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CELPIP Speaking

Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

By David

Choose between two options, then persuade a family member that your choice is better than theirs.

Choosing time
60 seconds
Preparation
60 seconds
Speaking
60 seconds

What happens in Task 5

  • First you have 60 seconds to choose between two options, each shown with a picture and details.
  • Then a third option appears that a family member prefers. You compare your choice with theirs and persuade them.

Tips for a higher score

  • Compare directly with the other person's option, using details from both descriptions.
  • Use comparatives: cheaper, more convenient, closer to work.
  • Stay polite and end by asking them to agree.

Common mistakes

  • Only describing your option without comparing it with theirs.

Task 5 template

  1. Opening: state your choice. Address the family member, acknowledge their option politely and say which one you prefer. About 10 seconds.
    • I know you really like the..., but I think the... is a better choice.
    • I see why you picked..., but hear me out.
    • I've looked at both, and honestly, I think we should go with...
    • Can I make a case for the...?
  2. Comparison 1. Compare one specific detail from both options, using a comparative, and explain why it matters to the family. About 20 seconds.
    • First of all, mine is... cheaper than yours, which means...
    • While yours..., mine...
    • If we go with the..., we'll...
    • The big difference is...
  3. Comparison 2. Compare a second detail, ideally one the other person cares about, and turn their option's strength into a smaller point. About 20 seconds.
    • I know yours has..., but...
    • On the other hand,...
    • That might sound nice, but in reality...
    • Think about how much easier it would be to...
  4. Closing: ask them to agree. Sum up the key advantage and ask politely for agreement. About 10 seconds.
    • So, what do you think? Can we go with...?
    • I really think it's the smarter choice for all of us.
    • Would you be willing to give it a try?
    • Does that make sense?

Task 5 vocabulary and useful phrases

Comparatives

much cheaper than · a lot more convenient · closer to · not as expensive as · far more practical · just as good as · better value for money · less stressful

Acknowledging the other option

I see your point, but... · You're right that..., however... · That's a fair point. · I get why you like it. · It does look nice, but... · I know that matters to you.

Persuading

Think about it this way: · In the long run,... · Imagine how... · It's a no-brainer. · It just makes more sense. · We'd actually save... · The way I see it,...

Asking for agreement

Don't you think? · Wouldn't you agree? · What do you say? · Can we at least consider it? · Are you on board? · Shall we go with that one?

Common Task 5 topics

monthly fee · within walking distance · fuel efficient · spacious · low maintenance · flexible schedule · all-inclusive · reviews · upfront cost

Sample question and answer

Your family wants to go out for dinner together once a month. Choose the option you prefer. Then persuade your father, who prefers a different option, that your choice is better.
  • Option A: a buffet restaurant five minutes from home. $25 per adult, children eat free.
  • Option B: a family cooking class downtown. $40 per person, and you eat the dinner you make together.
  • Your father's choice: ordering takeout and eating at home. About $15 per person.

Sample answer (transcript): estimated CLB 9–10

Dad, I know takeout is the cheapest option, but hear me out, because I think the buffet is a better choice for our monthly dinner. First of all, the price difference isn't as big as it looks. Takeout is about fifteen dollars each, but at the buffet the kids eat free, so for our family it works out to about the same. And with takeout, we'd probably end up paying delivery fees and a tip anyway. Second, the whole point is to do something special together. If we order in, we'll just eat in front of the TV like any other night. At the buffet, nobody has to cook or clean up, including you, and everyone can pick exactly what they like. Plus, it's only five minutes from home, so it's just as convenient. So what do you say? Can we give the buffet a try next month?

Why it scores well

  • Task Fulfillment: Speaks directly to Dad, compares the buffet with his choice throughout and ends by asking him to agree.
  • Content/Coherence: Takes on takeout's biggest strength, the lower price, head-on, then adds a second, different reason and a quick final point.
  • Vocabulary: Persuasive, natural phrases such as "hear me out", "works out to about the same" and "just as convenient".
  • Listenability: A friendly, respectful tone and clear signposting ("first of all", "second", "plus") make it easy to follow.

The same question at a lower level

Sample answer (transcript): estimated CLB 5–6

Dad, I think the buffet restaurant is better. The buffet is very close, only five minutes. And kids eat free, so it's cheap. There is a lot of food, you can choose anything you like. Also we don't need to cook or wash the dishes. I know takeout is good too, but the buffet is more fun. So I think we should go to the buffet. Okay?

What holds it back

  • Task Fulfillment: Chooses an option and speaks to Dad, but only mentions his choice once and stops after about 30 seconds.
  • Content/Coherence: Lists the buffet's features instead of comparing them with takeout, and ignores that takeout is cheaper, which Dad would raise.
  • Vocabulary: No comparatives beyond "better" and "more fun"; words like "closer", "more relaxing" or "worth the extra cost" would help.
  • Listenability: Easy to understand, but "Okay?" is an abrupt way to ask for agreement.

These are original CELPass examples. The CLBs are our estimates, not official CELPIP scores.

More Task 5 sample answers (59 questions)

Each question has a plan and three sample answers, around CLB 4–5, 7–8 and 11–12, with notes on each level.

All Task 5 sample answers

Task 5 practice questions

  1. Your family is choosing a summer camp for your younger brother. Option A is a day camp in the city with sports and swimming, 10 minutes from home. Option B is a week-long outdoor camp by a lake, two hours away, with canoeing and hiking. Choose one. Then persuade your mother, who prefers a science and robotics camp at the local university.
  2. Your family is buying a new car. Option A is a small hybrid with low fuel costs and few seats. Option B is a used minivan with lots of space but higher fuel costs. Choose one. Then persuade your father, who wants a pickup truck.
  3. Your family is planning a long weekend trip. Option A is a cabin in the mountains with hiking trails and no Wi-Fi. Option B is a hotel downtown in a large city, close to museums and restaurants. Choose one. Then persuade your sister, who wants to stay home and take a day trip to the beach.
  4. Your family is choosing a pet. Option A is an adult cat from a shelter that is already trained. Option B is a small dog that needs daily walks but is very friendly with children. Choose one. Then persuade your grandmother, who prefers a pair of budgies.
  5. Your family is choosing a way to celebrate your parents' anniversary. Option A is dinner at a fancy restaurant downtown. Option B is a backyard barbecue with relatives and friends. Choose one. Then persuade your brother, who wants to buy them concert tickets.

Speaking Task 5 questions, answered

How long is CELPIP Speaking Task 5?

CELPIP Speaking Task 5 has 60 seconds to choose an option, 60 seconds to prepare, and 60 seconds to speak. The speaking time is short, so plan two strong comparisons rather than many small ones.

Does it matter which option I choose in Task 5?

No, either option can score well. Choose the one you can find the most concrete advantages for, because you'll have to compare it with the family member's option. Your score depends on how well you persuade, not on the choice itself.

Do I need to talk about the other person's option?

Yes, comparing your choice directly with the family member's option is the heart of Task 5. Only describing your own option is one of the most common mistakes. Use details from both descriptions, such as price, distance or features.

How do I persuade someone politely in CELPIP Speaking?

Acknowledge what they like about their option first, then explain why yours is better for them or the family. Phrases such as "I see your point, but..." and "Wouldn't you agree?" keep the tone respectful. End by asking them to agree.

How many comparisons should I make in Task 5?

Two or three comparisons is enough for 60 seconds. Each comparison should name a specific detail from both options and say why it matters. Fewer, well-explained points are more persuasive than a long list.

More CELPIP Speaking

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