How does Task 5 work?

You compare two options with pictures and features, choose one, and then persuade a named person who prefers the other. 60 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak.

Why is the preparation time longer?

Because you have to read two feature lists and plan a comparison. Task 5 and Task 6 both give 60 seconds to prepare.

Do I have to address a specific person?

Yes. The prompt names who prefers the other option, and your answer should speak to that person directly.

What kinds of options appear?

Everyday choices: homes, trips, cars, courses, gifts, restaurants and events, each with a few listed features.

Is Task 5 practice free?

The Test 1 item is free with a sample answer. A free account gives 3 AI feedback recordings a day. Tests 2 to 50 come with a plan.

CELPIP Speaking · Task 5 of 8

CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

Task 5 has two stages. First you see two options, each with a picture and a short list of features: two apartments, two vacation packages, two laptops. You pick one. Then you learn that someone, such as your partner or a friend, prefers the other option, and your job is to persuade them. You get 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.

Prepare

60 s

Speak

60 s

Recorded by

You, recorded through your microphone

Practice items

Two options with pictures and features. You choose one, then a named person prefers the other, and you have 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to persuade them.

What this task tests

Comparing and Persuading

A strong answer compares the two options on two or three features that matter to the listener and explains why your choice wins on each. It is scored on Content and Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability, and Task Fulfillment; persuading the specific person, not just describing your choice, is the fulfilment test.

Celpify's free Test 1 item for Task 5 includes both option cards, the challenger, the timers, a sample answer with a four-trait commentary, and AI feedback on your recording scored the way the real test does.

The trap

Answers that only praise the chosen option ignore half the task. Persuasion means acknowledging what the other person likes about their option and showing why your option still serves them better.

Try it free

The Test 1 task is open to everyone.

Test 1 · Free

Work Environment Comparison

1 min · answers and explanations included

Start Test 1 free

All 50 Comparing and Persuading practice items

One item per test, from Test 1 to Test 50. Test 1 is free; the rest come with a plan.

Test 1Work Environment Comparison1 minFree
Test 2Transportation Options1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 3Online vs In-Person Learning1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 4Diet Approaches Comparison1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 5Vacation Style Comparison1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 6Urban vs Suburban Living1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 7Electric vs Traditional Car1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 8Gym Membership vs Home Gym1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 9Public vs Private School1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 10Freelancing vs Corporate Job1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 11Family Pet Choice1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 12Kids Activity Choice1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 13Small Business Choice1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 14Family Housing Choice1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 15Post High School Decision1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 16Childcare Option Decision1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 17Wedding Style Decision1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 18Europe Trip Travel Choice1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 19Home Energy Upgrade Choice1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 20Community Reading Program Format1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 21Milestone Birthday Format1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 22Furnishing a First Apartment1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 23Investing Inheritance Decision1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 24Mobile Phone Plan Comparison1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 25Hosting Out-of-Town Guests1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 26Pet Care During a Trip1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 27Keeping the House Clean1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 28Renovation Priority1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 29Home Entertainment Setup1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 30Weeknight Dinner Decision1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 31Choosing a Family Vehicle1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 32Daytime Dog Care Decision1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 33Handling an Apartment Move1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 34Buy or Rent a Project Tool1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 35Capturing the Wedding Day1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 36Handling Overflow Possessions1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 37Selling a Used Car1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 38Planning a Child's Birthday Party1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 39Replacing a Broken Washing Machine1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 40Clearing the Winter Driveway1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 41Community Fundraiser Decision1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 42Choosing a Holiday Tree1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 43Choosing a Couple's Milestone Gift1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 44A Teenager's First Phone1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 45Budgeting for a Pet's Vet Care1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 46Getting Fit This Year1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 47Shared Grocery Routine1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 48Where to Stay on Vacation1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 49Hosting the Holiday Dinner1 minIncluded in a plan
Test 50Keeping the Lawn in Shape1 minIncluded in a plan

How to score higher on Task 5

Use the 60 seconds of preparation to pick three features and note how each option compares on them.
Speak to the person by name and refer to what they want: 'I know you like the pool, but...'
Use comparatives and contrast words: 'cheaper', 'closer', 'more space', 'on the other hand'. They carry Vocabulary marks.
End with the decision you want them to make, in one sentence.

Scored on four traits: Content and Coherence, Vocabulary, Listenability, Task Fulfillment. Celpify's AI feedback scores the same four traits the way the real test does.

Read the CELPIP Speaking guide for this task and the Speaking score chart.

Task 5 questions people ask

How does Task 5 work?: You compare two options with pictures and features, choose one, and then persuade a named person who prefers the other. 60 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak.
Why is the preparation time longer?: Because you have to read two feature lists and plan a comparison. Task 5 and Task 6 both give 60 seconds to prepare.
Do I have to address a specific person?: Yes. The prompt names who prefers the other option, and your answer should speak to that person directly.
What kinds of options appear?: Everyday choices: homes, trips, cars, courses, gifts, restaurants and events, each with a few listed features.
Is Task 5 practice free?: The Test 1 item is free with a sample answer. A free account gives 3 AI feedback recordings a day. Tests 2 to 50 come with a plan.