Independent CELPIP Speaking Practice

CELPIP Speaking Vocabulary Booster

Complete Edition - 10 Essential Topics
🎯 Practice Toward CLB 5–7 Speaking Goals
📚

CELPIP-Style Speaking Tasks

Practice with speaking scenarios that reflect common CELPIP task types

✓ Task 1–8 Practice
🎤

Targeted Vocabulary

Practical words for common CELPIP-style speaking topics

✓ CLB 5-7 Focused
⭐

Teacher Guidance

From Masha Dolda with practical CELPIP-focused teaching support

✓ Practical Coaching

What You'll Get From This Workbook

Designed to solve your biggest CELPIP speaking challenges

10
Essential Topics
156
Vocabulary Words
12
Essential Connectors
10
Speaking Tasks
Masha Dolda, English teacher

Masha Dolda

CELPIP-Focused English Teacher

TESOL-Trained Business English Support Practical Coaching

"I help newcomers and busy adults build practical English for exams, work, and everyday communication in Canada."

Table of Contents

How to Use This Guide
Important Notes
About Your Teacher

10 Essential Topics

1. Health and Appointments 2. Housing and Renting 3. Shopping and Complaints 4. Transportation and Driving 5. Work and Job Interviews 6. Weather and Seasons 7. Daily Routine and Time 8. Food and Restaurants 9. Making Plans and Social Life 10. Community and Volunteering
Connector Reference Table

How to Use This Guide

This workbook helps you prepare for CELPIP Speaking. It is designed for learners aiming for CLB 5 or CLB 7.

Why These 10 Topics?

I chose these topics because they are common everyday themes that fit CELPIP-style Speaking practice. They help you build useful language for appointments, housing, work, transport, and daily life.

Each topic gives you two word lists, example sentences, useful connectors, and a real CELPIP-style speaking task.

Practice Routine:

Choose a topic, study the words, practice with the examples, then record your answer (60-90 seconds depending on the task) using 2 or 3 new words and at least one connector.

Important Notes

Speak naturally and spontaneously. Do not memorize full answers.

Independent practice resource: this workbook is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced by the CELPIP test administrator. It is a teacher-created practice resource for vocabulary and speaking fluency.

Vocabulary alone does not guarantee your score. CELPIP speaking is evaluated in four areas:

1) Task Fulfillment

You answer the question fully and clearly.

2) Coherence and Organization

Your ideas are connected and easy to follow.

3) Vocabulary

Your words are accurate, appropriate, and varied.

4) Listenability

Your pace, pronunciation, and grammar are clear.

Want personal feedback on these criteria?

Book a free 25-minute assessment and I will review your speaking goals and suggest practical next steps.

📅 Book Your Free CELPIP Consultation

About Your Teacher

Masha Dolda, English teacher
TESOL-Trained Practical Coaching

Masha Dolda

CELPIP-Focused English Teacher • Vancouver, Canada

I help newcomers build CELPIP-style speaking skills and feel more confident using English every day. My lessons focus on practical vocabulary, clear structure, and natural communication for exams and real life.

What Makes My Teaching Different

🎯

Goal-Focused Learning

Lessons can be built around CELPIP-style tasks and your target areas for improvement.

🚫

No Memorization

I teach natural speaking skills aligned with CELPIP-style assessment areas, not memorized scripts.

🌍

Multilingual Support

I speak Ukrainian and Russian, so I understand your unique challenges.

💼

Beyond the Test

Business English support for interviews and workplace communication.

Ready to Work Toward Your CELPIP Goals?

Book a free 25-minute assessment to get personalized feedback and practical next steps

📅 Book Your Free CELPIP Consultation
1

Health and Appointments

Talk about feeling unwell, visiting doctors, and booking or changing appointments.

🏥

Vocabulary

CLB 5 Vocabulary

doctor
a medical professional you visit when you are sick
medicine
something you take to help you feel better
appointment
a fixed time to see a doctor
pain
a bad feeling in your body
sick
not feeling well
fever
high body temperature when you are ill
test
medical check to find out what is wrong
wait
stay in one place until it is your turn

CLB 7 Vocabulary

specialist
a doctor who focuses on one area such as skin or heart
prescription
medicine that a doctor tells you to take
cancellation list
a waiting list for earlier appointment times when others cancel
symptom
a sign that something is wrong, such as fever or cough
referral
a note that sends you from one doctor to another
diagnosis
what the doctor says is wrong with you
insurance coverage
medical costs that your insurance plan pays for
chronic condition
long-term health problem that needs ongoing care

Example Sentences

CLB 5

"I need to see a doctor because I feel sick."

CLB 7

"I would like to reschedule my appointment. I have been experiencing symptoms and may need a referral to a specialist."

Useful Connectors

because
I stayed home because I felt weak.
since
Since I felt worse, I called the clinic.
however
I felt sick; however, I still went to work.
so
I felt sick, so I made an appointment.

🎯 Speaking Practice: CELPIP Task 1 (Giving Advice)

Task:

Your friend has been feeling unwell for several days but refuses to see a doctor. Give your friend advice about this situation. Explain what you think they should do and why.

Preparation time: 30 seconds | Speaking time: 90 seconds

2

Housing and Renting

Describe your home, speak to a landlord, and plan a move.

🏠

Vocabulary

CLB 5 Vocabulary

apartment
a home in a building
rent
money you pay to live in a home
key
a small object to open a door
neighbor
a person who lives near you
move
change to a different home
room
a space inside a house or apartment
safe
not dangerous; secure
close
not far from something

CLB 7 Vocabulary

unit
another word for an apartment in a building
lease
a rental contract with rules and dates
deposit
money the landlord keeps for possible damage
landlord
a person who owns the rental home
inspect
check the condition of a place carefully
utilities
basic services like electricity, water, and heat
amenities
extra features like a gym or pool in a building
residential area
neighborhood where people live

Example Sentences

CLB 5

"I live in a small apartment and pay rent every month."

CLB 7

"We plan to terminate our lease and relocate to a quieter area after we inspect a new unit."

Useful Connectors

however
The unit is bright; however, the street is noisy.
therefore
The rent is high; therefore, we will move.
in addition
The building is clean; in addition, it is close to transit.
for example
The kitchen is big, for example it has two windows.

🎯 Speaking Practice: CELPIP Task 2 (Talking about a Personal Experience)

Task:

Talk about a time when you had to find a place to live. Describe what happened and how it made you feel. Give details about your experience.

Preparation time: 30 seconds | Speaking time: 60 seconds

3

Shopping and Complaints

Explain what you bought, return items, or report a problem to customer service.

🛍️

Vocabulary

CLB 5 Vocabulary

buy
get something by paying for it
want
wish to have something
bring back
take an item back to the store
pay
give money for something
ask
say something to get information
store
a place where you buy things
broken
not working; damaged
receipt
paper that shows you paid for something

CLB 7 Vocabulary

purchase
a more formal word for buy
request
ask politely or formally for something
return
give an item back to the store officially
refund
money that the store gives back to you
complain
tell the store that something is wrong
defective
not working properly; faulty
warranty
promise to fix or replace if something breaks
exchange policy
rules about trading items for different ones

Example Sentences

CLB 5

"I want to return this item because it is broken."

CLB 7

"I would like to request a refund. The item arrived damaged and unusable."

Useful Connectors

since
Since the item is damaged, I am asking for a refund.
therefore
It does not work; therefore, I cannot use it.
however
I liked the design; however, the size is wrong.
in addition
It arrived late; in addition, the box was open.

🎯 Speaking Practice: CELPIP Task 3 (Describing a Scene)

Task:

Look at the following illustration. Describe the scene in detail. Talk about what you see, including people, objects, actions, and the setting. Be as specific as possible about what is happening.

Busy shopping mall scene with multiple levels, shoppers, toy store, and security guard

Preparation time: 30 seconds | Speaking time: 60 seconds

4

Transportation and Driving

Talk about using transit, driving, and arriving on time.

🚌

Vocabulary

CLB 5 Vocabulary

bus
a large public vehicle for many passengers
drive
control a car
ticket
a small paper that lets you ride once
wait
stay until something arrives
ride
travel inside a vehicle
car
a small vehicle for a few people
stop
a place where buses pick up people
late
not on time; after the planned time

CLB 7 Vocabulary

transit system
buses and trains in a city
commute
travel between home and work or school
pass
a card that lets you ride many times
delay
when a bus or train is late
transfer
change from one bus or train to another
rush hour
busy time when many people travel to or from work
schedule
planned times when buses or trains arrive and leave

Example Sentences

CLB 5

"I take the bus to work because I don't have a car."

CLB 7

"My commute is often delayed near the intersection, so I catch an earlier train."

Useful Connectors

because
I take the bus because I do not drive.
however
The bus is cheap; however, it is slow.
after that
I take the train; after that, I walk.
as a result
The bus was late; as a result, I missed my class.

🎯 Speaking Practice: CELPIP Task 4 (Making Predictions)

Task:

Look at the following illustration. Predict what you think will happen next in this situation. Explain your prediction and give reasons for your answer.

Person running towards departing bus at bus stop with houses in background

Preparation time: 30 seconds | Speaking time: 60 seconds

5

Work and Job Interviews

Discuss your job, tasks, and applying for new roles.

💼

Vocabulary

CLB 5 Vocabulary

job
the work that you do
boss
the person who manages you
pay
money you earn for your work
tasks
the things you do at work
start
begin a job
team
a group of people working together
hours
time you work each day
meet
come together to discuss work

CLB 7 Vocabulary

position
the title or role in a company
supervisor
a person who checks your work
salary
money you earn each year
responsibilities
important duties you must do
negotiate
discuss pay or conditions to reach an agreement
interview
formal meeting to apply for a job
qualifications
skills and education needed for a job
performance
how well you do your work tasks

Example Sentences

CLB 5

"I work at a store and help customers every day."

CLB 7

"I manage a small team and handle customer complaints. I also negotiate contracts with suppliers."

Useful Connectors

in addition
I help at the front; in addition, I train new staff.
however
I like my job; however, the salary is low.
therefore
I finished a course; therefore, I will apply for a new position.
for example
I handle returns, for example customer refunds.

🎯 Speaking Practice: CELPIP Task 5 (Comparing and Persuading)

Task:

Your friend is choosing between two job offers. Look at the information below and choose the better option for your friend.

💼 Office Job

  • • $65,000/year salary
  • • 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
  • • Health and dental benefits
  • • 2 weeks vacation
  • • Office environment, team work

🏢 Sales Job

  • • $45,000 base + commission
  • • Flexible hours, some evenings
  • • Basic benefits package
  • • 3 weeks vacation
  • • Travel required, independent work

Part 1 (60 seconds speaking - no preparation): Choose one option and explain why it's better for your friend.

After Part 1, a third option will be revealed...

Part 2 (60 seconds prep + 60 seconds speaking): A third job option will be presented that your friend prefers. You must persuade them that your original choice from Part 1 is still the best option.

Total time: Part 1 (60s speaking) + Part 2 (60s prep + 60s speaking)

6

Weather and Seasons

Describe the weather and how it changes your plans.

🌤️

Vocabulary

CLB 5 Vocabulary

snow
small pieces of frozen water from the sky
rain
water that falls from clouds
temperature
how warm or cool the air feels
conditions
the state of the weather at a specific time
summer
the warm season of the year
pleasant
comfortable and enjoyable weather
climate
the typical weather patterns in a place
unpredictable
weather that changes quickly or unexpectedly

CLB 7 Vocabulary

blizzard
very heavy snow with strong wind
drizzle
light and gentle rain
humid
hot with wet air
chilly
a little cold
seasonal change
when weather moves from one season to another
forecast
prediction of what the weather will be like
overcast
cloudy sky with no visible sun

Example Sentences

CLB 5

"I like summer because it is warm and sunny."

CLB 7

"I enjoy the seasonal changes in fall. The weather becomes cooler and more comfortable."

Useful Connectors

since
Since it is humid, we will stay inside.
however
It is sunny; however, the wind is cold.
even though
Even though it's winter, some days are warm.
as a result
It snowed a lot; as a result, the roads are closed.

🎯 Speaking Practice: CELPIP Task 6 (Dealing with a Difficult Situation)

Task:

You planned an important outdoor event for this weekend, but the weather forecast shows heavy rain and storms. You need to call the venue to discuss your options. Explain the situation and ask for solutions.

Preparation time: 60 seconds | Speaking time: 60 seconds

7

Daily Routine and Time

Talk about your daily schedule and small changes.

⏰

Vocabulary

CLB 5 Vocabulary

get up
leave the bed and start your day
have breakfast
eat in the morning
go to work
travel to your job
have lunch
eat in the middle of the day
relax
rest in a calm way
go to bed
start sleeping
routine
things you do every day
busy
having many things to do

CLB 7 Vocabulary

schedule
plan your time and activities systematically
productive
accomplishing tasks efficiently and effectively
priorities
tasks ranked by importance and urgency
efficient
doing tasks quickly without wasting time or energy
time management
organizing and planning how to divide time between activities
work-life balance
having enough time for both work and personal life
flexibility
being able to change your plans when needed
consistency
doing the same things the same way every time

Example Sentences

CLB 5

"I wake up at seven, have breakfast, and go to work."

CLB 7

"My shift starts early, so I get up at six and prepare my meals the night before."

Useful Connectors

then
I have coffee, then I check emails.
also
I study English and I also watch short videos.
as
I sleep early, as I start work at six.
after that
I finish work; after that, I go for a walk.

🎯 Speaking Practice: CELPIP Task 7 (Expressing Opinions)

Task:

Some people prefer to have the same daily routine every day. Others prefer to change their routine regularly. Which approach do you think is better? Give reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Preparation time: 30 seconds | Speaking time: 90 seconds

8

Food and Restaurants

Order food, describe meals, and talk about eating out.

🍽️

Vocabulary

CLB 5 Vocabulary

ingredients
items used to make a dish or meal
restaurant
a place where you can buy and eat meals
menu
a list of food and drink choices
meal
food that you eat at one time
pay
give money for your meal
atmosphere
the feeling or mood of a restaurant
beverage
any drink served with a meal
service
how well the restaurant staff treats customers

CLB 7 Vocabulary

dish
one prepared food item
diner
a small and casual restaurant
options
the choices on a menu
cuisine
a style of cooking such as Italian or Indian
split the bill
each person pays part of the total
reservation
booking a table in advance
appetizer
small dish served before the main meal

Example Sentences

CLB 5

"My family goes to restaurants on weekends because we like to try different food."

CLB 7

"We usually dine out on weekends and prefer vegetarian cuisine."

Useful Connectors

in addition
We will order soup; in addition, a salad.
however
The place is small; however, the food is delicious.
therefore
It is busy; therefore, we will book a table.
for example
I like many dishes, for example vegetable curry.

🎯 Speaking Practice: CELPIP Task 8 (Describing an Unusual Situation)

Task:

You went to a restaurant for your anniversary dinner, but when you arrived, they had no record of your reservation and the restaurant was completely full. Describe the situation and explain how you handled it.

Preparation time: 30 seconds | Speaking time: 60 seconds

9

Making Plans and Social Life

Invite someone, accept or decline plans, and talk about events.

👥

Vocabulary

CLB 5 Vocabulary

contact
reach someone by phone, text, or email
accompany
go together with someone to an event
socialize
spend time with friends in a relaxed way
available
free and able to participate
confirm
tell someone that plans are definite
occasion
a special event or celebration
convenient
easy to do or fits well with your schedule
coordinate
organize details with other people

CLB 7 Vocabulary

invite
ask someone to come to an event
attend
go to an event such as a meeting or party
schedule
choose a time and date for a meeting
prefer
like one option more than another
respond
answer a message or invitation
gathering
a social event where people meet
accommodate
make arrangements to include someone
postpone
delay or reschedule an event for later

Example Sentences

CLB 5

"I want to meet my friends for a small party."

CLB 7

"We scheduled a gathering for Saturday and will confirm the guest list tomorrow."

Useful Connectors

in addition
We will meet; in addition, we will bring snacks.
even though
Even though I am busy, I will try to come.
so that
I will book early so that everyone can join.
for example
We can play games, for example cards.

🎯 Speaking Practice: CELPIP Task 1 (Giving Advice)

Task:

Your friend wants to make new friends but feels shy about meeting people. Give your friend advice about making social connections. Explain what you think they should do and why.

Preparation time: 30 seconds | Speaking time: 90 seconds

10

Community and Volunteering

Talk about helping others and joining local programs.

🤝

Vocabulary

CLB 5 Vocabulary

contribute
give time or skills to help a cause
participate
take an active part in community activities
assist
help someone with a specific task
organize
plan the details of an event
maintain
keep community spaces in good condition
group
several people who work together
share
give part of something to others
visit
go to see someone or somewhere

CLB 7 Vocabulary

volunteer
help without pay
participate
take part in an activity
donate
give money or items to help others
host
run an event and welcome people
support
help a person or group over time
community
people living in the same area who help each other
charitable organization
group that helps people in need

Example Sentences

CLB 5

"I helped at a cleanup event in my neighborhood."

CLB 7

"I volunteered at a charity to support local residents and organizations."

Useful Connectors

because
I joined because my friend invited me.
in addition
We cleaned the park; in addition, we planted trees.
therefore
The event was popular; therefore, we will host it again.
however
It rained; however, many people still came.

🎯 Speaking Practice: CELPIP Task 2 (Talking about a Personal Experience)

Task:

Talk about a time when you helped your community. Describe what you did and explain how it made you feel. Give details about your experience.

Preparation time: 30 seconds | Speaking time: 60 seconds

Connector Reference Table

Use these words to join ideas. Pick the ones that fit your sentence. You do not need special or complex words to reach CLB 7. Clarity and control are the most important.

Connector Function Example
becausereasonI stayed home because I felt weak.
sincereasonSince it was late, we left.
soresultIt was closed, so we went home.
thereforeresultIt was closed; therefore, we went home.
howevercontrastIt is small; however, it is cozy.
in additionadditionI work; in addition, I volunteer.
even thoughconcessionEven though it rained, we went out.
thensequenceI ate, then I left.
after thatsequenceWe met; after that, we ate.
for exampleexampleWe need fruit, for example apples.
as a resultresultIt snowed a lot; as a result, the roads are closed.
alsoadditionI study English and I also watch videos.

Ready for Personal Feedback?

Book a free 25 minute CELPIP speaking assessment. I will check your timing, vocabulary use, and how you meet each scoring area, then build your plan to reach CLB 5 or 7+.

📅 Book Your Free CELPIP Consultation