CELPIP Tips: Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

Don’t just pick an option—learn how to support it with confidence.

CELPIP Task 5 challenges you to compare two options and persuade someone to choose one using clear, logical, and well-structured arguments. To achieve a high score, it’s not enough to have good ideas—you also need strong grammar control and an effective speaking strategy. In this post, we’ll explore the key grammar points you should review before the exam, along with practical tips to help you approach this task with confidence.

Grammar Aspects You Should Review

To sound convincing, natural, and fluent, focus on these essential grammar areas:

  1. Comparative & Superlative Forms

This is the foundation of Task 5, since you must compare two choices.

➡️Comparatives (between two options)

  • better / worse

  • cheaper / more expensive

  • faster / slower

  • more convenient / less practical

  • safer / riskier

✅ Examples:

  • “Option A is much more affordable than Option B.”

  • “This choice is far more practical for your situation.”

  • “Option B is slightly more expensive, but not worth it.”

➡️ Superlatives (for strong persuasion)

  • the best option

  • the most efficient choice

  • the least expensive alternative

✅ Examples:

  • “This is the best option for you.”

  • “It’s the most convenient choice overall.”

3. Modal Verbs (for Suggestions & Persuasion)

2 Linking Words (for Persuasion & Logic)

These help you sound polite, natural, and persuasive.

Common modals:

  • should → strong advice

  • would → polite suggestion

  • could → possibility

  • might → weaker suggestion

✅ Examples:

  • “You should definitely choose this option.”

  • “I would recommend going with Option A.”

  • “You could save a lot of time with this choice.”

Using a variety of connectors will boost your coherence score and make your speech more natural.

🌀 Adding Ideas

  • Additionally, Furthermore, Moreover, Also, On top of that, Another reason is that…

✅ Example:

“Additionally, it’s more convenient because it’s closer to your workplace.”

🌀Contrasting Ideas

  • However, On the other hand, In contrast, Although / Even though, While

✅ Example:

“Option B looks attractive; however, it’s much more expensive.”

5. Persuasive Language & Opinion Phrases

You must clearly state and defend your opinion.

Useful phrases:

  • I strongly recommend…/I believe that…/ In my opinion…/ The best option is…/ You’ll benefit from…/ This would be ideal for you because…

✅ Examples:

  • “I strongly recommend Option A because it’s more practical.”

  • “In my opinion, this is the best choice for your needs.”

4. Conditionals (for Strong Arguments)

Conditionals make your argument more logical and realistic.

➿ First Conditional (real results)

  • If + present → will + verb

✅ Example:

“If you choose this option, you will save money.”

➿ Second Conditional (advice/hypothetical)

  • If + past → would + verb

✅ Example:

“If I were you, I would go with Option A.”

6. Complex Sentences (Fluency Boost)

Using complex sentences shows higher-level grammar skills.

Structures:

  • Although + idea, main clause

  • While + idea, main clause

  • Because / since + reason

✅ Examples:

  • “Although Option B is popular, it’s not very practical.”

  • “While Option A is cheaper, it also saves time.”

  • “This is a great option because it reduces stress.”

How to Tackle CELPIP Task 5:

Here’s a simple, high-scoring structure:

🧠Step 1:

Understand the Situation Quickly (Preparation Time) You’ll get two options. Identify: • Key differences (cost, time, convenience, quality) • Which option is clearly better (choose ONE)

✅ Tip: Pick the option that’s easiest to justify, not necessarily your personal preference.

🗣️Step 2:

Use a Clear Structure Follow this 4-part structure: 1. Opening (State your choice) “I think you should go with Option A.” 2. First Reason “First of all, it’s much more affordable…” 3. Second Reason “Another reason is that it’s more convenient…” 4. Brief Contrast + Conclusion “Although Option B has some advantages, Option A is definitely the better choice overall.”

⏱️Step 3:

Manage Your Time Wisely Typical timing: • Preparation: ~30 seconds • Speaking: ~60–90 seconds ✅ Strategy: • Plan 2 strong reasons (not 4 weak ones) • Keep ideas simple and clear

📢Step 4:

Focus on Persuasion (Not Just Comparison) Many test-takers only compare—but the key is to convince. ✅ Instead of: “Option A is cheaper, Option B is bigger.” ✔ Say: “Option A is cheaper, which means you’ll save money and reduce financial stress.”

✅ Final Tips to Boost Your Score

✔ Be confident and decisive ✔ Use clear, simple grammar correctly ✔ Focus on why your option is better ✔ Practice speaking within a time limit

Maria G.