Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions
Deliver a structured, 90-second persuasive argument defending your viewpoint.
What They Test
Understanding the assessment criteria helps you deliver exactly what examiners are looking for.
Opinion Clarity
Your ability to take a firm stance immediately. The examiner should know exactly which side of the argument you are on within the first 5 seconds.
Argument Development
Supporting your opinion with 2 to 3 logical, deeply explained reasons. A broad list of 10 reasons will score lower than 2 reasons with strong examples.
Transitional Flow
Using advanced discourse markers (e.g., 'First and foremost', 'Another crucial factor to consider is', 'Ultimately') to organize your 90-second speech.
Vocabulary Range
Using topic-specific vocabulary rather than general words to prove you can discuss complex societal or everyday issues.
Template Phrases
Ready-to-use expressions that help your answer sound natural, organized, and easy to follow.
Stating Your Opinion
- •"In my personal opinion, I strongly believe that..."
- •"From my perspective, there is no doubt that..."
- •"I am firmly of the opinion that..."
First Supporting Argument
- •"First and foremost, it is important to consider..."
- •"The primary reason I feel this way is because..."
- •"To begin with, we must look at the fact that..."
Second/Third Argument
- •"Another crucial factor to take into account is..."
- •"Furthermore, one cannot ignore the fact that..."
- •"In addition to that, I also believe..."
Concluding Thought
- •"Ultimately, when you weigh all the factors..."
- •"For all of these reasons, I stand by my belief that..."
- •"In conclusion, it is clear to me that..."
Sample Answer (90s speak)
See how a high-scoring response sounds with clear structure and practical supporting details.
Do you think that children under the age of 12 should be allowed to have their own smartphones? Explain your reasons.
High-scoring Response
"In my personal opinion, I strongly believe that children under the age of 12 should not be allowed to own their own smartphones. I think it introduces too many risks at such a young age."
"First and foremost, the primary reason I feel this way is because of the impact on their physical and mental development. Children at that age should be spending their free time playing outdoors, socializing face-to-face, and reading books. If they have a smartphone, they are highly likely to become addicted to screens and social media, which can lead to anxiety and a sedentary lifestyle."
"Another crucial factor to take into account is online safety. The internet is full of unfiltered content and potential cyberbullying. Children under 12 simply do not have the emotional maturity or the critical thinking skills required to navigate those dangers safely without constant adult supervision."
"Ultimately, while technology is undeniably important, I stand by my belief that a basic flip phone for emergencies is more than enough. Smartphones should wait until they are teenagers."
Why This Response Scores High:
- Takes a definitive stance instantly ('strongly believe that children... should not').
- Uses extremely robust transitions ('First and foremost', 'Another crucial factor', 'Ultimately').
- Provides two deeply explored arguments (Mental Development & Online Safety) rather than a rushed list.
- Uses highly advanced vocabulary ('sedentary lifestyle', 'emotional maturity', 'unfiltered content').
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from these frequent errors that lower scores on this task.
Mistake 1: Sitting on the Fence
Refusing to pick a side. You must be decisive, even if you personally see both sides.
"I think it is good, but also bad. It depends on the child."
"I firmly believe that the negative consequences drastically outweigh the positive benefits."
Mistake 2: Lack of Concrete Examples
Giving theoretical reasons without grounding them in reality.
"Phones are bad for their brains and make them sad."
"Constant exposure to social media algorithms can lead to severe anxiety and isolation."
Mistake 3: Poor Time Management (90s is long!)
Finishing your argument in 45 seconds and freezing. 90 seconds is a long time to speak unscripted.
If you run out of things to say at the 60-second mark, invent a quick personal anecdote: 'For example, my little nephew got a phone last year and...'
Mistake 4: Repetitive Vocabulary
Using the words 'good', 'bad', 'I think', and 'because' over and over.
"I think it's bad because... and also I think it's bad because..."
"Furthermore, another significant drawback is... which clearly demonstrates why..."
Mini Quiz
Test your understanding of Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions with these quick questions.
1. What should you do if you personally agree with BOTH sides of the argument?
2. How many reasons should you provide in your 90-second response?
3. What is the best way to handle the 90-second time limit if you talk too fast?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the examiner care about my actual opinion?
Not at all. You could argue that the sky is green, as long as you use flawless grammar, excellent vocabulary, and strong transitions to defend it.
Is it okay to use big, complex words?
Yes, this is the perfect task to show off your advanced vocabulary. Words like 'detrimental', 'advantageous', 'inevitable', and 'paramount' are fantastic here.
What if I completely disagree with the prompt?
That's fine! Just express that disagreement clearly. 'I strongly disagree with the premise of this question because...'
Do I need a formal conclusion?
Yes. Always wrap up your 90-second speech with a 10-15 second summary. 'In conclusion, based on X and Y, it is clear that...'
Choose another task template
Jump between all 8 CELPIP Speaking templates and review the structure for each task.
Giving Advice
Give practical advice with clear reasons.
Personal Experience
Tell a clear story with a natural ending.
Describing a Scene
Describe what you see in an organized way.
Making Predictions
Explain what may happen next and why.
Comparing Choices
Compare two options and persuade clearly.
Difficult Situation
Handle pressure with a calm solution.
Expressing Opinions
Support your opinion with strong reasons.
Unusual Situation
Describe an unexpected moment clearly.