Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions

What happens in Task 2

• The prompt describes a decision, such as how a city should spend money, and gives two options.
• You pick one option and explain why. Either choice can score the top level.

Tips for a higher score

• Pick the option you can support with more reasons, not the one you personally prefer.
• Give two or three reasons, each with an example or result.
• Briefly acknowledge the other option and explain why yours is better.

Common mistakes

• Supporting both options without choosing one.
• Listing reasons without explaining them.

Task 2 template

1. Plan: choose and list reasons (3–4 minutes). Read both options and choose the one you can support with more reasons, not necessarily your personal favourite. Note two or three reasons, each with an example or result, and one point you can concede about the other option.
   • Which option has more concrete examples?
   • Who benefits, and how?
   • What is the one weakness of the other option?
2. Introduction with a clear choice (about 20–30 words, 2 minutes). State your choice in the first sentence, naming the option so the rater cannot miss it. You can add a short preview of your main reasons.
   • I believe Option A is the better choice because...
   • In my opinion, the town should choose Option B.
   • I would strongly prefer Option A, mainly for two reasons.
   • Of the two options, I support...
   • If I had to choose, I would pick Option B.
3. Reason 1 with an example (about 40–50 words, 5 minutes). Give your strongest reason first, then support it with a specific example, a result or a short personal experience. Explaining why it matters earns more than adding another reason.
   • First and most importantly,...
   • The main reason is that...
   • For example,...
   • In my own experience,...
   • This would mean that...
4. Reason 2 with an example (about 40–50 words, 5 minutes). Add a second reason that is truly different from the first, for example cost or time if the first was about people. Develop it the same way: claim, example, result.
   • Another advantage is that...
   • In addition,...
   • Second,...
   • On top of that,...
   • As a result,...
5. Acknowledge the other option (about 25–35 words, 3 minutes). Briefly admit one strength of the option you did not choose, then explain why your choice is still better. This shows balanced thinking without changing your position.
   • I understand that Option B would...
   • Admittedly,...; however,...
   • While Option A has some benefits,...
   • Some people may argue that...; nevertheless,...
   • Although..., I still think...
6. Conclusion (about 20–30 words, 2 minutes). Restate your choice in fresh words and sum up your reasons in one sentence. Do not add a new reason here.
   • For these reasons, I believe...
   • Overall,... is the better investment for...
   • In short, Option A would benefit more people.
   • That is why I strongly support...
7. Check (3–4 minutes). Make sure you chose only one option and never switch sides, and that the word counter shows 150–200. Then reread for spelling and grammar, since there is no spell checker.
   • Is my choice clear in the first sentence?
   • Does each reason have an example?
   • Did I stay with the same option throughout?

Task 2 vocabulary and useful phrases

Sample question and answer

Sample answer: estimated CLB 9

Why it scores well

• Task Fulfillment: Makes a clear choice in the first sentence and stays with it, within the word limit.
• Content/Coherence: Three reasons, each developed with a concrete example, plus a fair response to the other option.
• Vocabulary: Natural, varied word choice ("rely on", "make a real difference", "better investment") without forced idioms.
• Readability: One idea per paragraph and clear signposting: First, Second, Finally, However.

The same question at a lower level

Sample answer: estimated CLB 5–6

What holds it back

• Task Fulfillment: A choice is made and kept, but the renovation itself is never explained, and the reasons are only stated, not supported with specific examples.
• Content/Coherence: The paragraph on the playground gives it two benefits and then dismisses it in one short sentence, so the argument loses focus instead of explaining why the library is better.
• Vocabulary: General, repeated words ("good for everyone", "very important", "also... also") and the same error "open more longer" twice; few precise terms such as residents, opening hours or investment.
• Readability: Paragraphs and First/Second help, but errors like "is better choice" and "If the library open" and the doubled "In my opinion, I think" slow the reader down.

These are original CELPass examples. The CLBs are our estimates, not official CELPIP scores.

More Task 2 sample answers (73 questions)

Each question has a plan and three sample answers, around CLB 4–5, 7–8 and 11–12, with notes on each level.

• Ferry schedule survey
• College student space survey
• Public beach improvement survey
• Streetlight dimming survey
• Company volunteer day survey
• Community hall rental fee survey
• Campsite reservation survey
• Sports field turf survey
• Store rewards program survey
• Building party room survey
• Access to Mental Health Services for Youth
• Affordable Internet Access Survey

All Task 2 sample answers

Task 2 practice questions

1. Your city wants to reduce traffic downtown. Which plan should it choose? Explain your choice in 150–200 words. Option A: add more bus routes and run buses more often. Option B: build protected bike lanes on the main streets.
2. Your employer is changing the work schedule. Which would you prefer? Explain your choice in 150–200 words. Option A: work four 10-hour days per week. Option B: work five 8-hour days with a flexible start time.
3. Your local school board has extra money for high school students. How should it be spent? Explain your choice in 150–200 words. Option A: hire more counsellors to help with careers and well-being. Option B: buy new laptops and software for every classroom.
4. Your apartment building is planning its yearly upgrade. Which should it choose? Explain your choice in 150–200 words. Option A: renovate the shared gym. Option B: create a secure storage room for bicycles and parcels.
5. Your community centre can offer one new free program. Which should it offer? Explain your choice in 150–200 words. Option A: weekly cooking and nutrition classes. Option B: a weekend sports program for teenagers.
6. Your town is deciding what to do with an empty lot near the main street. Which option is better? Explain your choice in 150–200 words. Option A: build a parking lot for shoppers. Option B: create a community garden for residents.

Writing Task 2 questions, answered

More CELPIP Writing

• Task 1: Writing an Email