Speaking Task 7 is called Expressing Opinions. You get 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak. This guide shows how the task is scored, gives a plan you can reuse, and walks through an original example. It is written for learners at CLB 6 to 9.
1.What the task is
Task 7 is part of the CELPIP General speaking test. Its name tells you the goal: you express your opinion and support it. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak.
The preparation time is short. You cannot write a full answer, so you need a plan that you already know.
2.How it is scored
Your answer is scored on four dimensions:
- Content and Coherence. Your ideas, and how clearly they connect.
- Vocabulary. The words you choose and how well you use them.
- Listenability. Rhythm, pronunciation, intonation, pauses and self correction. Accent is not scored.
- Task Fulfillment. How fully you do what the task asks.
Levels 4 to 12 map one to one to CLB 4 to 12. A CELPIP level of 7 matches CLB 7.
3.A plan that fits most tasks
Use the 30 seconds to choose your position and note a few keywords. Do not write sentences. Then speak in this order:
- Opinion. State your position in a clear sentence. "In my opinion," or "I strongly believe that" works well.
- Reasons. Name your main reasons. Give each reason its own part of the answer.
- Example. Support each reason with a real or realistic detail from daily life.
- Other view. If you have time, mention a different opinion and explain why you still disagree.
- Closing. End with a short sentence that repeats your position.
Plan to use most of the 90 seconds so you can develop your ideas. Use linking words such as "because", "for example" and "however" to guide the listener. If you make a mistake, correct it calmly and keep going. Self correction is part of Listenability, so a quick fix is fine.
4.A worked example
Task (written for this guide): Some people say that cities should make public transit free. What is your opinion? Give reasons to support it.
Model answer (written for this guide):
"In my opinion, cities should make public transit free, at least for some groups of people. I have two main reasons. First, free transit helps families with low incomes. When I moved to my city, I spent a large part of my pay on bus tickets. If rides had been free, I could have saved that money for rent and food. Second, free transit reduces traffic. My brother drives to work every day because parking costs less than a monthly pass. If the bus cost nothing, he would probably leave his car at home. Fewer cars means cleaner air and faster trips for everyone. Some people say the city cannot afford this. I understand that worry. However, the city would save money on road repairs, and it could pay for part of the service with parking fees. For these reasons, I believe free transit is a smart choice. It helps people and it helps the city."
5.Why this example works
- The opinion is clear in the first sentence, and the closing repeats it.
- Each reason has a personal example, so the ideas feel real and not general.
- Words like "First", "Second" and "However" show the listener how the answer is built.
- It answers the exact question and gives reasons, so it fulfills the task.
- It admits another view and answers it. This adds depth to the content.
6.Common mistakes
- Changing your mind while speaking. Pick a side in the preparation time and keep it.
- Giving an opinion without reasons. A position alone does not fulfill the task.
- Using general statements only. Add a detail, a name or a short story.
- Stopping too early. A very short answer leaves ideas undeveloped.
- Speaking too fast. Rushing hurts rhythm and clear pronunciation. Short pauses are normal.
- Worrying about your accent. It is not scored. Focus on clear and steady speech.
- Starting over after a small error. Fix it quickly and continue.
7.Next step
Practice the plan with a timer for the 30 seconds and the 90 seconds. Record yourself and listen for clear ideas and steady pacing. Try a free Expressing Opinions set.