CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading, with sample answers
Task 5 gives you two options to choose from, then asks you to persuade someone who prefers a third that yours is better. You get 60 seconds to choose, 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.
The task at a glance
Time to choose
60 seconds
Time to prepare
60 seconds
Time to speak
60 seconds
Picture
Yes, shown on screen
A structure that works
Say which option you chose, in the first sentence.
Compare it with the other person's option on two or three details from the cards, such as price, time or place.
Speak to that person directly: acknowledge what they like about their option, then say why yours is better.
End by asking them to agree.
Sample tasks with model answers
Original practice tasks in the test's format. Start the timer and answer out loud, then read the model answer.
Task
Your team is buying a gift for a coworker who is retiring after thirty years, and has found two ideas. Look at both and choose the one you prefer.
Options:
Cooking class for two
$140 for two people
One evening, 3 hours
Downtown, near the subway
Any date in the next year
Day trip on a sightseeing boat
$180 for two people
Full day, lunch on board
Leaves from the harbour
Summer months only
Like all media in our tests, these pictures are AI-generated.
Then (on the test, after you choose):
Your coworker Dana would rather buy the spa day voucher. Persuade her that the gift you chose is the better one.
Spa day voucher
$150 for one person
Massage and lunch
15 minutes from the office
Book within six months
Like all media in our tests, this picture is AI-generated.
Answer out loud while the timer runs. This page does not record or score you.
Model answer, written by MapleMock
I really think the boat trip is the better gift for Margaret. First of all, think about what she's always talking about at lunch: she's spent thirty years in this office, and she keeps saying she wants to see more of the coast now that she'll have time. A day on the water gives her exactly that. Second, it's for the whole day and it includes lunch on board, so it feels like a real celebration, not just a quick treat. I know the spa sounds relaxing, but honestly, Margaret has told us more than once that she doesn't enjoy massages, so I'm not sure she'd use it. And the boat trip comes with a guest ticket, so she can bring her husband, which makes it something they can remember together. It's a bit more expensive, but if we all add ten dollars, we can easily afford it.
Task
You are moving to a new city for a one-year job and have found two places to rent. Look at both and choose the one you prefer.
Options:
Downtown studio apartment
$1,700 a month
Walk to work
Furnished, all one room
No pets
Room in a shared house
$950 a month, utilities included
10 minutes by bike
Three housemates
Shared kitchen
Like all media in our tests, these pictures are AI-generated.
Then (on the test, after you choose):
Your cousin, who lives in that city, thinks you should rent the basement suite in the suburbs. Persuade him that the place you chose is better for you.
Basement suite in the suburbs
$1,200 a month
40 minutes by bus
Two rooms, private entrance
Parking included
Like all media in our tests, this picture is AI-generated.
Answer out loud while the timer runs. This page does not record or score you.
Model answer, written by MapleMock
I know you think the basement suite makes more sense, but I'm going with the room in the shared house, and here's why. The biggest thing for me is that I won't know anyone in the city. If I live with three other people, I'll meet people right away, and they can show me around. In a basement suite out in the suburbs, I'd probably come home every night and sit alone. Second, the shared house is only a ten-minute bike ride from my office. The basement suite is forty minutes away by bus, and that's eighty minutes a day I'd rather spend doing something useful. And the shared room includes utilities, so the price you see is really the price I'd pay. I agree the suite is bigger and more private, but it's only for one year. For me, being close to work and meeting people is worth more than extra space.
Common mistakes
Describing only your option, without comparing it with the other.
Ignoring the details on the cards.
Listing facts without trying to change the person's mind.
Practise it on the clock
Speaking practice is coming soon. The free Listening & Reading mock is open now.
