CELPIP · speaking

CELPIP General Comparing and Persuading — Format, Tips & Free Practice

Learn how CELPIP General Comparing and Persuading works inside speaking: format, scoring cues, common mistakes, and free timed practice on EnglishTestNow. Ask the Exam Knowledge Expert for member-only exam specifics.

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Format at a glance

60 seconds prep, 60 seconds persuasive speech. Two options appear on screen; the prompt tells you to persuade someone to choose one. You may address an imaginary friend directly.

What this is

Comparing and Persuading is Speaking Task 5, where you choose between two options—such as a Toronto festival versus Banff camping—and convince a friend to pick your choice in 60 seconds after 60 seconds of prep. It is the first speaking task with a full minute of preparation, reflecting its argument demands. You must commit to one option; sitting on the fence hurts task fulfillment. After you learn the format, switch to timed CELPIP General Comparing and Persuading practice on EnglishTestNow so pacing becomes automatic. Review each attempt by whether you finished the required moves for this task—not only by an overall section estimate. When the same mistake repeats twice, open the sibling speaking guides on this site and compare how related tasks are marked before you book another full mock.

Why this section matters

60 seconds prep, 60 seconds persuasive speech. Two options appear on screen; the prompt tells you to persuade someone to choose one. You may address an imaginary friend directly. A clear choice, two or three comparative reasons, and persuasive closure. Strong responses acknowledge the other option briefly, then explain why yours is better for the stated audience. Balance of fluency and persuasive vocabulary supports higher CLB levels. Test takers usually underperform on CELPIP General Comparing and Persuading when they practice generic language drills instead of this response shape under official timing.

Common mistakes to avoid

Describing both options equally without picking one.
Ignoring the friend’s needs mentioned in the prompt.
Using only superlatives ("best ever") without concrete benefits.
Wasting prep time memorizing sentences instead of choosing reasons.

Tips that move the score

State your choice in the first five seconds.
Use compare frames: "Unlike option B, A lets us…"
Tailor reasons to the friend described (budget, time, interests).
Spend prep minute listing two reasons plus one example each.
End with a call to action ("Let's book A this weekend").
Practice 60/60 timing until you neither ramble nor stop early.

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Stuck on Comparing and Persuading?

Ask the Exam Knowledge Expert about scoring grey areas, timing, and what examiners look for on this exact format—not generic grammar tips.

Example:What persuasive structure fits Task 5 in 60 seconds?
Example:How do I acknowledge the other option without weakening my argument?

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Common questions

Does my personal opinion matter?

You can prefer either option—raters score how persuasively you argue, not which side you pick. Keep notes from your latest timed attempt so the answer stays linked to your real mistakes.

Should I mention disadvantages of my choice?

Brief acknowledgement is fine, but pivot quickly to why it still wins. Keep notes from your latest timed attempt so the answer stays linked to your real mistakes.

Why is prep time longer here?

CELPIP gives 60 seconds because comparing two options requires quick planning; use it to outline. Keep notes from your latest timed attempt so the answer stays linked to your real mistakes.

Can I change my mind mid-response?

Avoid it. Commit in prep and defend that choice confidently. Keep notes from your latest timed attempt so the answer stays linked to your real mistakes.

Where can I get help interpreting my CELPIP General Comparing and Persuading practice?

Use free timed practice on EnglishTestNow, then review with the scoring notes on this page. Members with Exam Knowledge Expert can ask questions such as: “What persuasive structure fits Task 5 in 60 seconds?” or “How do I acknowledge the other option without weakening my argument?”

Related CELPIP speaking guides

Giving Advice Personal Experience Describing a Scene Making Predictions Difficult Situation Expressing an Opinion Unusual Situation Tips Scoring

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