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CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

CELPIP Speaking Task 5 Sample Answer: Public Transportation Improvement

By David

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.

Choosing time
60 seconds
Preparation
60 seconds
Speaking
60 seconds

The question

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.

Option 1: Adding More Bus Routes

-Increases bus coverage to underserved areas

-Affordable and improves access for more residents

-Estimated cost: $50,000 for setup

-Expected completion time: 3 months

Option 2: Introducing Electric Trams

-Replaces some buses with eco-friendly electric trams

-Reduces emissions and offers a modern transit option

-Estimated cost: $90,000 for setup

-Expected completion time: 6 months

Your City Council’s Choice:

-Repairing existing buses

-Fixes current fleet but doesn’t expand service or reduce environmental impact

-Estimated cost: $20,000 for setup

-Expected completion time: 2 months

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

While repairing existing buses might seem like a cost-effective quick fix, I’m convinced that adding more bus routes is the most impactful choice for our city’s public transportation system. This option directly addresses the critical need for expanded coverage, ensuring underserved communities gain reliable access to transit in just three months and at a reasonable cost. Introducing electric trams, though an admirable step toward sustainability, demands a significantly higher investment and a prolonged timeline, which could delay immediate improvements. The council’s suggestion of bus repairs, while practical, lacks ambition—it neither expands service nor aligns with long-term environmental goals. By contrast, adding more bus routes offers a balanced, efficient solution that prioritizes accessibility and sets the stage for future eco-friendly upgrades, making it the strongest option for our city’s growth.

129 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

I believe adding more bus routes is the better option for improving public transportation in our city. It’s affordable and will quickly bring service to areas that don’t have enough buses, making life easier for many residents. The electric trams sound modern and eco-friendly, but they cost a lot more and take twice as long to set up. Repairing existing buses is a good short-term fix, but it doesn’t solve the problem of limited coverage or help the environment. Adding more bus routes is the most practical and effective choice right now.

92 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

I think adding more bus routes is the best idea. It helps people in areas with no buses and doesn’t cost too much. The electric trams are nice, but they are very expensive and take a long time. Repairing old buses is okay, but it doesn’t make transportation better for more people. More bus routes are faster and good for everyone.

61 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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