CELPIP Speaking Task 1: Giving Advice samples

CLB 6 model answer

Hey, I know the Winnipeg winter looks scary, but you can manage it if you prepare early. First, buy a warm winter coat that covers your hips, and also get waterproof boots, thick socks, gloves, and a toque. Don’t only wear one heavy shirt. It’s better to wear layers because you can remove one layer when you go inside. Second, check the weather before leaving home because the temperature can change fast. When it says minus thirty, leave extra time for the bus, because buses can be late. Keep your phone charged and tell someone where you’re going if you travel far. You should also carry a small emergency kit with hand warmers, tissues, and an extra pair of gloves. Try not to walk on dark icy paths, and take small steps so you don’t fall. If you drive, clean all the snow from the car and keep the gas tank at least half full. Finally, don’t stay inside all winter. Join a community centre or go for short walks on better days. Winter is long, but after some weeks, you will feel more confident.

CLB 6 model answer

I understand why you’re nervous, but you can prepare before the meeting. First, write down the work you completed in the last few months. Include projects, extra duties, and any good comments from customers or coworkers. Try to use numbers when possible, like how many files you finished or how much time you saved. You should also think about one or two problems you had and how you solved them. During the review, speak clearly and don’t rush. You can say, “One thing I’m proud of is…” and then explain it. Don’t say you did everything alone if the team helped you. It’s good to show you can work with others. When your manager gives feedback, listen fully and don’t interrupt, even if you disagree. Ask for an example so you can understand better. You can also ask what they want you to improve in the next three months. At the end, repeat the main goals to make sure you understood. After the meeting, send a short email thanking your manager and mention the goals. The review is not only about mistakes. It’s also a chance to show your progress.

CLB 6 model answer

You should be careful because renting for the first time can be confusing. First, decide your maximum budget, but remember rent is not the only cost. Ask if heat, water, parking, or internet are included. When you visit an apartment, check the windows, taps, locks, appliances, and signs of mould. You can also ask how noisy the building is and where the laundry room is. Take pictures, but ask permission first. Before paying anything, make sure you see the unit and meet the landlord or property manager. Don’t send money only because someone says many people are waiting. That can be a scam. Check that the address is real and search the photos online to see if they were copied from another listing. Read the lease slowly. Look at the rent amount, deposit, move-in date, rules, and how much notice you must give. Don’t sign blank pages, and keep a copy of everything. In British Columbia, the landlord should give you a proper tenancy agreement. When you move in, complete an inspection report and take photos of damage. This will protect you when you move out later.

CLB 6 model answer

That’s a really nice idea, but I think you should plan it step by step. First, talk to the community centre manager and ask who owns the land. You may need permission from the city or another organization. Bring a simple plan showing the garden size, where the water will come from, and who will take care of it. You should also ask about insurance and safety rules. After permission, make a small poster and share it in the neighbourhood, library, and local online group. Ask volunteers what they can help with, like digging, watering, or bringing tools. Don’t start with a very large garden because it may be difficult to manage. Maybe begin with eight or ten plots. Choose one person for tools, one for the schedule, and one for money. Make a weekly watering list so people know their turn. You should also have rules about clean-up, shared vegetables, and what happens if someone stops coming. Keep a notebook of expenses and donations. At the end of the season, have a small meeting and ask what worked. If the first year goes well, you can make it bigger next year.

CLB 6 model answer

Before the interview, talk to your child and ask how school is going. Ask which subjects are easy, which are difficult, and if there are any problems with classmates. You should also look at recent homework, tests, and messages from the teacher. Write your questions because the meeting may be short and you can forget. You can ask about your child’s reading, math, participation, behaviour, and friendships. Don’t only ask, “Is everything okay?” because the teacher may give a short answer. Ask for examples, like what your child does well and what needs improvement. If the teacher mentions a problem, stay calm and listen. Don’t blame the teacher or your child immediately. Ask what happens in class and what you can do at home. You can also explain any family change that may affect your child, but you don’t need to share everything. Before leaving, agree on one or two actions, such as reading twenty minutes daily or checking the agenda. After two or three weeks, send a polite email asking if there is improvement. Also speak to your child in a positive way, so they don’t feel the interview was only about mistakes.

CLB 6 model answer

First, read the job posting again and underline the main skills, like customer service, computer work, scheduling, or organization. Then look at the employer’s website so you know what services they provide. Prepare examples from your past work or school. If they ask, “Tell me about a time you solved a problem,” explain what happened, what you did, and the result. Try not to give only one-sentence answers. You should practise aloud with someone because an answer can sound different when you speak it. On interview day, wear clean professional clothes and arrive about ten minutes early. Bring copies of your résumé and a list of references. Greet everyone politely, make eye contact, and keep your phone silent. If you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to ask them to repeat it. Don’t pretend you know a program if you don’t. You can say you have used something similar and are ready to learn. At the end, ask one or two questions about training or the team. Thank them for their time, and send a short thank-you email later. Be confident, but don’t memorize every answer like a speech.

CLB 6 model answer

I think you should wait before buying a car, but first compare your daily needs. Check how far your home is from work and how often the bus comes, especially early morning, evening, and weekends. Try the route for one or two weeks. If it takes too long or you miss shifts, then a car may be better. For cost, don’t look only at the car price. You also need insurance, registration, fuel, winter tires, repairs, and parking. A cheap used car can become expensive if it has many problems. Before buying, ask for the vehicle history and take it to an independent mechanic. Don’t trust only the seller’s words. Transit is cheaper and you don’t worry about repairs, but it may be less convenient for groceries, appointments, or winter weather. You can also use a taxi sometimes and still spend less than owning a car. I suggest making a monthly budget for both choices. Since you just moved, maybe use transit for the first month and save money. After you understand your work schedule and neighbourhood, you can decide with better information instead of buying quickly.

CLB 6 model answer

You don’t need to start with a big group. Begin with one person you trust and speak English for ten minutes every day. You can talk about your work, your weekend, or something you saw on the news. Don’t stop every time you make a mistake because then you will lose confidence. Choose one thing to improve each week, like pronunciation or using past tense. You can join a small conversation circle at a library or community centre in Ottawa. Tell the group leader that you feel shy, so maybe they can put you with friendly people. Another idea is to record your voice on your phone. Answer one question for one minute, listen, and then try again. At first, you may not like your voice, but it will help you notice repeated mistakes. Learn useful phrases, not only single words, because phrases are easier to use in real conversation. Keep a notebook with new expressions and one example sentence. Every two weeks, record the same topic again and compare it. Also celebrate small progress, like speaking to a cashier or asking a question in a meeting. Confidence comes after practice, not before it.

CLB 6 model answer

You should talk to your roommate before you become more angry. Choose a calm time, not when the kitchen is dirty and you’re already upset. Start with how the problem affects you. For example, say, “I feel stressed when dishes stay in the sink for two days,” instead of saying, “You’re lazy.” Give one or two clear examples, but don’t list every mistake from the past. Ask your roommate if there is a reason, because maybe their work schedule changed or they have a different idea of clean. Then make simple rules together. You can divide jobs, like one person cleans the bathroom and the other cleans the kitchen, and change every week. Make a schedule for garbage, floors, and dishes. Put it on the fridge or use a shared phone calendar. Agree how soon dishes should be washed and what happens if someone is away. Try the plan for two weeks and then talk again. Don’t clean everything silently and then explode later. If the roommate still ignores the agreement, remind them once in writing. After that, you may need to speak with the landlord or think about moving when the lease allows.

CLB 6 model answer

That can be a good small business, but she should check the rules before selling. First, contact the city or local public health office and ask which foods can be made at home. Some products with cream, meat, or other fillings may need special storage or a licensed kitchen. She should also ask about permits, labels, and allergy information. For prices, calculate the cost of flour, butter, sugar, packaging, event fees, and transportation. She should also include money for her time. If one batch costs twenty dollars and makes twenty items, she cannot sell each one for only one dollar because there is no profit. Look at prices at other local markets, but don’t copy them without checking her own costs. Start with a small menu, maybe three or four products, so quality stays good. Use clear labels and make the table clean and attractive. Offer small samples if the event allows it. Ask customers which item they liked and keep notes about what sells. Put a simple contact card in each bag, and post future event dates online. Repeat customers will come if the taste, size, and service are consistent every time.