Speaking Task 1: Giving Advice

Good enough to justify the time, money or effort you put into it.

“A first-aid course is worthwhile if you're going to be looking after young children.”

“Paying a bit extra for winter tires is definitely worthwhile in Quebec.”

Often used: well worthwhile · a worthwhile investment · worthwhile in the long term

CELPIP tip: Use it to judge an option rather than repeating good again and again. Add a reason clause with because or since.

Something useful you give up so that you can get something you consider more important.

“Moving to a smaller apartment is a sacrifice, but you would save enough for a car.”

“Taking the night course means a few sacrifices, like fewer weekends at the cabin with Josh.”

Often used: make a sacrifice · worth the sacrifice · a small sacrifice

CELPIP tip: Name the sacrifice honestly and then show why it is worth it. This helps you paraphrase instead of repeating the options exactly as the prompt words them.

To discuss a decision or problem with someone else before making up your mind.

“Before you accept the transfer to Calgary, talk it over with your partner.”

“Why not talk it over with your coach and see which team suits you better?”

Often used: talk it over with · sit down and talk it over

CELPIP tip: A good closing suggestion that shows care for the people around your listener. Name who they should talk to so the advice is concrete.

To consider a plan carefully, step by step, before you make a decision about it.

“Before you sign the lease, think through how you would get to work in winter.”

“Aunt Leila, let's think through what a part-time job would mean for your weekends.”

Often used: think it through · think through the costs · think things through

CELPIP tip: With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: think it through, not think through it. It fits nicely near the end when you urge careful planning.

To wait before doing something, usually until you have more information or better conditions.

“I'd hold off on buying a new laptop until the back-to-school sales start in August.”

“Maybe hold off on signing the lease until you've seen the unit in person.”

Often used: hold off on buying · hold off on a decision · hold off until

CELPIP tip: Useful when your advice is to wait rather than act. Always add the reason and the moment when the person should decide.

To choose one thing from two or more possibilities after thinking about them.

“I'd opt for the evening program so you can keep working during the day.”

“Most families I know opt for the monthly transit pass because it pays for itself.”

Often used: opt for the cheaper option · opt for X over Y

CELPIP tip: A precise replacement for choose that helps you avoid echoing the prompt. Pair it with over to contrast the two options.

To think carefully about the good and bad points of something before making a decision.

“You should weigh up the longer commute against the bigger apartment before you move to Surrey.”

“Let's weigh up both offers together so you don't regret the choice later.”

Often used: weigh up the pros and cons · weigh up your options · weigh up X against Y

CELPIP tip: Good for showing that your advice is balanced. Say what you weighed up, then state which side wins and why.

A calm feeling that comes from knowing you are protected or have made a sensible choice.

“Tenant insurance costs little, and it gives you real peace of mind.”

“Getting the house inspected first will give you peace of mind before you buy.”

Often used: give you peace of mind · for your own peace of mind

CELPIP tip: Use it as a benefit that goes beyond money. It adds an emotional reason, which makes advice sound thoughtful and personal.

The option that is more likely to work out well and less likely to cause problems.

“A used Honda is a safer bet than that older European car with no service records.”

“Booking the campsite early is a safer bet on a long weekend in Jasper.”

Often used: probably a safer bet · a much safer bet than

CELPIP tip: Compare two options and name the safer bet, then explain the risk of the other one. This keeps your recommendation clear.

A question that introduces an idea the listener may not have considered, without forcing it on them.

“Have you thought about taking the bus to work instead of buying a used car?”

“Have you thought about joining a community garden so you can grow vegetables without a yard?”

Often used: have you thought about + -ing · have you thought about asking

CELPIP tip: Use it to open a new option midway through your answer. Remember the -ing form after about, as in have you thought about moving.

A closing phrase that respects the listener's right to choose and offers ongoing support.

“Whatever you decide, I'm happy to help you move the furniture.”

“Whatever you decide about the course, make sure you register before the deadline.”

Often used: whatever you decide, I'll... · whatever you decide, make sure...

CELPIP tip: A warm way to finish an advice answer. Keep it to one sentence so your ending is tidy.

A gentle frame that suggests an action could bring enough benefit to justify the effort.

“It might be worth asking your landlord whether the rent can stay the same for another year.”

“It might be worth visiting both daycares before you sign anything, Marco.”

Often used: it might be worth + -ing · it might be worth checking · it might be worth a try

CELPIP tip: The verb after worth takes -ing: worth asking, not worth to ask. This frame softens advice so it sounds caring rather than bossy.

Introduces the single weak point of an option you mostly like, before you give your final advice.

“The only drawback is the longer drive, but the house in Airdrie has the yard your kids want.”

“The gym near your office is great; the only drawback is that it closes at nine.”

Often used: the only drawback is that... · the only real drawback is

CELPIP tip: Use it once to show balance, then return to your recommendation. Saying only signals that the problem is small, so your advice still sounds confident.

A short linker that explains the good result of the action you have just suggested.

“Pack your lunch the night before. That way, you won't be tempted to eat out.”

“Ask for the schedule in writing; that way, nobody can change it without telling you.”

Often used: that way, you'll... · that way, you won't have to...

CELPIP tip: Place it right after a suggestion to show the result. It is an easy way to link advice and reason without always saying because.

A linking phrase that brings in an advantage, often after a problem has been mentioned.

“The college is farther away. On the plus side, its co-op program places students with local employers.”

“On the plus side, a smaller dog would be easier to walk during Winnipeg winters.”

Often used: but on the plus side · on the plus side, you'd...

CELPIP tip: A handy way to move from a worry to a benefit in one smooth step, which helps your answer sound organized.

A linker that adds one more reason or point to what you have already said.

“The apartment is cheaper. On top of that, it's a five-minute walk from your office.”

“Cycling saves money, and on top of that it helps you stay active.”

Often used: and on top of that · on top of that, you'd...

CELPIP tip: Use it for your next supporting reason instead of also. It fits a conversational tone better than furthermore.

A friendly way to imagine yourself facing the other person's problem before you say what you would do.

“If I were in your shoes, I'd take the job in Kelowna and rent for a year first.”

“Honestly, Priya, if I were in your shoes, I would talk to your manager before quitting.”

Often used: if I were in your shoes, I'd... · if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't...

CELPIP tip: Follow it with would or I'd plus a verb, never will. Using it once as an opening line sounds natural; using it for every point sounds rehearsed.

To choose the careful option that carries less risk, even if the possible gain is smaller.

“If you're not sure about the ice on the lake, play it safe and skate at the rink.”

“Since your savings are small, I'd play it safe and keep your current job for now.”

Often used: play it safe and... · decide to play it safe

CELPIP tip: Idioms like this suit a conversation with a friend. Explain what the safe choice is right after you use it, so the meaning is clear.