In CELPIP Speaking Task 5, you’ll be presented with two options—such as two products or two services—and asked to choose one. You’ll then have to persuade someone (a family member, a friend, or colleague) that your choice is the better one. Below is a six-part breakdown you can follow, along with example lines and vocabulary to create a confident, well-structured answer.
1. Greeting & Context
Open by greeting the person you’re talking to and briefly set the stage about the two items under consideration.
- “Hi, thanks for your input on these two laptops. I know you’re leaning toward the TechPro, but I’d like to show you why I prefer the SwiftMax.”
- “Hello! I see you’re interested in that bigger TV, so let me explain why the smaller model might actually be a smarter choice.”
- “Good morning. I know you’re considering the premium gym membership, but I’d like to share why the basic option could be better.”
- “Hey, I noticed you’re drawn to the expensive suitcase, but hear me out on why the cheaper one might be the way to go.”
- “Hi there! We both saw these two different smartphones. I want to tell you why the one I chose is more practical for our needs.”
2. Introduce the Items
Explain the two options in simple terms and note any major selling points or differences.
- “We have the Galaxy Plus with a huge display, and the PixelAce with a longer battery life.”
- “There’s the Spacious SUV with seating for seven, and the Compact Sedan known for its low fuel costs.”
- “One is the High-End Smartwatch with health tracking, and the other is a Budget Fitness Band that’s simpler.”
- “We’re looking at the Deluxe Furniture Set with a modern design and the Classic Set with a rustic look.”
- “Option A has an all-inclusive vacation package, while Option B is a build-your-own itinerary that’s more flexible.”
3. Indicate Your Choice
Clearly state which one you picked, so the listener knows your preference immediately.
- “I decided to go with the SwiftMax laptop, mainly because of its lightweight design.”
- “I’m leaning towards the smaller TV because it’s easier to fit into our living room.”
- “I ended up picking the basic gym membership, mostly because it’s cost-effective.”
- “I prefer the cheaper suitcase—honestly, it’s just as durable at half the price.”
- “I went with the build-your-own trip because we can customize the schedule.”
4. Compare and Give Reasons
Offer two or three strong points that show why your option is better. Use comparative language to emphasize the benefits.
- “First of all, the SwiftMax costs about $200 less than the TechPro, yet it has almost the same processing speed.”
- “Secondly, the smaller TV is much easier to mount, so we won’t have to rearrange all our furniture.”
- “It also has a better warranty—three years instead of just one.”
- “The basic gym membership is significantly cheaper, and you still get access to all the essential equipment.”
- “Compared to the other suitcase, this one has built-in wheels and an extra handle, making it more travel-friendly.”
Additional Sample Comparison Lines:
- “It weighs less, which is perfect for long commutes.”
- “It’s more energy-efficient, meaning we’ll save on bills in the long run.”
- “It has far better reviews online, especially concerning durability.”
- “It’s more spacious, so we won’t feel cramped if guests come over.”
- “It includes free upgrades for a year, unlike the other option.”
5. Address the Other Person’s Preference
Acknowledge why they might like the other item, but politely refute or downplay it.
- “I know you’re impressed by the TechPro’s sleek design, but the SwiftMax has a very similar look—plus the price is lower.”
- “I understand you like big screens, but if we get the huge TV, we’ll have no room for the bookshelf.”
- “Sure, the premium gym membership offers free classes, but you can still sign up for individual classes as needed.”
- “Yes, the expensive suitcase looks fancy, but we don’t really need its extra compartments for short trips.”
- “I see why a fully planned vacation is appealing, but having flexibility might be more fun.”
Extra Lines to Soften Your Rebuttal:
- “I see where you’re coming from, yet I think the cost difference isn’t worth it.”
- “I totally understand the appeal, but in our situation, it might not be the best fit.”
- “While it’s a nice feature, we probably won’t use it often enough to justify the price.”
- “I get that it seems cool, but we have to consider our budget and space.”
- “Yes, it’s a bit more stylish, but functionality might matter more in daily life.”
6. Conclude Politely
Wrap up your argument by reaffirming your choice and thanking them for hearing you out.
- “So overall, I really think the SwiftMax is the best balance of cost and performance. Thanks for considering my viewpoint.”
- “With all these benefits, the smaller TV just makes more sense in our living space. I appreciate you letting me explain.”
- “That’s why I firmly believe the basic membership is the more sensible option. Thank you for hearing me out.”
- “In the end, the cheaper suitcase will save us money without sacrificing quality. I hope this helped you decide.”
- “All things considered, customizing our trip is likely to be more flexible and enjoyable—thanks for listening!”
Most Important & Frequent Words/Vocabulary
Below is a broader selection of words/phrases to help compare items and persuade. Each includes a brief definition:
Comparing Adjectives
- superior: better than another option
- more reliable: less likely to break or fail
- costlier / pricier: more expensive than another item
- practical: useful and suitable for daily needs
- robust: strong or durable
- lightweight: easy to carry, not heavy
- versatile: able to adapt to many uses
- compact: small or space-saving
Persuasive Verbs
- emphasize: highlight or draw attention to something
- recommend: suggest or advise
- justify: prove or show reasons why something is right
- underscore: emphasize or stress a point
- demonstrate: show clearly or illustrate with evidence
- urge: strongly encourage or persuade
Comparison/Contrast Phrases
- unlike: different from
- in contrast to: compared to the other option
- on the other hand: introduces a differing point
- by comparison: shows how two things differ or relate
- whereas: while one thing is true, another might not be
Persuasive Connectors
- moreover: in addition; further
- aside from that: besides that; beyond that point
- to top it off: additionally, often used for a final persuasive benefit
- in the long run: over a longer period
- ultimately: in the end; finally
Suggesting Alternatives
- maybe we could: a gentle way to propose an idea
- another route might be: offering a different approach
- have you considered: prompting the other person to think about something
- it might be worth: suggesting it’s valuable to try or consider
By following this six-part template—Greeting & Context, Introduce the Items, Indicate Your Choice, Compare & Give Reasons, Address the Other Person’s Preference, and Conclude Politely—plus weaving in these helpful words and phrases, you’ll be ready to confidently tackle CELPIP Speaking Task 5 and convince someone that your choice stands above the rest.