CELPIP Tips: Speaking Task 5

Today we’ll look at the next task in the CELPIP Speaking test which requires test-takers to compare different images and information and then you’ll use your persuasion skills to make a convincing case!

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You may have noticed by now that each Speaking task is slightly more challenging than the previous one. Unlike the first four tasks which allow for 30 seconds of preparation time, Task 5 provides more preparation time in addition to some other steps which we’ll look at in more detail below.

Speaking Task 5 is made up of THREE parts:

1.      Choose an option - 60 seconds

2.      Preparation time - 60 seconds

3.      Speaking - 60 seconds

1.      Choose an option - 60 seconds

You will be presented with two pictures including some written information, and you’ll have 60 seconds to select one of the pictures. Choose the one that you prefer and will be able to talk about in more detail. It’s a good idea to choose a picture as soon as possible so that you’ll be able to use this time to prepare your response.

Let’s look at an example:

You and your friend are planning a long weekend trip to a nearby city and are looking for accommodations. You found two suitable options. Using the pictures and information below, choose the option that you prefer. In the next section, you will need to persuade your friend that your choice is the better choice.

If you do not choose an option, the computer will choose one for you. You do not need to speak for this part.

  • First, read the prompt carefully so that you understand the scenario. In this case, you and your friend are going on a short trip to a city and you’ll have to convince your friend that your choice is better.

  • Glance at the information under each picture and choose the one that you feel has more advantages. For example, you may prefer that that the accommodation on the left is more conveniently located or you may prefer that the accommodation on the right is more affordable.

2.      Preparation time - 60 seconds

The next part presents your choice along with ‘your friend’s choice’ and gives you 60 more seconds to prepare your answer. Compare the photos and information for each accommodation while focusing on identifying the strong points for your choice.

Your friend is suggesting another accommodation. Persuade your friend that what you chose is more suitable by comparing the two.

3.      Speaking - 60 seconds

  • After the first two parts of comparing, choosing, and preparing, you will be given 60 seconds to speak! Again, read the instructions clearly which is this example states, “Your friend is suggesting another accommodation. Persuade your friend that what you chose is more suitable by comparing the two.”

  • Therefore, you will not only be highlighting the strong points of your choice, but you must do so in comparison to the other choice.

  • Because you have to convince a friend, you could also create a character that you will act in relation to your friend. In this example, the scenario I created is that my friend and I have known each their since high school and now I am working full-time and she is a university student.

“Hi Mio, I know you really wanted to stay at the beachside bungalow during our trip, and although it’s more affordable, I really believe we’ll be happier in the downtown hotel.

First of all, the hotel is within walking distance from all of the sites we want to visit including restaurants and shops, so it’s much more conveniently located. Even though the bungalow is more than twice as big as the hotel suite, we’ll be busy checking out the sites and entertainment in the city everyday so we only need a place where we can sleep, get ready, and store our belongings. If we stay at the hotel we’ll have to share a bed, but we’re only there for two nights and the prime location is worth it!

Also, we’ll be travelling in early Spring so it’ll likely be cold at the beach. I think the bungalow would be a better option for a longer summer vacation. Plus, we don’t really need a kitchen because it’s our plan to go to some interesting restaurants and cafes.

Another thing is that we would have to take two buses everyday to and from downtown if we stay at the bungalow and bus service is slower in the evenings. On the other hand, if we stay at the hotel we will not only save time but also money because we won’t have to rely on buses or taxis.

I understand that you’re on a budget because you’re a student which is one reason why you would prefer the more affordable bungalow. Because I have an income from my job, I can pay a little extra if you agree to stay at the hotel. We’ve always wanted to go on a trip to the city since we were in high school so we definitely should make a reservation at the hotel!”

Munveer D