Understanding Task 5

Task 5 is unique because it has a longer preparation time — 60 seconds instead of 30 — and a 60-second speaking time. The prompt presents two options (two apartments, two job offers, two vacation destinations, two study programs) and asks you to compare them and then persuade a specific listener to choose one. The two-part nature of this task — compare, then persuade — is what many candidates miss. Responses that only compare or only persuade score lower on Task Fulfillment.

The extra preparation time in Task 5 is specifically given to allow you to compare both options carefully and choose which one to advocate for before you start speaking. Use this time — do not start speaking until you have a clear decision and a two-reason support structure for it.

Using the 60-Second Preparation Time Strategically

During your 60 seconds of preparation, follow this three-phase plan:

1. Phase 1 — Compare (20 seconds): Identify the one or two most important differences between the two options. Which difference matters most for the specific listener described in the prompt? Do not try to compare every detail — identify the key contrast point that will drive your argument.

2. Phase 2 — Decide (5 seconds): Choose which option you will advocate for. It does not matter which one is objectively "better" — choose the one you can argue for most convincingly given the specific listener and situation in the prompt.

3. Phase 3 — Plan your two reasons (35 seconds): Choose two specific reasons why your chosen option is better for this listener. Each reason should connect to something specific in the prompt scenario — the listener's situation, needs, goals, or constraints. Generic reasons ("it is better quality," "it is more convenient") score lower than reasons tailored to the specific person and scenario.

The Two-Part Response Structure

Your 60-second speaking response should have a clear two-part structure: a brief comparison phase followed by a longer persuasion phase.

Part 1 — Brief Comparison (15–18 seconds)

Acknowledge that both options have merits, but signal clearly which key difference is most relevant for the listener. This shows you understood the task requires comparison. Example: "Looking at both options, Option A is [key feature] while Option B is [key feature]. The main difference that matters here is [key contrast]. For your situation, I think Option [X] is definitely the better choice, and here is why."

Part 2 — Persuasion (42–45 seconds)

Give your two reasons with supporting details. Each reason should: (1) connect to the listener's specific situation or needs, (2) explain why this feature matters for them specifically, and (3) ideally reference a consequence of NOT choosing your option. The consequence angle ("If you go with Option B, you might find that...") is a particularly persuasive language move and shows sophisticated argumentation.

Phrase Bank for Task 5

Comparison Phrases

• "Both options have their advantages, but..."

• "While [Option A] offers [feature], [Option B] provides [different feature]."

• "The key difference between the two is..."

• "Compared to Option A, Option B is more / less..."

Persuasion Phrases

• "The main reason I would recommend [Option X] is..."

• "For someone in your situation, [Option X] makes much more sense because..."

• "You would really benefit from [feature] because..."

• "If you chose [Option Y], you might find that [potential problem]."

• "[Option X] would give you exactly what you need, which is..."

• "I strongly believe [Option X] is the right fit for you, and here is why."

Worked Example: Complete Task 5 Response

Prompt: "Your friend is looking for a new apartment. Option A is a smaller apartment closer to their workplace with a higher monthly rent. Option B is a larger apartment farther from work with lower rent but a longer commute. Persuade your friend to choose one."

Response: "Looking at both options, the main difference here is location and cost — Option A is more expensive but closer to work, while Option B saves money but adds commute time. For your situation, I really think Option A is the better choice, and I want to explain why. First, consider the commute cost — not just in money but in time and energy. If Option B adds an hour to your day each way, that is two hours you are not spending on things you enjoy or things that matter to your wellbeing. Over months, that adds up significantly and can affect your stress levels and overall quality of life. Second, even though Option A has higher rent, the proximity to work often reduces other costs — you probably would not need a transit pass or fuel expenses, and you might find you eat out less because you have more energy after a shorter day. So the cost difference may not be as large as it first appears. I know the larger space in Option B is tempting, but I genuinely believe that the extra time and energy you keep with Option A will make you much happier in the long run. I would go with Option A — I think you will thank yourself for it."

Key Takeaways from Lesson 10

• Task 5 has two required parts: comparison AND persuasion. Missing either one hurts Task Fulfillment.

• Use the 60-second preparation time to compare options, make a decision, and plan two specific reasons.

• Tailor your reasons to the specific listener and scenario — generic reasons score lower than context-specific ones.

• Use the consequence angle: explain what might go wrong if they choose the other option.

• Keep the comparison phase brief (15–18 seconds) and spend the majority of your time on persuasion.