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CELPIP Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions

CELPIP Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Public Transportation vs. Driving to Work

By Rita

Your city is considering policies to encourage sustainable commuting. They are conducting a survey to understand residents' preferences.

Time
26 minutes
Length
150–200 words
Structure
Choose Option A or B and support it

The question

Your city is considering policies to encourage sustainable commuting. They are conducting a survey to understand residents' preferences.

Which option do you prefer? Why?

-Option A: Promote public transportation by offering free or discounted passes.

-Option B: Maintain flexibility and allow residents to choose their preferred mode of transport.

Excellent answer: around CLB 11–12

I strongly support Option A, as promoting public transportation offers substantial benefits for our city’s sustainability and quality of life. Primarily, it addresses the pervasive issue of traffic congestion. By incentivizing transit use through free or discounted passes, we can reduce the number of vehicles on the road, enhancing commuting efficiency and reducing stress for residents. Moreover, this policy provides significant economic relief. The rising costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and parking place a heavy burden on individuals. Subsidized public transit offers a practical, cost-effective alternative, making transportation accessible to a broader population. Above all, the environmental imperative cannot be ignored. Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to urban air pollution and climate change. Public transportation, with its lower carbon footprint, is a proven solution to mitigate these effects. While flexibility in commuting is valuable, the long-term advantages of a transit-focused policy far outweigh individual preferences. Option A is a progressive step toward a cleaner, more efficient, and equitable city.

160 words

Good answer: around CLB 7–8

I prefer Option A because promoting public transportation has many advantages. First, it reduces traffic problems. When more people take buses or trains, there are fewer cars, which means less time stuck in traffic and smoother travel for everyone. Second, it’s more affordable than driving. Car owners spend a lot on gas, repairs, and parking fees. Free or discounted passes would encourage people to switch to public transport and save money. Finally, it’s good for the environment. Cars produce a lot of pollution, while public transportation cuts down on emissions and keeps the air cleaner. I believe this policy is the best choice because it helps the city, saves money, and protects our planet.

114 words

Basic answer: around CLB 4–5

I choose Option A because public transportation is good for the city. If many people use buses or trains, there will be less cars on the road. This makes driving faster and easier for everyone. Also, public transport saves money. Driving a car costs a lot with gas and parking, but buses are cheaper. If passes are free or not expensive, more people will use them. Last, it’s better for the air. Cars make dirty smoke, but public transport is cleaner. This helps the city stay nice and healthy. I think free passes are a good idea so we can all have a better place to live.

107 words

The CLBs are estimates of the level each sample was written at, not official CELPIP scores. How we estimate CLB

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