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CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

CELPIP Speaking Task 5 Sample Answer: Shopping at Big-Box Stores vs. Supporting Local Shops

By David

You need to do your weekly shopping. Should you go to a big-box store or shop at local independent stores?

Choosing time
60 seconds
Preparation
60 seconds
Speaking
60 seconds

The question

You need to do your weekly shopping. Should you go to a big-box store or shop at local independent stores?

**Option 1:

-Big-Box Store

-Lower prices

-Wide variety

-One-stop shopping

-Less personal service

**Option 2:

-Local Shops

-Support local business

-Unique products

-Personalized service

-Higher prices, less selection

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

Local shops help the community, offer better service, and have special products you can’t find in big stores.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

While supporting local shops is great for the community and offers a more personal shopping experience, I believe big-box stores are more practical for regular shopping. The lower prices and huge variety allow me to get everything I need in one visit, saving both time and money. For my weekly essentials, efficiency and cost matter most, making big-box stores the better option.

62 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

Even though local shops have special products and help the community, I choose big-box stores. They have more choices and better prices, which saves me time and money. I usually need many things, so shopping at one store is more convenient.

41 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

I prefer big-box stores. They have many things and lower prices. It is faster to shop in one place. Local shops are nice, but more expensive. Big-box is better for me.

31 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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