What this task is: You choose between two options and then convince someone to take your choice. Task 5 has two parts: you get time to compare and choose, then time to prepare and speak for 60 seconds to persuade.
Timing & flow (know this cold)
- Part 1 — Compare & choose: 60 s prep, no speaking.
- Part 2 — Persuade: 60 s prep, 60 s speaking.
Watch the progress bar; stop adding new points in the last 10 seconds and finish with a clear ask.
Part 1 plan — “SCAN & STAR”
During the first 60 seconds, read fast and mark the key facts.
S — Scan both options quickly (headlines, numbers, limits).
C — Compare by category: time · cost · access · reliability · safety.
A — Audience check: what does your friend care about most?
N — Note two benefits for one option (different angles).
★ — Star one deal-breaker (a strong reason against the other option).
You now have 2 reasons for your pick and 1 short counterpoint.
Part 2 plan — “PITCH”
P — Position: state your choice in the first line.
I — Interests: link your choice to the listener’s needs.
T — Two benefits: each with a small example or detail.
C — Counterpoint (brief): admit one good thing about the other option, then show why your choice still wins.
H — Help them act: a clear call to action.
60-second shape
- 0–10 s: Position + Interests
- 10–40 s: Benefit A (+ tiny example)
- 40–55 s: Benefit B (+ tiny example)
- 55–60 s: Counterpoint (1 line) + Call to action
Phrase banks (plug-and-play)
Openers (Position + Interests)
- “I recommend [Option] because it fits your [need].”
- “Let’s go with [Option]; it solves the main problem you mentioned.”
Benefit lines
- “First, it reduces wait times / costs / confusion.”
- “Second, it improves reliability / access / safety.”
- “For example, last week the trip took 20 minutes less.”
Counterpoint (brief & polite)
- “Although the other option helps with [small benefit], it doesn’t fix [key issue].”
Call to action
- “Let’s book this one today.”
- “If you agree, I’ll sign us up now.”
Comparing verbs
- offers / requires / adds / removes / limits / covers / includes / supports
Useful nouns
- schedule update · repair timeline · registration deadline · guest pass · monthly pass · service desk
Complete templates
Template A — General product/service choice
“I recommend [Option A] because it matches your [need].
First, it [benefit], so you [result]. For example, [tiny detail].
Second, it [benefit], which [result].
Although [Option B] offers [minor plus], it doesn’t solve [main issue].
Let’s choose [Option A] and [next step].”
Template B — Time vs. cost
“Let’s choose [Option that saves time].
First, time is your main limit; this cuts trips by [number] minutes, so you arrive on time.
Second, predictable timing reduces stress during busy weeks.
The cheaper option saves a little, but it keeps the delay.
Let’s book the faster option.”
Template C — Access & reliability (community services)
“I suggest [Option] because it improves access and stays reliable.
First, it adds evening hours, so you can go after work.
Second, updates post online, so you don’t wait in line for nothing.
The other option adds nice extras, but it doesn’t fix access.
I’ll register us for this one.”
Samples you can adapt (about 60 seconds each)
A) Transit: Bus-only lanes vs. 10% fare cut
“I recommend bus-only lanes because time is your main concern.
First, lanes keep buses moving during rush hour, so your 20-minute ride doesn’t double. For example, last week your 5:40 trip became 40 minutes in traffic.
Second, reliable trips prevent missed transfers, which cuts stress before class.
Although a fare cut saves a little, it doesn’t fix delays.
Let’s support bus lanes; they solve your real problem.”
B) Library: More computers vs. Longer hours
“Let’s choose longer library hours.
First, you finish work at 6 p.m.; later hours let you study after shifts.
Second, spreading visitors reduces computer crowding, so you can find a station.
Although more computers help, without time, peak hours stay full.
Let’s ask for extended hours this term.”
C) Parks: Benches vs. Washrooms
“I suggest adding washrooms because they fix access during events.
First, families face long lines; extra facilities reduce waiting near the playground.
Second, year-round access keeps the park usable in winter.
Benches are nice, but they don’t solve the urgent need.
Let’s plan for washrooms this season.”
D) Building: Security cameras vs. Extra evening staff
“Choose extra evening staff.
First, a visible person can respond right away, so issues don’t escalate.
Second, staff help residents with deliveries and noise on the spot.
Cameras record, but they don’t act.
Let’s request an evening shift on weekdays.”
E) Course plan: In-person class vs. Online class
“I recommend the online class for your schedule.
First, no commute saves an hour each day, so you can study more.
Second, recorded lessons let you review before quizzes.
In-person builds community, but it doesn’t fit your late shifts.
Let’s enroll online and set a weekly study slot.”
What raters listen for in Task 5 (use this while practicing)
- Content & Coherence: clear choice in line 1; 2 developed benefits + tiny examples; short, logical order.
- Vocabulary: precise, everyday words (wait time, schedule update, guest pass); no forced fancy words.
- Listenability: steady pace, natural pauses, clean sentences (because / so / for example).
- Task Fulfillment: full 60 s used; direct persuasion to the listener; one short counterpoint and a call to action.
Common problems → quick fixes
- Talking about both options without choosing → Pick one in line 1.
- Listing features without “so/result” → Add so/as a result to each benefit.
- Over-long counterargument → Keep it one line, then return to your pick.
- Finishing early → Add a tiny example (time/place/number) or a call to action.
- Vague words → Swap good/bad for helpful / reliable / costly / unsafe / crowded.
2 fast drills (3–4 minutes total)
Drill 1 — Card sort (Part 1):
Write two columns (Option A/B). In 60 s, list two benefits for your pick and one deal-breaker for the other.
Drill 2 — One-minute pitch (Part 2):
Speak 60 s using PITCH: Position → Interests → Two benefits (+ examples) → Counterpoint (1 line) → Help them act.
Micro-checklist before you speak
- Choice in the first line (to the listener)
- Two benefits with one small example each
- One brief counterpoint tied to a key issue
- Clear call to action in the last line
- Natural words; steady pace; full 60 seconds