direct Opening + Paraphrase

First and foremost, since the primary goal of school is effective learning, teachers need to know if their methods are working. Therefore, feedback from the students themselves is the most accurate metric to measure teaching success.

Reason 1 (Since)
Reason 1 Support

Moreover, this process encourages a two-way street of respect and communication. When teachers are open to constructive criticism, it models humility and continuous improvement for the students.

Reason 2 (Transition)
Reason 2 Support

Finally, even though some might worry that students will grade based on popularity rather than skill, I still think that identifying patterns in teacher performance is crucial. If a teacher consistently receives poor grades for clarity, it highlights a professional development need that must be addressed.

Reason 3 (Even Though)
Reason 3 Support

Consequently, for these reasons, I am convinced that this is the right path forward.

Conclusion

Try this on a real Task 7 question, free

Sign up free and answer the first Speaking Task 7 question on the real clock. You get up to three AI-scored tries, with feedback on what to fix before test day.

Answer a free Speaking Task 7 question

Universal Templates

Learn the shape of these sentences, not the exact words.

A line repeated word for word often sounds rehearsed, and it may not fit the question you get. For example, "I am convinced that this is the right path forward" works for a question about a new school policy. For "Do you think people should eat breakfast every day?" it sounds strange. Keep the move (a firm closing sentence) and change the words: "So yes, I really think a good breakfast is worth the time."

1. The Direct Opening(Paraphrase)

"Yes, I firmly believe that [Paraphrased Topic] is a positive development."

"No, I completely disagree that [Paraphrased Topic] is a viable solution."

2. Reason 1(Cause & Effect)

Arg

"First and foremost, since [Fact/Cause], it leads to [Result]."

Sup

"Therefore, [Your Point] is necessary."

3. Reason 2(Transition)

Arg

"Moreover, we must consider that [Point 2]."

Sup

"This is significant because [Explanation]."

4. Reason 3(Concession)

Arg

"Finally, even though some might argue [Counter-point], I still think that [Your Point] is more valid."

Sup

"In fact, [Your Reasoning]."

5. The Conclusion(Wrap Up)

"Consequently, for these reasons, I am convinced that this is the right path forward."

CELPIP Speaking Task 7 Template (Expressing Opinions)

Ninety seconds on one side, and the mistake hidden inside a good answer

Goal