At a glance
- Skill
- Speaking
- Time to choose
- 1 min
- Preparation time
- 1 min
- Time to speak
- 1 min
What you need to do
Speaking Task 5 has two parts. First, you see two options — for example two apartments or two gifts — and choose the one you prefer. You don't speak yet.
Then you learn that another person, like a family member, prefers a different option. You speak to that person, compare your choice with theirs, and try to persuade them that yours is better.
What you'll see on the test
- Part 1: 60 seconds to choose between two options. You don't speak in this part.
- Part 2: 60 seconds to prepare, then 60 seconds to speak.
- Each option shows useful details, such as the price, the distance or the features.
- In Part 2, you compare your choice with the other person's option — not with the option you didn't choose.
What the test is looking for
Content and coherence
A clear comparison, point by point, using the details on the screen, with a logical order.
Vocabulary
Comparison and persuasion language: cheaper, more convenient, the main advantage, on the other hand.
Listenability
How easy you are to follow: speaking smoothly without long pauses, clear sentences and good grammar control.
Task fulfillment
Speaking directly to the person and actually trying to change their mind, not just describing your option.
Step-by-step strategy
- 1
Choose quickly in Part 1
Pick the option with the clearest advantages you can talk about. There's no right choice.
- 2
In Part 2, compare the two options on paper
Look at the details of your option and the other person's option side by side: price, distance, size, features.
- 3
Pick your two strongest points
Choose the differences that help your option most, like "much cheaper" and "closer to work".
- 4
Show you understand their side
Start by saying something positive about their choice. It makes you sound fair and more persuasive.
- 5
Compare, then ask
Explain your points with the details, then finish with a friendly question like "So what do you think — should we go with mine?"
Useful phrases
Acknowledging their choice
- “I can see why you like…”
- “The cottage does sound nice, but…”
Comparing
- “…is much cheaper than…”
- “…is only a one-hour drive, while…”
- “The main advantage of my choice is…”
- “On the other hand, …”
Persuading
- “Think about how much we'd save.”
- “I really think this would be better for all of us.”
- “What do you think — shall we go with…?”
Common mistakes
Only describing your own option.
Task 5 is a comparison. Talk about both your option and the other person's option.
Comparing with the option you didn't choose in Part 1.
In Part 2, compare with the other person's option — that's the one they want.
Reading out the details like a list.
Use the details to make a point: "It's $190 cheaper per night, so we could spend that money on activities."
Forgetting to speak to the person.
Use their name or "you", and sound like you're really trying to convince them.
Examples with answers
Example 1
Task
You chose: adopting a cat (about $600 a year for food and vet visits, independent, fine in an apartment). Your daughter prefers: adopting a dog (about $1,500 a year, needs a walk twice a day, great for exercise). Persuade your daughter that your choice is better.
Sample answer (what the speaker says)
I know you really want a dog, Lily, and I get it — dogs are so friendly, and walking one would be great exercise. But I really think a cat is the better choice for our family right now. First, think about the cost. A cat costs about six hundred dollars a year, but a dog costs around fifteen hundred. That's nine hundred dollars more every year — money we could save for our summer trip. Also, a dog needs a walk twice a day, every single day, even in January when it's minus twenty. With your school and my work schedule, that would be really hard. A cat is much more independent, so it's fine on its own while we're out. So what do you think? Let's start with a cat, and maybe we can get a dog one day when we have a house with a yard.
Why it works: The speaker talks directly to Lily, starts by accepting her point, and then compares both options using the real details — the cost and the daily walks. Each point explains why it matters for the family, and the question at the end invites agreement. It fills about 60 seconds.
Example 2
Task
You chose: a used car ($12,000, five years old, low fuel costs). Your partner prefers: a new car ($32,000, full warranty, the latest safety features). Persuade your partner that your choice is better.
Sample answer (what the speaker says)
I understand why you like the new car, Alex — the warranty and the safety features are really nice. But I honestly think the used car makes more sense for us. The biggest difference is the price. The used car is twelve thousand dollars, and the new one is thirty-two thousand. That's twenty thousand dollars more — almost enough for a down payment on a condo, which is our real goal. Also, the used car is only five years old, and it has low fuel costs, so we'd save money every single month, not just once. We can get a mechanic to check it before we buy, so we'll know it's safe. So, what do you say? Let's buy the used car now, save the difference, and think about a new car in a few years.
Why it works: The speaker acknowledges the partner's reasons, then compares both options using the real numbers and explains why the difference matters for their shared goal. They answer the safety concern with a practical idea and end with a clear question. It fills about 60 seconds.
Questions students ask
How does Speaking Task 5 work?
First you have 60 seconds to choose one of two options without speaking. Then someone prefers a different option, and you get 60 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to persuade them that your choice is better.
Which option should I choose?
The one you can say the most about. Raters don't score your choice — they score how well you compare and persuade.
Should I say anything good about the other option?
Yes, briefly. Acknowledging a strength of their choice before explaining why yours is better sounds fair and more persuasive.
Should I talk about the option I didn't choose in Part 1?
No. In Part 2, compare your choice with the other person's option. The option you didn't pick doesn't need to be mentioned.