Giving a sharp, well-supported opinion in 90 seconds can feel daunting, yet Task 7 is also a score booster once you know the formula. These CELPIP Speaking Tips break the task into simple, trainable moves so you sound confident, organized, and persuasive every single time.
1. Understand What the Raters Want
Task 7 measures four rubrics: Content, Coherence, Vocabulary, and Listenability.
- Content — clear stance plus two or three solid reasons.
- Coherence — logical flow with linking words.
- Vocabulary — precise, natural word choice.
- Listenability — pronunciation, stress, and rate.
Figure 1: Timing Blueprint
| Segment | Time (s) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | 10 | State opinion clearly |
| Reason 1 | 25 | Strongest point & example |
| Reason 2 | 25 | Second point & example |
| Summary | 15 | Re-state stance, close |
Follow this layout and you cover all rating boxes efficiently.
2. Essential CELPIP Speaking Tips for Task 7
2.1 Use a Quick Outline
Write three bullets during the 30-second prep: stance, reason 1, reason 2. A tiny outline prevents wandering.
2.2 Prioritize Clarity Over Complexity
Short, direct sentences keep average length low and help the rater follow you. Aim for 135–145 words total.
Advanced CELPIP Speaking Tips to Raise Your Score
- Front-load your opinion: “I firmly believe remote work should remain an option.”
- Parallel structure: “First…”, “Second…”, “Finally…”.
- Signal examples: “For instance,”, “In my experience,”.
3. Language Tools That Impress Raters
Connector Bank
- Cause/effect: because, since, as a result
- Contrast: however, whereas
- Emphasis: indeed, notably
Persuasive Verbs
- demonstrates, underscores, reinforces, highlights
Use one high-level phrase per sentence; do not over-stuff fancy words. IRCC research shows clarity trumps complexity for Canadian English proficiency tests. External link
4. Practice Strategies That Mirror the Real Exam
- Shadow top answers: Listen to high-scoring samples, pause, and mimic rhythm.
- Record–Review Loops: Record your answer, check timing and filler words.
- Full simulations: Run a timed CELPIP Practice Test each week, then a targeted drill on weak rubrics.
- Pressure stacking: After baseline comfort, add background noise or stand while speaking to raise stress tolerance.
- Benchmark progress: Every two weeks take proctored CELPIP Mock Exams to measure improvement.
Consistent, exam-like practice solidifies muscle memory so delivery feels automatic on test day.
5. Mindset and Delivery on Test Day
- Breathe and smile before the beep; it steadies your tone.
- Visualize your outline instead of reading notes verbatim.
- Keep pace: target 90–100 words per minute—fast enough to finish, slow enough to enunciate.
- Finish strong: re-state opinion confidently even if you fear imperfections; unfinished answers lose more points than minor errors.
Key Takeaways
- Build a 10-25-25-15 timing model to hit all rubrics.
- State your opinion first; support it with two clear reasons and concrete examples.
- Use concise connectors and persuasive verbs for coherence and vocabulary marks.
- Simulate real conditions with recorded, timed drills and periodic full-length tests.
- Manage stress with breathing, positive visualization, and steady pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many reasons should I give?
Two well-developed reasons plus brief examples fit the time limit and satisfy the Content rubric.
What if I run out of time?
Skip extra examples and move to the summary; an incomplete conclusion hurts coherence more than a missing detail.
Do accents lower my score?
No—clarity matters. Raters focus on pronunciation, intonation, and word stress, not accent type.
Can I change my opinion mid-answer?
Avoid it. A sudden shift confuses listeners and breaks coherence. Stick to the stance you state at the start.
Conclusion
Mastering Task 7 is about deliberate structure and consistent, realistic practice. Apply these CELPIP Speaking Tips, sharpen your delivery during mock sessions, and you’ll walk into the test booth ready to express your opinions with confidence and clarity.