Introduction
You have 60 seconds to examine an image and 60 seconds to speak. That minute of talk can lift—or sink—your overall mark. The CELPIP Speaking Tips in this guide show you how to turn any picture into a clear, well-structured description that dazzles raters and feels natural to listeners. You will learn a proven framework, common traps, and resources that let you practice like a pro. By the end, you can look at any scene and outline it in your head within seconds.
Why Task 3 Matters
Task 3 checks three key abilities:
- Observation – spotting key details quickly.
- Organization – presenting those details in a logical order.
- Fluency – speaking smoothly under time pressure.
Raters score you on Content, Coherence, Vocabulary, and Pronunciation. A strong performance here cushions weaker answers in later tasks and boosts your overall band.
CELPIP Speaking Tips Framework for Describing a Scene
Follow the five-step P-S-D-C-F routine:
1. Preview and Partition
Spend the first 10 seconds mentally dividing the picture into three zones (front-middle-back or left-center-right). Note one standout feature in each zone.
2. State the Setting
Open with a one-sentence headline: “The scene shows a busy downtown farmers’ market on a sunny morning.” This anchors the listener and scores for Context.
3. Detail Each Zone
Describe objects and actions zone by zone. Use spatial connectors—in the foreground, to the left, behind them—to guide the examiner’s “mind’s eye.” Keep sentences short: one fact, one action.
4. Connect People and Purpose
Explain relationships or likely intentions: “The vendor in a red apron hands fresh berries to a smiling customer, suggesting friendly service.” This step adds interpretation and earns higher lexical range.
5. Finish with Forecast
Close with a speculative or future-oriented line: “The crowds will probably grow as lunchtime nears.” It shows higher-level language and wraps the description neatly.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Listing without structure | Use the three-zone template. |
| Running out of time | Aim for 110–120 words; rehearse with a timer. |
| Vocabulary gaps | Prepare category word banks (people, weather, objects). |
| Monotone delivery | Mark your script with stress cues and practice aloud. |
Practice Resources and Next Steps
Build daily habits that mirror test conditions:
Record-Review Loops
Record yourself on your phone, then compare against the five-step checklist.
Timed Mock Practice
Use a CELPIP Practice Test to find realistic images and the official 60-second timer.
Simulated Exam Days
Run full speaking sets with CELPIP Mock Exams once a week to sharpen endurance.
For official scoring rubrics and extra vocabulary lists, see the Government of Canada’s guide to Canadian language requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many details should I mention?
Aim for 8–10 strong details. Quality beats quantity.
Can I invent information not visible in the picture?
Yes—briefly. A short inference (“She might be late for work”) shows creativity, but stay rooted in what you see.
What if I mispronounce a word?
Keep going. Raters reward recovery and overall clarity more than perfection.
Should I memorize a script?
No. Memorized speech sounds unnatural. Instead, memorize the framework and plug in new details each time.
Key Takeaways
- Use a five-step P-S-D-C-F routine: Preview, Setting, Details, Connections, Forecast.
- Describe the image in zones to stay organized.
- Mix concrete observation with brief interpretation for higher scores.
- Practice under strict time with recorded feedback.
Conclusion
Task 3 is your chance to impress early. With these CELPIP Speaking Tips, clear structure, and regular timed practice, you will describe any scene confidently and score higher on test day. Good luck!