Feeling stuck when you must weigh two options and convince a friend in under a minute? You’re not alone. This guide delivers actionable CELPIP Speaking Tips to help you compare clearly, persuade confidently, and hit every scoring category on test day.
1. Know What the Examiner Wants
Task 5 evaluates four performance areas:
- Content – Are your ideas relevant and complete?
- Organization – Is the comparison logical and easy to follow?
- Vocabulary & Grammar – Do you use varied, accurate language?
- Listening & Speaking – Is your delivery fluent, with clear pronunciation?
According to the Canadian Language Benchmarks, high-level speakers show precise comparisons and strong persuasive reasoning. Aim to hit CLB 9+ by backing up every opinion with at least one concrete detail.
2. Proven CELPIP Speaking Tips for Persuasive Comparisons
2.1 Use the C-P-R Framework
Compare
Persuade
Recommend
- Compare the two choices side-by-side on 2–3 criteria (cost, convenience, future benefit).
- Persuade by highlighting the most compelling advantage.
- Recommend with a direct call to action.
“Renting an apartment downtown costs more, but it saves an hour of commuting every day. That extra time lets you study or relax, so I’m sure downtown living is the smarter choice.”
2.2 Balance Facts and Feelings
- Facts spark logic. Use numbers (“25-minute drive”) or comparisons (“twice as large”).
- Feelings trigger action. Add emotional payoff (“less stress every morning”).
2.3 Keep Sentences Punchy
Aim for 12–16 words per sentence. Shorter sentences boost clarity and help you stay under the 60-second limit.
2.4 Mind Your Time
Spend:
- 5 s: greet and introduce choices
- 30 s: compare on key criteria
- 15 s: persuade with strongest benefit
- 10 s: recommend and wrap up
Set a phone timer as you drill responses in the CELPIP Practice Test—you’ll quickly feel the rhythm.
2.5 Sample Response (40 s)
“Hi Mia! We can either join the community gym or buy home equipment. The gym costs $40 a month but offers classes and social motivation. Home gear is a one-time $600 expense and saves travel time. Since motivation matters most, the gym’s group classes will keep us consistent and cost less than $600 within 15 months. Let’s sign up together this week!”
3. Persuasion Techniques That Score High
| Technique | Why It Works | Phrase Starter |
|---|---|---|
| Contrast Pairing | Emphasizes clear winner | “While X offers…, Y stands out because…” |
| Future Projection | Shows long-term gain | “In the long run, you’ll…” |
| Social Proof | Adds credibility | “Most students find that…” |
| Conditional Benefit | Personalizes value | “If you value flexibility, then…” |
Slip one or two techniques into every answer for a polished, persuasive finish. Polish them in timed drills using CELPIP Mock Exams to build muscle memory.
4. Practice and Timing Strategies
Set Micro-Goals
- Week 1: Record five responses per day, focusing on C-P-R.
- Week 2: Add variety—use at least one idiom and one rhetorical question each session.
- Week 3: Simulate full Speaking tests, fixing fillers (“um,” “like”) and speeding transitions.
Track Progress
Create a simple spreadsheet:
- Date
- Prompt theme
- Word count
- Self-score (1–10) on content, organization, language, delivery
Review patterns every Friday. Adjust weak areas first.
Get Feedback Fast
Pair up with a study mate or tutor and trade 60-second recordings through messaging apps. Outside opinions reveal pronunciation slips and unclear logic you may miss.
Key Takeaways
- Follow the C-P-R structure: compare, persuade, recommend.
- Blend facts and feelings to appeal to logic and emotion.
- Keep sentences under 16 words for clarity and timing.
- Drill with timers and track progress to build automatic fluency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many comparison points should I include?
Two strong points beat four weak ones. Depth counts more than breadth.
Can I disagree with the prompt options?
No. Choose the better of the two given choices and justify it.
What if I run out of time?
Skip greetings. Give your top comparison and final recommendation first; add extras only if time allows.
Is it okay to use fillers?
Limit them. One or two natural pauses are fine, but repeated “um” harms fluency scores.
You now have a clear roadmap to master Task 5. Follow these tips, practice daily, and watch your CELPIP Speaking score climb.