Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
Call a store or a friend to vividly describe a bizarre object using precise, literal details.
What They Test
Understanding the assessment criteria helps you deliver exactly what examiners are looking for.
Circumlocution (Talking Around)
Your ability to describe something when you do not know the exact word for it. Examiners want to hear you describe its shape, size, color, and function.
Descriptive Precision
Using highly specific adjectives (e.g., 'cylindrical', 'metallic', 'translucent', 'textured') instead of basic ones like 'big' or 'nice'.
Roleplay Authenticity
You are always asked to call someone (like a store clerk or a friend). You must maintain the illusion of a phone call from start to finish.
Comparative Reference
Comparing the bizarre object to something familiar (e.g., 'It looks exactly like a normal bicycle, except...').
Template Phrases
Ready-to-use expressions that help your answer sound natural, organized, and easy to follow.
Opening the Phone Call
- •"Hello, I am calling because I am currently looking at..."
- •"Hi there, I am at your store right now and I need some help finding..."
- •"Hey! You will never believe what I am looking at right now."
The 'Familiar' Comparison
- •"At first glance, it looks just like a normal..."
- •"It is basically shaped exactly like a..."
- •"If you imagine a typical [X], it looks very similar, but..."
Describing the Bizarre Details
- •"However, the highly unusual part is that..."
- •"Instead of having regular wheels, it actually has..."
- •"It is made entirely out of a shiny, metallic material that..."
Closing the Call
- •"Could you please check if you have this in stock?"
- •"Does that description make sense to you?"
- •"Anyway, I had to call and tell you. Talk to you later!"
Sample Answer (60s speak)
See how a high-scoring response sounds with clear structure and practical supporting details.
You are at a furniture store and see a very unusual chair that you want to buy, but there is no price tag. Call the store clerk (who is in the warehouse) to describe the chair so they can look up the price. (Image: A chair shaped like a giant, neon-pink human hand).
High-scoring Response
"Hello! I am currently in the main showroom of your store, and I am interested in purchasing a highly unusual chair I found, but it is missing a price tag. I was hoping you could look it up for me."
"At first glance, the overall dimensions are similar to a standard armchair, but the design is completely bizarre. It is shaped exactly like a giant, oversized human hand with the palm facing upward."
"The entire piece is made out of a glossy, neon-pink plastic material. Where you would normally sit is the actual palm of the hand, and the backrest is made up of the five giant fingers pointing straight up toward the ceiling. It doesn't have regular legs; instead, it rests flat on what looks like a wrist."
"Does that description ring any bells for you? If you could check the system and let me know the price, I would really appreciate it!"
Why This Response Scores High:
- Perfectly executes the phone call roleplay from the first second.
- Uses the 'Familiar Comparison' trick ('dimensions are similar to a standard armchair') to ground the listener.
- Loaded with precise, descriptive vocabulary ('glossy', 'neon-pink', 'oversized', 'backrest').
- Closes gracefully by returning to the original purpose of the call (asking for the price).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from these frequent errors that lower scores on this task.
Mistake 1: Forgetting the Roleplay
Describing the image like you did in Task 3, completely forgetting that you are supposed to be on the phone with someone.
"This is a picture of a pink chair. It looks like a hand."
"Hi, I am calling from your showroom about a pink chair shaped like a hand."
Mistake 2: Using Vague Words
Relying on words like 'thing', 'stuff', 'weird', and 'big' instead of using specific geometry and colors.
Pretend the person on the other end of the phone has to draw the object based solely on your description. 'Big' isn't helpful. 'The size of a refrigerator' is.
Mistake 3: Panicking Over Unknown Vocabulary
The image is bizarre on purpose! You are not supposed to know what it is. Do not apologize for not knowing the word.
"I don't know what this is called. Sorry."
"It consists of three cylindrical tubes arranged in a triangle."
Mistake 4: Abrupt Ending
Running out of things to describe and just stopping.
Mini Quiz
Test your understanding of Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation with these quick questions.
1. What is the primary skill tested in Speaking Task 8?
2. How should you start your response?
3. Which descriptive phrase is best for Task 8?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the image supposed to be confusing?
Yes! Do not panic if the image makes no sense. It is deliberately bizarre (like a clock melting, or a car with square wheels) to force you to use descriptive language.
What if I finish describing it in 30 seconds?
If you finish early, start inventing details about its texture, its weight, or why you want to buy it. 'I think it would look perfect in my living room because it matches my pink curtains.'
What if I finish describing it in 30 seconds?
If you finish early, start inventing details about its texture, its weight, or why you want to buy it. 'I think it would look perfect in my living room because it matches my pink curtains.'
Should I say 'Hello' and 'Goodbye'?
Yes. Treat it exactly like a real voicemail or phone call. State who you are calling, why you are calling, describe the object, and end the call naturally.
Can I just say 'It looks like a hand' and be done?
No. While saying 'it looks like a hand' is a great starting point, you must elaborate. What material is it? What color is it? Is it a left hand or a right hand?
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.