CELPIP Speaking Task 1: Giving Advice

Hi Maya, I heard you moved to a new city and you don’t know many people yet. I have some advice for you. First, you can join a gym or a sport club. There are many people there and you can talk with them every week. Second, you should go to the community centre. They have a lot of activities, for example cooking classes, and it is cheap. Also you can volunteer, because volunteering is good to meet people. Finally, you can ask your coworkers for lunch. Maybe they also want to make friends. I think if you do these things you will feel better soon. Good luck!

Clear order and relevant ideas, but each tip is general (“a lot of activities”) and the reasons are short. Some words repeat (“you can”, “people”).

Hi Maya, I know moving to a new city for work can feel lonely at first, so here are a few ideas that helped me. First, I’d join one weekly activity, like a running club or a pottery class. Seeing the same faces every week makes it much easier to start a conversation, and after a month you’ll have a small group you recognise. Second, check the events page of your local library or community centre. They often run free evenings, such as board-game nights, where people are there specifically to meet others. If you have a free Saturday, volunteering at a food bank is another good option, because you’re working side by side with neighbours. And don’t forget your coworkers — inviting one of them for coffee is a low-pressure first step. Give it a few weeks, and let me know how it goes.

Every suggestion has a reason and an example. Linking is smooth (“If you have a free Saturday…”), and the close fits a friend.

Maya, I remember how quiet my evenings were when I first moved, so I completely understand how you’re feeling. The thing that made the biggest difference for me was committing to one regular activity rather than trying lots of one-off events. A Tuesday-night running club, for instance, gives you the same people every week, and that repetition is what turns small talk into actual friendship. I’d also look at what your neighbourhood offers for free — libraries and community centres often host language exchanges or volunteer days, and they attract people who are actively looking to connect. Since you’re new at work, it might also be worth suggesting a lunch with one or two colleagues; it’s far less intimidating than a big group outing. None of this will happen overnight, but if you give it a month, I think you’ll be surprised how settled you feel. Call me after your first club night!

Tailored to Maya, precise vocabulary (“one-off events”, “intimidating”), varied sentence structure and a natural, confident pace that fills the time.