CELPIP Speaking: Describing a Scene 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In CELPIP Speaking Task 1 (Describing a Scene), how much preparation time are you given before recording?
- 30 seconds (Correct answer)
- 60 seconds
- 90 seconds
- No preparation time
Correct answer: 30 seconds
Task 1 gives 30 seconds of preparation time before you begin speaking.
Question 2: How long do you have to speak when describing the scene in Task 1?
- 30 seconds
- 60 seconds (Correct answer)
- 90 seconds
- 2 minutes
Correct answer: 60 seconds
You have 60 seconds of speaking time to describe the picture in Task 1.
Question 3: Which verb tense is most appropriate for describing actions happening in the picture right now?
- Simple past
- Present continuous (Correct answer)
- Future perfect
- Past perfect
Correct answer: Present continuous
The present continuous (e.g., 'a man is walking') best describes ongoing actions in a scene.
Question 4: Which prepositional phrase best helps the listener locate an object in the scene?
- At some point
- In the foreground (Correct answer)
- By the way
- On the other hand
Correct answer: In the foreground
'In the foreground' tells the listener exactly where in the picture the object appears.
Question 5: Why should you describe the scene in a logical order (e.g., left to right or background to foreground)?
- It uses more advanced grammar
- It helps the listener follow and visualize (Correct answer)
- It is required to pass
- It saves recording time
Correct answer: It helps the listener follow and visualize
A logical order helps the listener mentally picture the scene you cannot show them.
Question 6: What should you do if you finish describing the main details before your 60 seconds are up?
- Stop talking and wait silently
- Add details about colours, weather, or emotions (Correct answer)
- Repeat the same sentence
- Switch to a different topic
Correct answer: Add details about colours, weather, or emotions
Adding extra descriptive details like colours, mood, or weather fills the time and shows vocabulary range.
Question 7: Which sentence is the strongest opening for describing a scene?
- This is a picture.
- In this picture, I can see a busy park on a sunny afternoon. (Correct answer)
- I don't know what this is.
- Maybe it is something outside.
Correct answer: In this picture, I can see a busy park on a sunny afternoon.
A clear opening that sets the location and context orients the listener immediately.
CELPIP Speaking: Describing a Scene 2
In CELPIP Speaking Task 1 (Describing a Scene), how much preparation time are you given before recording?