CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
Task 5 gives you the most preparation time of any speaking task. You have 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to choose between two options and persuade someone your choice is better.
Practice Task 5 FreeTask 5 Overview
Preparation Time
60 seconds
Speaking Time
60 seconds
In Task 5, you choose between two options and persuade someone that your choice is better. This task has the longest preparation time at 60 seconds, so use it to plan your argument structure. You need to state your preference, give strong reasons, and briefly acknowledge the alternative.
Task 5 Response Template
- 1Opening: State which option you prefer clearly.
- 2Reason 1: Give your strongest argument for your choice.
- 3Reason 2: Give a second supporting argument.
- 4Address the other option: Acknowledge it briefly but explain why yours is better.
- 5Closing: Restate your preference confidently.
Sample Prompts and Answers
Prompt:
Your company can either give employees a gym membership OR an extra day off per month. You think the extra day off is better. Persuade your manager.
Sample Answer:
I really appreciate you asking for our input on this. While a gym membership is generous, I strongly believe the extra day off would benefit everyone more, and I would like to explain why. First, an extra day off gives employees the flexibility to use their time however they need. Some people might use it for exercise, others for family time, errands, or simply resting. Not everyone is interested in going to a gym, but everyone values their personal time. It is a benefit that works for every single employee regardless of their lifestyle. Second, research consistently shows that well-rested employees are more productive. An extra day to recharge each month could actually improve our team's output during the days we are in the office. It is an investment that pays for itself. I understand that a gym membership promotes health, which is important. However, an extra day off can achieve the same goal while also addressing mental health and work-life balance, which are just as critical. For these reasons, I am confident the extra day off is the better choice for our team.
Prompt:
Your school can either build a new computer lab OR renovate the library. You think the computer lab is better. Persuade your classmate.
Sample Answer:
I think building a new computer lab would be much better for our school, and let me tell you why. First, computers are essential for almost everything nowadays. Students need them for research, writing assignments, and learning new skills like coding. A modern computer lab would help everyone do better in their studies. Second, many students do not have good computers at home. A new lab would give everyone equal access to technology, which is really important for fairness. I know the library is nice to have, but honestly, most people use online resources now. We can still read books with our current library, but we really need better computers. So I strongly think the computer lab is the better choice for our school.
Task 5 Tips
- 1
Use your 60 seconds of prep time wisely
This is the longest prep time of any speaking task. Plan your two main reasons and how you will address the alternative option before you start speaking.
- 2
State your choice immediately
Do not waste time deliberating. Pick one option in the first sentence and spend the rest of your time supporting it with strong arguments.
- 3
Acknowledge the other option briefly
Saying something like "I understand the gym membership has value, however..." shows maturity and makes your argument more persuasive.
- 4
Use persuasive language
Phrases like "I strongly believe", "the evidence shows", "it stands to reason", and "I am confident that" demonstrate vocabulary range and fit the persuasion task perfectly.
Related CELPIP Resources
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