CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation (Band 7-10)
Learn the art of describing unusual situations effectively. Learn to provide vivid details, explain your actions clearly, and reflect on the experience to score Band 7-10.
What They Test
Understanding the assessment criteria helps you deliver exactly what examiners are looking for.
Vivid Description
Your ability to describe the unusual situation with specific, engaging details that help the listener visualize and understand what happened.
Clear Sequence of Events
Organizing your response chronologically, showing what happened first, what you did, and how the situation unfolded or was resolved.
Personal Actions and Reactions
Explaining what you did in response to the unusual situation, including your thoughts, feelings, and decision-making process.
Language Range
Using varied vocabulary to describe unusual events, express reactions, and create engaging narrative flow with appropriate linking words.
Template Phrases
Ready-to-use expressions for describing unusual situations vividly and clearly.
Setting the Scene
- "I remember this unusual situation that happened..."
- "Something quite unexpected occurred when..."
- "I found myself in a rather unusual situation where..."
- "This happened a few years ago when..."
Describing the Situation
- "What made it unusual was that..."
- "The situation was particularly strange because..."
- "I noticed that something was different when..."
- "At first, I thought... but then I realized..."
Explaining Your Actions
- "I decided to..."
- "My first reaction was to..."
- "I thought about it and then..."
- "I felt... so I..."
Reflecting on the Outcome
- "In the end, it turned out that..."
- "Looking back, I realize that..."
- "This experience taught me that..."
Sample Answer (30s prep + 60s)
See how a Band 7-10 unusual situation response sounds with vivid details, clear sequence, and thoughtful reflection.
Scenario:
Describe an unusual situation you experienced. Explain what happened and what you did.
Setting the Scene:
"I remember this unusual situation that happened about two years ago. I was walking through a park in the early morning when I noticed something quite unexpected."
Describing the Unusual Situation:
"What made it unusual was that I saw a complete stranger sitting on a bench, and they were reading a book that I had just finished reading the day before. Not only that, but they were reading the exact same page I had stopped at. I thought this was a remarkable coincidence, especially since it was a relatively obscure book that not many people read."
Explaining My Actions:
"My first reaction was to walk past, but I felt curious about this strange coincidence. I decided to approach them and mention that I was reading the same book. I thought about it and then said, 'Excuse me, I couldn't help but notice you're reading that book. I just finished it yesterday!' They looked surprised and we ended up having a wonderful conversation about the book for about twenty minutes."
Reflecting on the Outcome:
"In the end, it turned out that we had very similar tastes in literature, and we exchanged contact information. Looking back, I realize that this unusual situation led to a meaningful friendship. This experience taught me that sometimes the most unexpected moments can bring people together in wonderful ways."
Why This Response Scores High:
- Provides vivid, specific details that make the situation clear and engaging
- Follows a clear chronological sequence: setting, situation, actions, outcome
- Explains personal thoughts, feelings, and decision-making process
- Uses varied vocabulary to describe unusual events and express reactions
- Ends with thoughtful reflection on the experience
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from these frequent errors that lower scores on CELPIP Speaking Task 8.
Mistake 1: Not Explaining What Made It Unusual
Simply describing a situation without highlighting what made it unusual or unexpected weakens your response.
Weak:
"I went to a store. I bought something. It was fine."
Strong:
"I remember this unusual situation that happened when I went to a store. What made it unusual was that the cashier was someone I had met years ago in a completely different country, and they remembered my name. I thought this was remarkable because we had only met once briefly, and it had been over five years since that encounter."
Mistake 2: Missing Details About Your Actions
Failing to explain what you did, how you reacted, or why you made certain decisions leaves your response incomplete.
Weak:
"Something strange happened. I did something about it."
Strong:
"My first reaction was surprise, but I felt curious about this coincidence. I decided to approach them and mention that I was reading the same book. I thought about it and then said, 'Excuse me, I couldn't help but notice you're reading that book. I just finished it yesterday!' They looked surprised and we ended up having a wonderful conversation."
Mistake 3: Poor Chronological Organization
Jumping between different time points or not following a clear sequence makes your story confusing to follow.
Tip: Follow a clear structure: Set the scene → Describe what was unusual → Explain your actions → Reflect on the outcome. Use time markers like "At first...", "Then...", "After that...", "In the end..." to guide the listener.
Mistake 4: Lack of Vivid Details
Using only general descriptions without specific details makes your story less engaging and memorable.
Weak:
"I saw someone reading. It was interesting."
Strong:
"I saw a complete stranger sitting on a bench, and they were reading a book that I had just finished reading the day before. Not only that, but they were reading the exact same page I had stopped at. I thought this was a remarkable coincidence, especially since it was a relatively obscure book that not many people read."
Mini Quiz
Test your understanding of CELPIP Speaking Task 8.
1. What is the primary purpose of CELPIP Speaking Task 8?
2. Which approach is most effective for Task 8?
3. What makes a strong unusual situation response?
Ready to Practice Task 8?
Put your storytelling skills into action with our interactive CELPIP Speaking exercises.