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CELPIP, Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

Public Speaking Course Dilemma: 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
147 words, ~65s
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Situation

Your friend, Alex, is planning to take a public speaking course to improve their presentation skills for work. They've found two options, and you need to help them decide. Look at the two options below and persuade them to choose one over the other. Confident Voice Workshop: Cost: $250 (4 weeks, 1 session/week), Focus: Basic delivery, nervousness control, Group Size: Small (max 10), Instructor: Local community leader, Feedback: Basic, Good for beginners. Elite Orator Academy: Cost: $700 (6 weeks, 2 sessions/week), Focus: Advanced techniques, storytelling, audience engagement, Coaching: 1-on-1 sessions included, Instructor: Certified pro (15+ yrs experience), Resources: Online access, Ideal for serious improvement.

Task

Your friend, Alex, is planning to take a public speaking course to improve their presentation skills for work. They've found two options, and you need to help them decide. 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 thoroughly reviewed both public speaking course options, and I'm confident the Confident Voice Workshop is the ideal choice for us. I understand the Elite Orator Academy seems appealing with its advanced techniques and coaching. However, the Confident Voice Workshop is significantly more affordable at just $250 for four weeks. Compared to the Elite Academy's $700, it offers great value by covering essential skills like nervousness control and basic delivery, which is precisely what we need without overcommitting financially. Furthermore, it involves shorter, once-a-week sessions, making it much easier to fit into our busy schedules. Its smaller group size also ensures personalized attention in a less intimidating environment, perfect for tackling initial stage fright. So, considering the cost and our immediate learning objectives, I strongly believe the Confident Voice Workshop is the smarter investment. What do you say? Shall we sign up for that one?

147 words, about 65s spoken

Why it works

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

  • The right length. 147 words, about 65 seconds at a natural pace: inside the 60-second limit with room to finish calmly.
  • Clear links between ideas: “however”, “furthermore”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 9 sentences in 65 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 147 words, about 65 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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