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CELPIP, Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

Choosing a Wedding Florist: 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
139 words, ~62s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Situation

Your best friend is planning to get married soon and needs help choosing a florist for the big day. You've narrowed it down to two excellent local options, each with unique benefits. Look at the two options below and persuade them to choose one over the other. Blooms & Petals: Specializes in classic, elegant arrangements, Wide selection of popular flowers, Standard wedding packages from $1500, Delivery fee applies for venues over 10km, Limited custom design options for unique requests. Floral Elegance: Known for modern, artistic, and unique floral designs, Specializes in exotic and rare flowers, Custom quotes starting from $2200, Free delivery within city limits, Highly personalized service, but requires booking 6+ months in advance.

Task

Your best friend is planning to get married soon and needs help choosing a florist for the big day. You've narrowed it down to two excellent local options, each with unique benefits. 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.

Hey Alex, I've carefully considered both florists for your wedding, and I strongly recommend Blooms & Petals as our top choice. While I understand Floral Elegance offers very artistic and unique designs, which are certainly appealing, I believe Blooms & Petals better suits our overall vision and budget. Firstly, Blooms & Petals is significantly more affordable. Their standard packages start at $1500, offering excellent value for classic, elegant arrangements. Floral Elegance, by contrast, begins at $2200, potentially stretching our budget too thin. Moreover, Blooms & Petals specializes in the classic, beautiful flower selections that perfectly match Sarah's desired traditional aesthetic. They offer a wide variety of popular blooms she loves, ensuring her vision is met without the complexity or cost of exotic options. Considering both the financial practicality and the perfect stylistic match, Blooms & Petals is clearly the superior option. Don't you agree?

139 words, about 62s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 139 words, about 62 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • Clear links between ideas: “moreover”, “firstly”, “while”, “overall”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 9 sentences in 62 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 139 words, about 62 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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