30 CELPIP Speaking Task 8 Practice Questions with Sample Answers
This post contains 30 CELPIP Speaking Task 8 practice questions with answers, covering Describing an Unusual Situation. Each practice question includes a sample answer from Arno's reviewed practice bank. This task appears in both CELPIP-General and CELPIP-General LS.
Practice Question 1
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual giant backpack repair booth, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
Let me describe the strange scene in front of me at a transit plaza. Someone is using a giant backpack repair booth while other people watch. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It is shaped like an oversized backpack with large zippered compartments, a fold-out workbench, hanging repair tools, and shoulder-strap decorations. The operator is kneeling beside it and using a wrench on a jammed wheel, with an open tool kit nearby. A power cable lies across the walkway edge; the operator unplugs it, a volunteer places a small barrier beside it, and pedestrians step around the area. The operator and the nearby pedestrians are all responding directly to this unusual setup.
Practice Question 2
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual bicycle-towed music stage, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
I am looking at something very unusual on a shopping street. It is a bicycle-towed music stage, and a person is operating it in front of several pedestrians. A bright red kitchen colander is attached to one side as a holder for small tools, and the operator selects a tool from it. It is attached to a cargo bicycle with a folding stage platform, two mounted speakers, an instrument rack, and stabilizing legs. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. A detached display tray rolls away; the operator points toward it, a pedestrian blocks it with one foot, and another person clears the path. Every part of the scene draws attention to how this strange object works.
Practice Question 3
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual rolling seed library, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
Let me describe the strange scene in front of me at a festival entrance. Someone is using a rolling seed library while other people watch. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It has four trolley wheels, a hand-cranked rotating seed rack, two fold-out drawers of seed packets, and a small rain cover. It takes up much of the walkway, so pedestrians are carefully moving around it. The object occupies part of a narrow walkway; one pedestrian turns sideways to pass, another waits, and the operator pulls one folding section inward to create space. The operator and the nearby pedestrians are all responding directly to this unusual setup.
Practice Question 4
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual boat-mounted bicycle workshop, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
I am looking at something very unusual along a waterfront path. It is a boat-mounted bicycle workshop, and a person is operating it in front of several pedestrians. Two children are pointing at different parts while an adult explains what they do. It sits on a flat boat with a bicycle repair stand, three colourful tool drawers, a hand pump, and a narrow boarding ramp. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. Several balloon strings are caught around an outer handle; a child points at them, one adult untangles the strings, and another adult holds the remaining balloons. Every part of the scene draws attention to how this strange object works.
Practice Question 5
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual folding solar cafe, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
There is a remarkable object at a farmers market: a folding solar cafe with an operator beside it. It has a wheeled base, two hinged solar panels, a fold-down serving counter, and a row of small battery indicator lights. Craft supplies are spilled in front of one wheel; a helper kneels to gather them, the operator stops, and two pedestrians walk around the spill. A bright red kitchen colander is attached to one side as a holder for small tools, and the operator selects a tool from it. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It appears practical, but its design and the reactions around it make this an unusually memorable sight.
Practice Question 6
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual mobile pottery wheel, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
There is a remarkable object at a community fair: a mobile pottery wheel with an operator beside it. It is a wheeled cart with a foot-powered pottery wheel, a water basin, a fold-out clay shelf, and hooks holding shaping tools. A bird lifts a lightweight displayed item; the operator reaches upward, a child points, and another pedestrian shields the remaining items. A small crowd has formed around it, and the people seem curious. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It appears practical, but its design and the reactions around it make this an unusually memorable sight.
Practice Question 7
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual folding solar cafe, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
There is a remarkable object at a farmers market: a folding solar cafe with an operator beside it. It has a wheeled base, two hinged solar panels, a fold-down serving counter, and a row of small battery indicator lights. An unattended bicycle blocks the object's route; the operator gestures toward it, a cyclist hurries back, and pedestrians make room. Two children are pointing at different parts while an adult explains what they do. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It appears practical, but its design and the reactions around it make this an unusually memorable sight.
Practice Question 8
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual pedal-powered book kiosk, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
You will not believe what I am seeing. There is a pedal-powered book kiosk at a pedestrian plaza, and someone is operating it. It has a three-wheeled cycle frame, two fold-out book shelves, a front return slot, and a striped canopy. The operator is kneeling beside it and using a wrench on a jammed wheel, with an open tool kit nearby. A shopping bag has split open beside the object; groceries roll toward it, the operator points down, the shopper crouches, and a passerby stops one item with a foot. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. The unusual design and all the activity around it make the scene look both useful and strange.
Practice Question 9
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual pedal-powered book kiosk, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
You will not believe what I am seeing. There is a pedal-powered book kiosk at a pedestrian plaza, and someone is operating it. It has a three-wheeled cycle frame, two fold-out book shelves, a front return slot, and a striped canopy. It takes up much of the walkway, so pedestrians are carefully moving around it. Immediately to the right, a volunteer carries too many boxes; the top box tilts toward the object, the operator reaches to steady it, and a pedestrian steps aside. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. The unusual design and all the activity around it make the scene look both useful and strange.
Practice Question 10
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual boat-mounted bicycle workshop, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
I am looking at something very unusual along a waterfront path. It is a boat-mounted bicycle workshop, and a person is operating it in front of several pedestrians. A passerby is holding one part steady while the operator adjusts another. It sits on a flat boat with a bicycle repair stand, three colourful tool drawers, a hand pump, and a narrow boarding ramp. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. One folding panel is stuck halfway open; the operator examines its hinge, a helper holds it steady, and two onlookers lean forward to watch. Every part of the scene draws attention to how this strange object works.
Practice Question 11
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual bicycle-towed music stage, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
I am looking at something very unusual on a shopping street. It is a bicycle-towed music stage, and a person is operating it in front of several pedestrians. Two children are pointing at different parts while an adult explains what they do. It is attached to a cargo bicycle with a folding stage platform, two mounted speakers, an instrument rack, and stabilizing legs. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. A detached display tray rolls away; the operator points toward it, a pedestrian blocks it with one foot, and another person clears the path. Every part of the scene draws attention to how this strange object works.
Practice Question 12
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual mobile pottery wheel, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
There is a remarkable object at a community fair: a mobile pottery wheel with an operator beside it. It is a wheeled cart with a foot-powered pottery wheel, a water basin, a fold-out clay shelf, and hooks holding shaping tools. A bird lifts a lightweight displayed item; the operator reaches upward, a child points, and another pedestrian shields the remaining items. Some sections are folded out at different angles, and the operator is adjusting a control. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It appears practical, but its design and the reactions around it make this an unusually memorable sight.
Practice Question 13
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual pedal-powered book kiosk, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
You will not believe what I am seeing. There is a pedal-powered book kiosk at a pedestrian plaza, and someone is operating it. It has a three-wheeled cycle frame, two fold-out book shelves, a front return slot, and a striped canopy. A passerby is holding one part steady while the operator adjusts another. A shopping bag has split open beside the object; groceries roll toward it, the operator points down, the shopper crouches, and a passerby stops one item with a foot. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. The unusual design and all the activity around it make the scene look both useful and strange.
Practice Question 14
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual umbrella-shaped information cart, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
You will not believe what I am seeing. There is an umbrella-shaped information cart at a public park, and someone is operating it. It has a large umbrella roof, brochure pockets arranged around the sides, a fold-out map board with symbols, and four small wheels. Two children are pointing at different parts while an adult explains what they do. One canopy corner has come loose; the operator holds its support, a passerby reaches for the fabric, and nearby pedestrians look upward. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. The unusual design and all the activity around it make the scene look both useful and strange.
Practice Question 15
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual rolling seed library, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
Let me describe the strange scene in front of me at a festival entrance. Someone is using a rolling seed library while other people watch. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It has four trolley wheels, a hand-cranked rotating seed rack, two fold-out drawers of seed packets, and a small rain cover. Two children are pointing at different parts while an adult explains what they do. A supply box slides from an upper shelf; the operator reaches up, a volunteer supports the bottom, and an onlooker warns them with a raised hand. The operator and the nearby pedestrians are all responding directly to this unusual setup.
Practice Question 16
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual bicycle-towed music stage, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
I am looking at something very unusual on a shopping street. It is a bicycle-towed music stage, and a person is operating it in front of several pedestrians. A musician plays an instrument on the unfolded stage while the operator adjusts a mounted speaker. It is attached to a cargo bicycle with a folding stage platform, two mounted speakers, an instrument rack, and stabilizing legs. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. One wheel is caught against a low curb; the operator pulls a handle, a passerby pushes from behind, and two pedestrians stand clear. Every part of the scene draws attention to how this strange object works.
Practice Question 17
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual pedal-powered book kiosk, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
You will not believe what I am seeing. There is a pedal-powered book kiosk at a pedestrian plaza, and someone is operating it. It has a three-wheeled cycle frame, two fold-out book shelves, a front return slot, and a striped canopy. A small crowd has formed around it, and the people seem curious. Immediately to the right, a volunteer carries too many boxes; the top box tilts toward the object, the operator reaches to steady it, and a pedestrian steps aside. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. The unusual design and all the activity around it make the scene look both useful and strange.
Practice Question 18
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual boat-mounted bicycle workshop, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
I am looking at something very unusual along a waterfront path. It is a boat-mounted bicycle workshop, and a person is operating it in front of several pedestrians. It takes up much of the walkway, so pedestrians are carefully moving around it. It sits on a flat boat with a bicycle repair stand, three colourful tool drawers, a hand pump, and a narrow boarding ramp. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. One folding panel is stuck halfway open; the operator examines its hinge, a helper holds it steady, and two onlookers lean forward to watch. Every part of the scene draws attention to how this strange object works.
Practice Question 19
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual giant backpack repair booth, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
Let me describe the strange scene in front of me at a transit plaza. Someone is using a giant backpack repair booth while other people watch. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It is shaped like an oversized backpack with large zippered compartments, a fold-out workbench, hanging repair tools, and shoulder-strap decorations. Some sections are folded out at different angles, and the operator is adjusting a control. A rain shower begins; the operator folds one exposed section inward, a pedestrian opens an umbrella, and two people move under the canopy. The operator and the nearby pedestrians are all responding directly to this unusual setup.
Practice Question 20
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual giant backpack repair booth, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
Let me describe the strange scene in front of me at a transit plaza. Someone is using a giant backpack repair booth while other people watch. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It is shaped like an oversized backpack with large zippered compartments, a fold-out workbench, hanging repair tools, and shoulder-strap decorations. A small crowd has formed around it, and the people seem curious. A power cable lies across the walkway edge; the operator unplugs it, a volunteer places a small barrier beside it, and pedestrians step around the area. The operator and the nearby pedestrians are all responding directly to this unusual setup.
Practice Question 21
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual mobile pottery wheel, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
There is a remarkable object at a community fair: a mobile pottery wheel with an operator beside it. It is a wheeled cart with a foot-powered pottery wheel, a water basin, a fold-out clay shelf, and hooks holding shaping tools. A leashed dog pulls toward a low moving part; its owner holds the leash with both hands, a nearby adult steps between the dog and the object, and a child watches from a safe distance. The operator presses the foot pedal and shapes a clay bowl on the turning pottery wheel. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It appears practical, but its design and the reactions around it make this an unusually memorable sight.
Practice Question 22
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual folding solar cafe, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
There is a remarkable object at a farmers market: a folding solar cafe with an operator beside it. It has a wheeled base, two hinged solar panels, a fold-down serving counter, and a row of small battery indicator lights. An unattended bicycle blocks the object's route; the operator gestures toward it, a cyclist hurries back, and pedestrians make room. It takes up much of the walkway, so pedestrians are carefully moving around it. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It appears practical, but its design and the reactions around it make this an unusually memorable sight.
Practice Question 23
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual umbrella-shaped information cart, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
You will not believe what I am seeing. There is an umbrella-shaped information cart at a public park, and someone is operating it. It has a large umbrella roof, brochure pockets arranged around the sides, a fold-out map board with symbols, and four small wheels. The operator unfolds the map board and points out a symbol-marked route to two visitors holding brochures. Three visitors stop to photograph the object and block the path; the operator points toward open space, one visitor moves aside, and an approaching pedestrian waits. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. The unusual design and all the activity around it make the scene look both useful and strange.
Practice Question 24
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual rolling seed library, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
Let me describe the strange scene in front of me at a festival entrance. Someone is using a rolling seed library while other people watch. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It has four trolley wheels, a hand-cranked rotating seed rack, two fold-out drawers of seed packets, and a small rain cover. A bright red kitchen colander is attached to one side as a holder for small tools, and the operator selects a tool from it. A supply box slides from an upper shelf; the operator reaches up, a volunteer supports the bottom, and an onlooker warns them with a raised hand. The operator and the nearby pedestrians are all responding directly to this unusual setup.
Practice Question 25
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual boat-mounted bicycle workshop, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
I am looking at something very unusual along a waterfront path. It is a boat-mounted bicycle workshop, and a person is operating it in front of several pedestrians. The operator is kneeling beside it and using a wrench on a jammed wheel, with an open tool kit nearby. It sits on a flat boat with a bicycle repair stand, three colourful tool drawers, a hand pump, and a narrow boarding ramp. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. Several balloon strings are caught around an outer handle; a child points at them, one adult untangles the strings, and another adult holds the remaining balloons. Every part of the scene draws attention to how this strange object works.
Practice Question 26
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual folding solar cafe, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
There is a remarkable object at a farmers market: a folding solar cafe with an operator beside it. It has a wheeled base, two hinged solar panels, a fold-down serving counter, and a row of small battery indicator lights. Craft supplies are spilled in front of one wheel; a helper kneels to gather them, the operator stops, and two pedestrians walk around the spill. A passerby is holding one part steady while the operator adjusts another. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It appears practical, but its design and the reactions around it make this an unusually memorable sight.
Practice Question 27
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual giant backpack repair booth, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
Let me describe the strange scene in front of me at a transit plaza. Someone is using a giant backpack repair booth while other people watch. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It is shaped like an oversized backpack with large zippered compartments, a fold-out workbench, hanging repair tools, and shoulder-strap decorations. The operator clamps a torn bag to the fold-out workbench and applies a fabric patch with a repair tool. A rain shower begins; the operator folds one exposed section inward, a pedestrian opens an umbrella, and two people move under the canopy. The operator and the nearby pedestrians are all responding directly to this unusual setup.
Practice Question 28
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual mobile pottery wheel, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
There is a remarkable object at a community fair: a mobile pottery wheel with an operator beside it. It is a wheeled cart with a foot-powered pottery wheel, a water basin, a fold-out clay shelf, and hooks holding shaping tools. A leashed dog pulls toward a low moving part; its owner holds the leash with both hands, a nearby adult steps between the dog and the object, and a child watches from a safe distance. A bright red kitchen colander is attached to one side as a holder for small tools, and the operator selects a tool from it. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. It appears practical, but its design and the reactions around it make this an unusually memorable sight.
Practice Question 29
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual umbrella-shaped information cart, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
You will not believe what I am seeing. There is an umbrella-shaped information cart at a public park, and someone is operating it. It has a large umbrella roof, brochure pockets arranged around the sides, a fold-out map board with symbols, and four small wheels. A bright red kitchen colander is attached to one side as a holder for small tools, and the operator selects a tool from it. Three visitors stop to photograph the object and block the path; the operator points toward open space, one visitor moves aside, and an approaching pedestrian waits. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. The unusual design and all the activity around it make the scene look both useful and strange.
Practice Question 30
You are speaking on the phone with a friend who cannot see the picture. Describe the unusual bicycle-towed music stage, explain what it looks like and how it works, and describe what the operator and nearby people are doing.
Sample answer
I am looking at something very unusual on a shopping street. It is a bicycle-towed music stage, and a person is operating it in front of several pedestrians. Some sections are folded out at different angles, and the operator is adjusting a control. It is attached to a cargo bicycle with a folding stage platform, two mounted speakers, an instrument rack, and stabilizing legs. Other nearby pedestrians slow down and leave a clear space around the operator. One wheel is caught against a low curb; the operator pulls a handle, a passerby pushes from behind, and two pedestrians stand clear. Every part of the scene draws attention to how this strange object works.