Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
Choose an option from a graphic and convince someone else to agree with you.
⚖️ Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
Welcome to Task 5, widely considered the most difficult and exhausting task on the CELPIP Speaking test.
This task is unique because it is split into two parts. You will be asked to compare two options (e.g., two different houses to buy, or two different vacation packages), choose one, and then persuade someone else (who has chosen a third, different option) that your choice is better.
You have 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. To achieve a CLB 9+, you must master the art of the Comparative Debate.
⏱️ The Psychology of the "Two Screens"
Task 5 throws a lot of information at you.
- Screen 1 (Prep): You look at two options (Option A and Option B). You must pick one.
- Screen 2 (Speaking): The option you rejected disappears. The option you chose remains on the left. On the right, a brand new option (Option C) appears. The prompt tells you: "Your friend wants Option C. Convince them that your choice (Option A) is better."
[!WARNING]
The "Option B" Trap: Test-takers often get confused during the speaking phase and start talking about the option they rejected on the first screen. The grader does not care about Option B! You must only compare Your Choice (Option A) against Your Friend's Choice (Option C). Forget the first screen completely!
🎭 The "A vs. C" Debate Structure
You have 60 seconds to convince a friend. You cannot just list the features of your option; you must actively attack their option politely.
The 60-Second Blueprint:
1. The Acknowledgment (10 seconds)
- Address your friend. Acknowledge that their choice (Option C) has some good qualities.
- Example: "Hey Mark, I see you're leaning toward the downtown apartment. It definitely has a great location and a modern gym..."
2. The Pivot & Attack (20 seconds)
- Use a strong transition word to pivot. Point out the major flaws in their choice.
- Example: "...However, I really think we need to reconsider. That apartment is incredibly expensive, and it doesn't even come with a dedicated parking spot, which will be a nightmare for your commute."
3. The Pitch (20 seconds)
- Present your choice (Option A). Explain how its features solve the problems you just mentioned.
- Example: "On the other hand, the suburban house I found is significantly more affordable. Plus, it includes a massive two-car garage and a backyard, giving us way more value for our money."
4. The Call to Action (10 seconds)
- End with a persuasive question or suggestion.
- Example: "Why don't we go take a tour of the suburban house this weekend before making a final decision? I really think you'll love it."
🎯 Question Strategy: The "Feature Match"
When you are looking at the two options on the screen, do not just read the bullet points randomly. Look for the Direct Comparisons.
If your option says "Price: $500", look immediately at their option's price (e.g., "$800").
If your option says "Distance: 5km", look at their distance (e.g., "20km").
Find the two categories where your option completely destroys their option (e.g., Price and Distance). Build your entire 60-second argument around those two specific features. Ignore the rest of the bullet points!
📚 Essential "Comparative" Vocabulary
To score high in the Vocabulary pillar, you must use advanced comparative adjectives and transition phrases.
| The Goal | The CLB 9+ Phrasing |
|---|---|
| Acknowledging their choice | "I completely understand why you're drawn to..." |
| The Pivot (The Attack) | "Having said that, my main concern is that..." |
| Comparing (Superiority) | "My option is vastly superior in terms of..." or "It is significantly more cost-effective." |
| Comparing (Inferiority) | "Your option is substantially lacking when it comes to..." |
| The Call to Action | "Given these massive advantages, I strongly urge you to reconsider..." |
❌ Top 3 Task 5 Mistakes
- The Solo Pitch: Spending 60 seconds talking about how great your option is, without ever mentioning your friend's option. This fails the "Task Fulfillment" pillar. You must compare.
- Reading the Bullet Points: "My house has 3 bedrooms. Your house has 2 bedrooms. My house costs $500. Your house costs $800." This is robotic reading, not speaking. You must synthesize the data into sentences: "My house offers an extra bedroom for a fraction of the cost."
- The Aggressive Attack: Saying, "Your choice is stupid and terrible." Remember, you are talking to a friend! You must be persuasive, not insulting.
📅 Your 7-Day Persuasion Bootcamp
Train your brain to debate on the fly:
- Day 1: Review the "A vs. C" Debate Structure (Acknowledge -> Attack -> Pitch -> Action).
- Day 2: The "Feature Match" Drill. Look at two random objects in your house (e.g., a pen and a pencil). Give yourself 30 seconds to find two specific categories where the pen beats the pencil (e.g., permanence and professional look).
- Day 3: Take a Task 5 Practice Test. Focus entirely on ignoring Option B. Make sure you are only comparing Your Choice to Their Choice.
- Day 4: Study the Essential "Comparative" Vocabulary table. Practice using the words vastly superior and significantly more.
- Day 5: The "Salesman" Drill. Try to sell a boring object (like a stapler) to a friend. Force yourself to Acknowledge what they are currently using (e.g., paperclips), Attack it (they fall off), and Pitch your stapler.
- Day 6: Full Mock Test. Execute the 60-second blueprint. Do not just read the bullet points; synthesize the data into a cohesive argument.
- Day 7: Analyze your recording. Did you sound aggressive or polite? Adjust your tone to be firm but friendly.
You understand the structure of the debate. Now, we must refine the psychological tactics you use to win it in Task 5: The Art of Persuasion.