CELPIP Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading

La Task 5 le pide comparar dos opciones y persuadir a alguien de que elija la que usted prefiere. Verá un escenario con dos alternativas (por ejemplo, dos ofertas de empleo, dos destinos vacacionales, dos ideas de regalo) y deberá convencer a un amigo o familiar de cuál es la mejor opción.

En esta tarea se evalúa su capacidad para organizar un argumento comparativo, usar lenguaje de contraste y hablar de forma persuasiva, todo en 60 segundos.

Comprensión del formato de la Task 5

La Task 5 tiene dos partes con un flujo particular:

Parte 1: Selección silenciosa (60 segundos, sin hablar) Verá dos opciones en pantalla, cada una con una imagen y una breve lista de características (por ejemplo, salario, ubicación, beneficios). Lea ambas opciones con atención y decida cuál prefiere. No necesita hablar durante esta parte. Si no elige, la computadora seleccionará una por usted.

Parte 2: Persuasión (60 segundos de preparación + 60 segundos hablando) La computadora le asigna a su amigo la otra opción, la que usted no eligió. Su trabajo es persuadir a su amigo de que SU elección es la mejor, comparando las dos opciones.

Su persuasión debe:

• Reconocer ambas opciones de forma equilibrada
• Declarar claramente su preferencia
• Dar dos razones que respalden su elección
• Cerrar con lenguaje persuasivo

Escenarios típicos:

• Dos ofertas de empleo (comparando salario, ubicación, oportunidades de crecimiento)
• Dos destinos vacacionales (comparando costo, actividades, clima)
• Dos ideas de regalo para alguien (comparando practicidad, precio, ajuste personal)
• Dos opciones de vivienda (comparando alquiler, trayecto al trabajo, comodidades)

La plantilla de respuesta en cinco pasos

Use esta estructura siempre para lograr consistencia y claridad.

Paso 1: Reconozca ambas opciones (10 segundos)

Comience mostrando que comprende ambas alternativas. Use lenguaje neutral.

Frases:

• “Both options have their merits…”
• “I can see why you’d consider both…”
• “Each choice offers something valuable…”

Paso 2: Declare su preferencia (5 segundos)

Deje su posición absolutamente clara. Use un lenguaje seguro.

Frases:

• “However, I strongly believe [Option A] is the better choice.”
• “That said, I’d recommend [Option B] without hesitation.”
• “In my view, [Option A] is clearly the superior option.”

Paso 3: Primera razón (20 segundos)

Presente su argumento más fuerte con un detalle o ejemplo específico.

Estructura: Razón + detalle + breve impacto

Ejemplo: “The main advantage is the salary. Option A offers $10,000 more per year, which would really help you save for your house down payment.”

Paso 4: Segunda razón (20 segundos)

Ofrezca una segunda razón diferente. Varíe la estructura de sus oraciones respecto a la primera razón.

Ejemplo: “Additionally, the location is far more convenient. You’d cut your commute in half, giving you an extra hour each day for exercise or family time.”

Paso 5: Cierre persuasivo (5 segundos)

Termine con seguridad y calidez. Refuerce su recomendación.

Frases:

• “I really think you’ll be much happier with this choice.”
• “Trust me, this option will serve you so much better in the long run.”
• “You’ll thank yourself later for choosing this one.”

Distribución del tiempo: 10 s reconocer + 5 s declarar + 20 s razón 1 + 20 s razón 2 + 5 s cierre = 60 segundos en total.

Herramientas de lenguaje comparativo

Un lenguaje comparativo sólido hace que sus contrastes sean claros y demuestra un dominio avanzado del inglés (CLB 9+).

Conectores de contraste

• Whereas: “Option A offers stability, whereas Option B provides adventure.”
• On the other hand: “The first job has great benefits. On the other hand, the second has better growth potential.”
• Compared to: “Compared to the beach resort, the mountain cabin is much more affordable.”
• In contrast: “The downtown apartment is expensive. In contrast, the suburban house offers more space for less money.”
• While/Although: “While Option B is cheaper, Option A delivers better long-term value.”

Estructuras comparativas

• More/less + adjective + than: “Option A is more practical than Option B.”
• Adjective-er + than: “The first choice is safer than the second.”
• Not as + adjective + as: “Option B isn’t as convenient as Option A.”

Frases de persuasión que funcionan

Marcadores de opinión firme:

• “I strongly believe…”
• “I’m absolutely certain…”
• “Without a doubt…”
• “There’s no question that…”

Para destacar ventajas:

• “The main advantage is…”
• “What makes this option superior is…”
• “The key benefit here is…”
• “This choice really shines when it comes to…”

Para apelar al interlocutor:

• “You’ll find that…”
• “You’ll really appreciate…”
• “Imagine how much better you’ll feel when…”
• “Think about how this will benefit you…”

Para enfatizar resultados:

• “This will save you…”
• “You’ll end up with…”
• “In the long run, you’ll be glad…”
• “This investment will pay off because…”

Tarea de ejemplo con respuesta modelo

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Práctica: Task 5

⏱️ 60 segundos de preparación + 60 segundos de respuesta

Option A: Marketing Coordinator

• Salary: $55,000/year
• Location: Downtown (30-minute commute)
• Small startup company (20 employees)
• Opportunity for rapid promotion

Option B: Marketing Assistant

• Salary: $50,000/year
• Location: Suburbs (15-minute commute)
• Large established corporation (500+ employees)
• Structured training program and benefits

Su tarea: Compare estas opciones y persuada a su amigo de cuál oferta de empleo aceptar.

Mostrar respuesta modelo →

Respuesta modelo (60 segundos):

“Both positions have their merits, the startup offers faster growth potential, whereas the corporate role provides stability and training. However, I strongly believe you should accept the Marketing Coordinator position at the startup.

The main advantage is the opportunity for rapid advancement. In a small company of just 20 people, you’ll gain visibility quickly and could be promoted to manager within a year or two. Compared to the large corporation where promotions take much longer, this accelerated growth will benefit your career significantly.

Additionally, the higher salary makes a real difference. That extra $5,000 per year adds up to over $25,000 in five years, which you could invest or save for a house down payment. While the commute is slightly longer, an extra 15 minutes is absolutely worth the financial and professional rewards.

I really think you’ll be much happier with the startup. The experience you’ll gain and the income boost will serve you so well in the long run. Trust me on this one!”

Por qué funciona:

• Estructura clara siguiendo la plantilla de cinco pasos
• Lenguaje comparativo sólido (whereas, compared to)
• Frases persuasivas (strongly believe, main advantage)
• Detalles específicos (diferencia de $5,000, ascenso en uno o dos años)
• Cierre seguro

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Práctica: Task 5 - Destinos vacacionales

⏱️ 60 segundos de preparación + 60 segundos de respuesta

Option A: Beach Resort in Mexico

• Cost: $2,200 all-inclusive (flights, hotel, meals)
• Activities: Swimming, snorkelling, nightlife, water sports
• Weather: Hot and sunny, 35°C average
• Travel time: 5-hour direct flight

Option B: Road Trip through British Columbia

• Cost: $1,400 total (gas, camping, food)
• Activities: Hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, hot springs
• Weather: Warm days, cool nights, 22°C average
• Travel time: Drive from Vancouver, multiple stops

Elija UNA opción y persuada a su amigo de que es la mejor. La computadora le asignará a su amigo la otra opción.

Mostrar respuesta modelo →

Respuesta modelo (60 segundos):

“I know both trips sound appealing. The Mexico resort would certainly be relaxing, and I can see why an all-inclusive deal is tempting. That said, I strongly believe the British Columbia road trip is the better choice for you this summer.

First of all, the variety of experiences is unmatched. On a road trip, you’ll wake up next to a mountain lake one morning and soak in natural hot springs the next afternoon. You’ll see bears, eagles, and old-growth forests that most people only see in documentaries. Compared to sitting by a hotel pool for a week, that kind of adventure creates memories you’ll actually talk about for years.

On top of that, you’ll save over $800, which is a huge difference. That extra money could go toward your student loans or even fund a weekend getaway later in the fall. While the Mexico trip locks you into one resort, the road trip gives you complete freedom to explore at your own pace.

Trust me, you’ll come back feeling genuinely refreshed and proud of the places you discovered. This is the trip you’ll never regret.”

Por qué funciona:

• Abre reconociendo el atractivo de la otra opción
• Declaración de preferencia firme (“I strongly believe”)
• Dos razones diferenciadas: variedad de experiencias y ahorro de costos
• Lenguaje comparativo presente en toda la respuesta (compared to, while)
• Detalles específicos (ahorro de $800, osos, aguas termales) que hacen la respuesta vívida
• Cierre seguro y cálido que refuerza la recomendación

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Práctica: Task 5 - Opciones de apartamento

⏱️ 60 segundos de preparación + 60 segundos de respuesta

Option A: Downtown Studio Apartment

• Rent: $2,100/month
• Size: 400 sq ft studio
• Location: 10-minute walk to work, near restaurants and nightlife
• Lease: 12-month commitment
• No parking, no laundry in unit

Option B: Midtown One-Bedroom Apartment

• Rent: $1,750/month
• Size: 650 sq ft, separate bedroom
• Location: 35-minute subway commute to work
• Lease: 12-month commitment
• Includes parking spot and in-unit laundry

Elija UNA opción y persuada a su amigo de que es la mejor. La computadora le asignará a su amigo la otra opción.

Mostrar respuesta modelo →

Respuesta modelo (60 segundos):

“Both apartments have clear strengths. The downtown studio would put you right in the middle of everything, and I understand the appeal of walking to work every day. However, I’m absolutely certain the midtown one-bedroom is the smarter choice for you.

The biggest reason is quality of life at home. After a long day at your new job, you’ll want a real bedroom with a door you can close, not a studio where your bed is three steps from your kitchen. At 650 square feet, you’ll have room for a proper desk, a couch, and space to actually have friends over for dinner. That kind of comfort matters more than people realize.

Beyond that, you’ll save $350 every single month, which adds up to over $4,000 a year. And you’re getting parking and in-unit laundry included in that lower price. In contrast, the downtown studio would cost you more and still force you to spend weekends at a laundromat. The 35-minute subway ride is completely manageable, and honestly, plenty of people in Toronto would love a commute that short.

You’ll thank yourself six months from now when you’re comfortable, saving money, and actually enjoying your space.”

Por qué funciona:

• Apertura equilibrada que valida el atractivo de la otra opción
• Preferencia segura (“I’m absolutely certain”)
• La primera razón se centra en la calidad de vida diaria con detalles concretos
• La segunda razón usa cifras específicas ($350/mes, $4,000/año)
• Lenguaje de contraste sólido (in contrast, whereas implícito)
• Aborda la objeción del trayecto al trabajo de manera proactiva
• Cierre persuasivo con perspectiva a futuro

Recomendaciones rápidas

Lista de autoevaluación

Practique esta plantilla hasta que le resulte automática. Cuando pueda comparar y persuadir con seguridad en 60 segundos, estará listo para la Task 5.