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CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

CELPIP Speaking Task 5 Sample Answer: Reading Fiction vs. Non-Fiction Books

By David

You’ve decided to start reading regularly to improve your knowledge and relaxation. Should you spend your time reading fiction or non-fiction books?

Choosing time
60 seconds
Preparation
60 seconds
Speaking
60 seconds

The question

You’ve decided to start reading regularly to improve your knowledge and relaxation. Should you spend your time reading fiction or non-fiction books?

**Option 1:

-Fiction Books

-Encourage imagination and creativity

-Offer escape from reality

-Can be emotionally engaging

-Not always based on real events

**Option 2:

-Non-Fiction Books

-Provide factual information

-Help build real-world knowledge

-Can be inspiring and educational

-Sometimes less entertaining

***Alternative Choice (Your Mentor’s Preference):

Non-fiction expands your understanding of the world and offers practical lessons, making it the more valuable choice.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

Although non-fiction books undeniably broaden your perspective and impart valuable lessons, I strongly believe fiction offers unique benefits. Fiction not only sparks creativity but also develops empathy by immersing readers in diverse lives and experiences. The escapism and emotional depth found in well-written stories often make them more compelling and memorable. For cultivating both imagination and relaxation, fiction surpasses non-fiction, especially for daily reading.

64 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

While non-fiction books are useful for gaining knowledge, I personally like fiction more. Reading stories helps me forget about stress and visit different worlds in my mind. I know non-fiction teaches important facts, but for me, fiction books are much more enjoyable and make reading a habit.

47 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

I prefer reading fiction books. They are more fun and help me relax. Non-fiction is good for learning, but I want to enjoy my free time. Fiction stories let me imagine new things.

33 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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