In Part 2 of the CELPIP Speaking Test, you’ll share a personal story about a past experience. The goal is to demonstrate your ability to narrate events clearly, describe details effectively, and express emotions and reflections. This task evaluates your storytelling skills, vocabulary, coherence, and fluency. Below are some practical tips and sample responses for different proficiency levels.
Pick an event you can talk about easily. If nothing comes to mind, don’t hesitate to make up a story—it doesn’t have to be true as long as it’s detailed and coherent.
Since you’re narrating a past experience, make sure your verbs match the timeline. Practice using past tenses like "helped," "supported," and "gave."
Describe who was involved, what happened, and how you felt. Adding sensory details (what you saw, heard, or felt) will make your story more engaging.
Structure your response into three parts:
Highlight your feelings during and after the event. Words like "grateful," "happy," or "proud" can help convey your emotions.
Focus on speaking naturally. Avoid long pauses, filler words, or overly complex sentences. It’s okay to pause briefly to collect your thoughts.
Talk about a time when you helped someone in need. Maybe you helped a friend with a project, supported a family member through a difficult time, or assisted a stranger. Who did you help, what did you do, and how did it make you feel?
Response: One time, I helped my friend with her homework. She is not good at math, and she asked me to help her study for a test. I showed her how to solve problems and explained everything slowly. After the test, she told me she passed. I was very happy because she worked hard. I think helping her was a good thing to do, and I feel proud of myself.
Analysis: This response is simple and covers the basics of the story. The speaker uses straightforward language but lacks details and variety in vocabulary. There is minimal reflection on the emotional aspect of the experience.
Response: Last summer, my neighbor’s car broke down, and she didn’t know what to do. She came to my house and asked for help. I don’t know much about cars, but I offered to call a towing service for her. While waiting for the tow truck, I stayed with her and brought her some water because it was a hot day. After the car was fixed, she brought me a thank-you note and some cookies, which was so kind of her. Helping her made me feel really good because I was able to make her day a little easier.
Analysis: This response is more structured and includes specific details, like calling the towing service and staying with the neighbor. The speaker uses appropriate vocabulary, such as "towing service," "hot day," and "thank-you note," and expresses emotions clearly.
Response: A moment that stands out to me was when I helped a colleague complete an important presentation at work. She had been struggling with time management and was extremely stressed because the deadline was only a day away. I offered to assist by reviewing her slides, organizing the content, and helping her practice the delivery. We stayed late at the office, but the next day, she gave an amazing presentation, and our manager praised her work. Later, she sent me a heartfelt email thanking me for my support. That experience taught me the importance of teamwork and made me feel proud to have been a part of her success. It was incredibly rewarding to see her confidence grow.
Analysis: This response demonstrates excellent storytelling with clear organization and advanced vocabulary, such as "time management," "heartfelt email," and "rewarding." The speaker reflects deeply on the emotional and professional significance of the experience, showcasing fluency and coherence.
In Part 2 of the CELPIP Speaking Test, your ability to narrate a personal experience is key to scoring well. Practice structuring your responses, using vivid details, and expressing emotions clearly. By incorporating the tips, vocabulary, and examples provided here, you can craft compelling stories that showcase your speaking skills and help you stand out. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be ready to ace this task!
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