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Read the question, plan your own response, then study the example. The sample is original editorial material, not an official answer, a recalled exam question or a score guarantee.
What Task 1 asks you to do
Celmock uses 30 seconds of preparation and 90 seconds of response time for this task. Use the preparation time to choose your message and two supporting points. Do not try to write a complete script.
Your friend works full-time and has just enrolled in an evening course. They are worried about keeping up with assignments without becoming exhausted. Give your friend advice on managing work and study.
A complete original sample response
Hi Alex, I can understand why you’re worried about taking on a course while working full-time. I’d start by looking at the whole week rather than trying to study every evening. Put your shifts and assignment deadlines on one calendar, then reserve two short study sessions on days when you usually have more energy. For example, you could read the next lesson on Sunday morning and draft an assignment on Wednesday before dinner. That would give you a realistic routine instead of a long list of tasks you never finish.
I’d also suggest speaking to your course tutor early if a deadline clashes with a busy period at work. Explain the situation and ask what you should prioritize; don’t wait until the assignment is already late. Finally, protect at least one evening for rest. You’ll learn more from a focused hour than from staring at the screen when you’re exhausted. Try the routine for two weeks and adjust it if necessary.
Why the response works
Open with the actual problem
The opening names the pressure of combining full-time work and a course. It addresses the friend directly rather than beginning with a generic speech about education.
Develop the first suggestion
A calendar becomes a concrete action: place shifts and deadlines together, then reserve two realistic sessions. The Sunday and Wednesday example shows what the advice would look like in daily life.
Add a different solution
Talking to the tutor addresses deadline conflicts, while rest addresses fatigue. These points add something new instead of repeating “manage your time” in different words.
Close with a manageable next step
Trying the routine and adjusting it sounds more useful than guaranteeing that everything will be easy. Keep the tone supportive throughout.
Common practice mistakes to check
- Giving five tips without explaining any of them. Two developed suggestions are often easier to follow.
- Using a memorized opening that ignores who you are speaking to and why they need help.
- Spending most of the recording sympathizing, then rushing the actual advice.
Record, listen, then change one thing
Change the situation: a friend is starting a new job while caring for a family member. Keep the advice–reason–example method, but choose details that match this new pressure. Do not reuse the course-tutor story.
- Answer once without looking at the sample. Listen for whether the main message is clear early in the recording.
- Check whether each point has a reason or detail. If a sentence adds no new information, replace it rather than speaking faster.
- Check whether the tone fits the listener and whether you finish within the timer. Do not use a pronunciation score as a substitute for checking the content.
Try a fresh question with feedback
This public example is for independent study. The practice selector opens the platform’s published questions of the same task type; it does not automatically load this editorial prompt into the rated question bank.
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Questions, answered
How long do I have for Speaking Task 1?
Celmock’s task timer gives 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to respond. Follow the current instructions and timer on the test screen.
Should I memorize this sample?
Use it to understand how ideas are developed. Practise a new situation in your own words instead of forcing this answer into an unrelated prompt.
Official sources
Source pages checked on 19 October 2026. Check the current official guidance before booking or applying.