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CELPIP, Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

New Car Purchase: Auto vs. Manual: 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
127 words, ~56s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Situation

Your spouse is planning to buy a new car, and you both need to decide between an automatic or manual transmission vehicle. Look at the two options below and persuade them to choose one over the other, specifically advocating for the automatic transmission for your daily commute. Automatic Transmission: Smooth, effortless driving, especially in city traffic, Ideal for daily commuting and stop-and-go situations, Generally higher resale value, Slightly higher initial purchase cost and fuel consumption compared to manual. Manual Transmission: More engaging driving experience, better fuel efficiency, and typically lower purchase price, Offers greater control over the vehicle, Can be tiring in heavy traffic; steeper learning curve for new drivers, Lower resale value.

Task

Your spouse is planning to buy a new car, and you both need to decide between an automatic or manual transmission vehicle. Look at the two options below and persuade them to choose one over the other, specifically advocating for the automatic transmission for your daily commute.

Sample answer

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

Honey, for our new car, I'm convinced the automatic transmission is the absolute best choice.While I understand manuals offer more control and a lower initial cost, for our daily needs, the automatic is vastly superior.Firstly, consider our commute: an automatic makes city traffic incredibly smooth and stress-free. Eliminating constant gear changes means a significantly more relaxing and less tiring drive, a huge benefit for comfort and convenience.Secondly, automatic vehicles typically hold higher resale value. Even if the initial cost is slightly more, we'll get a better return later. It's a smarter long-term financial move.Therefore, for superior comfort, ease of driving, and better long-term value, the automatic is the clear winner. Don't you agree a more relaxed commute would truly enhance our daily lives?

127 words, about 56s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 127 words, about 56 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • Clear links between ideas: “therefore”, “firstly”, “secondly”, “while”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 5 sentences in 56 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 127 words, about 56 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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