CELPIP Speaking Part 5: Comparing and Persuading
In Task 5, you compare two options and persuade someone to choose one over the other. You must present advantages and disadvantages, then recommend your preferred choice with clear reasoning.
Practice Comparing and Persuading NowWhat Task 5: Comparing and Persuading looks like on test day
You will see a scenario with two choices — for example, two vacation destinations, two apartment options, or two career paths. You need to compare them and recommend one.
You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. You should briefly acknowledge both options, compare their key features, and persuade the listener to choose your recommended option.
Raters assess your use of comparison language, persuasive techniques, logical organization, and vocabulary variety.
How to score CLB 9+ on Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
- Use comparison structures: "While Option A offers..., Option B provides...", "Both options are good, but...", "Compared to..."
- Clearly state your recommendation: "I would strongly suggest...", "In my opinion, the better choice is..."
- Give at least 2 reasons for your recommendation. Make them specific: "It's closer to public transit" beats "It's more convenient."
- Acknowledge the other option briefly: "Although Option A has a larger space, I think Option B is better because..." This shows balanced thinking.
- Use persuasive language: "The biggest advantage is...", "What makes this stand out is...", "You won't regret choosing..."
Common mistakes on Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
- Describing both options equally without committing to one. The rubric explicitly scores persuasion — pick a side and defend it.
- Forgetting to address the friend by name and frame it as a recommendation. The setup is conversational, not analytical.
- Using weak comparison language ("this is good, this is also good") instead of "much better than", "the clear advantage is", "compared to".
- Burning preparation time on visual analysis instead of planning your persuasion structure: pick + 2 reasons + close.
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Start PracticingTask 5: Comparing and Persuading FAQ
Do I have to choose one option, or can I say both are good?+
You must choose one and persuade the listener. Sitting on the fence ("both are equally good") won't earn full task fulfillment marks. Pick a side and argue for it.
What kind of comparisons appear in Task 5?+
Two apartments, two restaurants, two vacation spots, two job offers, two schools. Always two concrete options with different pros and cons.
How should I structure my response?+
Brief intro (acknowledge the choice), comparison of key differences (2-3 points), your recommendation with reasons, and a closing statement. This fills 60 seconds neatly.
What comparison language should I use?+
Use: "whereas", "on the other hand", "in contrast", "while X is..., Y is...", "the main difference is", "both...but", "not only...but also". These structures demonstrate grammar range.