Common Errors to Avoid on the Speaking Component of the CELPIP Test

For many CELPIP test takers, the speaking component is often the portion of the test that requires the most preparation. Maximizing your score on the speaking test can require some practice, but it will also be one of the most confidence-building skills in your English abilities.

Preparation Resources for CELPIP

As you prepare for the speaking component of the CELPIP Test, please keep the following common errors in mind and work to avoid them. These are errors that many English speakers make, regardless of their skill level. Working to avoid these errors will help you to maximize your score potential.

1. Umms and Aahhs

Using filler words like “Umms” and “Aahhs” is common amongst English speakers, both consciously and unconsciously, but it does not positively reflect your speaking skills. Therefore, it is important to substitute them with pauses instead. During your speaking test, it will be perfectly normal for you to take pauses to collect your thoughts and determine what you will say next. Rather than relying on filler words, take a brief pause before starting your next sentence. Similarly, other filler words such as “Any,” “So,” and “You Know” should be avoided, unless they are vital to the point you are making in your speaking response. Filler words that do not add anything important to your response can undermine your speaking score, so take the time to practice eliminating these words.

2. Conjunctions and connecting phrases

Just as it is important to vary your use of conjunctions and connecting phrases in your writing test, using a variety of these words and phrases is just as vital in your speaking responses. Don’t rely on the most common conjunctions, such as “and,” “but,” and “so.” Instead, use alternative connecting words and phrases in your speaking. Consider using more complex connecting words and phrases, such as “In addition to,” “As well as,” and “Furthermore.” Rather than using “but” repeatedly, try using more varied words, such as “however,” “nevertheless,” or “nonetheless.” This strategy relates to our next point about vocabulary.

3. Vocab, vocab, vocab

One of the most effective ways to ensure that you demonstrate your English-speaking skills (and your writing skills!) is to show off your vocabulary. This doesn’t just mean using more elevated terms, such as describing something as “massive” rather than just “big”; it also means avoiding using the same words repeatedly. Take some time to think of synonyms for the words you are using, and consider how words such as “significant”, “enormous”, or “gigantic” can be used rather than repeating the same descriptors.

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4. Worrying about accents

Test takers are often concerned that their accent may affect their CELPIP score. This could not be further from the truth. Unless your accent prevents you from being understood, do not focus on it. Instead, concentrate on using good grammar, accurate and varied vocabulary, and providing thorough responses to the prompts.

5. Matching the tone of the response

Matching the tone of your response to the speaking prompt is another excellent way to demonstrate your understanding of context in English conversation. If the speaking prompt is a formal situation, such as discussing a work-related issue with your manager, consider adjusting your language to match the situation. Avoid using slang words and contractions and focus on clearly and politely communicating your points. However, if the speaking prompt is an informal situation, such as talking to a friend or family member, you may want to relax your speech and make it more conversational and casual. Remember, read the prompt carefully, and match your speaking response accordingly.

6. Managing your time

As with all of your responses on the CELPIP Test, it is vital to keep track of the time and ensure you have enough time to complete all the questions in each section. Remember, the speaking response section includes a timer, so pace yourself to ensure you take all of your allotted time and that you do not rush to complete your response.

Preparation Resources for CELPIP

Want to get even more ready for your CELPIP test? Check out our free resources page for practice tests, free webinars, expert advice, YouTube videos on each test component, and more! For speaking prep, consider joining our Speaking Pro sessions, which are live-streamed every month.