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CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

CELPIP Speaking Task 5 Sample Answer: Using a Personal Car vs. Public Transportation for Daily Travel

By David

You have moved to a new city and need to decide how to commute to work every day—either by driving your own car or using public transportation.

Choosing time
60 seconds
Preparation
60 seconds
Speaking
60 seconds

The question

You have moved to a new city and need to decide how to commute to work every day—either by driving your own car or using public transportation.

**Option 1:

-Personal Car

-Flexible schedule

-Comfortable and private

-Parking fees and fuel costs

-Can get stuck in traffic

**Option 2:

-Public Transportation

-Lower cost

-No need to worry about parking

-Fixed schedule

-Less privacy, may be crowded

***Alternative Choice (Colleague’s Preference):

Public transportation is cheaper, more eco-friendly, and you can relax or read during your commute.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

While public transportation is more affordable and environmentally friendly, I believe driving my own car offers the greatest convenience and comfort. I have control over my schedule and can avoid the stress of crowded buses or trains. Although parking and fuel costs are higher, the privacy and flexibility of personal travel are worth it. For my daily routine and lifestyle, a car is clearly the superior choice.

67 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

Public transportation saves money and is good for the environment, but I prefer using my own car. I can travel whenever I want and don’t have to follow a schedule. It’s more comfortable and private. Even if there’s traffic, the flexibility is more important for me.

46 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

I choose my own car. It is more comfortable and I can leave anytime I want. I don’t have to wait for the bus or train. Public transport is cheaper, but I like the freedom of driving.

37 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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