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CELPIP Speaking template: Comparing and Persuading

CELPIP Speaking Task 5 — Comparing & Persuading: a two-step task. First you get ~60 seconds to choose between two options (no speaking), then 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to persuade a specific person to go with your choice.

3 min read Spoken response Works for any prompt

What raters reward

A clear choice and persuasion aimed at the listener (Task Fulfillment), genuine comparison using contrast language (Content/Coherence, Vocabulary), and confident, friendly delivery (Listenability). You must address the option the other person prefers.

Your time plan

Choose (~60s) — Pick the option you can sell best to THIS person, and note one benefit that matters to them.
Prep (60s) — Plan two benefits for the listener and one line that handles their preferred (rival) option.
Speak (60s) — State your choice (~8s) → benefit 1 for them (~18s) → benefit 2 (~18s) → address the rival (~10s) → call to action (~6s).

How to structure it

Fill the [slots] with your own ideas — adapt the frames, don't recite them.

1. State your choice — Tell the person which option you picked.
2. Benefit 1 (for them) — Lead with what the listener gains.
3. Benefit 2 — A second persuasive benefit.
4. Address the rival option — Acknowledge the other choice, then outweigh it.
5. Call to action — Close with a confident nudge.
1 State your choice ~8s

Name it up front and signal you'll convince them.

Grammar Stating preference

Phrases to adapt
  • I really think we should go with [your option].
  • I've made up my mind — [option] is the way to go.
2 Benefit 1 (for them) ~18s

Frame it around their needs, not yours.

Grammar Comparatives (more … than, -er)

Phrases to adapt
  • The best part for you is [benefit], which beats [rival's weak point].
  • You'd love [feature] because [reason].
3 Benefit 2 ~18s

Use a comparison to make it concrete.

Grammar Contrast (whereas, while)

Phrases to adapt
  • On top of that, [benefit], whereas the other option [drawback].
  • It also means you won't have to [downside].
4 Address the rival option ~10s

Concede a small point about their preference, then rebut.

Grammar Concession

Phrases to adapt
  • I know you were leaning toward [their option], and it does [small merit].
  • But when you compare them, [your option] simply [wins how].
5 Call to action ~6s

Ask for the decision.

Grammar Question / imperative

Phrases to adapt
  • So what do you say — shall we go with [option]?
  • Trust me, you won't regret it.

Useful vocabulary

Vocabulary is one of the four scored dimensions — weave a few in (don't force all of them).

Comparison
whereascompared tounlikethe main difference isfar more … thanwhile
Selling the benefit
the best part isyou'll loveit's a great dealhassle-freewell worth it
Persuading & closing
trust meyou won't regret itwhat do you saylet's go for it

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Describing both options neutrally instead of persuading.
  • Never mentioning the rival option the other person prefers.
  • Talking about why YOU like it, not why THEY would.
  • Flat, unconvincing tone.

Quick tips

  • Frame every benefit around the listener.
  • Use comparison words: whereas, compared to, the main difference is.
  • Sound enthusiastic — persuasion is partly delivery.
Put it into practice
Try Comparing and Persuading with this template
Start practice Next template Dealing with a Difficult Situation (S6)

All templates

View all
Writing
W1 Writing an Email W2 Responding to Survey Questions
Speaking
S1 Giving Advice S2 Talking about a Personal Experience S3 Describing a Scene S4 Making Predictions S5 Comparing and Persuading Current S6 Dealing with a Difficult Situation S7 Expressing Opinions S8 Describing an Unusual Situation