CELPIP Speaking – Section 1

Structure and Language for CELPIP Speaking – Section 1

Overall Structure

Language/Sentence Starters

Introduction

• Starting with a friendly tone:
  • “Hey [Friend’s Name], I’m so excited that you’re planning to visit [City’s Name]!”
  • “Hi [Friend’s Name], it’s great to hear that you’re coming to [City’s Name]. I am calling because I’ve got some tips for you!”

Giving Advice

• General suggestions:
  • “I recommend you check out…”
  • “You should definitely visit…”
  • “Make sure you don’t miss…”
  • “It would be a good idea to…”
  • “One place you absolutely must see is…”
  • “If you have time, you could also”

• Personal experience:
  • “From my experience, I would suggest…”
  • “When I first visited, I found that…”
  • “I’ve always enjoyed going to…”
  • “If you want something more chilled/exciting/adventurous, I would suggest..”

• Highlighting special features:
  • “The best time to go is…”
  • “You can enjoy [specific activity] at…”
  • “It’s famous for its…”
  • “You’ll love the…”

Offering Additional Tips

• Practical advice:
  • “Be sure to bring [specific items] with you.”
  • “Try to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.”
  • “Consider using public transportation, as it’s very convenient.”
  • “Don’t forget to try the local food at…”

• Safety tips:
  • “Just a heads-up, be careful around [specific area].”
  • “It’s generally safe, but it’s always good to be cautious, especially at night.”

Conclusion

• Encouraging and positive:
  • “I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time!”
  • “Let me know if you need any more tips!”
  • “I can’t wait to hear about your trip when you get back!”

SAMPLE 1

Hey Jayni, I’m so excited that you’re planning to visit Toronto! It’s one of my favorite cities, and there’s so much to see and do.

I recommend you check out the CN Tower—it’s one of the tallest buildings in the world, and the views from the top are incredible. One place you absolutely must see is the Royal Ontario Museum—it has amazing exhibits, especially if you’re into history or natural science. Also, make sure you don’t miss a walk along the waterfront, especially around sunset—you’ll love the view of Lake Ontario.

If you want something more chilled, I would suggest spending an afternoon at Kensington Market. It’s a super vibrant neighborhood with vintage shops, street art, and delicious international food. If you have time, you could visit High Park, especially in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Another place I really love is the Distillery District.   The best time to go is in the evening when the lights come on and the atmosphere is really charming. It’s famous for its old brick buildings, local shops, and fun festivals.

Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes with you—Toronto is a great city to explore on foot. Try to go early in the morning to places like St. Lawrence Market to avoid the crowds, and don’t forget to try the local food at a place called Seven Lives in Kensington—best tacos ever!

If I were you, I would consider using public transportation, especially the TTC subway and streetcars—they’re reliable and will save you time.

Just a heads-up—Toronto is generally very safe, but like any big city, there are a few areas to be aware of.  Some areas east of Yonge street, especially around Sherbourne and Queen, can feel a bit rough late at night, so it’s a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings. 

I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time! Let me know if you need any more tips, and I can’t wait to hear about your trip when you get back!

Here is another version using the following idioms/expressions:

1. Feast for the eyes – Something visually beautiful or very impressive.

2. Talk about a thrill! – An expression to emphasize how exciting something is.

3. Hidden gem – A place that’s not well-known but worth visiting.

4. Soak up the atmosphere – Enjoy the mood or feeling of a place.

5. Watch the world go by – Sit somewhere and observe people and life happening around you.

6. Right up your alley – Exactly the kind of thing someone enjoys.

7. By the way – this expression is a nice way to introduce a new idea

8. Melting pot – A place where many different cultures and people come together.

9. Pain in the neck – Something annoying or frustrating.

10. Keep your eyes peeled – Stay alert and watchful.

Hi Jayni, it’s great to hear that you’re coming to Toronto. I’m just calling as I’ve got some tips for you!

First off, you should definitely visit the CN Tower—it’s a must-see and a real feast for the eyes. If you’re not afraid of heights, try the glass floor or even the EdgeWalk—talk about a thrill!

One place you absolutely must see is Kensington Market. It’s full of life and color, and you’ll find all kinds of quirky shops and tasty eats, a real hidden gem—not as flashy as some places, but full of character.

And make sure you don’t miss a stroll along the Harbourfront. It’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and relax by the water. If you’re lucky with the weather, it’s a great spot to just chill and watch the world go by.

From my experience, I would suggest taking a day to explore the Distillery District. It’s got this old-world charm, and the little cafes and art galleries are right up your alley if you like creative spaces.

Try to go early in the morning to popular spots like St. Lawrence Market, or you’ll be stuck in crowds or people and have to deal with long lines if you want to buy anything.

Also, don’t forget to try the local food—the city’s a real melting pot, and you can find dishes from all over the world, anything from Thai or Vietnamese to Greek or Turkish.

By the way, you will not regret using public transportation—driving downtown can be a pain in the neck, especially with the traffic.

It’s generally safe, but it’s always wise to keep your eyes peeled, especially if you’re out late downtown.

I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time! Toronto has something for everyone. Let me know if you need any more tips, and don’t be a stranger when you get back—I’d love to hear how your trip went!