Best Phrases & Expressions to Use in CELPIP Speaking

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) is a general English language proficiency test accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency and citizenship applications. The speaking component of the CELPIP test evaluates a candidate’s ability to communicate clearly and coherently in everyday situations. A strong vocabulary, appropriate expressions, and natural fluency are crucial for success in this section. Whether you’re preparing for theCELPIP-General test or simply aiming to improve your English speaking skills, this guide offers a curated list of powerful phrases and expressions that can boost your performance, especially in the speaking tasks.

What Is CELPIP Speaking?

The CELPIP Speaking Test consists of 8 tasks that simulate real-life situations. These include:

1. Giving advice
   
   
2. Talking about a personal experience
   
   
3. Describing a scene
   
   
4. Making predictions
   
   
5. Comparing and persuading
   
   
6. Dealing with a difficult situation
   
   
7. Expressing opinions
   
   
8. Describing an unusual situation
   
   

Each response is evaluated based on content, vocabulary, coherence, and pronunciation. Therefore, using suitable expressions not only improves clarity but also demonstrates your range and confidence in the English language.

Why Are Phrases and Expressions Important?

Using idiomatic expressions and natural phrases makes your speech more engaging and authentic. It reflects a deeper understanding of the language and shows your ability to communicate effectively in a Canadian context. According to linguistic research, the use of collocations and idioms enhances fluency and intelligibility, which are key factors in spoken language assessments such as CELPIP.

📚 Learn more about idioms and collocations on this Wikipedia page: Idiom and Collocation.

Useful Expressions for Each Speaking Task

Let’s explore the best phrases you can use in each of the 8 CELPIP speaking tasks:

1. Giving Advice
   
   

Task Example: Your friend wants to lose weight. Give him/her some advice. Suggested Phrases:

• “If I were you, I would…”
  
  
• “You might want to consider…”
  
  
• “One thing that really worked for me is…”
  
  
• “It would be a good idea to…”
  
  

Natural Closing:

• “I hope that helps!”
  
  
• “Let me know how it goes.”
  
  

2. Talking About a Personal Experience
   
   

Task Example: Describe a memorable vacation you’ve had.Suggested Phrases:

• “I’ll never forget the time when…”
  
  
• “One of the most unforgettable moments was…”
  
  
• “What stood out the most was…”
  
  
• “Looking back, I’m really glad that…”
  
  

Transition Words:

• “Initially,” “After that,” “Eventually,” “In the end”
  
  

3. Describing a Scene
   
   

Task Example: Describe a picture of a busy supermarket.Suggested Phrases:

• “In the foreground/background, I can see…”
  
  
• “There seems to be…”
  
  
• “It looks like the people are…”
  
  
• “Judging by their expressions, they might be…”
  
  

Visual Vocabulary:

• Crowded, bustling, chaotic, organized, spacious, etc.
  
  

🖼️ For more, see: Wikipedia's entry on Descriptive Language.

4. Making Predictions
   
   

Task Example: Predict what will happen next in a scene.Suggested Phrases:

• “I think it’s likely that…”
  
  
• “Chances are that…”
  
  
• “It’s hard to say for sure, but I assume…”
  
  
• “If this continues, then…”
  
  

Hedging Phrases:

• “Probably,” “Maybe,” “I guess,” “It’s possible that…”
  
  

5. Comparing and Persuading
   
   

Task Example: Convince your friend to use public transport instead of buying a car.Suggested Phrases:

• “On one hand… on the other hand…”
  
  
• “When you think about it, it’s more economical because…”
  
  
• “Compared to owning a car, using public transport is…”
  
  
• “I strongly believe that…”
  
  

Effective Persuasion Words:

• “Without a doubt,” “Definitely,” “I’m confident that…”
  
  

6. Dealing with a Difficult Situation
   
   

Task Example: You lost your passport at the airport. Explain to an official.Suggested Phrases:

• “I’m terribly sorry, but…”
  
  
• “I seem to have misplaced…”
  
  
• “I’m quite concerned because…”
  
  
• “Is there anything you can do to help?”
  
  

Tone Modifiers:

• “I understand this is inconvenient, but…”
  
  
• “I’d really appreciate it if…”
  
  

7. Expressing Opinions
   
   

Task Example: Do you think children should be allowed to use cellphones in school?Suggested Phrases:

• “In my opinion,…”
  
  
• “From my perspective,…”
  
  
• “I firmly believe that…”
  
  
• “It seems to me that…”
  
  

Agree/Disagree Phrases:

• “I completely agree with that idea.”
  
  
• “I see where you're coming from, but…”
  
  

🔎 Learn about expressing opinion linguistically here: Discourse Marker.

8. Describing an Unusual Situation
   
   

Task Example: Describe an unexpected event at a restaurant.Suggested Phrases:

• “You won’t believe what happened…”
  
  
• “All of a sudden,…”
  
  
• “Out of nowhere,…”
  
  
• “The strangest part was…”
  
  

Reaction Phrases:

• “I was shocked/surprised/amused.”
  
  
• “It took me a moment to process what just happened.”
  
  

General Vocabulary TipsIn addition to using appropriate phrases, here are some vocabulary tips:Use Precise Language

• Instead of “bad,” say “terrible,” “unpleasant,” or “disappointing.”
  
  
• Instead of “good,” say “fantastic,” “rewarding,” or “delightful.”
  
  

Avoid Filler Words

• Words like “um,” “like,” “you know” lower the quality of your response.
  
  

Use Connectors

• “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “In conclusion” add structure and flow to your response.
  
  

Use Modal Verbs

• “Should,” “could,” “might” show politeness and variation in tone.
  
  

Practice Tips to Master These Expressions

• Practice with a mirror: Observe your facial expressions and body language.
  
  
• Record your answers: Play them back to notice areas of improvement.
  
  
• Time yourself: CELPIP speaking tasks are time-bound, so fluency within limits is critical.
  
  
• Use sample questions: You can find practice tests online, including on platforms like Gurully.com.
  
  

Why Practice with Real Questions Matters

Practicing in a test-like environment prepares you for time management, stress control, and real-life language use. In fact, according to the official CELPIP site, familiarity with task types and timed speaking greatly improves test outcomes. For more insights into CELPIP, check the official CELPIP Wikipedia page.

Final Thoughts

The CELPIP speaking test may seem challenging at first, but with the right expressions and consistent practice, you can improve dramatically. Remember, fluency doesn’t mean speaking fast—it means speaking clearly, naturally, and confidently. Including idiomatic phrases and structured expressions makes your responses more compelling and authentic. Start small, practice often, and gradually incorporate these phrases until they feel natural in your speech. If you’re looking for a platform to practice CELPIP or other English proficiency exams like PTE, IELTS, or Duolingo, Gurully.com offers comprehensive mock tests, free resources, and real-time analytics to help you improve efficiently. Whether you're just starting out or refining your strategies, Gurully is a trusted companion on your language learning journey. Explore more at: https://www.gurully.com/Happy learning—and best of luck on your CELPIP exam!

Also Read:
Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid in CELPIP Writing