CELPIP Speaking Task 2 Template (Personal Experience)

Goal

Tell a coherent, engaging story about a past event while demonstrating a wide range of tenses and complex sentence structures.

What the Examiner Looks For (Assessment Criteria)

• Structure (Coherence): They want to hear a clear narrative arc (Introduction, Background, Action, Conclusion).
• Grammar (Range): They are listening for a mix of past tenses. You must use Simple Past for the main story, Past Perfect (had gone) plus Used to / Would to show depth (grammar boosters), and Present Perfect to connect the past to the present.
• Detail (Task Fulfillment): They check if you answer the "Wh-" questions (Who, What, Where, When, Why) and provide a meaningful reflection.

Step 1: The Opening

Goal: Introduce the topic clearly and connect your past experience to the present moment.

Grammar Booster: Present Perfect Tense

To start a story effectively, do not just say "I want to talk about...". Instead, use the Present Perfect to introduce the topic as a life experience. This bridges the gap between the past event and your current memory.

• Formula: Subject + Have + Past Participle
• Keywords: have experienced, have visited, have faced

Structure

1. The Hook: Introduce the general topic.
2. The Specifics: Narrow it down to the specific event you will discuss.
3. The Feeling: Briefly mention why it matters (memorable, challenging, etc.).

Example: "I have earned money from various jobs in my life, but receiving my very first paycheck stands out as a proud memory. It is a moment I have cherished for many years."

Step 2: The Narrative Arc (The "3-Stage Story")

Goal: Tell the story in chronological order using three distinct grammar zones.

⚠️ Grammar: The Timeline of Tenses

You must show you can control time. Do not just use simple past ("I went, I saw, I did"). Use the table below to structure your story.

Grammar Alert: "Used to" vs. "Would"

Examiners love it when you use Would correctly for past memories, but you must be careful.

• Used to: Can be used for Actions ("I used to play") AND States ("I used to live here", "I used to be happy").
• Would: Can ONLY be used for Actions. You cannot use it for states.
  • Correct: "We would play outside every day." (Action)
  • Incorrect: "I would live in London." (State) -> Must use "Used to live"

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Stage 1: The Background (Context)

Use this to set the scene before the main action starts.

Grammar: Past Perfect + Used to / Would

• Rule: Before + Simple Past ... Subject + Had + Past Participle.

Structure:

• The Context: "Before I received that first paycheck, I had always asked my parents for cash whenever I wanted to buy something."
• The Habit (State): "To be honest, I used to be quite naive about money."
• The Habit (Action/Nostalgia): "I remember that I would always spend my allowance immediately on candy."

Stage 2: The Main Action (The Sequence)

Use this to tell the specific events of the day.

Grammar: Simple Past + Transition Words

• Rule: Use time markers like When, Immediately, Suddenly to connect the sequence.

Structure:

• The Turning Point: "However, that changed when I got my first job at a local café."
• The Reaction: "When I saw the deposit in my account, I felt incredibly accomplished."
• The Sequence: "I immediately went to the mall. Then, I bought a small gift for my mother to say thank you."

Stage 3: The Conclusion (The Reflection)

Use this to explain the significance of the story.

Grammar: Since + Present Perfect

• Rule: Since + Past Event ... Subject + Have + Past Participle.

Structure:

• The Lesson: "Since I started working, I have learned the true value of hard work and financial independence."

Step 3: The Closing

Goal: A quick, final sentence to wrap up the speech naturally.

Structure

• Rule: Bring the listener back to the present.
• Example: "That is why this experience remains so special to me."

CELPIP Speaking Part 2: Model Answer (Score 9+)

Task: Talk about the time you received your first paycheck.

Start of Response:

I have earned money from various jobs throughout my life, but receiving my very first paycheck stands out as a proud memory. Opening: Present Perfect Hook

Before I received that money, I had always asked my parents for cash whenever I wanted to buy something. Stage 1: Past Perfect (Context) To be honest, I used to be very dependent on them. I remember that every Friday, I would beg my father for extra pocket money. Stage 1: Used to (State) + Would (Action)

However, that changed when I got my first job at a local café. Stage 2: Simple Past Transition When I saw the deposit in my account, I felt incredibly accomplished. Stage 2: Reaction I immediately went to the mall. Then, I bought a small gift for my mother to say thank you. Stage 2: Simple Past Sequence

It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot to me. Since I started working, I have learned the true value of hard work and financial independence. Stage 3: Reflection with Since

That is why this day remains so special to me. Closing

Universal Templates

Step 1: The Opening (Build Your Intro)

Combine A + B to create your opening.

A. The General Statement

• "I have experienced many memorable moments in my life..."
• "I have faced several obstacles in my career..."
• "I have visited many interesting places..."

B. The Specific Hook (The "Stands Out" Sentence)

• "...but [Event Name] definitely stands out as the best one."
• "...but the time I [Action] is the one I remember most clearly."
• "...but [Event Name] remains the most significant memory for me."

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Step 2: The Narrative Arc (Mix & Match)

Select one template from each stage to ensure flow.

Stage 1: The Background (Past Perfect / Used to / Would)

• "Before this experience, I had never realized how important [Topic] was."
• "Actually, I used to be quite [Adjective] because I didn't know better."
• "Back then, I would often [Action] without thinking about the consequences."

Stage 2: The Action (Simple Past + Transitions)

• "However, everything changed when [Event Happened]."
• "The moment I [Action], I immediately felt a rush of [Emotion]."
• "I remember clearly that I [Action] and then I [Action]."

Stage 3: The Reflection (Since + Present Perfect)

• "Since that day, I have learned a valuable lesson about [Topic]."
• "Since that experience, I have changed my perspective completely."
• "Ever since then, I have become more [Adjective: confident/patient/grateful]."

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Step 3: The Closing

Keep it short and meaningful.

• "It was truly a life-changing experience."
• "I will never forget that day."
• "That is why I still think about it today."