CELPIP Speaking Task 5 – CLB 12 Sample Answers

 CELPIP Speaking Task 5 – CLB 12 Sample Answers 

1. Bonus: Save for the Future vs Spend on a Vacation

Recommend: Save for the future

Hey, if I were you, I’d definitely save that bonus for the future. Having some extra savings can really give you peace of mind, especially if unexpected expenses come up later. For example, emergencies or big life plans like buying a house can appear suddenly.

Also, saving the money now doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life. Once your finances are more stable, you can actually plan a much better vacation without worrying about money. A trip feels far more relaxing when you know you’re not spending your entire savings.

So overall, I really think saving the bonus is the smarter and more secure choice for the long term.

2. Overtime vs Protect Work-Life Balance

Recommend: Protect work-life balance

Honestly, I’d suggest protecting your work-life balance instead of working overtime regularly. While extra hours might bring in more income in the short term, constantly working late can quickly lead to stress and burnout.

Having time for yourself is extremely important for mental health and productivity. When people rest properly and spend time with family or hobbies, they usually perform much better at work the next day.

So in the long run, maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life will help you stay happier, healthier, and more productive.

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3. Move to a Big City vs Stay in Hometown

Recommend: Move to the city

If you’re thinking about moving to the city, I’d honestly encourage you to try it. Big cities usually offer far more career opportunities, networking possibilities, and professional growth. For example, many industries and companies are concentrated in urban areas.

Another advantage is exposure to different cultures and experiences. Living in a city can help you develop independence and learn new things every day.

Even if it doesn’t work out perfectly, you’ll still gain valuable life experience. So overall, moving to the city could open many doors for your future.

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4. Improve English: In-Person Classes vs Study Online Alone

Recommend: Join in-person classes

I’d strongly recommend joining in-person English classes instead of studying alone online. When you learn in a classroom environment, you get immediate feedback from teachers, which helps you correct mistakes quickly.

Another major benefit is speaking practice. Interacting with classmates allows you to build confidence and improve communication skills in real conversations.

Studying online alone can sometimes feel isolating, and it’s easy to lose motivation. So overall, in-person classes provide a much more structured and supportive learning environment.

5. Reward Employees: Extra Vacation Days vs Financial Bonus

Recommend: Extra vacation days

In my opinion, offering extra vacation days would be a better reward than a financial bonus. While money is always appreciated, time off can have a much bigger impact on employees’ well-being and motivation.

Extra vacation days allow people to relax, travel, or spend time with family, which helps them return to work feeling refreshed and energized. Employees who feel rested are usually more productive and creative.

So giving additional vacation time not only rewards employees but also improves morale and overall job satisfaction.

6. Buying a Car vs Using Public Transport

Recommend: Use public transport

Hey Alex, if I were you, I’d seriously consider using public transport instead of buying a car right now. Owning a car comes with a lot of expenses like insurance, fuel, maintenance, and parking fees, which can quickly add up.

Public transport, on the other hand, is usually much more affordable and convenient, especially in busy cities. You can avoid traffic, save money, and even use your commuting time to relax or read.

So overall, I think public transportation would be the more practical and cost-effective option for you.

7. Change Major vs Continue Current Program

Recommend: Continue current program

Sarah, I’d honestly suggest continuing your current program instead of switching majors right now. Changing programs could delay your graduation and require you to start several courses from the beginning.

Also, you’ve already invested a lot of time and effort into your current studies. Sometimes challenges are temporary, and things may become easier as you gain more experience and confidence.

So I think finishing your current program would probably be the most efficient and practical decision.

8. Start a Business Now vs Gain Experience First

Recommend: Gain experience first

David, if I were in your position, I’d definitely gain more experience before starting your own business. Running a company requires skills like management, financial planning, and decision-making, which usually come with real work experience.

By working in the industry first, you can learn how successful businesses operate and understand common challenges entrepreneurs face. This knowledge will greatly increase your chances of success later.

So waiting a little longer and building experience first could actually help you create a stronger and more sustainable business.

9. Renting vs Buying a Home

Recommend: Renting

Hi Emily, I’d recommend renting a home for now instead of buying one immediately. Purchasing a house requires a huge financial commitment, including a down payment, mortgage payments, and maintenance costs.

Renting gives you much more flexibility. If your job changes or you want to move to another area, it’s far easier to relocate without the stress of selling a property.

So at this stage, renting seems like a safer and more flexible option for you.

10. Join a Gym vs Exercise at Home

Recommend: Join a gym

Michael, I really think joining a gym would be a better choice than exercising at home. Gyms provide professional equipment and a motivating environment that can make workouts much more effective.

Another advantage is consistency. When people go to a gym, they usually follow a routine and stay more disciplined compared to exercising alone at home.

So if you want to stay committed and reach your fitness goals faster, joining a gym would probably be the best decision.

11. Accept Promotion in Another City vs Decline

Recommend: Accept the promotion

Daniel, if I were you, I would seriously consider accepting the promotion. Opportunities like this don’t come very often, and it could significantly improve your career prospects in the long run.

Moving to another city might feel challenging at first, but it can also open the door to new professional experiences and networking opportunities. Many people grow both personally and professionally when they step outside their comfort zone.

So overall, I think accepting the promotion could be a great step forward for your career.

12. Socializing on Weekends vs Learning a New Skill

Recommend: Learning a new skill

Jessica, I’d recommend spending your weekends learning a new skill rather than only socializing. Developing new abilities can really benefit your future, especially if the skill is related to your career or personal interests.

For example, learning something like coding, photography, or a new language could open up exciting opportunities later on. Of course, socializing is important, but it doesn’t necessarily help you grow professionally.

So using your weekends to build new skills could be a much more rewarding long-term investment.

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13. Work Part-Time During Exams vs Focus Only on Studies

Recommend: Focus on studies

Ryan, if I were you, I would focus only on your studies during exam season. Exams are extremely important, and splitting your attention between work and studying could make it harder to perform well academically.

Getting strong grades now can open better career opportunities later. You will always have chances to work part-time after exams are finished.

So prioritizing your education during this period is probably the smartest and most beneficial decision.

14. Beach Vacation vs Adventure Trip

Recommend: Beach vacation

Olivia, I really think a relaxing beach vacation would be the better choice for your family. Beach holidays usually provide a calm and peaceful environment where everyone can truly unwind and enjoy their time together.

Adventure trips can sometimes be physically exhausting and may not suit everyone, especially if family members prefer relaxation rather than intense activities.

So choosing a beach vacation would likely create a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

15. Buy the New Phone Now vs Wait

Recommend: Wait

Kevin, I’d strongly suggest waiting a little before buying the newest phone model. Technology changes very quickly, and prices often drop significantly after a few months.

If you wait, you might be able to purchase the same phone at a lower price or even choose an upgraded version that offers better features.

So being patient could help you save money while still getting the technology you want.

CELPIP Speaking Task 5 – Universal Template (CLB 10–12)

Purpose: persuade someone to choose one option over another. A high-scoring response usually has 4 parts: recommendation, two advantages, brief weakness of the other option, and a closing.

Step 1 – Address the person + give recommendation

“Hey [Name], if I were you, I’d definitely choose [Option A] rather than [Option B].”

Alternative starters:

• “Honestly, [Name], I’d strongly recommend…”

• “Personally, I think the better choice would be…”

Step 2 – First strong reason

“One major reason is that [Option A benefit]. For example, [short example or explanation].”

Example:

“One major reason is that it saves a lot of time. For example, you wouldn’t have to deal with long daily commutes.”

Step 3 – Second strong reason

“Another advantage is that [second benefit], which can really help [result or positive effect].”

Example:

“Another advantage is that it’s much more flexible, which can really help you manage your schedule better.”

Step 4 – Brief weakness of the other option

“On the other hand, [Option B] might seem appealing, but [one drawback].”

Example:

“On the other hand, buying a car might seem convenient, but it can be extremely expensive to maintain.”

Step 5 – Final persuasion / closing

“So overall, I really think [Option A] would be the smarter and more practical choice for you.”

Alternative closings:

• “So I’d definitely go with [Option A].”

• “That’s why I think [Option A] would work much better.”

FULL SAMPLE USING THE TEMPLATE

Question

Convince your friend to use public transport instead of buying a car.

Answer

Hey Mark, if I were you, I’d definitely choose public transportation instead of buying a car.

One major reason is that it saves a lot of money. Owning a car involves expenses like insurance, fuel, and maintenance, which can become very costly.

Another advantage is convenience. With public transport, you don’t have to worry about traffic or parking, and you can relax during your commute.

On the other hand, buying a car might seem comfortable at first, but the long-term costs can be quite stressful.

So overall, I really think using public transportation would be the smarter and more economical choice for you.