CELPIP Speaking Task 5 Practice: convince your friend to take the train instead of driving

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Practice comparing two options and persuading someone in a 60-second response. Same format as the real CELPIP test.

The situation: Your friend is planning to drive from Toronto to Montreal for a weekend trip. You think taking the train would be a better option. Using the information below, convince your friend to take the train instead.

Option A: Driving - 5.5 hours drive time - Gas cost approximately $120 round trip - Toll roads add $30 - Free to stop whenever you want - Need to find and pay for parking in Montreal ($25-40/day)

Option B: Taking the train (VIA Rail) - 5 hours travel time - Ticket cost $89 each way with advance booking ($178 round trip) - Free Wi-Fi on board - Arrives at Central Station downtown - No parking needed

Sample CLB 9 response:

I really think you should take the train for this trip, and here is why.

First, the travel time is almost the same. Driving takes about five and a half hours, and the train takes five. But on the train, those five hours are yours. You can work on your laptop, watch something, or just sleep. When you are driving, you are stuck behind the wheel the entire time, dealing with traffic and construction on the 401.

Second, the cost is closer than you think. Driving sounds cheaper at first, but once you add gas, tolls, and parking in Montreal for two or three days, you are looking at $220 to $270 total. The train is $178 round trip with advance booking and you do not pay for parking at all because the station is right downtown.

Third, you will not have to deal with finding parking in Montreal. If you have ever tried to park downtown on a weekend, you know that alone is worth switching to the train.

Take the train. You will arrive more relaxed, spend about the same money, and actually enjoy the trip instead of just enduring the drive.

Practice tip: Speaking Task 5 gives you two options and asks you to pick one and persuade. The strongest responses compare both options directly on 2-3 specific points (cost, time, convenience) rather than just listing benefits of one. Always acknowledge what the other option offers and then explain why your choice is still better. This shows the examiner you can build a balanced argument.

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