Giving Advice
Purpose: Show your ability to give structured, empathetic, and fluent advice in response to a real-world situation.
What This Task Requires
You are expected to:
- Speak as if you’re talking directly to your friend
- Offer realistic, well-developed advice
- Show clear reasoning for each suggestion
- Demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and fluent delivery
- Stay within the 90-second time limit
Scoring Criteria Breakdown: How Each Strategy Maps to the Rubric
| CELPIP Category | How This Task Targets It |
| Coherence and Meaning | Clear structure: introduction → three ideas → conclusion |
| Lexical Range | Varying phrases for giving advice, precise verbs, academic vocabulary |
| Listenability | Natural rhythm, easy transitions, fluent delivery without hesitations |
| Task Fulfillment | Fully addresses the situation, offers actionable advice, uses full time |
Sample Prompt
Your friend Jason is considering accepting a part-time job while finishing his university studies. He’s worried it might affect his school performance. Give him some advice.
Step-by-Step Strategy
Step 1: Rephrase the Situation (Show Understanding)
Start by addressing your friend by name and summarizing the situation briefly. This demonstrates comprehension and sets a natural, conversational tone.
Example:
“Hey Jason, I totally get why you’re feeling uncertain about working part-time during school. It’s a tough balance, but I have a few ideas that might help.”
Why It Matters:
- Hits Coherence and Meaning
- Begins naturally, supporting Listenability
Step 2: Give Three Distinct Pieces of Advice
Each suggestion should include:
- A specific recommendation
- A justified reason
- Optional: a brief example or consequence
Example Strategy (based on the Jason prompt):
- Advice 1: Assess your time realistically
“First, I suggest mapping out your weekly schedule. That’ll help you see how many hours you can work without hurting your studies.” - Advice 2: Investigate flexibility
“Also, look into whether the job offers flexible shifts. That can make a big difference during exam periods.” - Advice 3: Talk to someone with experience
“Lastly, try asking someone who’s worked that job before. They can give you insights on how manageable it really is.”
Why It Matters:
- Demonstrates full Task Fulfillment
- Shows Coherence (ordered ideas), and Lexical Range with phrases like “map out,” “manageable,” “insight”
Step 3: Use Advanced Phrasing to Vary Your Language
Avoid repeating “you should” in every sentence.
| Common Phrase | Stronger Alternative |
| You should… | I’d suggest… / One option is to… |
| Think about… | Reflect on… / Consider evaluating… |
| It’s a good idea to… | It may be wise to… / It might benefit you to… |
Why It Matters:
- Directly improves your Lexical Range and Vocabulary
- Adds natural Listenability by avoiding robotic phrasing
Step 4: Conclude Smoothly and Positively
End with encouragement or a final takeaway. Avoid abrupt or awkward endings.
Examples:
- “Hope that helps you decide, Jason. I’m sure you’ll make the right choice.”
- “Whatever you choose, I know you’ll handle it well. Best of luck.”
Why It Matters:
- Shows confidence and control
- Ends clearly, reinforcing Task Fulfillment and Listenability
Vocabulary Power Table
| Purpose | Basic Term | Upgraded Word or Phrase |
| Offer advice | You should | I’d recommend / One strategy is to… |
| Time management | Plan your time | Structure your schedule / Prioritize |
| Gain perspective | Ask someone | Consult / Seek insight from |
| Balance things | Manage both | Juggle commitments / Maintain equilibrium |
| Impact on school | Hurt your grades | Affect academic performance / Jeopardize focus |
| Flexibility | Easy to change | Adaptable / Accommodating |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How It Affects Your Score |
| Only giving one or two suggestions | Hurts Coherence and Task Fulfillment |
| Saying “you should” repeatedly | Lowers Lexical Range |
| Giving vague or obvious advice | Reduces Meaning and Comprehensibility |
| Speaking in short, disconnected sentences | Breaks Listenability |
| Ending too early | Wastes the 90-second opportunity |
Final Response Template
Here’s a structured version you can follow and customize:
“Hi [name], I understand you’re [rephrase situation]. I’ve been in a similar situation before, so let me give you some advice.
First, I’d recommend… [Advice 1 + reason].
Secondly, it might help to… [Advice 2 + reason or example].
Finally, one thing you might consider is… [Advice 3 + reason or potential benefit].
I hope that gives you some clarity. Whatever you choose, I know you’ll figure it out.”
Full Sample Response (Based on Jason Prompt)
“Hey Jason, I totally understand why you’re hesitating about taking a part-time job while studying. Balancing both can definitely be tricky, but here’s what I’d suggest.
First, try mapping out your weekly schedule in detail. That’ll help you see exactly how much time you can realistically dedicate to work without hurting your grades.
Second, find out whether the job offers flexible hours. That could be really helpful when exam season hits or if your workload suddenly increases.
Finally, consider reaching out to someone who’s done that job before. They might give you insight into whether it’s manageable alongside school, or if it ends up being too stressful.
I hope that helps, and whatever you decide, I’m sure you’ll handle it well. Good luck with your decision, Jason.”
Why This Sample Scores High:
- Coherence and Meaning: Clear structure, logical flow, transitions between points
- Lexical Range: Variety of expressions (“mapping out,” “workload increases,” “insight”)
- Listenability: Natural tone, no hesitation, easy to follow
Task Fulfillment: Fully addresses the situation, provides actionable advice, uses full 90 seconds