Mastering CELPIP Speaking Task 1: Giving Advice

Introduction

In CELPIP Speaking Task 1, you must give advice to someone facing a particular situation. Your response should be structured, clear, and persuasive, demonstrating logical reasoning and fluency.

This guide provides a step-by-step approach, including sentence starters and vocabulary, to help you deliver a well-organized and natural response.

Task Overview

Task: Provide advice to a person in a given situation.

Preparation Time: 30 seconds

Speaking Time: 60 seconds

Key Goals:

• Address the issue directly.
• Provide logical and well-supported advice.
• Use a clear structure to ensure fluency and coherence.

Step-by-Step Guide to Giving Advice

1️⃣ Greeting and Acknowledgment (5-10 seconds)

✔ Begin with a friendly greeting and acknowledge the person's situation.

✔ Show understanding and empathy to create a supportive tone.

💬 Sentence Starters:

• "Hi [Name], I understand you're dealing with [situation]."
• "Hello [Name], I heard you're facing a challenge with [topic]."
• "Hey there! It sounds like you're struggling with [issue], and I'd love to help."
• "Hi, I know you're making an important decision about [situation]."
• "Hello, it seems like you're unsure about what to do regarding [challenge]."

📌 Example:

"Hi Anna, I heard you're having trouble deciding whether to accept a new job offer. I completely understand how tough this choice can be."

2️⃣ State Your Main Advice (10 seconds)

✔ Clearly recommend an action that addresses the issue.

✔ Be direct and confident in your suggestion.

💬 Sentence Starters:

• "I think you should definitely [specific action]."
• "My advice would be to [specific recommendation]."
• "In your situation, I recommend [specific action]."
• "You might want to try [advice]."
• "It could be beneficial to [specific action]."
• "I believe the best course of action is to [advice]."

📌 Example:

"I think you should accept the job because it offers great career growth and financial stability."

3️⃣ Provide Supporting Reasons (15-20 seconds)

✔ Explain why your advice is beneficial.

✔ Use two or three strong reasons to justify your recommendation.

💬 Sentence Starters:

• "Firstly, this will help you [benefit]. Secondly, it will also [additional benefit]."
• "One reason is that [reason 1]. Another important reason is [reason 2]."
• "This approach is effective because [reason 1] and [reason 2]."
• "Taking this step could improve [outcome] while also helping with [another benefit]."

📌 Example:

"Firstly, this job provides a higher salary, which will help you save for the future. Secondly, it offers excellent training programs that will boost your skills and career prospects."

4️⃣ Share a Personal Experience or Example (Optional, 10-15 seconds)

✔ Make your advice relatable by sharing a real-life example.

✔ Personal stories add credibility and engagement to your response.

💬 Sentence Starters:

• "I was in a similar situation, and I found that [action] worked well for me."
• "A friend of mine faced the same problem and [action], which led to [result]."
• "I remember dealing with a similar issue, and [action] made a big difference."
• "In my experience, [action] helped me overcome [challenge]."

📌 Example:

"A few years ago, I was also offered a new job with better benefits. I was hesitant at first, but once I took the leap, I realized it was the best decision I ever made."

5️⃣ Address Potential Concerns (Optional, 5-10 seconds)

✔ If applicable, acknowledge possible doubts or concerns.

✔ Offer reassurance to reduce hesitation.

💬 Sentence Starters:

• "You might be worried about [concern], but I think you can handle it by [solution]."
• "I understand that [concern] could be an issue, but [reassurance]."
• "It might seem overwhelming at first, but once you [action], it will get easier."
• "You may feel hesitant about [concern], but I believe you're capable of overcoming it."

📌 Example:

"I know switching jobs can feel risky, but since you've researched the company and negotiated a good salary, I believe it's worth taking the chance."

6️⃣ Conclude with Encouragement (5-10 seconds)

✔ Summarize your advice in a positive and motivational way.

✔ End on an encouraging note to boost confidence.

💬 Sentence Starters:

• "Overall, I believe this is the best approach for you. Best of luck!"
• "I think you'll see great results if you follow this advice. I wish you all the best!"
• "I'm confident that this will help you overcome the situation. You've got this!"
• "In the end, I'm sure this decision will lead to positive outcomes."
• "Stay positive and trust the process—I know you'll do great."

📌 Example:

"Overall, I truly believe taking this new job will be a great step for your future. Wishing you the best of luck!"

Advanced Vocabulary for Giving Advice

Using the right words makes your response sound professional and convincing.

📌 Phrases for Making Recommendations

• "A good strategy would be to..."
• "I highly suggest that you..."
• "One possible solution is to..."
• "You might want to consider..."
• "It would be wise to..."

📌 Phrases for Providing Reasons

• "This will allow you to..."
• "By doing this, you can avoid..."
• "One advantage of this is..."
• "The main benefit of this is..."

📌 Phrases for Addressing Concerns

• "I understand your hesitation, but..."
• "Although this might seem challenging at first..."
• "It's completely normal to feel unsure, but..."
• "While you may have doubts, I believe..."

📌 Phrases for Offering Encouragement

• "You're on the right track."
• "I have no doubt you'll succeed."
• "This is a great opportunity for you."
• "I know you'll make the best decision."

Sample Response Using the Full Template

"Hi David, I heard you're struggling with whether to start your own business or stay at your current job. That's a big decision, and I completely understand your hesitation."

"Personally, I think you should go for it and start your business. Firstly, being your own boss will give you the freedom to make your own decisions. Secondly, you already have a strong customer base, which increases your chances of success."

"I remember when I started freelancing, I was scared at first, but over time, I built a stable income and now have complete flexibility. I believe you can do the same."

"I know financial security is a concern, but you could start small while still working your job, so there's less risk involved."

"Overall, I truly believe this is the right path for you. Stay confident, take the leap, and I know you'll succeed!"

Final Tips for Success

• ✔ Use a clear structure – Greeting, Advice, Reasons, Example, Concerns, Encouragement.
• ✔ Be direct but polite – Make your advice easy to follow.
• ✔ Use natural tone and vocabulary – Avoid robotic or overly complex sentences.
• ✔ Practice out loud – The more you practice, the more confident you'll sound.

By following this structured approach, you'll be well-prepared to deliver a strong, persuasive response in CELPIP Speaking Task 1.