Task 5 — Comparing and Persuading

What you'll learn: why Task 5's 60-second prep time changes your strategy, a two-column comparison method for choosing a side quickly, and how to persuade a named listener rather than just listing pros and cons.

What Task 5 actually tests

Task 5 shows you two options — two apartments, two job offers, two vacation destinations — usually with a short image or a few bullet-point details for each, and asks you to choose one and persuade someone (a friend, a roommate, a family member) to agree with your choice. Unlike most other tasks, you get a longer 60-second prep time here, because you genuinely need it: choosing a side and organizing a comparison takes more upfront thinking than describing a picture does. Task Fulfillment requires two things together — a real comparison of both options, and actual persuasion, not just a neutral summary of differences.

The two-column method for prep time

During your 60 seconds, don't try to write full sentences. Instead, jot two or three quick comparison points as short fragments:

Option A          Option B
+ cheaper         + closer to work
- far from work   - smaller

Pick whichever option has the point that matters most to the specific listener named in the prompt — this becomes your main persuasive angle.

The response structure

1. State your choice immediately, in the first sentence.
2. Give your strongest comparative reason — directly contrast both options on the one factor that matters most.
3. Give a second reason, ideally addressing a likely objection.
4. Speak directly to the listener, using persuasive language, not just descriptive language.
5. Close by restating your recommendation.

Worked example

Prompt: Your roommate can't decide between the two apartments below. Compare them and persuade your roommate to choose one.

I think we should go with Apartment B, even though it costs more. Here's why: we'd both save close to an hour a day in commuting time compared to Apartment A, and over a year that adds up to dozens of extra hours we could spend doing literally anything else — working out, seeing friends, or just relaxing. I know the rent difference is a real concern, but if we split the extra cost between the two of us, it works out to less than what most people spend on transit passes and gas for that longer commute anyway, so the actual financial gap is smaller than it first looks. On top of that, being close to downtown means we'd have way more restaurants and things to do within walking distance, which fits the kind of lifestyle we've talked about wanting. So even though Apartment A looks cheaper on paper, I really think Apartment B is the smarter choice for both of us once you factor in time and convenience.

Notice this directly addresses the roommate ("we," "you"), pre-empts the obvious objection (cost), and ends with a clear restated recommendation.

Timing plan for 60 seconds (after 60s prep)

• 0–10s: State choice
• 10–30s: Strongest comparative reason
• 30–50s: Second reason + objection handling
• 50–60s: Persuasive closing line

Common mistakes

• Listing pros and cons for both options neutrally without ever committing to one — this misses Task Fulfillment's persuasion requirement.
• Forgetting the named listener and speaking in the abstract ("some people might prefer...") instead of "you."
• Spending all 60 seconds of prep time deliberating instead of picking a side quickly — any reasonably supportable choice works; indecision costs you response time, not the "wrong" answer.

Recap

Task 5 rewards a fast, committed choice backed by direct comparison and genuine persuasion aimed at a specific listener — not a balanced, neutral summary. Use the prep time for a quick two-column comparison, pick the option with the strongest angle for that listener, and structure your response around choice, comparison, objection-handling, and a persuasive close.