Start free

CELPIP Speaking Course · Lesson 6 of 10

Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

By CELPass Editorial Team · 2 min read · Updated

Task 5 is the only task with three timers: one to choose between two options, one to prepare, and one to speak. The skill being tested is persuasion: convince someone who prefers the other option.

Choose fast, choose the easier side

You see two options, such as two apartments or two holiday packages, each with a picture and a few facts. You have 60 seconds to choose. Pick the option that is easier to defend with the facts given, not the one you personally like. Note its two strongest advantages and the other option's biggest weakness.

Compare, don't just describe

After you choose, you learn that someone (a family member or colleague) prefers the other option. You then speak to them. Weak answers only describe your option. Strong answers compare: "Yours is closer to work, I agree, but mine is $300 cheaper each month, which is $3,600 a year."

  • Acknowledge their option fairly in one sentence; it makes you sound reasonable.
  • Give two advantages of your option, each compared directly with theirs.
  • Answer their likely objection before they raise it.
  • Close with a friendly request: "Can we at least go and see it this weekend?"

Comparison language

Use comparatives and contrast words naturally: cheaper than, far more convenient, not as noisy as, whereas, while, on the other hand, even though. Numbers from the screen make comparisons concrete; do the arithmetic in your preparation time if it helps your point.

Key points

  • Choose the option the facts support best.
  • Speak to the person who prefers the other option.
  • Compare directly; acknowledge their side, then show why yours is better.

Exercise

Option A: a gym 5 minutes away, $60/month, no classes. Option B: a gym 20 minutes away, $40/month, free yoga classes. You chose B; your partner prefers A. Write three persuasive sentences.

  1. Acknowledge their option.
  2. Compare cost.
  3. Compare features and close.
Show answers
  1. "I know the one down the street is really convenient, and five minutes is hard to beat."
  2. "But the other one is $20 cheaper every month, so we'd save $480 a year between us."
  3. "And the free yoga classes would replace the studio you've been paying for, so let's at least try it for a month."

Practise with free questions

Free questions in the CELPIP format, with answers and no account needed. Try a few now, while the lesson is fresh.

All lessons in this course

  1. How CELPIP Speaking Is Scored
  2. Planning Your Answer in 30 Seconds
  3. One Answer Structure for Every Task
  4. Tasks 1 and 2: Giving Advice and Telling a Story
  5. Tasks 3, 4 and 8: Describing Pictures and Making Predictions
  6. Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
  7. Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
  8. Task 7: Expressing and Supporting Your Opinion
  9. Fluency, Pronunciation and Pauses
  10. Common Speaking Mistakes and Your Test-Day Routine

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.