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CELPIP, Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

Choosing a New Smartphone: sample answer

A model answer to this exam-style CELPIP comparing and persuading question, written to a level 10 target. See the question, the full answer and exactly why it works, then try it yourself.

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Task
Comparing and Persuading
Time
60s to prepare, 60s to speak
Answer length
133 words, ~59s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Situation

Your partner is planning to buy a new smartphone, and you both need to agree on a model. It's important to choose one that fits our needs and budget. Look at the two options below and persuade them to choose one over the other. SwiftView X: Price: $600, Features: 6.5-inch OLED screen, Triple camera system (50MP main), All-day battery life, Standard processor, Limit: No 5G support, average gaming performance. Apex Pro Max: Price: $1100, Features: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, Quad camera system (108MP main, advanced zoom), Extended battery, Latest processor, 5G enabled, Limit: Premium price, heavier design.

Task

Your partner is planning to buy a new smartphone, and you both need to agree on a model. It's important to choose one that fits our needs and budget. Look at the two options below and persuade them to choose one over the other.

Sample answer

Linking words are highlighted: they show the structure a rater follows.

Honey, I'm strongly leaning towards the SwiftView X because I truly believe it’s the ideal choice for us. I understand your interest in the Apex Pro Max with its advanced camera, but at $600, the SwiftView X is much more affordable than the $1100 Apex Pro Max. Saving that money allows us to put it toward other priorities without losing essential features. While the Apex has a 108MP camera, the SwiftView X’s 50MP triple camera is more than enough for our everyday photos and video calls. It also gives us all-day battery life for our busy schedules, and the lack of 5G isn't a deal-breaker for our daily use. Considering the remarkable value and solid performance, the SwiftView X is clearly the smarter investment. Don’t you agree?

133 words, about 59s spoken

Why it works

What you can measure in this answer, and what CELPIP raters mark.

  • The right length. 133 words, about 59 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • Clear links between ideas: “while”, “because”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 7 sentences in 59 seconds: complete thoughts at a steady pace, without rushing to fit more in.

How CELPIP marks comparing and persuading

  • Content & CoherenceLevel 1–12

    Enough relevant ideas, organised clearly and supported with detail.

  • VocabularyLevel 1–12

    Words chosen precisely and appropriately for the topic.

  • ListenabilityLevel 1–12

    Rhythm, pronunciation, intonation and few distracting pauses or self-corrections.

  • Task FulfillmentLevel 1–12

    Answers every part, with the right tone and length.

Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading guide

Common questions

How long should a CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading answer be?

You get 60 seconds to prepare and up to 60 seconds to speak. At a natural pace that's roughly 110 to 155 words. This sample is 133 words, about 59 seconds spoken.

How is CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading scored?

CELPIP marks it on Content & Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability, Task Fulfillment, each on a Level 1 to 12 scale. Your result for the task comes from these together.

Is this a real CELPIP question?

No. It's an original, exam-style question written to match the official format. Nobody can legally publish real test questions.

Should I memorise this answer?

No. Use it to see the structure, length and linking words that work, then answer in your own words. Memorised answers rarely fit a new question and raters notice.

Where can I practice this question and get a score?

Open it on PrepScroll: record or type your own answer and get an instant estimated score on each CELPIP criterion, with what to fix. It's free to start.

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