In Task 1 you give advice to a friend, family member or coworker who has a problem. You get 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak, which makes it the longest response in the Speaking test along with Task 7.
The person in the prompt usually has limits, such as a small budget, little free time or family duties. Strong answers give two or three pieces of advice that respect those limits, and explain why each one would help.
Task 1 practice prompts and sample answers
These are the 3 free Task 1 prompts on CELPIPReady. Each sample answer was written by CELPIPReady to show what a response can sound like at a target level. They are not official CELPIP answers or scores.
Prompt 1
Your friend Amina moved to Halifax two months ago for a full-time remote job. She feels lonely and wants to meet people in person, but she is shy, is saving for a rental deposit, and looks after her nephew every weekday evening. Advise Amina on how she could build a social life without neglecting her budget or family responsibilities.
Basic sample answer (CLB 6-7)
Amina, I think you should start with one free activity on Saturdays. Working from home can feel lonely, and your evenings are busy with your nephew. You could look for a small book club at a Halifax library. Having a book to discuss could make talking easier when you feel shy. Going each week would help you get to know people without spending your rental deposit savings. You could also invite a neighbour for a short lunchtime walk. I'd try these small steps before joining several groups at once.
Good sample answer (CLB 9)
Amina, I'd start by finding one free weekend activity near your home in Halifax. Since you're saving for a rental deposit and caring for your nephew every weekday evening, expensive classes or evening meetups would be difficult. A small library book club could work well because the book gives you something to discuss, which might ease your shyness. I'd contact the organizer first and ask whether they welcome new members. Between meetings, you could invite a neighbour for a lunchtime walk to break up your remote working day. Give the same group a few visits before deciding whether it suits you. Familiar faces can make conversation easier, and you wouldn't need to spend much money.
Excellent sample answer (CLB 11-12)
Amina, I'd build a small routine around the time and money you actually have available. Your weekday evenings are already committed to your nephew, so I'd look for a free Saturday activity near your home in Halifax. A small library book club would give you a shared topic, which could take some pressure off starting conversations when you're shy. You could email the organizer beforehand and ask for an introduction when you arrive. I'd return several times rather than expect an instant friendship. To break up the isolation of your remote job during the week, try inviting a neighbour for a lunchtime walk. That would offer regular contact without dipping into your rental deposit savings. If Saturdays become tiring, choose a group that meets every other week. The aim is to make meeting people manageable enough that you can keep doing it.
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Prompt 2
Your younger brother Rohan has started his first full-time office job in Halifax. His manager often gives him urgent tasks just before he must leave to collect his daughter from daycare at 4:30 p.m., and he is afraid that asking for help during his probation period will make him seem incapable. Advise Rohan on how to manage his workload and communicate professionally while meeting his childcare responsibilities.
Basic sample answer (CLB 6-7)
Rohan, I'd talk to your manager before another urgent task arrives. Explain that you must collect your daughter from daycare at four thirty, and ask which jobs you should finish first. Each morning, make a short list and check it with your manager. If something urgent arrives late, explain what you can finish before leaving and ask who could help. I know you're worried about probation, but asking clear questions can show that you care about doing good work. You don't have to hide your limits to make a good impression.
Good sample answer (CLB 9)
Rohan, I'd arrange a short conversation with your manager while things are calm. Explain your daycare deadline and agree on when you need to leave to collect your daughter at four thirty. Since this is your first full-time office job, it's reasonable to ask how urgent tasks should be handled. Start each morning with a priority list, then check what should move if another request arrives. For a late task, explain what you can finish and ask whether a colleague could complete the rest. I understand your concern about probation, but promising everything and missing deadlines could create more problems. Clear updates would show that you're taking both your work and your childcare responsibilities seriously.
Excellent sample answer (CLB 11-12)
Rohan, I'd speak with your manager before the next late request puts you under pressure. Explain that collecting your daughter at four thirty requires a firm departure time, and ask how you should handle urgent work that arrives shortly beforehand. Since you're new, agreeing on expectations could prevent misunderstandings during probation. Each morning, outline your priorities and leave a little room for unexpected tasks where possible. If something urgent comes in late, give your manager a realistic choice: you can finish one part before leaving, or a colleague could take it over with clear notes. I know asking for help feels risky when you're trying to prove yourself. Still, flagging a problem early demonstrates judgement. You'd be giving your manager time to make a decision instead of quietly accepting a deadline that conflicts with your childcare responsibilities.
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Prompt 3
Your colleague Mateo has been promoted to lead the customer service team at your Vancouver office, including two close friends who used to be his peers. His manager expects him to introduce a stricter shift schedule next week, but his friends already expect special treatment, and he worries that refusing them will damage their friendships. Advise Mateo on how he could earn his team's respect while introducing the new schedule fairly.
Basic sample answer (CLB 6-7)
Mateo, I'd talk to your manager first about why the shift schedule needs to change next week. Then explain the reasons to everyone on the team together. Your friends may expect better shifts, but giving them special treatment could upset the others. Tell them privately that you still value their friendship, but you must use the same rules for everyone. Ask each person when they are available before making the schedule. I'd also offer to review it after two weeks so the team can tell you about any problems.
Good sample answer (CLB 9)
Mateo, I'd begin by asking your manager which parts of next week's stricter schedule are fixed and where you have room to adjust. Then explain the change to the whole team, including how shifts will be assigned. Ask everyone about their availability and use the same rules for all requests. Your two friends may feel disappointed when you refuse special treatment, so speak with them privately. Explain that you value their friendship and need to be fair to their colleagues too. Don't promise better shifts just to avoid an awkward conversation. Finally, arrange a review after two weeks. Listening to concerns and following clear rules should help you earn respect without pretending the transition is easy.
Excellent sample answer (CLB 11-12)
Mateo, I'd clarify your manager's expectations before announcing next week's schedule. Find out which requirements are fixed and whether there's flexibility over individual shifts. That way, you can explain the change honestly without offering choices you can't deliver. Invite availability requests from the entire team and publish consistent rules for handling conflicts. Your two friends deserve a private conversation as well. Acknowledge that reporting to a friend may feel strange, then explain that giving them preferred shifts would undermine everyone's trust in you. You can still care about their needs while applying the same process to their colleagues. I'd also schedule a review after two weeks to address practical problems. If a decision proves unfair, explain how you'll correct it. You don't need everyone to like every shift; you need them to see that you listen, explain decisions, and keep your word.
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Task 1 FAQ
How long is CELPIP Speaking Task 1?
CELPIP Speaking Task 1 (Giving Advice) gives you 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak. Your response is recorded on the computer and the recording stops when the time ends.
Are these CELPIP Speaking Task 1 sample answers official?
No. CELPIPReady wrote these sample answers to show what a response can sound like at each target level. They are not official CELPIP answers, and the CLB labels are targets, not scores from a CELPIP rater.
Can I practice CELPIP Speaking Task 1 for free?
Yes. The first 3 Task 1 prompts on CELPIPReady are free, with a timer and sample answers. With a free account you also get a few AI feedback scores each week.
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