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CELPIP Writing · Task 2

Task 2 practice course: Responding to Survey Questions

Choose one of two options in a survey and explain your choice in 150-200 words, with developed reasons and a fair word for the other side. Work through six short steps, from how the task works to a timed answer, about 30 minutes in all. New to this task? Read the Task 2 format and strategy first.

6 steps26 minutes · 150-200 wordsFree · no account needed
Illustration: responding to survey questions in daily life
Step 1 of 6

Learn the task

How to organise your answer, what to do with your time, common mistakes and useful phrases, then a quick check.

Part 1 of 5

Your choice first, then two or three developed reasons

Task 2 describes a decision and two options, A and B. Both can score 12: choose the one you can find better reasons for. Say your choice in the first sentence, give each reason its own paragraph, then mention the other option fairly before you close.

Three reasons

Weekly green bin pickup, or a free compost bin and a workshop?

  1. Your choice, in one sentence
  2. Reason 1, with an example or a comparison
  3. Reason 2, with an example
  4. Reason 3 (often cost or time)
  5. One fair point for the other option, then restate your choice
Two reasons, developed

A pharmacy open until 10 p.m., or free prescription delivery?

  1. Your choice, in one sentence
  2. Reason 1 with a personal example
  3. Reason 2 with another example
  4. One fair point for the other option
  5. Restate your choice
Answer the objection

Turn four visitor spaces into EV chargers, or keep them all?

  1. Your choice, in one sentence
  2. Why it's needed now
  3. Why it helps everyone, not just some
  4. Answer the main worry about your choice
  5. Restate your choice

Task 2 cheat sheet

The key points of the course on one screen, to read again just before your test.

How to use your 26 minutes

Read and plan (up to 7 min)
  • Read both options and choose in the first minute: the side you have more reasons for.
  • Note two or three reasons, each with an example from your life or the situation.
  • Note one fair point for the option you didn't choose.
Write (about 16 min)
  • First sentence: "I would prefer Option B, ..."
  • One paragraph per reason, starting with a signpost (First and foremost, Moreover, Finally).
  • Develop each reason: a fact, an example or a comparison with the other option.
Check (3 min)
  • Is your choice clear in the first and last sentences?
  • Then look for small mistakes: verb endings, articles, plurals.
  • Aim for 170-190 words.

Three mistakes that keep scores at CLB 7

  • Choosing both, or neither. Choose A or B in the first sentence, even if you like parts of both.
  • Reasons in one line each. Fewer reasons, each one developed with an example, a fact or a comparison.
  • Only your side. Add one sentence: "I recognize that... Even so, I believe..."

Phrases for survey answers

  • Your choice: “I would prefer Option A, ...”, “My preference is Option B, because...”
  • Ordering reasons: “First and foremost,...”, “The most compelling reason is that...”, “Moreover,...”, “Finally,...”
  • Supporting: “For example, last winter...”, “By contrast,...”, “From a budget perspective,...”
  • The other side: “I recognize that...”, “Admittedly,...”, “I appreciate that some residents...”
  • Restating: “Even so, I believe...”, “Nevertheless, I believe... is the more sensible choice.”, “For these reasons,...”

Questions about Task 2

How do I organise a CELPIP Writing Task 2 answer?

Task 2 describes a decision and two options, A and B. Both can score 12: choose the one you can find better reasons for. Say your choice in the first sentence, give each reason its own paragraph, then mention the other option fairly before you close. Three reasons: Your choice, in one sentence; Reason 1, with an example or a comparison; Reason 2, with an example; Reason 3 (often cost or time); One fair point for the other option, then restate your choice. Two reasons, developed: Your choice, in one sentence; Reason 1 with a personal example; Reason 2 with another example; One fair point for the other option; Restate your choice. Answer the objection: Your choice, in one sentence; Why it's needed now; Why it helps everyone, not just some; Answer the main worry about your choice; Restate your choice.

How should I use my time in CELPIP Writing Task 2?

Read and plan (up to 7 min): Read both options and choose in the first minute: the side you have more reasons for. Note two or three reasons, each with an example from your life or the situation. Note one fair point for the option you didn't choose. Write (about 16 min): First sentence: "I would prefer Option B, ..." One paragraph per reason, starting with a signpost (First and foremost, Moreover, Finally). Develop each reason: a fact, an example or a comparison with the other option. Check (3 min): Is your choice clear in the first and last sentences? Then look for small mistakes: verb endings, articles, plurals. Aim for 170-190 words.

What mistakes lower a CELPIP Writing Task 2 score?

Choosing both, or neither. "Both options are good" doesn't answer the survey. The rater needs a clear choice. Instead: Choose A or B in the first sentence, even if you like parts of both. Reasons in one line each. Five short reasons with no support read like a list and lose marks for coherence. Instead: Fewer reasons, each one developed with an example, a fact or a comparison. Only your side. Ignoring the other option makes the answer sound one-sided. Instead: Add one sentence: "I recognize that... Even so, I believe..."

Is this Task 2 course free?

Yes. Every step is free and needs no account; nothing you type or record leaves your browser. With a free CELPass account you can also answer new questions and get an AI score.

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