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CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

CELPIP Speaking Task 5 Sample Answer: Traditional Alarm Clocks vs. Smartphone Alarms

By David

You want to improve your morning routine. Should you use a traditional alarm clock or set alarms on your smartphone?

Choosing time
60 seconds
Preparation
60 seconds
Speaking
60 seconds

The question

You want to improve your morning routine. Should you use a traditional alarm clock or set alarms on your smartphone?

**Option 1:

-Traditional Alarm Clock

-No distractions from apps

-Reliable, always works

-Fewer features (no music, snooze options)

-Takes up space on the bedside table

**Option 2:

-Smartphone Alarm

-Custom ringtones, snooze, and settings

-Can set multiple alarms

-May lead to checking phone at night

-Battery-dependent

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

Smartphone alarms offer many features and make it easier to wake up with favorite music or gentle sounds.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

While smartphone alarms are highly customizable and let you wake up to your favorite sounds, I believe a traditional alarm clock is more effective for a healthy sleep routine. There are no tempting notifications or late-night distractions. I also don’t have to worry about my phone’s battery running out. The simplicity and reliability of a classic alarm clock help ensure I get a good night’s rest and start my day on time.

72 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

Smartphones have many alarm options, but I like a traditional alarm clock more. It always works, and I don’t get distracted by my phone before bed. I think this helps me sleep better and wake up on time

38 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

I prefer a traditional alarm clock. It is simple and works all the time. A smartphone alarm is good, but I look at my phone and can’t sleep. The clock is better for me.

34 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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