Say which option you recommend near the start.
CELPIP wiki
CELPIP Speaking Task 5 Comparing and Persuading
Task 5 works best when you compare quickly, choose clearly, and persuade with reasons that fit the listener. The score usually weakens when the answer sounds balanced but never really recommends one option.
Quick answer
Compare both options briefly, then spend most of the answer selling one of them.
Task 5 is a persuasion task, not a neutral comparison task. You can mention both choices, but the listener should know early which one you recommend and why it fits their situation better.
Structure
A practical compare-and-persuade structure has four moves
Acknowledge the other option without giving it equal weight.
Use reasons tied to budget, convenience, quality, time, or preference.
Finish by reinforcing the recommendation.
Timing and scoring
The persuasion sounds stronger when the reasons match the listener, not just the product or option
Strong Task 5 answers sound practical. They connect the recommended choice to the other person's needs. Weak answers list features without showing why those features matter in this decision.
Scoring relevance
Task fit and support improve when the answer recommends one option clearly and backs it with useful reasons.
What to review after recording
Did the answer choose one option early? Did the reasons fit the listener? Did the close still sound decisive?
Common mistakes
Task 5 usually weakens when the answer forgets to persuade
Too neutral
The answer compares both options but never gives the listener a clear recommendation.
Feature list only
The response lists good points but does not tie them to the listener's budget, schedule, or priorities.
Too much time on the weaker option
The answer wastes time explaining the option you do not actually recommend.
What to do next
Record one persuasive response, then review whether the recommendation was clear enough
Need stronger speaking control?
Open the speaking target-9 page if your issue is not understanding Task 5, but making the reasons sound sharper.
Open target 9+Need full speaking diagnosis?
Use the speaking score guide if Task 5 is one symptom of a broader task-fit or support problem.
Open speaking score guideFAQ
Task 5 questions
Do I need to discuss both options equally?
No. Mention both, but spend most of the answer supporting the one you recommend.
What should I persuade with?
Use reasons that fit the listener's actual needs, such as cost, convenience, quality, time, or comfort.
What should I review after a weak Task 5 answer?
Check whether the recommendation was clear early, whether the reasons matched the listener, and whether the close reinforced the same choice.