CELPIP Speaking Practice Course: Task 7: Expressing opinions

1. Question 1 of 15

   What kind of question does Task 7 ask?

   • AA request for advice from a friend who must make a decision
   • BA question about a past experience
   • CA "Do you think…?" question about an issue
   • DA question about a picture
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   Answer: C. A "Do you think…?" question about an issue

   Task 7 asks for your opinion with a "Do you think…?" question.

2. Question 2 of 15

   What are the preparation and speaking times for Task 7?

   • A30 seconds to prepare, 90 seconds to speak
   • B60 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak
   • C30 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak
   • D90 seconds to prepare, 90 seconds to speak
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   Answer: A. 30 seconds to prepare, 90 seconds to speak

   Task 7 gives 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak, like Task 1.

3. Question 3 of 15

   When should you decide your position in Task 7?

   • AOnly in your last sentence
   • BNever; it is better to stay neutral
   • CAfter you have spoken for 30 seconds
   • DQuickly, during the preparation time
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   Answer: D. Quickly, during the preparation time

   Decide quickly whether you agree and commit to it. Changing your mind or staying neutral makes your answer unclear.

4. Question 4 of 15

   How many reasons should you aim to give in Task 7?

   • ATen very short ones
   • BOnly one
   • CAbout three, each with support
   • DNone; just repeat your opinion
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   Answer: C. About three, each with support

   About three well-supported reasons fill 90 seconds and show clear organization.

5. Question 5 of 15

   Is there a correct opinion in Task 7?

   • ANo, what matters is how well you support it
   • BYes, you should always agree
   • CYes, the opinion that most people in Canada hold
   • DYes, you should always disagree
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   Answer: A. No, what matters is how well you support it

   You may answer yes or no. The rating dimensions look at your ideas, support, vocabulary, listenability and task fulfillment, not at which side you choose.

6. Question 6 of 15

   Which phrase introduces an example?

   • A"Finally, …"
   • B"I strongly believe that…"
   • C"That's why I believe…"
   • D"For example, …"
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   Answer: D. "For example, …"

   "For example" introduces support for a reason. The others state a conclusion, a last point or a position.

7. Question 7 of 15

   Which phrase adds another reason?

   • A"On top of that, …"
   • B"I hope you understand."
   • C"In the foreground…"
   • D"For example, …"
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   Answer: A. "On top of that, …"

   "On top of that" adds a new reason to the ones you already gave.

8. Question 8 of 15

   Which phrase shows that you know about the other side before answering it?

   • A"If I were you, …"
   • B"For example, …"
   • C"Some people might argue that…, but…"
   • D"First of all, …"
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   Answer: C. "Some people might argue that…, but…"

   This phrase mentions the other view and then returns to your position.

9. Question 9 of 15

   Which sentence is the best conclusion for a Task 7 answer?

   • A"That's why I believe schools should offer cooking classes."
   • B"Anyway, my favourite food is pizza."
   • C"Some people might not agree with me, so I'm really not sure anymore."
   • D"Um, okay, that's all, I guess."
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   Answer: A. "That's why I believe schools should offer cooking classes."

   A good conclusion restates your position clearly. The others are weak, off topic or unsure.

10. Question 10 of 15

    The question is "Do you think employees should be allowed to work from home?" Which sentence is off topic?

    • A"Some jobs need people to meet in person to work well."
    • B"My cousin bought a new laptop last month."
    • C"Working from home saves people time on long commutes."
    • D"Many parents find it easier to care for their children."
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    Answer: B. "My cousin bought a new laptop last month."

    Every sentence should help answer the question. A cousin's new laptop does not support either side.

11. Question 11 of 15

    Which reason is best supported?

    • A"Bike lanes are good. They are really good."
    • B"I think bike lanes are a good idea, probably, and I think a lot of people in many other cities think they are a good idea too."
    • C"Bike lanes make cycling safer. For example, my sister started biking to work once a protected lane opened on her street."
    • D"Bike lanes are good for many reasons."
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    Answer: C. "Bike lanes make cycling safer. For example, my sister started biking to work once a protected lane opened on her street."

    The best reason gives something specific: here, a personal example. The others repeat the opinion without support.

12. Question 12 of 15

    What is the best order for a Task 7 answer?

    • AReasons, then a change of position, then a conclusion
    • BPosition, reasons with examples, conclusion
    • CExamples only, then your position at the very end
    • DConclusion, examples, position
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    Answer: B. Position, reasons with examples, conclusion

    State your position first, develop each reason with support, then finish by restating your position.

13. Question 13 of 15

    Read the transcript. What is the main weakness of this response?

    Task 7 prompt: Do you think children under 12 should have their own smartphones?

    Response (transcript): "Yes, I think children should have smartphones because they can call their parents. But actually, phones can be bad for their eyes. So maybe no. But it is also good for learning apps. I don't know, it depends on the child."

    • AThe speaker uses too many transitions
    • BThe speaker talks about a different topic
    • CThe speaker gives too many detailed personal examples for each reason
    • DThe speaker keeps changing position and never commits
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    Answer: D. The speaker keeps changing position and never commits

    Task 7 needs a clear position. This speaker says yes, then no, then "it depends", so the listener can't tell what they think.

14. Question 14 of 15

    Read the transcript. How many main reasons does the speaker give?

    Task 7 prompt: Do you think public libraries are still important today?

    Response (transcript): "Yes, I strongly believe public libraries are still important. First of all, they give everyone free access to books and the Internet. For example, when I first came to Canada, I used the library computers to apply for jobs. On top of that, libraries are a safe, quiet place to study. My neighbour's son does his homework there every day because his apartment is noisy. Finally, libraries bring people together through free events like language clubs and story time. Some people might argue that everything is online now, but not everyone can afford a computer at home. That's why I believe libraries are as important as ever."

    • AOne
    • BFive
    • CThree
    • DTwo
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    Answer: C. Three

    The reasons are free access to books and the Internet, a quiet place to study, and bringing people together. Each one has support.

15. Question 15 of 15

    Read the transcript. Which phrase introduces the speaker's second reason?

    Task 7 prompt: Do you think public libraries are still important today?

    Response (transcript): "Yes, I strongly believe public libraries are still important. First of all, they give everyone free access to books and the Internet. For example, when I first came to Canada, I used the library computers to apply for jobs. On top of that, libraries are a safe, quiet place to study. My neighbour's son does his homework there every day because his apartment is noisy. Finally, libraries bring people together through free events like language clubs and story time. Some people might argue that everything is online now, but not everyone can afford a computer at home. That's why I believe libraries are as important as ever."

    • A"For example"
    • B"That's why"
    • C"First of all"
    • D"On top of that"
    Show answer

    Answer: D. "On top of that"

    "First of all" introduces the first reason, and "On top of that" introduces the second. "Finally" introduces the third.

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