CELPIP Speaking Practice Test 3 — All 8 Tasks With Prompts & Sample Answers

A friend has recently moved to Calgary and is nervous about driving in winter conditions. Give them advice on how to stay safe while driving in Alberta winters.

First, make sure you have winter tires on your vehicle. They provide much better traction on snow and ice. Keep an emergency kit in your car with a blanket, flashlight, and warm clothing. Always check the weather forecast before you leave, and allow extra time for your commute. Drive slowly and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Avoid sudden braking and acceleration. If the conditions are too bad, stay home if you can. You can also take a winter driving course to build confidence. With preparation and caution, you'll get used to it. Remember, it's okay to pull over if you feel unsafe. Additionally, I would remind them that Calgary has a strong network of professional associations and industry meetups, which are excellent places to connect with peers who understand the unique demands of oil and gas administration.

Talk about a time you had to take on a new challenge at work or in your studies. What was the challenge, how did you prepare for it, and what was the outcome?

When I was working as an administrative assistant at an oil and gas company in Calgary, my manager asked me to give a presentation at a staff meeting about our office's transition to digital filing. I had never presented to more than five people before, and this meeting had over forty attendees, including senior management. I was genuinely nervous. I prepared by creating clear slides with visuals, practising in front of my partner at home several times, and timing myself to stay within fifteen minutes. On the day of the presentation, my hands were shaking at first, but after the first two slides, I found my rhythm. The audience asked thoughtful questions, which showed they were engaged. Afterward, the regional director told me I had done an excellent job and asked me to present at the next quarterly review. That experience boosted my confidence immensely. I learned that thorough preparation is the best antidote to anxiety.

Describe the scene at a Calgary ski resort on a busy Saturday morning in February. Include details about the people, landscape, and activities.

I'm standing at the base of Sunshine Village, surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains. The sky is clear blue, and the snow is glistening after a fresh snowfall. To my left, a long lineup of skiers and snowboarders wait for the gondola. In front of me, children are taking ski lessons with cheerful instructors. The smell of hot chocolate from the lodge fills the air. People are laughing and chatting excitedly. Overhead, the chairlifts swing up the mountain. Advanced skiers carve down a black diamond run, leaving tracks in the powder. The mountain is covered in white snow, bordered by evergreens. It's a vibrant, energetic scene typical of a perfect winter day in Alberta.

Predict how the energy industry in Alberta will change in the next 20 years. Use past trends and your knowledge to support your prediction.

In the next 20 years, I think Alberta's energy industry will become more diverse. Oil and gas will still be important, but renewable sources like solar and wind will grow significantly. We are seeing this now with more wind farms and solar installations. Technology will make these sources more efficient. I also predict a big increase in electric vehicles, which means more demand for clean electricity and for electricians to install charging stations. The trades will evolve. Hydrogen technology might play a role too. Alberta has the resources to lead in this area. The future is about balancing traditional energy with new green initiatives to ensure economic and environmental sustainability.

You have two job offers: one as an electrician working on a new office building in downtown Calgary, and another as an electrician maintaining oil rig equipment in the field. Compare the working conditions and persuade a friend which one to choose.

I would recommend the office building job over the oil rig maintenance position for several reasons. First, the downtown job offers a stable indoor work environment, while the oil rig job involves harsh outdoor conditions and frequent travel. With the office job, you have regular hours, safety, and being part of a bustling city. The oil rig job might pay more, but the lifestyle can be isolating and tough on family life. Also, skills learned in commercial wiring are more transferable to future green energy projects. For a better work-life balance and long-term career opportunities, the office job is the smarter choice.

You are a ski instructor. A sudden Chinook wind warning causes dangerous conditions on the mountain. You have a group of beginner skiers with you, including young children. Describe what you would do to ensure everyone's safety.

If a Chinook wind warning is issued, I would immediately gather the group and explain the situation in a calm voice. We would head to the nearest shelter, which is the mid-mountain lodge. I would check the wind speeds and wait for updates from ski patrol. Depending on severity, we might end the lesson early and ski down in a controlled manner, staying together. I would help the children with their equipment and ensure everyone is dressed warmly. We would avoid exposed routes and use slower, protected trails. Safety is the top priority, so I would also cancel the afternoon class if needed. The key is to stay calm and make quick, safe decisions.

Some people think that trade schools are more important than universities for Alberta's economy. What is your opinion? Provide reasons to support your viewpoint.

I strongly believe that trade schools are equally, if not more, important for Alberta's economy. Alberta's economy is heavily based on natural resources and energy, which require skilled tradespeople like electricians, welders, and mechanics. Tradespeople are in high demand and contribute directly to production and maintenance. Trade schools provide practical training that leads to immediate jobs, while university degrees often require further studies for employment. However, both are needed; universities contribute research and development. But for the current economy, trades are critical. We see that many university graduates struggle to find jobs, while tradespeople often have multiple offers. Also, trade careers offer good salaries and opportunities for entrepreneurship. With the energy transition, trades will be even more crucial. So, I think promoting trades should be a priority. I think the real question is not whether we should honour the Stampede but whether we can evolve it in a way that respects both its roots and its responsibility to ethical treatment of all living creatures involved.

Describe a time when you experienced an unusual winter weather event in Alberta, such as a sudden warm chinook that melts the snow overnight. Explain how it affected your daily activities.

One winter, a strong Chinook wind came through Calgary, and overnight the temperature rose from -20 to +15 degrees Celsius. All the snow on the streets melted, creating huge puddles and slush. The next morning, I had to wear a raincoat instead of a parka. However, by evening the temperature dropped again, and everything turned to ice, making the roads extremely slippery. My commute was delayed as cars slid on patches of black ice. I saw people cycling in January, and our ski trip had to be postponed because the snow melted on lower slopes. But then the slopes re-opened when more snow fell. It was a strange but typical Alberta experience – winter one day, spring the next, and winter again.