CELPIP Speaking · Task 5

Task 5 practice course: Comparing and Persuading

Choose one of two options, then persuade someone that your choice is better than the one they prefer. Work through six short steps, from how the task works to a timed answer, about 30 minutes in all. New to this task? Read the Task 5 format and strategy first.

6 steps60 s to prepare · 60 s to speakFree · no account needed

Step 1 of 6

Learn the task

How to organise your answer, what to do with your time, common mistakes and useful phrases, then a quick check.

Part 1 of 5

Two parts: choose fast, then compare with their choice

Your choice wins on what matters most

A minivan versus their compact SUV, for a family of five.

Name them, show you understand their choice
The biggest advantage of yours, linked to the situation
A weakness of theirs, with a number from the details
Answer the cost question
Close with one strong sentence

Theirs is cheaper, yours is better value

Benches for $5,500 versus their $2,500 library box.

Name them and their choice politely
Who will actually use yours, and how often
A hidden cost or problem with theirs
Show yours still fits the budget
Close: why it's worth it

Yours fits the people better

A spa weekend versus their cooking class, for parents who rarely take time off.

Name them and their choice
Match your option to the people's needs
What theirs is missing
One extra benefit of yours
Close with a wish or a suggestion

Task 5 cheat sheet

The key points of the course on one screen, to read again just before your test.

Your 60 + 60 seconds, then 60 to speak

Choosing (60 s)

Read the situation first: who it's for, the budget, the main need.
Pick the option that fits the situation best, and decide in 30 seconds.
Note its two strongest points.

Preparing (60 s)

Read their option: find its two weakest points for this situation.
Note numbers you can compare (price, size, time).
Plan: their name, your best point, their weak point, cost, close.

Speaking (60 s)

Talk to the person by name, politely.
Compare with words like "while", "whereas", "on the other hand".
Finish with one sentence that sums up why yours is better.

Three mistakes that keep scores at CLB 7

Only praising your choice. For each point, say what theirs does: "The SUV seats five, while the minivan seats eight."
Reading out the details. Link each detail to the situation: "With three kids in car seats, there's zero room for anyone else."
Being rude about their idea. Start with what's good about theirs, then explain why yours fits better.

Phrases for persuading

Opening politely: “I understand why... appeals to you, but...”, “I know... sounds fun, but I think...”
Comparing: “...while...”, “...whereas...”, “On the other hand,...”, “...is a year newer with 15,000 fewer kilometres.”
Answering cost: “Although it's $2,500 more, it's still under our budget.”, “...fits comfortably within our budget.”
Linking to the situation: “Think about who actually uses...”, “Since they love good food,...”, “With three kids,...”
Closing: “In short,...”, “...is worth every dollar.”, “I really believe... is the smarter choice.”

Questions about Task 5

How do I organise a CELPIP Speaking Task 5 answer?

First you get 60 seconds to choose between two options. Then a third option appears: the one the other person likes. You get 60 seconds to prepare and 60 to persuade them. Your answer compares your choice with theirs, not with the option you didn't pick. Your choice wins on what matters most: Name them, show you understand their choice; The biggest advantage of yours, linked to the situation; A weakness of theirs, with a number from the details; Answer the cost question; Close with one strong sentence. Theirs is cheaper, yours is better value: Name them and their choice politely; Who will actually use yours, and how often; A hidden cost or problem with theirs; Show yours still fits the budget; Close: why it's worth it. Yours fits the people better: Name them and their choice; Match your option to the people's needs; What theirs is missing; One extra benefit of yours; Close with a wish or a suggestion.

How should I use my time in CELPIP Speaking Task 5?

Choosing (60 s): Read the situation first: who it's for, the budget, the main need. Pick the option that fits the situation best, and decide in 30 seconds. Note its two strongest points. Preparing (60 s): Read their option: find its two weakest points for this situation. Note numbers you can compare (price, size, time). Plan: their name, your best point, their weak point, cost, close. Speaking (60 s): Talk to the person by name, politely. Compare with words like "while", "whereas", "on the other hand". Finish with one sentence that sums up why yours is better.

What mistakes lower a CELPIP Speaking Task 5 score?

Only praising your choice. Task 5 is a comparison. If their option never appears, you haven't persuaded anyone. Instead: For each point, say what theirs does: "The SUV seats five, while the minivan seats eight." Reading out the details. Listing the bullet points sounds like reading, not persuading. Instead: Link each detail to the situation: "With three kids in car seats, there's zero room for anyone else." Being rude about their idea. "Your idea is bad" doesn't persuade anyone, and the tone counts. Instead: Start with what's good about theirs, then explain why yours fits better.

Is this Task 5 course free?

Yes. Every step is free and needs no account; nothing you type or record leaves your browser. With a free CELPass account you can also answer new questions and get an AI score.

Keep practising Task 5

Task 5 sample answers at three levels, with notes on what each one does
Task 5 vocabulary: words and phrases for comparing and persuading
Task 5 format and strategy

More free practice courses

All CELPIP practice courses

CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.