Speaking Task 5 is called Comparing and Persuading. You choose between two options, get time to prepare, and then speak for 60 seconds. This guide shows how the task is built, how it is scored, a plan you can reuse, and one short example written for this guide.
1.What the task is
The task has two parts. In Part 1 you have 60 seconds to choose between two options. You do not speak in Part 1. In Part 2 you have 60 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak.
Your job is to compare the two options and persuade. That means you pick one option and give reasons why it is the better choice.
2.How it is scored
Your answer is scored on four dimensions:
- Content and Coherence. Your ideas and how clearly they connect.
- Vocabulary. The words you choose.
- Listenability. Rhythm, pronunciation, intonation, pauses and self correction. Accent is not scored.
- Task Fulfillment. Whether you do what the task asks.
Levels 4 to 12 map one to one to CLB 4 to 12. At CLB 6 to 9, a clear structure and specific reasons are the most useful things to practise.
3.A plan that fits most tasks
- Part 1: choose fast. Pick the option you can say the most about. It does not have to be the one you like best.
- Preparation: write keywords, not sentences. Note your choice, two or three reasons, and one detail for each reason.
- Open with your choice. Say it in one clear sentence, for example "I would choose the first option."
- Give your reasons. Use signal words such as first, second and finally. Add a short example or detail to each reason.
- Deal with the other option. Say one fair thing about it, then explain why your choice is still better.
- Close with a final push. End with one sentence that asks the listener to agree or act.
- Speak steadily. Use short pauses between ideas. If you make a slip, fix it in a few words and keep going.
When you practise, set a timer for 60 seconds for each step. Stop when the time ends, even if your last sentence is not finished.
4.A worked example
Task (written for this guide): You and a friend have one free Saturday. You can go on a hike in a provincial park or visit a science museum. Choose one option and persuade your friend to agree.
Model answer (written for this guide):
"I would choose the hike in the provincial park. First, it is a great way to spend time together. We can talk the whole way, and we will not have to speak quietly like we would in a museum. Second, it is cheaper. The museum charges for tickets and parking, but the trail is almost free. Third, we both need a break from screens after a long week, and fresh air will help us relax.
I know the museum has interesting exhibits. However, it will still be there next month, and the weather might not be as nice then. So let's go on the hike this Saturday. I will bring the snacks, and you just bring good shoes."
5.Why this example works
- The choice is clear in the first sentence.
- Each reason has a detail, such as tickets and parking, or screens after a long week.
- The other option gets one fair comment, then a reason to still prefer the hike.
- The ending is friendly and tells the friend what to do next.
- Signal words like first, second and third make the order easy to follow.
6.Common mistakes
- Spending all of Part 1 unable to decide. Pick quickly and commit.
- Writing full sentences in the preparation time. Keywords are faster.
- Listing reasons with no detail. A reason alone sounds thin.
- Only describing both options and never persuading.
- Changing your mind halfway through the answer.
- Speaking too fast to finish. Clear pacing helps Listenability.
- Worrying about your accent. It is not scored.
7.Next step
Practise with a timer and say your answer out loud. Then listen to yourself and check the four dimensions. Try a free Comparing and Persuading set.