CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

Task 5 asks you to compare two options and persuade someone to choose your preferred choice. You’ll see a scenario with two alternatives (e.g., two job offers, two vacation destinations, two gift ideas) and must convince a friend or family member which one is better.

This task tests your ability to organize a comparative argument, use contrastive language, and speak persuasively: all in 60 seconds.

Understanding Task 5 Format

Task 5 has two parts with a unique flow:

Part 1: Silent Selection (60 seconds, no speaking) You see two options on screen, each with an image and a short list of features (e.g., salary, location, benefits). Read both options carefully and decide which one you prefer. You do not need to speak during this part. If you do not choose, the computer will select one for you.

Part 2: Persuasion (60 seconds preparation + 60 seconds speaking) The computer assigns your friend the other option, the one you did not pick. Your job is to persuade your friend that YOUR choice is the better one by comparing the two options.

Your persuasion should:

• Acknowledge both options fairly
• State your clear preference
• Give 2 reasons supporting your choice
• Close with persuasive language

Typical scenarios:

• Two job offers (comparing salary, location, growth opportunities)
• Two vacation destinations (comparing cost, activities, weather)
• Two gift ideas for someone (comparing practicality, price, personal fit)
• Two housing options (comparing rent, commute, amenities)

The 5-Step Response Template

Use this structure every time for consistency and clarity.

Step 1: Acknowledge Both Options (10 seconds)

Start by showing you understand both choices. Use neutral language.

Phrases:

• “Both options have their merits…”
• “I can see why you’d consider both…”
• “Each choice offers something valuable…”

Step 2: State Your Preference (5 seconds)

Make your position crystal clear. Use confident language.

Phrases:

• “However, I strongly believe [Option A] is the better choice.”
• “That said, I’d recommend [Option B] without hesitation.”
• “In my view, [Option A] is clearly the superior option.”

Step 3: First Reason (20 seconds)

Give your strongest supporting argument with a specific detail or example.

Structure: Reason + detail + brief impact

Example: “The main advantage is the salary. Option A offers $10,000 more per year, which would really help you save for your house down payment.”

Step 4: Second Reason (20 seconds)

Provide a second distinct reason. Vary your sentence structure from Reason 1.

Example: “Additionally, the location is far more convenient. You’d cut your commute in half, giving you an extra hour each day for exercise or family time.”

Step 5: Persuasive Closing (5 seconds)

End with confidence and warmth. Reinforce your recommendation.

Phrases:

• “I really think you’ll be much happier with this choice.”
• “Trust me, this option will serve you so much better in the long run.”
• “You’ll thank yourself later for choosing this one.”

Time allocation: 10s acknowledge + 5s state + 20s reason 1 + 20s reason 2 + 5s close = 60 seconds total.

Comparison Language Toolkit

Strong comparison language makes your contrasts clear and demonstrates advanced English proficiency (CLB 9+).

Contrastive Connectors

• Whereas: “Option A offers stability, whereas Option B provides adventure.”
• On the other hand: “The first job has great benefits. On the other hand, the second has better growth potential.”
• Compared to: “Compared to the beach resort, the mountain cabin is much more affordable.”
• In contrast: “The downtown apartment is expensive. In contrast, the suburban house offers more space for less money.”
• While/Although: “While Option B is cheaper, Option A delivers better long-term value.”

Comparative Structures

• More/less + adjective + than: “Option A is more practical than Option B.”
• Adjective-er + than: “The first choice is safer than the second.”
• Not as + adjective + as: “Option B isn’t as convenient as Option A.”

Persuasion Phrases That Work

Strong opinion markers:

• “I strongly believe…”
• “I’m absolutely certain…”
• “Without a doubt…”
• “There’s no question that…”

Highlighting advantages:

• “The main advantage is…”
• “What makes this option superior is…”
• “The key benefit here is…”
• “This choice really shines when it comes to…”

Appealing to the listener:

• “You’ll find that…”
• “You’ll really appreciate…”
• “Imagine how much better you’ll feel when…”
• “Think about how this will benefit you…”

Emphasizing outcomes:

• “This will save you…”
• “You’ll end up with…”
• “In the long run, you’ll be glad…”
• “This investment will pay off because…”

Sample Task with Model Response

📝

Practice Task 5

⏱️ 60 seconds preparation + 60 seconds response

Option A: Marketing Coordinator

• Salary: $55,000/year
• Location: Downtown (30-minute commute)
• Small startup company (20 employees)
• Opportunity for rapid promotion

Option B: Marketing Assistant

• Salary: $50,000/year
• Location: Suburbs (15-minute commute)
• Large established corporation (500+ employees)
• Structured training program and benefits

Your task: Compare these options and persuade your friend which job offer to accept.

Show model response →

Model Response (60 seconds):

“Both positions have their merits, the startup offers faster growth potential, whereas the corporate role provides stability and training. However, I strongly believe you should accept the Marketing Coordinator position at the startup.

The main advantage is the opportunity for rapid advancement. In a small company of just 20 people, you’ll gain visibility quickly and could be promoted to manager within a year or two. Compared to the large corporation where promotions take much longer, this accelerated growth will benefit your career significantly.

Additionally, the higher salary makes a real difference. That extra $5,000 per year adds up to over $25,000 in five years, which you could invest or save for a house down payment. While the commute is slightly longer, an extra 15 minutes is absolutely worth the financial and professional rewards.

I really think you’ll be much happier with the startup. The experience you’ll gain and the income boost will serve you so well in the long run. Trust me on this one!”

Why this works:

• Clear structure following the 5-step template
• Strong comparison language (whereas, compared to)
• Persuasive phrases (strongly believe, main advantage)
• Specific details ($5,000 difference, 1-2 years to promotion)
• Confident closing

📝

Practice Task 5: Vacation Destinations

⏱️ 60 seconds preparation + 60 seconds response

Option A: Beach Resort in Mexico

• Cost: $2,200 all-inclusive (flights, hotel, meals)
• Activities: Swimming, snorkelling, nightlife, water sports
• Weather: Hot and sunny, 35°C average
• Travel time: 5-hour direct flight

Option B: Road Trip through British Columbia

• Cost: $1,400 total (gas, camping, food)
• Activities: Hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, hot springs
• Weather: Warm days, cool nights, 22°C average
• Travel time: Drive from Vancouver, multiple stops

Choose ONE option and persuade your friend it is the better choice. The computer will assign your friend the other option.

Show model response →

Model Response (60 seconds):

“I know both trips sound appealing. The Mexico resort would certainly be relaxing, and I can see why an all-inclusive deal is tempting. That said, I strongly believe the British Columbia road trip is the better choice for you this summer.

First of all, the variety of experiences is unmatched. On a road trip, you’ll wake up next to a mountain lake one morning and soak in natural hot springs the next afternoon. You’ll see bears, eagles, and old-growth forests that most people only see in documentaries. Compared to sitting by a hotel pool for a week, that kind of adventure creates memories you’ll actually talk about for years.

On top of that, you’ll save over $800, which is a huge difference. That extra money could go toward your student loans or even fund a weekend getaway later in the fall. While the Mexico trip locks you into one resort, the road trip gives you complete freedom to explore at your own pace.

Trust me, you’ll come back feeling genuinely refreshed and proud of the places you discovered. This is the trip you’ll never regret.”

Why This Works:

• Opens by acknowledging the appeal of the other option
• Strong preference statement (“I strongly believe”)
• Two distinct reasons: variety of experiences and cost savings
• Comparison language throughout (compared to, while)
• Specific details ($800 savings, bears, hot springs) make it vivid
• Confident, warm closing that reinforces the recommendation

📝

Practice Task 5: Apartment Options

⏱️ 60 seconds preparation + 60 seconds response

Option A: Downtown Studio Apartment

• Rent: $2,100/month
• Size: 400 sq ft studio
• Location: 10-minute walk to work, near restaurants and nightlife
• Lease: 12-month commitment
• No parking, no laundry in unit

Option B: Midtown One-Bedroom Apartment

• Rent: $1,750/month
• Size: 650 sq ft, separate bedroom
• Location: 35-minute subway commute to work
• Lease: 12-month commitment
• Includes parking spot and in-unit laundry

Choose ONE option and persuade your friend it is the better choice. The computer will assign your friend the other option.

Show model response →

Model Response (60 seconds):

“Both apartments have clear strengths. The downtown studio would put you right in the middle of everything, and I understand the appeal of walking to work every day. However, I’m absolutely certain the midtown one-bedroom is the smarter choice for you.

The biggest reason is quality of life at home. After a long day at your new job, you’ll want a real bedroom with a door you can close, not a studio where your bed is three steps from your kitchen. At 650 square feet, you’ll have room for a proper desk, a couch, and space to actually have friends over for dinner. That kind of comfort matters more than people realize.

Beyond that, you’ll save $350 every single month, which adds up to over $4,000 a year. And you’re getting parking and in-unit laundry included in that lower price. In contrast, the downtown studio would cost you more and still force you to spend weekends at a laundromat. The 35-minute subway ride is completely manageable, and honestly, plenty of people in Toronto would love a commute that short.

You’ll thank yourself six months from now when you’re comfortable, saving money, and actually enjoying your space.”

Why This Works:

• Balanced opening that validates the other option’s appeal
• Confident preference (“I’m absolutely certain”)
• First reason focuses on daily quality of life with concrete details
• Second reason uses specific numbers ($350/month, $4,000/year)
• Strong contrastive language (in contrast, whereas implied)
• Addresses the commute objection proactively
• Persuasive closing with forward-looking perspective

Quick Do’s and Don’ts

Self-Evaluation Checklist

Practice this template until it becomes automatic. When you can compare and persuade confidently in 60 seconds, you’re ready for Task 5.