Task 5 vocabulary: Comparing and Persuading
The words and phrases that lift an answer in Speaking Task 5, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this task? Read the Task 5 format and strategy.
Adjectives 13
more reliable
adjectiveCLB 6More dependable and trustworthy.
“The second option is more reliable because it has better reviews.”
Similarmore dependablemore trustworthyCELPIP tip Use comparatives to show a clear contrast.
more spacious
adjectiveCLB 6Having more room.
“The apartment downtown is more spacious, so we'd have room for guests.”
SimilarroomierlargerCELPIP tip Good for comparing homes, vehicles or venues.
far better
adjectiveCLB 6Much better.
“I think the train is a far better choice than driving.”
Similarmuch betterconsiderably betterCELPIP tip Use 'far' or 'much' to make comparatives stronger.
cost-effective
adjectiveCLB 7/ˌkɒst ɪˈfɛktɪv/Giving good value for the money spent.
“In the long run, the electric car is more cost-effective.”
Similareconomicalgood valueCELPIP tip Strong persuasive word for budget-related comparisons.
more comfortable
adjectiveCLB 5Giving more physical ease.
“The second sofa is more comfortable for long movie nights.”
Similarcoziermore relaxingCELPIP tip Use comparatives to compare features directly.
more flexible
adjectiveCLB 6Able to change easily.
“The evening class is more flexible for working parents.”
Similarmore adaptableCELPIP tip Good for schedules and plans.
less expensive
adjectiveCLB 5Cheaper.
“Option B is less expensive and still high quality.”
Similarcheapermore affordableCELPIP tip 'Less' + adjective shows grammar variety.
the better choice
adjectiveCLB 6The preferable option of two.
“I'm confident this is the better choice for our team.”
Similarthe wiser optionCELPIP tip Use 'the better' when comparing exactly two things.
superior
adjectiveCLB 7/suːˈpɪəriər/Better in quality.
“The newer model is far superior in terms of battery life.”
Similarbetterhigher-qualityCELPIP tip Pattern: superior to (not 'superior than').
versatile
adjectiveCLB 8/ˈvɜːrsətəl/Able to be used in many different ways.
“The van is more versatile; you can move furniture or take the whole team.”
Similarflexibleadaptablemulti-purposeCELPIP tip A strong word for comparing two options and showing why yours does more.
negligible
adjectiveCLB 9/ˈneɡlɪdʒəbəl/So small that it is not important.
“The difference in price is negligible, so comfort should decide.”
SimilarminimalinsignificanttinyCELPIP tip Use it to dismiss the main disadvantage of your choice.
indispensable
adjectiveCLB 10/ˌɪndɪˈspensəbəl/So important or useful that you cannot manage without it.
“With two kids, a dishwasher is indispensable.”
SimilaressentialvitalcrucialCELPIP tip Stronger than "useful" or "important"; use it for your best argument.
unparalleled
adjectiveCLB 10/ʌnˈpærəleld/Better or greater than anything else.
“The view from the lakeside cabin is unparalleled.”
SimilarunmatchedunrivalledexceptionalCELPIP tip Strong praise; save it for the one feature that sets your choice apart.
Phrases 20
compared to
phraseCLB 6When measured against something else.
“Compared to the hotel, the cabin is much quieter.”
Similarin comparison withversusCELPIP tip A key comparison phrase for Task 5.
on the other hand
phraseCLB 6Used to show the other side of an argument.
“On the other hand, the cheaper option doesn't include breakfast.”
Similarhoweverby contrastCELPIP tip Acknowledge the other choice, then explain why yours is better.
whereas
conjunctionCLB 7/wɛərˈæz/Used to contrast two facts.
“Option A is close to the city, whereas Option B is an hour away.”
Similarwhilein contrastCELPIP tip Joins two contrasting ideas in one smooth sentence.
not only... but also
phraseCLB 7Used to add two strong points together.
“It's not only cheaper, but also closer to your office.”
Similaras well asin additionCELPIP tip Shows grammatical range. Use it to add two strong points together.
I strongly believe that
phraseCLB 6Used to state your opinion with confidence.
“I strongly believe that the second option would suit our family better.”
SimilarI'm convinced thatCELPIP tip Persuasion needs confidence. State your choice clearly at the start.
Even though
phraseCLB 6Despite the fact that.
“Even though it's a bit more expensive, it's definitely worth it.”
Similaralthoughdespite the fact thatCELPIP tip Lets you admit a weakness while still persuading.
in terms of
phraseCLB 7Regarding a particular aspect.
“In terms of location, the downtown hotel is much better.”
Similarregardingwhen it comes toCELPIP tip Organizes your comparison by category.
when it comes to
phraseCLB 7Regarding a topic.
“When it comes to price, there's really no comparison.”
Similarin terms ofregardingCELPIP tip Natural way to switch comparison points.
much more
phraseCLB 5A lot more.
“It's much more convenient for everyone.”
Similarfar morea lot moreCELPIP tip Strengthens comparatives: "much more comfortable".
not as... as
phraseCLB 6Less than.
“The first option isn't as reliable as the second.”
Similarless... thanCELPIP tip Shows grammatical range: "It's not as expensive as the other one."
I'd go with
phraseCLB 6Shows your choice.
“If I were you, I'd go with the second option.”
SimilarI'd chooseI'd pickCELPIP tip Natural way to state your recommendation.
Think about it
phraseCLB 5Encourages the listener to consider your point.
“Think about it. We'd save two hours of driving every week.”
Similarconsider thisCELPIP tip Persuasive and conversational. Use it before your strongest point.
Not to mention
phraseCLB 7Adds another strong point.
“Not to mention, it comes with a free warranty.”
Similarpluson top of thatCELPIP tip Great for stacking advantages.
The main advantage is
phraseCLB 6Introduces your strongest point.
“The main advantage is that it's close to school.”
Similarthe biggest benefit isCELPIP tip Lead with your best argument.
is a far cry from
phraseCLB 8Very different from something, usually much worse or much better.
“A cramped one-bedroom is a far cry from the spacious house with a backyard.”
Similaris nothing likeis very different fromCELPIP tip Use it to make the difference between the two options sound big.
When you weigh it all up
phraseCLB 8After you consider everything carefully.
“When you weigh it all up, the train is cheaper and less stressful.”
SimilarAll things consideredOn balanceCELPIP tip A clean way to move into your final, persuasive point.
hands down
phraseCLB 9Clearly, without any doubt.
“The community centre is, hands down, the best place for the party.”
Similarwithout a doubteasilyby farCELPIP tip Informal but natural in speech; place it before or after your main claim.
tip the balance
phraseCLB 9To be the thing that makes one option win over another.
“What really tips the balance for me is the free parking.”
Similarbe the deciding factorswing itCELPIP tip Name the deciding factor clearly, which makes your argument easy to follow.
by a long shot
phraseCLB 10By a large amount; used to make a comparison stronger.
“The bus is the cheaper option by a long shot.”
Similarby fareasilyCELPIP tip In negatives it means "not at all": "It's not ideal by a long shot".
The clincher is
phraseCLB 10The fact or argument that finally decides something.
“The clincher is that the gym is open 24 hours.”
SimilarThe deciding factor isWhat settles it isCELPIP tip End your persuasion with it: one clear, decisive reason.
Verbs 5
convince
verbCLB 6/kənˈvɪns/To make someone believe or agree with something.
“I hope I can convince you that this is the smarter choice.”
Similarpersuadewin overCELPIP tip Use it in your closing to sound persuasive.
outweigh
verbCLB 8/ˌaʊtˈweɪ/To be greater or more important than something.
“The benefits clearly outweigh the extra cost.”
SimilarexceedsurpassCELPIP tip Very persuasive: 'The advantages outweigh the disadvantages.'
justify
verbCLB 8/ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/To give a good reason for something.
“The higher price is easy to justify when you consider the warranty.”
SimilarexplaindefendwarrantCELPIP tip Persuasive answers justify the cost of the choice, not only its benefits.
outshine
verbCLB 9/ˌaʊtˈʃaɪn/To be much better than someone or something else.
“In terms of comfort, the sofa bed outshines the air mattress.”
SimilaroutperformsurpassbeatCELPIP tip A lively, persuasive comparison verb.
eclipse
verbCLB 10/ɪˈklɪps/To make something seem less important by being much better.
“The convenience of the downtown option eclipses its slightly higher rent.”
SimilarovershadowoutweighsurpassCELPIP tip An advanced alternative to "outweigh", which is already in this list.
Nouns 3
advantage
nounCLB 6/ədˈvæntɪdʒ/A benefit or positive feature.
“The biggest advantage is that it's within walking distance.”
SimilarbenefitplusupsideCELPIP tip List advantages one by one: 'The first advantage is...'
drawback
nounCLB 7/ˈdrɔːbæk/A disadvantage or problem.
“The only drawback is that it doesn't have parking.”
SimilardownsidedisadvantageCELPIP tip Mention a drawback of the other option to strengthen your case.
value for money
noun phraseCLB 8Good quality for the price paid.
“Option A offers much better value for money.”
Similara good dealbang for your buckCELPIP tip Compare value, not just price: cheap is not always the better choice.
Expressions 4
It's a no-brainer
expressionCLB 8Something that is a very easy decision.
“Honestly, with all these benefits, it's a no-brainer.”
Similarit's obviousit's an easy choiceCELPIP tip Informal but natural. Good for a confident ending.
You won't regret it
expressionCLB 6Promises that the choice is good.
“Trust me, you won't regret it.”
Similaryou'll be gladCELPIP tip A confident persuasive closing.
It's worth every penny
expressionCLB 8It's worth the cost.
“It costs more, but it's worth every penny.”
Similarit's money well spentCELPIP tip Justifies a higher price.
Hear me out
expressionCLB 7Asks someone to listen fully before deciding.
“I know you prefer the other one, but hear me out.”
Similarlisten to meCELPIP tip Shows a persuasive tone.
Conjunctions 1
while
conjunctionCLB 5/waɪl/Shows contrast between two things.
“While Option A is cheaper, Option B lasts longer.”
SimilarwhereasalthoughCELPIP tip Contrast both options in one sentence.
Idioms 1
get more bang for your buck
idiomCLB 9Get better value for your money.
“With this one, you get more bang for your buck.”
Similarbetter valueCELPIP tip Informal but very natural.
Adverbs 2
clearly
adverbCLB 6/ˈklɪərli/Obviously.
“This is clearly the more practical option.”
SimilarobviouslyevidentlyCELPIP tip Adds confidence to your comparison.
marginally
adverbCLB 9/ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəli/By a small amount.
“The hotel is marginally more expensive, but it's right next to the beach.”
Similarslightlya littlesomewhatCELPIP tip Admits a small weakness of your choice, which makes the argument more convincing.
How to learn these words
- Start with words at or just above your target CLB: the badge on each word is our estimate of the level at which learners use it correctly. Pick a level in Any CLB level to see only those words.
- Learn five to ten words a day, not the whole list at once.
- Open Flashcards, say what each word means, then check. Words you mark I know it drop out of the To learn view.
- Use two or three new words in your next Task 5 practice answer. A word you have used yourself is the one you remember in the test.
- Save the words you keep forgetting to your own word bank, which brings each one back just before you would forget it.
More CELPIP Speaking vocabulary
- Task 1: Giving Advice (54 words)
- Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience (66 words)
- Task 3: Describing a Scene (54 words)
- Task 4: Making Predictions (50 words)
- Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation (55 words)
- Task 7: Expressing Opinions (57 words)
- Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation (58 words)
CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.