Giving Advice is Speaking Task 1 on CELPIP General. You get 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak. This guide explains what is scored, gives a plan you can reuse, and shows a model answer that I wrote for this guide.
1.What the task is
The task is called Giving Advice. Your job is to give useful advice and to speak for the full speaking time. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak.
Because the preparation time is short, you cannot write a script. You need a quick plan that you can use every time.
2.How it is scored
Your answer is scored on four dimensions:
- Content and Coherence. Your ideas are clear, they make sense, and they follow a logical order.
- Vocabulary. You use words that fit the topic and you avoid repeating the same simple words.
- Listenability. This covers rhythm, pronunciation, intonation, pauses and self correction.
- Task Fulfillment. You do what the task asks, which here is to give advice.
Accent is not scored. You do not need to sound like a native speaker. You need to be easy to follow.
Levels 4 to 12 map one to one to CLB 4 to 12. Each level matches the CLB number that is the same.
3.A plan that fits most tasks
- Read the situation and pick your advice. Decide quickly what you would really tell this person. Do not look for the perfect idea.
- Jot down keywords, not sentences. Write a word or a short phrase for each piece of advice and for each reason.
- Open with the situation. Start by naming the problem or the choice in one sentence. Then say that you have some advice.
- Give each piece of advice with a reason. Use phrases like "I suggest that you", "You could" and "If I were you, I would". Then add "because" and a reason or a small example.
- Link your ideas. Use "First", "Also", "Another idea is" and "Finally" so the listener can follow.
- Finish with a clear recommendation. Repeat your main advice in a short closing sentence and add a kind word.
- Keep speaking until the time ends. If you finish early, add one more reason or a short example.
Speak at a steady pace. Short pauses between ideas are fine. If you make a mistake, fix it quickly and keep going.
4.A worked example
Task (written for this guide): Your friend Marc moved to a new city a month ago. He feels lonely and does not know anyone. He asks you how he can make friends. Give him advice.
Keywords from the preparation time: club or class, say yes to invitations, neighbours, start this week.
Model answer:
Marc, moving to a new city is hard, but I think you can make friends quickly if you take a few simple steps. First, I suggest that you join a club or a class about something you enjoy, like a running group or a cooking class. You will meet people who already share your interests, so it is easy to start talking. Also, try to say yes to invitations, even when you feel tired. Many friendships begin with a small coffee or a short walk. Another idea is to talk to your neighbours. A simple hello in the hallway can turn into a real conversation. If I were you, I would start this week by looking for a group near your home. Please be patient with yourself. In a few months, I am sure you will feel much more at home.
5.Why this example works
- It names the situation first, so the answer fits the task (Task Fulfillment).
- Each piece of advice has a reason or an example, and the ideas are in a clear order (Content and Coherence).
- Linking words such as "First", "Also" and "Another idea" make the answer easy to follow (Listenability).
- The vocabulary is plain but exact: "join a club", "share your interests", "be patient" (Vocabulary).
- It ends with a clear recommendation and a kind closing sentence.
6.Common mistakes
- Writing full sentences during preparation. There is too little time. Write keywords only.
- Giving advice without reasons. A list of tips is thin. Add "because" and a short example each time.
- Telling your own story. A short personal example can help, but the answer must stay on the advice.
- Stopping early. Prepare one extra reason so that you can keep speaking until the end.
- Repeating the same word. If you say "good" many times, try "helpful", "useful" or "worth trying".
- Restarting again and again. Self correction is part of Listenability. Fix a mistake once and move on.
- Worrying about your accent. Accent is not scored. Focus on clear pronunciation, rhythm and intonation.
- Long silences. Pauses are part of Listenability. Use short pauses between ideas and keep a steady flow.
7.Next step
Practise the plan with real timing. Try a free Giving Advice set. After each answer, ask yourself if you gave reasons, used linking words and spoke until the end.