CELPIP Speaking Task 2: Talking About a Personal Experience

Did you know that many CELPIP test-takers lose marks not because of bad grammar, but because their answers sound too vague or disorganized? Speaking Task 2 on the CELPIP test asks you to talk about a personal experience—and while it might sound easy, the key to scoring well is being structured, detailed, and expressive.

If you want to boost your CELPIP Speaking score, this article is for you. We’ll walk you through what Task 2 is all about, show you how to build a strong answer, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and offer practical strategies you can start using right away.

What is Speaking Task 2? Understanding the Scenario

In Task 2, you’ll be asked to describe a personal experience, like a memorable event, a problem you solved, or a special moment from your life. For example:

“Describe a time when you helped someone solve a problem.”

You’ll have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. The goal is to speak fluently and clearly about what happened, how you felt, and why the experience was meaningful. CELPIP also helps you brainstorming, usually by giving you three topics in the task. For example, the task could read “Describe a time when you helped someone solve a problem. MAYBE YOU CAN TALK ABOUT A SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM AT SCHOOL, AT WORK or AT HOME.” These three scenarios are ONLY options, and not mandatory, so do not feel restricted by the, This is just a way CELPIP tries to help test takers, as it is understandable that you might be nervous and get frustrated because of a lack of ideas on the spot.

Now, think of it like telling a short story to a friend—you want it to be personal, specific, and easy to follow.

How to Structure Your Response

To make your answer clear and engaging, follow this simple 4-step structure:

1. Start by setting the Scene

When and where did it happen? When telling a story starting with the TIME and PLACE is essential. Check out the way Speaker 1 opens his task:

“This happened about a year ago when I was living in Kelowna, BC. ”

2. Answer the Question Immediately

Focus on answering the question right after describing the time and the place. In real life, we often tend to start our stories with details and send the real message at the end. We do this to create suspense, mystery and surprise. However, when it comes to the test. it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you answer the question immediately after Step 1 as we have seen many students who start talking about details, and by the time they are about to get to the answer (the actual task), they have run out of time.

“This happened about a year ago when I was living in Kelowna, BC. I helped my friend Alex apply for a customer service position. He was really nervous because it was his first interview in Canada. ”

3. Describe in Detail

Boost your score by adding interesting idioms, adjectives and nouns to your story.

“This happened about a year ago when I was living in Kelowna, BC. I helped my friend Alex apply for a customer service position. He was really nervous because it was his first interview in Canada. So, I helped him practice interview questions, corrected his grammar, and gave him tips on how to sound more confident. We practiced every evening for a week.”

4. Explain the Outcome or Lesson

Wrap up your story with what happened in the end with your opinion, or what you learned.

“This happened about a year ago when I was living in Kelowna, BC. I helped my friend Alex apply for a customer service position. He was really nervous because it was his first interview in Canada. So, I helped him practice interview questions, corrected his grammar, and gave him tips on how to sound more confident. We practiced every evening for a week. In the end, he got the job! He was so thankful, and I felt proud that I could help someone start their new life in Canada.”

Top Tips for a Stronger Response

Even if your story is great, your delivery matters. Here are a few expert tips to sound more fluent and confident:

Practice with a Timer

You only get 60 seconds—make sure your story fits. Record yourself and check your pacing.

Use Natural Language

Don’t try to sound too formal. Speak like you're having a friendly conversation.

Add Connectors

Words like first, then, after that, because, and so help keep your story organized and easy to follow.

Be Specific

Instead of saying “I helped someone,” explain how you helped. Use real details.

Express Emotions

Include how you felt—happy, nervous, proud, relieved. This adds depth and authenticity.

What to Avoid

Here are a few things that can hurt your score:

DON'T be too general:

Avoid vague answers like “It was a good experience.” Add concrete details.

DON'T tell a story with no point:

Make sure your story has a clear outcome or lesson.

DON'T use memorized scripts:

These often sound unnatural and robotic.

DON'T rush or speak too slowly:

Aim for a steady, natural pace.

DON'T start with the details:

Getting the TIME, PLACE and ANSWERING the question is key to succeeding in this task.

Remember: You’re not being judged on the importance of your story, but how well you communicate it.

Sample Prompt and Response

Prompt:

Describe a time when you overcame a challenge.

Response:

“One of the most challenging moments I faced was moving to Canada for the first time. I didn’t know anyone, and everything felt unfamiliar. At first, it was really tough to adjust. But I decided to join a local language exchange group. I made new friends, improved my English, and started feeling more confident. Looking back, it was hard, but I’m glad I pushed through it—it helped me grow as a person.”

Practice Topics to Try

Here are some prompts you can use to practice at home:

• Describe a time when you helped someone.

• Talk about a moment when you learned something new.

• Describe a celebration or event you really enjoyed.

• Talk about a problem you solved successfully.

  
  

• Describe a memorable trip that you took

Set a timer, record your answers, and reflect on your delivery. The more you practice, the more natural your responses will become.

Useful Phrases for CELPIP Task 2

“One time that stands out to me is…”

“I remember this clearly because…”

“What made this experience special was…”

“At first, I felt ___, but then…”

“In the end, I learned that…”

Final Thoughts: Share with Confidence

Speaking Task 2 is your chance to show who you are through your stories. With a clear structure, natural tone, and a little practice, you can tell meaningful stories that leave a strong impression.

Don’t worry if your story isn’t dramatic. It just needs to be real, well-told, and easy to understand. Start practicing now and you’ll feel more confident on test day!

Learn More or Get in Touch

At www.englishabilitycanada.com, we help students master CELPIP with 1-on-1 and group classes that fit your needs and schedule. From fluency coaching to detailed speaking feedback, we’ve got your back.

Email us at: contact@englishabilitycanada.com

For CELPIP classes in Calgary: 1-778-833-3122

For CELPIP classes in Vancouver: 1-604-500-7353

Check out our Writing and Speaking “Assessments” package—get expert feedback on your CELPIP tasks within 48 hours. Visit our website to learn more!