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Tip: Speaking Task 5: pick one option and stay with it. Comparing both is fine, switching sides isn't.
Tip: Speaking Task 5: pick one option and stay with it. Comparing both is fine, switching sides isn't.
Acknowledge the other option, but prove yours is better using strong comparatives.
Understanding the assessment criteria helps you deliver exactly what examiners are looking for.
Your ability to disagree politely but firmly. You must convince the other person to change their mind without sounding aggressive or rude.
Examiners are actively counting how many comparative adjectives (cheaper, more durable, significantly better) you use correctly.
You are given a chart of features (e.g., 'Cost: $50'). You must translate these raw facts into persuasive benefits ('It will save us $50 which we can spend on dinner').
Acknowledging a good point about the other person's choice before proving why yours is still superior (e.g., 'While your option is newer, mine is...').
Ready-to-use expressions that help your answer sound natural, organized, and easy to follow.
See how a high-scoring response sounds with clear structure and practical supporting details.
You and your colleague are choosing a venue for the office holiday party. Your colleague wants to book a fancy downtown restaurant (Expensive, 1 hour away, No dancing). You selected a local banquet hall (Affordable, 15 mins away, Large dance floor). Persuade your colleague.
"Hey Mark, I completely understand why you want to book the downtown restaurant. The food there is incredible, but I actually think the local banquet hall I found might be a much better fit for our office party."
"First of all, the banquet hall is significantly more affordable than the restaurant. Since we have a strict company budget this year, booking the hall means we will have plenty of extra money left over to hire a great DJ and buy door prizes for the team."
"Secondly, compared to the restaurant which is an hour away, the hall is only a 15-minute drive from our office. This is vastly more convenient for everyone, meaning more people will actually attend. Plus, unlike the restaurant, the hall has a massive dance floor so we can actually celebrate properly!"
"Considering the cost and the convenience, I really think the banquet hall will be way more fun. What do you think, should we book it?"
Learn from these frequent errors that lower scores on this task.
Forgetting that you are talking to a friend or colleague. Sounding like a dictator instead of a persuader.
"Your choice is terrible and too expensive. We are picking my choice."
"I like your choice, but considering our budget, mine is a much safer option."
Simply reading the bullet points from the screen without adding any conversational flow or benefits.
"My choice is $50. Your choice is $100. My choice has a pool. Your choice has no pool."
"My choice is fifty dollars cheaper than yours, which means we can spend that saved money on drinks by the pool!"
Only talking about your option and completely ignoring the colleague's option. You MUST use comparatives.
Always use the formula: 'Unlike your option which is [X], my option is [Y]'
Ending abruptly instead of asking for their final opinion.
"So my choice is better. Goodbye."
"Given all these benefits, don't you agree my choice is the better deal?"
Test your understanding of Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading with these quick questions.
Yes! In the 60 seconds before this task starts, you are given two options. You click the one you prefer. Then, the computer reveals the option 'your friend' chose, and you have 60 seconds to prepare your argument.
You cannot change your mind! You are locked into the choice you made in the previous screen. You must defend your choice, even if you internally prefer the other one.
Aim for 2 to 3 strong comparisons. It is better to deeply explain 2 reasons (translating the features into benefits) than to rapidly list 5 reasons with no explanation.
Yes, you can invent minor details to strengthen your argument! If your option says 'Near the park', you can say 'It's right near that beautiful park where we love to walk the dog.' Adding personal flavor is highly encouraged.
Jump between all 8 CELPIP Speaking templates and review the structure for each task.
Give practical advice with clear reasons.
Tell a clear story with a natural ending.
Describe what you see in an organized way.
Explain what may happen next and why.
Compare two options and persuade clearly.
Handle pressure with a calm solution.
Support your opinion with strong reasons.
Describe an unexpected moment clearly.