CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Compare, Persuade, and Score CLB 9
Task 5 asks you to compare two options and persuade someone to choose one. Most test-takers list pros and cons without actually persuading. Below: the argument structure that scores CLB 9, real sample answers at three levels, and the reason your comparisons are not converting into high scores.
What Is CELPIP Speaking Task 5? (Comparing and Persuading)
In Task 5, you are given two options and must compare them, then persuade a specific person (friend, coworker, family member) to choose one. You have 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond. This is the longest prep time — use it wisely.
Preparation time
60 seconds — double the prep time of Tasks 1–4. Plan your comparison structure AND your persuasion angle. Do not waste this time reading the prompt again — plan your argument.
Response time
60 seconds. You must compare both options AND persuade — not just list differences. If your response sounds like a neutral comparison, you missed half the task.
What examiners score
Does your comparison address both options? Is your persuasion directed at the specific person mentioned? Do you use comparative language and persuasion techniques? Do you take a clear position?
How to Use Your 60 Seconds (Prep Strategy)
With 60 seconds of prep, you have time to plan a full argument. The CLB 9 strategy guide explains how persuasion skills transfer across Tasks 5, 7, and 8.
Seconds 1–15: Pick your side immediately
Do not go back and forth. Choose the option that is easier to argue for — it does not matter which one you truly prefer. Speed of decision is critical because you need the remaining prep time for planning.
Seconds 15–35: Plan two reasons for your choice
Two strong reasons are better than four weak ones. For each reason, think of one specific example or consequence: "Option A is better because… for example…" This prevents vague assertions.
Seconds 35–50: Acknowledge the other option briefly
"I know Option B has X, but…" Acknowledging the alternative and dismissing it is a hallmark of CLB 9 persuasion. Plan one concession and one counter-argument.
Seconds 50–60: Plan your closing
"That is why I would really recommend Option A for you." Having a planned closing prevents trailing off and signals confident completion to examiners.
The Comparison-Persuasion Structure That Scores CLB 9
This structure balances comparison with active persuasion. It works for any two-option prompt — vacation spots, job choices, products, events.
1. State your recommendation immediately (5–10 sec)
"If I were you, I would definitely go with the beach vacation." Do not waste time analyzing both options first — state your position early so the rest of your response is persuasion, not neutral comparison.
2. Give your first reason with a specific example (15 sec)
"The main reason is that you have been working really hard lately, and a beach vacation would give you a chance to truly relax. You mentioned last week that you have been feeling exhausted — this would be exactly what you need."
3. Give your second reason (15 sec)
"On top of that, beach vacations tend to be much less stressful to plan than city trips. You can just book a resort and not worry about scheduling activities or navigating public transit."
4. Acknowledge the alternative and dismiss it (10 sec)
"I know a city trip sounds exciting and there would be more to do, but honestly, I think you need rest more than stimulation right now." This shows balanced thinking — which is what separates CLB 9 from CLB 7.
5. Close with a confident recommendation (5 sec)
"So I would really encourage you to go with the beach option — I think you would come back feeling much more refreshed." A clear closing signals completion and confidence.
CELPIP Speaking Task 5 Sample Answers at Three CLB Levels
Same prompt — notice how responses shift from neutral listing to active persuasion at higher levels.
Prompt: Your friend is deciding between a beach vacation and a city trip. Compare the two options and persuade your friend to choose one.
"I think beach is better. Beach vacation is nice and you can relax. City trip is also good but beach is more relaxing. I think you should go to beach. That is my opinion."
"I would recommend that you choose the beach vacation instead of the city trip. First of all, a beach vacation is much more relaxing, and since you have been working hard lately, I think you need a chance to unwind. You could just sit by the ocean and not worry about anything. Second, beach vacations are usually easier to plan — you just book a hotel and that is basically it. A city trip would require much more planning with museums, restaurants, and transportation. I know a city trip might sound more exciting, but I really think the beach would be better for you right now."
"Honestly, I think you should go with the beach vacation, and here is why. You have been telling me for weeks how exhausted you are from that project at work. What you need right now is not more stimulation and an itinerary packed with sightseeing — you need actual rest. A beach vacation would give you the chance to slow down, sleep in, and just decompress without any pressure. On top of that, the planning alone for a city trip can be stressful — trying to coordinate museum visits, restaurant reservations, and navigating a new transit system is the opposite of relaxing. Now, I understand that a city trip would be more culturally enriching, and there would be more variety in terms of things to do. That is a fair point. But I would argue that you can always plan a city trip later when you have more energy to actually enjoy it. Right now, the beach is what you need. You will come back feeling like a completely different person — trust me on this one."
Examiner-Level Score Analysis: Why Each Response Gets Its Score
Task 5 is scored on comparison quality, persuasion effectiveness, language range, and fluency.
CLB 4–5: Why Listing Is Not Persuading
Comparison
Barely addresses both options. "City trip is also good" is the only mention of the alternative. There is no real comparison — just a statement that one is better without explaining why in concrete terms.
Persuasion
"I think you should go to beach" is a recommendation, but there is no persuasion. The speaker gives no reasons tailored to the listener, no specific examples, and no acknowledgment of the alternative's strengths.
Language range
"Nice," "relaxing," "good" — extremely limited vocabulary. No comparative structures beyond "more relaxing." No persuasion phrases at all. Examiners need to see range to award scores above CLB 5.
Fluency
Very short response ending with "That is my opinion." The speaker cannot sustain a developed argument for 60 seconds.
CLB 7–8: Good Comparison, Weak Persuasion
This response compares effectively but persuades weakly. The CLB 9 strategy guide explains the difference between informing and persuading.
Comparison
Clear contrasts: relaxation vs. planning complexity. Both options are addressed. But the comparison stays at a general level — "beach is more relaxing, city requires more planning." These are obvious points anyone would make.
Persuasion
"Since you have been working hard" is a good personal touch. But the persuasion is mostly telling, not showing. CLB 9 persuasion makes the listener feel understood — it references their specific situation more deeply.
Language range
"Unwind," "require," "would recommend" — functional. But comparative structures are limited to "much more" and "easier to plan." CLB 9 responses naturally weave in concession phrases ("I understand that…but…") and persuasion language.
Fluency
Good pacing, fills the time. But the delivery sounds like a structured essay read aloud rather than a genuine conversation with a friend.
CLB 9–12: What Top Persuasion Actually Sounds Like
Comparison
Specific, concrete contrasts: "sightseeing itinerary vs. sleeping in," "navigating transit vs. no pressure." Each comparison point is vivid and tailored to the listener's situation, not generic.
Persuasion
"You have been telling me for weeks how exhausted you are" and "trust me on this one" — the speaker sounds like a real friend who knows the listener's situation. This personal, direct approach is what examiners mean by effective persuasion.
Language range
"Decompress," "culturally enriching," "an itinerary packed with sightseeing" — precise, varied vocabulary. Concession language ("That is a fair point. But I would argue…") shows advanced argumentative control.
Fluency
Fills the full 60 seconds with natural conversational pacing. The speaker sounds like they are genuinely talking to a friend — not delivering a presentation. Tone shifts between empathy, logic, and confidence.
Common CELPIP Task 5 Mistakes That Kill Your Score
Task 5 is the most strategically complex speaking task. These mistakes cost the most points.
Comparing without persuading
"Option A is relaxing. Option B has more activities." This is a comparison, not persuasion. The task requires you to persuade someone — which means taking a clear side, giving reasons tailored to the listener, and making a recommendation. Neutral analysis scores poorly on task fulfillment.
Not addressing the listener personally
The prompt tells you WHO you are persuading — a friend, a coworker, a family member. Your response must speak to that specific person. "You need rest" is persuasion. "Rest is important" is a general statement. Examiners notice the difference.
Sitting on the fence
"Both options are good. It depends on what you want." This non-answer destroys your task fulfillment score. You must choose a side — even if you genuinely think both are equal. Pick one and commit. If you tend to give non-committal answers, speaking coaching can help you build decisive language habits.
No concession to the other option
Pretending the other option has zero value sounds one-dimensional. CLB 9 responses briefly acknowledge the alternative ("I know a city trip would be exciting, but…") and then pivot back to their recommended choice. This shows balanced thinking.
Generic reasons with no personal connection
"Beaches are nice" and "cities are busy" could apply to anyone. The best Task 5 responses reference the listener's specific situation: "You told me you have not had a day off in months." Even if you invent context, it sounds more persuasive.
How to Move from CLB 7 to CLB 9 in Task 5
If your comparisons are clear but your scores stay at CLB 7–8, the problem is almost always persuasion depth — not comparison accuracy.
Stop doing this
Giving a neutral comparison without a clear recommendation
Using only generic reasons ("it is cheaper," "it is more fun")
Ignoring the specific person you are persuading
Treating this task like a debate rather than a conversation
Start doing this
State your recommendation in the first 10 seconds
Reference the listener's specific situation ("you mentioned…")
Acknowledge the other option, then dismiss it with a counter-argument
Close with confident encouragement: "trust me on this one"
The key insight: CLB 9 persuasion sounds like a friend who cares, not a debater trying to win. Make your recommendation personal, acknowledge the alternative, and speak with conviction.
Continue Your CELPIP Speaking Preparation
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