CELPIP Speaking

Task 5 sample answers: Comparing and Persuading

59 comparing and persuading questions in the CELPIP format. Each one has a plan, useful vocabulary and three sample answers, around CLB 4–5, 7–8 and 11–12, with notes on what moves an answer from one level to the next. Choose between two options, then persuade a family member that your choice is better than theirs.

Questions

Course to Upgrade Job Skills
This prompt asks you to convince your manager that the evening college certificate beats the much cheaper online course he suggests. The tricky part is answering his obvious point, the $600 price, without dismissing it.
Bike Storage for the Apartment Building
This prompt asks you to persuade the building manager that the basement bike room beats the secure lockers he prefers. The tricky part is turning the numbers, 16 lockers versus 40 spaces for 60 units, into a clear argument about the fire hazard.
Client Holiday Gift
The speaker must convince a manager to choose local gift baskets over branded travel mugs for 120 clients. The tricky part is answering the basket's allergy problem while showing why the mugs' delivery time is worse.
Weekend Away for an Anniversary
The speaker must persuade Arjun to choose a quiet farm B&B over a Calgary hotel and theatre package for their anniversary. The tricky part is answering his wish for a show while proving the farm is a better celebration.
Help with Housework
The speaker must convince his wife that hiring a neighbour's student daughter is better than buying a robot vacuum. The tricky part is handling the student's lack of experience and exam absences.
Art & Culture Festival Organization
Your city is planning to host an annual art and culture festival. Two proposals have been suggested, and you need to choose the one that will best celebrate the local culture.
Attending Live Theater Performances vs. Watching Movies
Your city is offering discounted tickets for both live theater shows and movie screenings this month. Which form of entertainment would you rather choose?
City Animal Welfare Plan
Your city is improving animal welfare and has two proposals. Pick one and persuade the city council why it’s better than the other and their suggestion.
City Road Improvement Project
The city council is considering a road improvement project with two different plans. You need to choose which one is best for the community. After making your decision, you’ll persuade the council why your choice is…
City Transportation Expansion
Your city is considering expanding its transportation system, and two options have been proposed. After making your decision, you’ll persuade your city council why your choice is better.
City Waste Management System
Your city is planning to improve its waste management system. Two options have been proposed, and you need to decide which one would be more effective. After making your decision, you’ll persuade the city council why…
Community Fitness Program
Your city is planning to launch a new fitness program. Two different types of fitness programs are being considered. You need to choose which one would be the best fit for the community. After making your choice, you’ll…
Community Fitness Program
Your town is planning a new fitness program for residents. You need to choose one option and convince the town council why it’s better than the other option and their suggestion.
Community Volunteer Program
Your city is planning to introduce a community volunteer program. The two options for this program are as follows. Choose the option you prefer, and in the next section, persuade the city council that your choice is the…
Digital Textbooks vs. Printed Textbooks
You are starting a new semester at university. You must choose between using digital textbooks or printed textbooks.
Electric Scooters vs. Traditional Bicycles for Commuting
Your city is promoting eco-friendly commuting. You must choose between using an electric scooter or a traditional bicycle for your daily commute to work.
Environmental Awareness Campaign
Your local government is launching an environmental awareness campaign. Two proposals have been submitted, and you need to choose one that will have the greatest impact on public behavior.
Going to the Gym vs. Exercising Outdoors
You want to improve your fitness this summer. Should you join a gym or exercise outside in parks and natural areas?
Growing Your Own Vegetables vs. Buying Organic from the Store
You want to eat more healthy vegetables. Should you grow your own in a home garden or buy certified organic vegetables from the grocery store?
Local Library Expansion
Your community library is expanding, and two different expansion options have been proposed. You need to decide which one is best. After making your decision, you’ll persuade the library board why your choice is better.
Local Library Resources Expansion
The local library is considering expanding its resources to better serve the community. You need to choose between two options for the expansion. After choosing your preferred option, you’ll persuade the library board…
Local Park Playground Design
Your city is upgrading the playground in a local park. Two design options have been proposed. You need to choose one and explain why it’s the better option.
Neighborhood Farmers Market Location
The local community council is choosing a location for a new farmers market. You have been given two options. Your task is to decide which location would be best for the market. Once you make your choice, you will need…
Neighborhood Safety Enhancement
Your local government is considering ways to improve safety in residential neighborhoods. Two proposals have been submitted, and you need to choose the one that will best enhance community security.
Neighborhood Safety Plan
Your neighborhood is improving safety and has two proposals. Choose one and persuade the community council why it’s better than the other and their choice.
New Employee Training Location
Your company is opening a new office, and you've been asked to choose between two potential locations for the new employee training sessions. After selecting your preferred option, you’ll need to persuade your…
New Library Expansion
Your city is considering expanding the local library, and two different expansion plans have been proposed. You need to decide which one is best for the community. After making your decision, you’ll persuade the library…
New Public Park Design
Your city is planning to redesign a public park. You’ve been given two design options. You need to decide which one is best for the community. After making your choice, you will persuade your city council why your…
New School Cafeteria Menu
Your school is considering a change to the cafeteria menu. Two options have been proposed. You need to choose which one is best for the students. After making your decision, you’ll persuade the school principal why your…
Office Lunch Room Upgrade
Your company is planning to upgrade the office lunchroom. You have two options for the redesign. After making your decision, persuade your team why your choice is the better option.
Office Team Building Activity
Your company is planning a team-building activity, and two options have been proposed. You need to decide which one is best. After making your decision, you’ll persuade your manager why your choice is better.
Preparing Meals in Advance vs. Cooking Each Day
You are planning how to manage your meals during a busy month. Should you prepare meals in advance or cook fresh meals each day?
Public Transportation Improvement
Your city is looking to improve its public transportation system and has proposed two plans. You need to decide which plan is best and convince the city council why it’s superior to the other option and their suggestion.
Reading Fiction vs. Non-Fiction Books
You’ve decided to start reading regularly to improve your knowledge and relaxation. Should you spend your time reading fiction or non-fiction books?
Reading News Online vs. Printed Newspapers
You are deciding how to keep up with daily news. You can read news online or subscribe to a printed newspaper.
Renting an Apartment vs. Buying a House
You have recently secured a stable job and must decide whether to rent an apartment or buy a house as your long-term living arrangement.
Restaurant Menu Update
Your restaurant is considering updating its menu. Two options are being considered, and you need to choose the one that will be most effective. After making your decision, you’ll persuade the restaurant owner why your…
Restaurant Seating Layout
Your restaurant is undergoing a redesign, and you’ve been asked to choose between two seating layout options. You need to decide which option is better for the restaurant. After making your choice, you’ll persuade the…
School Break Activity Planning
Your school is planning activities for an upcoming break. Two options have been proposed for the activities. You need to choose one and explain why it's better than the other.
School Computer Lab Upgrade
Your school is upgrading its computer lab, and two options for the upgrade have been proposed. You need to choose which one is better for the students. After making your decision, you’ll persuade the school…
School Field Trip Destination
Your school is planning a field trip, and you have two potential destinations. You need to choose which one would be more beneficial for the students. After making your choice, you’ll persuade the principal why your…
School Textbook Distribution Method
Your school is considering different ways to distribute textbooks to students. You need to choose the method that will be the most efficient. After making your decision, you’ll persuade your colleagues why your choice…
School Uniform Policy
Your school is considering updating its uniform policy, and two options have been proposed. You need to choose which one is the better option for students. After making your decision, you’ll persuade your principal why…
Shopping at Big-Box Stores vs. Supporting Local Shops
You need to do your weekly shopping. Should you go to a big-box store or shop at local independent stores?
Streaming Music Services vs. Purchasing Music Albums
You want to enjoy music regularly. Should you subscribe to a streaming music service or buy individual music albums?
Subscribing to Monthly Beauty Boxes vs. Shopping for Products as Needed
You want to try new skincare and beauty products. Should you sign up for a monthly beauty box subscription or buy items whenever you need them?
Taking Guided Tours vs. Exploring Independently While Traveling
On your upcoming trip, you can either join a guided tour or explore the city on your own.
Taking Notes by Hand vs. Using a Tablet or Laptop
You are attending a series of lectures and must decide whether to take notes by hand or use a tablet/laptop.
Taking Online Language Classes vs. Attending In-Person Classes
You want to improve your language skills for work and must decide between taking online language classes or attending in-person classes at a local school.
Text Messaging vs. Voice Calls for Staying in Touch
You want to keep in touch with friends and family while living abroad. Should you use text messaging or voice calls?
Traditional Alarm Clocks vs. Smartphone Alarms
You want to improve your morning routine. Should you use a traditional alarm clock or set alarms on your smartphone?
Traveling Solo vs. Traveling with a Group
You’re planning a vacation and must choose between traveling alone or joining a group tour.
University Campus Sustainability Initiative
Your university is launching a sustainability initiative. Two proposals have been submitted, and you need to choose one that best contributes to a greener campus.
Using a Personal Car vs. Public Transportation for Daily Travel
You have moved to a new city and need to decide how to commute to work every day—either by driving your own car or using public transportation.
Using an E-Reader vs. Borrowing Books from the Library
You are trying to read more books this year. Should you invest in an e-reader or borrow physical books from your local library?
Using Meal Delivery Services vs. Dining Out at Restaurants
You want to enjoy a nice meal after a long week. Should you order from a meal delivery app or go out to eat at a restaurant?
Vacationing at the Beach vs. in the Mountains
You’re planning a week-long holiday and must decide between a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous trip to the mountains.
Volunteering Locally vs. Volunteering Abroad
You want to make a difference in the world and are deciding between volunteering with organizations in your local community or traveling abroad to volunteer in another country.
Watching Movies at Home vs. Going to the Cinema
You and your friends want to plan a movie night. You can either watch a new movie at home or go to the cinema.

How to use these samples

Read the question and answer it yourself first, within the real time limit.
Compare your answer with the Good and Excellent samples. Look at structure and detail, not just words.
Read the notes under each level and pick one thing to change in your next attempt.
Learn the format and template on the Task 5 guide.

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