CELPIP Speaking Practice Test 10 — All 8 Tasks With Prompts & Sample Answers

Your friend is visiting Whitehorse for the first time and wants to go on a northern-lights tour alone at night. Advise them on safety precautions they should take. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.

I advise you to take several safety precautions for your northern-lights tour. First, always go with a guided tour, not alone, especially at night. The terrain can be dangerous, and moose or other wildlife may be active. If you must go alone, tell someone your route and check-in time. Second, dress warmly in layers, as temperatures can drop below -20°C. Wear insulated boots, gloves, and a hat. Third, carry a fully charged phone and a flashlight, and bring extra batteries. Fourth, stick to marked trails and avoid wandering off, as the permafrost ground can be uneven. Finally, check the weather forecast and aurora activity beforehand. If a moose advisory is in effect, follow the guidelines: stay in your vehicle if driving, and do not approach animals. Overall, prioritize your safety to enjoy the experience.

Talk about a time you had to take precautions or follow safety guidelines in a natural or outdoor setting. What was the situation, what did you do, and why was it important?

Two winters ago, my family and I were driving from Whitehorse to visit relatives in Dawson City when we encountered a sudden whiteout on the Klondike Highway. The visibility dropped to almost zero within minutes, and the temperature outside was minus thirty-five degrees. My father, who grew up in the Yukon, immediately pulled over to the side of the road and turned on our hazard lights. He reminded us that we had packed emergency blankets, a thermal flask of hot tea, and extra layers in the trunk — things I had thought were unnecessary when we left. We sat in the car for nearly an hour, waiting for the squall to pass. During that time, we played word games to keep our spirits up and listened to CBC Radio for weather updates. When the snow finally eased, we continued our journey slowly and safely. That experience taught me never to take northern weather for granted. My father's preparation and calm decision-making likely prevented a dangerous situation. Now I never leave home in winter without checking the forecast and packing an emergency kit, no matter how short the trip.

Describe the scene at a northern-lights viewing spot in Whitehorse. Include details about the environment, the people, and the lights. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.

I am at a northern-lights viewing spot just outside Whitehorse. It is a clear, cold night with a dusting of snow on the ground. The sky is pitch black, and the stars are incredibly bright. Then, the aurora begins. Green and purple curtains of light dance across the sky, shifting and pulsing. I see a group of tourists wrapped in warm jackets, standing in awe. Some are taking photos, others just watching in silence. A tour guide points out different formations. In the distance, there are silhouettes of pine trees and maybe a moose moving cautiously. The air smells crisp and clean. The whole scene feels magical and serene. I even hear the faint crackle of the aurora. Everyone is bundled up, and there is a sense of shared wonder. This is a quintessential Yukon experience.

Predict how the moose population in Whitehorse will change over the next five years based on current trends. Discuss factors that might influence this. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.

Over the next five years, the moose population in Whitehorse will likely decline if current trends continue. Increased mining activity and road construction are fragmenting their habitat, reducing mating and feeding areas. The permafrost road and additional traffic cause more vehicle collisions and stress, leading to lower reproduction rates. However, if the government implements wildlife corridors and seasonal road closures, the effect could be mitigated. Climate change also plays a role; warmer winters may affect the moose's food sources and expose them to new diseases. On the other hand, if conservation efforts succeed, the population might stabilize. I predict a moderate decline of 10 to 20 percent unless proactive measures like the moose-safety advisory and habitat protection are strengthened. Tour operators and mining companies must cooperate to balance development and wildlife.

Compare the roles of a wildlife officer and a territorial clerk in managing resource conflicts. Persuade your audience that one role is more critical for the community. You have 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.

I believe the wildlife officer's role is more critical for the community. While the territorial clerk handles logistics and administration, the wildlife officer directly protects the natural environment and public safety. For example, when moose appear near roads, it is the wildlife officer who assesses the risk and advises on safety measures. Without their expertise, the moose-safety advisory would be less effective, and tourists and workers could be in danger. The clerk supports these efforts but relies on the officer's knowledge. In resource management, conflicts like mining versus conservation need scientific input from wildlife professionals. The officer also educates the community and coordinates with tour operators, fostering sustainable coexistence. While both roles are important, the wildlife officer has a direct impact on our northern identity and well-being. Therefore, I would allocate more resources to the wildlife department.

You are a territorial clerk. A mining camp manager calls to say a moose has entered the camp and is threatening workers. Explain how you will handle this emergency. You have 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.

This is a serious situation. First, I will tell the manager to ensure all workers stay indoors and do not approach the moose. I will then immediately contact the wildlife officer and the local conservation officer, as they have the training and equipment to handle wildlife safely. I will also advise the manager to make loud noises from a safe distance to try to deter the moose, but only if it is safe. Meanwhile, I will coordinate with the mining camp cook to secure any food sources that might attract the moose further. The wildlife officer may need to tranquilize the animal or, if necessary, use non-lethal methods to guide it out. I will alert nearby tour operators and residents if the moose moves towards populated areas. After the situation is resolved, we will review the incident to improve prevention, such as reinforcing fencing and waste management. The priority is human safety and animal welfare.

Give your opinion on whether the government should invest more in permafrost road maintenance or in wildlife conservation. Explain your reasons. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak.

In my opinion, the government should invest more in permafrost road maintenance, but not at the expense of wildlife conservation. Let me explain. The road is critical for the local economy, supplying mining camps and supporting tourism. Without a stable road, industries would suffer, leading to job losses. However, I believe that road maintenance can be done in an environmentally responsible way. For example, using insulating materials and seasonal construction minimizes impact on permafrost and wildlife. On the other hand, wildlife conservation is equally important for our northern identity and ecosystem health. Moose and other species attract tourists and maintain ecological balance. I think a balanced allocation is best: invest in road upgrades that incorporate wildlife-friendly designs, such as underpasses and corridors. This way, we maintain infrastructure while protecting nature. It is not an either-or situation; a sustainable approach benefits everyone. Therefore, increased funding should go to projects that integrate both objectives, creating a win-win for the community.

Describe an unusual situation you witnessed while working at a mining camp in Whitehorse, such as a sudden permafrost thaw affecting the camp grounds. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.

One morning at the Eagle Mountain Mining Camp, we experienced an unusual situation: a sudden permafrost thaw caused the ground to become unstable. As I walked to the kitchen, I noticed the ground felt spongy under my boots. Suddenly, a section of the road near the supply shed collapsed into a sinkhole. The cook's storage tent began to tilt as the permafrost underneath melted. We quickly evacuated the area and called the territorial clerk. The wildlife officer arrived to check for any animals that might have been affected. It was surprising to see how fast the thaw could change the landscape. The camp had to suspend operations for two days while engineers assessed the ground. This incident showed me the fragility of northern infrastructure and the importance of monitoring permafrost conditions. It was a stark reminder of climate change impacts in the Yukon.