Introduction
CELPIP Speaking Task 8 requires you to describe an unusual or unfamiliar object to someone who cannot see it. Your goal is to create a clear, detailed, and vivid description so that the listener can imagine it as accurately as possible.
This guide provides a six-step template to help structure your response, along with useful vocabulary and sample phrases to make your description more effective.
1. Greeting & Context
Start by greeting the listener and briefly explaining why you're describing this strange object or situation.
Sample Opening Lines:
- "Hi there! I came across something really unusual, and I need your help figuring out what it is."
- "Hello! I found a bizarre gadget in my attic, and I'm not sure what to make of it."
- "Good afternoon. I saw the strangest product online, and I was wondering if your store carries it."
- "Hey! I discovered a weird contraption in my basement and thought you might have some insight."
- "Hi! I just stumbled upon something that looks like a cross between a backpack and a fish tank."
2. Quick Overview
Provide a brief summary of what the object or scene looks like before diving into the details.
Example Descriptions:
- "It sort of resembles a regular coat, but the hood is shaped like animal ears."
- "It looks like a coffee maker, but the top part seems to be a miniature spaceship."
- "It appears to be a backpack, except it has clear plastic panels and ventilation holes."
- "It looks like an ordinary lamp, but there's a rotating disk at the base."
- "It seems like a chair, but there's an unexpected handle that flips out from one side."
3. Key Features
Now, highlight the most distinctive details of the object, including its shape, texture, color, attachments, or moving parts.
Sample Key Feature Descriptions:
- "It's covered in bright neon zigzags running diagonally across its surface."
- "There's a round glass dome on top that opens like a tiny hatch."
- "The exterior feels fuzzy, almost like stuffed-animal fabric."
- "A series of blinking lights run along the edges, changing colors every few seconds."
- "It has two handles on the back that look like steering rods."
- "There's a small compartment on the side, possibly for holding tools or small objects."
- "The bottom has wheels that swivel in all directions."
4. Possible Function or Use
If you have any idea what the object is for, make an educated guess about its purpose or function.
Example Function Guesses:
- "I think it's designed to keep drinks warm while traveling."
- "It might be a pet carrier, considering the vents and handle on top."
- "It could be a backpack with a built-in cooling system for hot weather."
- "I suspect it's some kind of automatic gardening device."
- "It seems to be a hybrid gadget for brewing coffee and playing music."
- "It could be a futuristic lamp with motion sensors."
5. Reason for Describing
Explain why you're describing this object—whether you want to buy it, fix it, identify it, or get a second opinion.
Example Reasons for Description:
- "I'm hoping your store can confirm if this is something you sell or repair."
- "I need to check if it's safe to use before I plug it in."
- "I was thinking of getting one as a unique birthday gift, so I need more details."
- "I want to know if this is the same model I saw advertised online."
- "I'd like to find out if this is worth selling or if I should keep it."
- "I need instructions on how to operate it properly before I break something."
6. Wrap-Up & Conclusion
Finish with a polite closing statement and suggest the next step if necessary.
Sample Wrap-Up Phrases:
- "Thanks for listening—let me know if you have any ideas on what this could be."
- "I really appreciate your help. I'll be here if you need any more details."
- "Thanks again! I hope we can figure out what this thing does."
- "Please contact me if you need a photo or measurements for reference."
- "I'm grateful for your time. Let me know if you carry anything similar."
- "That's pretty much it! Thanks for helping me solve this mystery."
Useful Vocabulary for Describing an Unusual Object
Descriptive Adjectives
- Bizarre – very strange or unusual
- Peculiar – slightly odd or unexpected
- Odd – not typical or normal
- Strange – difficult to explain
- Unusual – not commonly seen
- Quirky – unique or unconventional in an interesting way
- Intricate – detailed or complex in design
- Bulky – large and difficult to carry
- Transparent – see-through
- Neon – extremely bright or fluorescent
Adverbs & Connectors
- Slightly – a little bit
- Somewhat – to a certain extent
- Noticeably – easy to see
- Particularly – especially
- Presumably – likely or assumed
- Alternatively – another option
- Nevertheless – despite what has been said
- Meanwhile – at the same time
- Moreover – in addition
- Overall – summarizing everything
Action & Function Verbs
- Rotate – to turn around a center point
- Attach – to fix something to another object
- Detach – to remove from something
- Fold – to bend something so that one part covers another
- Expand – to increase in size
- Illuminate – to light up
- Operate – to function or work
- Assemble – to put parts together
- Display – to show something
- Emit – to release or send out
Speculative Language (Guessing What It's For)
- It might be… – suggesting a possibility
- It could serve as… – offering a potential function
- It's possible that… – indicating uncertainty
- I'm guessing… – giving a personal assumption
- I suspect… – implying a reasoned guess
- I wonder if… – expressing curiosity
Prepositions & Directions
- On top (of) – above or resting on
- At the bottom – located at the lowest part
- Around the edges – surrounding the outer parts
- Inside – within something
- Outside – on the exterior
- Near the front – close to the forward-facing side
- Beneath – directly under
- Above – higher than something else
- Halfway along – in the middle section
- To the left / right – on a particular side
Final Thoughts
CELPIP Speaking Task 8 requires you to describe an unusual object in a way that makes it easy for the listener to imagine. By following this structured approach, using descriptive language, and incorporating key vocabulary, you can improve your clarity and fluency for a higher score.
Key Takeaways:
- Follow a structured response: Greeting → Overview → Features → Possible Use → Reason → Conclusion.
- Use precise and vivid adjectives to describe appearance, texture, and function.
- Make educated guesses if you're unsure about the object's purpose.
- Practice using speculative language to sound natural and confident.
- Expand your vocabulary to describe details effectively.
With regular practice and strategic preparation, you'll be able to tackle CELPIP Speaking Task 8 with confidence and accuracy!