CELPIP Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
Describe what is unusual and finish the task
Help the listener picture what you see, then complete the invitation or request in the prompt.
Task at a glance: 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
Guide 8 of 8 in the Speaking path · Reviewed
Know the task
Task 8 asks you to describe an unusual picture to someone who cannot see it. Read the whole prompt to find out why you are speaking to them. You may also need to invite them, ask about an item, or arrange help. Complete that action as well as describing the picture.
See the official CELPIP test formatA useful approach
- 1
Start by saying why you are calling
Speak to Lena as if you are calling her from the fair. Briefly say where you are and what you found. Then move on to describing the chair.
- 2
Compare it with something familiar
An open umbrella helps Lena picture the chair’s shape. Then describe how the frame, fabric, cushion, and legs fit together. Say where the parts are, as well as their colours.
- 3
Use the details you are given
Describe what the image or prompt shows. If you do not know the name of a part, explain its shape, position, or use in simple words. Leave out details you cannot see or read, such as a price.
- 4
Finish the invitation or request
Here, invite Lena to see the chair and offer to meet her at the fair entrance. In another task, you may need to ask about buying an item or getting help. Check the prompt for the action you need to complete.
Sample question and answer
Sample question: Imagine you are at an outdoor design fair. You see a chair shaped like an open umbrella. A curved wooden frame holds yellow fabric that turns upward like a bowl. A round blue cushion sits in the middle, and three short metal legs support the chair. A small sign beside it says ‘Please ask before sitting’. Call your friend Lena, who enjoys unusual furniture. Describe the chair and invite her to meet you at the fair entrance to look at it.
Imagined object · Select a passage to see its explanation.
Reason for calling
The speaker tells Lena where they are and why they want her to see the chair.
Read the full sample answer
Hi Lena, I’m at the outdoor design fair, and I’ve found a chair I think you’d love to see. Imagine an open umbrella turned upside down, with a round blue cushion sitting in the middle. The yellow fabric forms a bowl around the seat, and a curved wooden frame holds it in that shape.
Underneath, there are three short metal legs, so it actually stands like a chair rather than lying on the ground. It’s such an unexpected combination: familiar umbrella fabric arranged as a piece of furniture. There’s a sign asking visitors to check before sitting, so I haven’t tried it yet.
Would you like to come down and take a look? I can meet you at the fair entrance and show you where it is. You’re always interested in unusual furniture, and I’d love to hear what you think of this one.
Check your understanding
A common mistake
Calling an object strange without describing its shape.
Less useful: There is a very strange chair. It is really unusual and amazing.
More specific: The chair looks like an upside-down umbrella, with a blue cushion inside the yellow fabric bowl.
The clearer sentence helps the listener picture the chair’s shape, colours, and parts. Words such as “amazing” describe your reaction but do not explain what the chair looks like.
Useful language in context
- turned upside down
With the top facing down and the bottom facing up.
The seat looks like an umbrella turned upside down.
- a curved frame
A bent or rounded structure that supports something.
A curved wooden frame holds the yellow fabric around the cushion.
- take a look
Look at or examine something.
Would you like to take a look at the chair with me?
Try it yourself
- Read the chair description above. Describe its shape, colours, and parts in three sentences.
- Say those sentences aloud as if you were calling Lena. Help her picture the chair without using “strange” or “unusual”.
- Check that you included the umbrella shape, yellow fabric, blue cushion, wooden frame, and three short metal legs. Then invite Lena to see it and say you can meet her at the fair entrance.