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CELPIP, Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

New Company Laptop Selection: 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
134 words, ~60s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Situation

Your colleague, Sarah, is planning to select new laptop models for the entire team at your company. The goal is to find a balance between performance, battery life, and cost for general office tasks and occasional travel. Look at the two options below and persuade her to choose one over the other. The 'PowerPro' Laptop: High-performance Intel i7 processor, 16GB RAM; 8-hour battery life; Premium build quality; Weighs 1.8 kg; Cost: $1500 per unit; Best for heavy multitasking and demanding applications. The 'TravelLite' Laptop: Efficient Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM; Impressive 12-hour battery life; Durable, lightweight design; Weighs 1.2 kg; Cost: $1000 per unit; Ideal for portability and standard office productivity.

Task

Your colleague, Sarah, is planning to select new laptop models for the entire team at your company. The goal is to find a balance between performance, battery life, and cost for general office tasks and occasional travel. Look at the two options below and persuade her to choose one over the other.

Sample answer

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

Hi Sarah, I've carefully reviewed both laptop options, and I'm confident the 'TravelLite' model, Option B, is the best choice for our team's new company laptops. While I understand the 'PowerPro' offers impressive raw processing power for specialized tasks, for a team-wide deployment, value is paramount. The 'TravelLite' is significantly more affordable at $1000, saving $500 per unit. This financial advantage is crucial for equipping everyone within budget, offering excellent overall value to the company. Crucially, the 'TravelLite' boasts a vastly superior 12-hour battery life, essential for colleagues working remotely or travelling. Its lighter design also greatly enhances portability for daily commutes and flexible work arrangements, perfectly suiting our general office needs. Considering these practical benefits and the smart financial decision, I strongly recommend the 'TravelLite' for our entire team. Don't you agree?

134 words, about 60s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 134 words, about 60 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • Clear links between ideas: “while”, “overall”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 8 sentences in 60 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 134 words, about 60 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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