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CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

CELPIP Speaking Task 5 Sample Answer: Neighborhood Safety Plan

By David

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.

Choosing time
60 seconds
Preparation
60 seconds
Speaking
60 seconds

The question

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.

Option 1: More Streetlights

-Installs additional lights in dark areas

-Improves visibility and deters crime

-Estimated cost: $30,000 for setup

-Expected completion time: 3 months

Option 2: Security Cameras

-Places cameras at key intersections

-Monitors activity and provides evidence if needed

-Estimated cost: $50,000 for setup

-Expected completion time: 4 months

Your Community Council’s Choice:

-Neighborhood watch signs

-Encourages vigilance but no real protection

-Estimated cost: $5,000 for setup

-Expected completion time: 1 month

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

While neighborhood watch signs are a low-cost gesture, I’m convinced that More Streetlights offer the most effective safety upgrade for our community. By illuminating dark areas, they enhance visibility and deter potential crime at a reasonable cost and timeline, delivering immediate results. Security cameras, though a strong monitoring tool, require a larger budget and extended installation, which could postpone safety gains. The council’s sign proposal, while well-intentioned, lacks the tangible impact needed for real protection. Streetlights provide a proactive, cost-efficient solution that prioritizes resident safety, making them the superior choice.

90 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

I believe More Streetlights are the better choice for our neighborhood. They’re affordable, quick to install, and make dark areas safer for everyone. Security cameras are helpful, but they’re more expensive and take longer to set up. The council’s idea of signs might remind people to watch out, but it doesn’t really protect us. Streetlights are the most practical way to improve safety.

63 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

I think More Streetlights are the best. They make it bright and safe at night, and they’re not too expensive. Cameras are good, but they cost more and take longer. The signs are cheap, but they don’t do much. Streetlights are better for safety.

44 words

The CLBs are estimates of the level each sample was written at, not official CELPIP scores. How we estimate CLB

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