CELPIP Speaking
Task 5 of 8
Comparing and Persuading
You're given two options, asked to choose one, and then to persuade a specific person to agree. It combines comparison with a genuine persuasive purpose aimed at a named listener.
- to prepare
- 60 s to choose · 60 s
- to speak
- 60 s
- criteria scored
- 4
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What a Task 5 prompt looks like
An example written by Celpip Plus in the same shape as the real speaking task, with notes on how to read it.
First, your family is choosing a summer weekend tripnote 1. Choose the option you prefer: a lakeside cabin in the Muskokas, or a weekend in downtown Montreal. Next, a family member suggests a different option that they prefernote 2. Persuade them that your choice is better, comparing the twonote 3.
- 1 The decision: a trip for the whole family, so judge each option by what the family needs, not only what you like.
- 2 Who you're persuading: someone who already prefers another option. Grant its good points before you argue.
- 3 Compare, don't just praise: say why yours beats theirs on cost, travel time or what there is to do.
How to prepare for Comparing and Persuading
- Weigh both options briefly, then commit clearly to the one you are recommending so your persuasion has a firm direction.
- Tailor your reasons to the specific person described, since arguments that suit their situation are more persuasive and fulfil the task.
- Use comparative language to show why your chosen option beats the alternative for this listener.
What raters listen for in Task 5
- Content/CoherenceYour position stated early, with two or three comparison points that back it up, signposted with "On the other hand" or "Most importantly".
- VocabularyComparative and persuasive language: "more affordable than", "I really think we should".
- ListenabilityConfident, even delivery with natural stress on the key comparisons, and accurate comparative grammar ("cheaper than", not "more cheap").
- Task FulfillmentPersuades the family member, compares both options, and never switches to their choice.
For how the four criteria turn into a CELPIP level from 1 to 12, read How CELPIP Speaking is scored.
Keep going with Speaking Task 5
Practise on the real interface
The same screen, timer and controls as test day — rebuilt so nothing on the exam is a surprise.
Comparing and Persuading: frequently asked questions
It has two steps: you first choose one of two options, then you persuade a family member who prefers a different option that your choice is better, comparing the two.
Touch on both to show the comparison, but spend most of your time making a strong case for the option you are recommending.
Because persuasion works best when tailored to that person's needs, so referencing their situation strengthens both your Content and Task Fulfillment.
Comparative structures and persuasive phrasing help you contrast the options and push clearly toward your recommendation.
You get 60 seconds to choose an option, a further 60 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak in CELPIP Speaking Task 5.
The rest of the Speaking test
- Giving Advice, 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak
- Talking about a Personal Experience, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Describing a Scene, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Making Predictions, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Comparing and Persuading, 60 s to choose, 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Dealing with a Difficult Situation, 60 s to prepare, 60 s to speak
- Expressing Opinions, 30 s to prepare, 90 s to speak
- Describing an Unusual Situation, 30 s to prepare, 60 s to speak