How to Answer the CELPIP Survey Question (Writing Task 2)
By Rita · Writing · Published · 4 min read
In Writing Task 2 you read about a decision, choose one of two options, and explain your choice in 150–200 words within 26 minutes. It looks like a short opinion essay, and that is how to treat it: a clear position, reasons that are actually explained, and a tidy ending. This post walks through choosing an option, structuring the answer and developing each reason.
What the survey task looks like
The prompt describes a situation, for example a city deciding how to spend money, an employer choosing a staff benefit, or a school picking a new program. It then offers two options, A and B. You choose one and explain why.
| Fact | Task 2 |
|---|---|
| Time | 26 minutes |
| Length | 150–200 words |
| What you do | Choose Option A or B and support it |
| Reader | The organisation running the survey |
Either option can reach the top level. Raters are not checking whether you chose the "right" answer; they are checking how clearly and convincingly you support the one you chose.
How to choose your option in one minute
Pick the option you can support with more reasons, not the one you personally like. Take about a minute: jot down quick reasons for each option and go with the longer list. If both lists are equal, pick the one where your reasons have clearer examples.
Then stop deliberating. Switching options halfway through the answer is one of the costliest mistakes in this task, because it wastes time and usually leaves the answer unclear about which side you are on.
Do not choose both. Answers that say "both options are good, so the city should do a bit of each" usually lose Task Fulfillment, because the task asks you to choose.
A five-paragraph plan that fits 150–200 words
- Position (1–2 sentences): name your choice right away. "I believe the company should choose Option A, a flexible work schedule."
- Reason 1 (3–4 sentences): your strongest reason, explained, with an example or a result.
- Reason 2 (3–4 sentences): a different reason, not the first one in new words.
- Reason 3 or the other option (2–3 sentences): either a short third reason, or a fair response to the option you did not choose.
- Conclusion (1–2 sentences): restate your choice in different words and sum up why.
Two well-developed reasons are better than four thin ones. If you are close to 200 words after two reasons and a conclusion, skip the third reason rather than rushing it.
How to develop a reason properly
The difference between a mid-level and a high-level survey answer is usually not grammar. It is whether each reason is explained. A useful pattern is: point, explanation, example or result.
| Step | Original CELPass example |
|---|---|
| Point | First, a flexible schedule would reduce stress for employees with children. |
| Explanation | Many parents have to drop their children at school at 8:30, which makes a 9:00 start very difficult. |
| Example or result | If they could start at 10:00 and finish later, they would arrive calm and focused instead of rushing through traffic. |
Compare that with a list-style answer: "Flexible schedules are good for parents. They are also good for productivity. Employees like them." Every sentence is grammatical, but nothing is explained, and Content/Coherence suffers.
Should you mention the other option?
Briefly, yes. Acknowledging the option you did not choose, and then explaining why yours is still better, shows that you have thought about the decision. Keep it to two or three sentences near the end.
- "I understand that a gym membership would also improve staff health. However, it would only help people who already enjoy exercise, while flexible hours would benefit everyone."
- "Admittedly, a new playground would be popular in summer. Even so, the library would be used all year round."
The key word is "however" or a similar contrast. Without it, mentioning the other option can sound like you are changing your mind.
Sample opening and closing (original CELPass example)
Prompt idea: Your employer wants to offer one new benefit. Option A: a flexible work schedule. Option B: a free gym membership.
Opening: "I think the company should choose Option A and allow employees to set flexible work hours. In my view, this would help more people in more ways than a gym membership."
Closing: "For these reasons, flexible hours are the better choice. They would reduce stress, help staff avoid rush-hour traffic, and show that the company trusts its employees."
Note that the closing restates the choice with different wording and recaps the reasons in one line. It does not add a new argument.
Common Task 2 mistakes
- Supporting both options without choosing one.
- Hiding the choice until the last paragraph.
- Listing reasons without explaining them.
- Repeating the same reason in different words.
- Writing an email format (Dear..., Sincerely) instead of a survey response.
- Copying long phrases from the prompt instead of paraphrasing.
- Running out of time before the conclusion, leaving the answer without an ending.
Practise the survey task
Write a few survey answers under the 26-minute timer and compare how your reasons are developed. CELPass scores each answer on the four CELPIP dimensions and flags reasons that are stated but not explained.
Frequently asked questions
Does it matter which option I choose in CELPIP Writing Task 2?
No. Either option can reach the top level. Choose the one you can support with clearer reasons and examples.
Do I need a title for the survey response?
No. Start directly with your choice in the first sentence.
Can I use personal experience as an example?
Yes. A short personal example often makes a reason more convincing, as long as it clearly supports your choice.
Keep reading
CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.