5 Key CELPIP Tips.
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Use connectors such as firstly, secondly, thirdly. These connectors will help organize your thoughts and will give clarity to your message.
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Between those connectors, share your points, then give reasons, and wrap up your answer with words like ‘overall, therefore, my point is…, etc.
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Use low-frequency vocabulary words for adjectives [words with -ly] and adverbs.
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Use descriptive words when describing a scene – the secret here is to focus on the focal point [middle section of the image].
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Use personal experiences to tie your opinion to the questions.
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Detailed Strategies:
1. Use Connectors Such as Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly
In the CELPIP Speaking Test, using connectors like “firstly,” “secondly,” and “thirdly” can make your responses clearer and better organized. This allows the examiner to easily follow your argument, which can improve your score in the organization and coherence criteria.
Example (Speaking Response): Imagine you’re asked to talk to a friend about the advantages of working remotely. Your response could be:
“Firstly, working remotely offers flexibility in terms of managing your time. For instance, I can arrange my work hours around my personal life, which helps me maintain a better work-life balance. Secondly, it reduces the time and money spent on commuting. Personally, I used to spend an hour every day stuck in traffic, but now I can use that time more productively. Thirdly, remote work allows me to be more focused. At home, I can create a distraction-free environment, which helps me be more efficient. Overall, the flexibility, cost savings, and increased focus make remote work highly beneficial for me.”
2. Between Those Connectors, Share Your Points, Then Give Reasons, and Wrap Up Your Answer
When giving your response, it’s crucial to support each point with reasons or examples. This shows depth in your answer and helps convey your message clearly. Ending your answer with a conclusion, such as “therefore” or “overall,” wraps it up effectively.
Example (Speaking Response): For a question about choosing between two vacation destinations, you could say:
“Firstly, I would choose the beach vacation because I love the calming effect of the ocean. The sound of the waves and the fresh breeze help me relax after a stressful workweek. Secondly, beach destinations often have a variety of outdoor activities, like swimming and snorkeling, which I enjoy. Therefore, I believe a beach vacation would provide the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for me.”
3. Use Low-Frequency Vocabulary Words for Adjectives and Adverbs
In the CELPIP Speaking Test, using less common vocabulary can help demonstrate your proficiency in English. Using words that are precise and less frequent shows the examiner that you have a broad vocabulary range, which can boost your score in the vocabulary criteria.
Example (Speaking Response): Instead of saying: “The movie was very good and really interesting.”
You could say: “The movie was exceptional and remarkably engaging. I was thoroughly captivated by the storyline from start to finish.”
Words like “exceptional” and “remarkably” elevate the quality of your response, making you sound more fluent and natural.
4. Use Descriptive Words When Describing a Scene – Focus on the Focal Point
When you are asked to describe a picture or a situation, focus on using descriptive language to give a vivid picture of the scene. A good strategy is to describe the most important part of the image first, then expand on the details around it.
Example (Speaking Response): Suppose you’re asked to describe a scene of a busy park.
“In the center of the park, there’s a large, majestic fountain that draws everyone’s attention. Around the fountain, you can see children giggling as they run around, and a group of people sitting on benches, peacefully watching the scene. To the left, there’s a man walking his dog, while in the background, you can hear the sound of musicians playing cheerful tunes. The park is vibrant, with a mix of lively conversations and the sound of nature.”
This detailed description helps the examiner visualize the scene you’re describing.
5. Use Personal Experiences to Tie Your Opinion to the Questions
Relating your answers to personal experiences not only adds depth to your response but also makes your speaking sound more natural and engaging. It gives you an opportunity to speak more confidently, as you are drawing from real-life experiences.
Example (Speaking Response): If you’re asked about the importance of teamwork, you could say:
“From my own experience, teamwork is crucial in achieving success. When I worked on a project at my previous job, I had to collaborate closely with my colleagues. We each brought different strengths to the table, and by working together, we were able to complete the project ahead of schedule. This experience taught me that effective teamwork can lead to better outcomes and a more positive work environment.