Hi everyone. I know that you’ve chosen the Lakeside Family Cottage, and I can certainly understand why. It has some appealing features, especially the private lake access, the large backyard, and the free canoe and kayak rentals. However, after comparing both options carefully, I strongly believe that the Beachfront Vacation Condo would be a better choice for our family. First of all, the condo is $200 cheaper for the week. I know that $200 might not seem like a huge difference, but we could use that money for restaurants, activities, or even an extra family outing. Since we’re already spending a considerable amount on the vacation, I think saving money without sacrificing comfort makes sense. Another major advantage is location. The condo is only ten minutes from restaurants and shopping malls, whereas the cottage is twenty minutes from grocery stores. This means we would spend less time driving around and more time actually enjoying our vacation. If we need groceries, want to go out for dinner, or simply want to explore the area, everything would be much more convenient. The condo also has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, just like the cottage, so we wouldn't be giving up any important living space. In addition, it has a fully equipped kitchen, which means we can prepare our own meals and save even more money on dining out. I realize that the cottage has some great recreational features, particularly the lake and free water-sport equipment. However, the condo gives us direct access to the beach, which offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, walking, relaxing, and spending time together as a family. Finally, the condo includes free parking, and I think convenience is particularly important when we're on vacation. So, although the cottage is attractive, I think the condo gives us the best combination of affordability, convenience, space, and recreation. We can save money, avoid unnecessary driving, cook our own meals, and still have direct access to a beautiful beach. For all these reasons, I really think we should choose the Beachfront Vacation Condo.
Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading is part of the Speaking section of the CELPIP test. You get 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. It is scored on Content / Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability, Task Fulfillment.
- Preparation
- 60 seconds
- Speaking time
- 60 seconds
- Prompts here
- 23 published
The three-move case
- 1
Choose in the first sentence
You are persuading someone. Deciding out loud for twenty seconds is not persuasion.
- 2
Lead with your strongest reason and name it
Our CLB 11 answer says "the strongest argument is depreciation" and then explains it. The CLB 5 says "because is more cheap".
- 3
Name the other option's real weakness
A weakness you invent is worse than none. Use something visible in the options you were given.
Name your best reason; do not make them find it.
Signposting a reason is what turns two facts into an argument.
Sharpen the comparison structures and persuasive language you need to choose between two options and convince your listener in CELPIP Speaking Task 5.
You compare two choices, pick one and persuade someone to agree. Combine comparatives (better, more reliable) with persuasive connectors (the main reason, what really matters) to build a convincing case.
- Name your choice in the first sentence so the listener knows what you are arguing for.
- Use the concrete numbers on the card — price, distance, bedrooms — instead of saying it is 'better'.
- Admit one real strength of the other option, then explain why it does not outweigh yours.
- Tie each point back to what the family actually wants from the vacation.
- 1Comparing the two options feature by feature and never choosing.
- 2Attacking the other option more than you support your own.
- 3Forgetting there is a listener with a decision to make.
- Content / Coherence
- Whether your ideas are relevant, developed and logically ordered.
- Vocabulary
- The range and accuracy of your word choice under time pressure.
- Listenability
- How easy you are to follow as speech: grammar, flow, pacing, pauses and fillers.
- Task Fulfillment
- Whether you answered the actual question and covered what was asked.
These are the answers our scorer was calibrated against. Reading a CLB 5 beside a CLB 11 for the same prompt is the fastest way to see what a level actually means. CLB 9 is marked as the target because it is the level that earns maximum language points for Express Entry.
Now do it yourself and find out where you land
A model answer shows you the target. It cannot tell you whether your own response hits it — that is a CLB level for each criterion, with the sentences that earned it.
Ready to practise for real?
Get exam-style questions, instant AI feedback on your Writing and Speaking, and a personalised path to your target CLB.
Create your free account →- Do I need to mention both options in Task 5?
- Yes. Acknowledge both choices with comparison language, then justify your pick with persuasive reasons. The contrast is what the task is testing.
- How do I sound persuasive without sounding aggressive?
- Use the softer persuasive phrases below to frame your reasons confidently while staying polite and reasonable.
- ·Choosing a Concert to Attend
- ·Choosing a new family vehicle
- ·Choosing an Electric Bicycle
- ·Choosing a backyard renovation
- ·Choosing a Barbecue for the Backyard
- ·Choosing a home security system
- ·Choosing New Flooring
- ·Choosing a new office printer
- ·Buying a Camera
- ·Choosing an apartment to buy
- ·Renovating the Kitchen
- ·Choosing a family vacation
- ·Choosing an After-School Activity
- ·Choosing a recreation centre
- ·Choosing a Training Workshop
- ·Hiring a landscaper
- ·Choosing an English Course
- ·Choosing a scooter for your son
- ·Choosing an Electric Vehicle
- ·Choosing a sofa set
- ·Choosing a Weekend Getaway
- ·Choosing a new cell phone