Task 2 vocabulary: Responding to Survey Questions
The words and phrases that lift an answer in Writing Task 2, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this task? Read the Task 2 format and strategy.
Phrases 21
I would prefer
phraseCLB 5States which option you choose.
“I would prefer Option A because it serves more residents.”
SimilarI would chooseI'm in favour ofCELPIP tip State your choice clearly in the first sentence.
There are several reasons for this
phraseCLB 6Introduces your supporting points.
“There are several reasons for this choice.”
Similarthis is for a number of reasonsCELPIP tip Signals clear organization before your supporting points.
First and foremost
phraseCLB 7Introduces your most important point.
“First and foremost, a community garden is more affordable.”
Similarmost importantlyabove allCELPIP tip A strong opener for your first reason.
In addition
phraseCLB 6Adds another point.
“In addition, it would bring neighbours together.”
SimilarmoreoverfurthermorealsoCELPIP tip Use different linking words for each paragraph.
While I understand that
phraseCLB 7Acknowledges the other option before rejecting it.
“While I understand that Option B is popular, it would cost far more.”
Similaralthough some may argueCELPIP tip Addressing the other option shows critical thinking.
In conclusion
phraseCLB 6Introduces your final summary.
“In conclusion, I strongly believe Option A is the better choice.”
Similarto sum upoverallCELPIP tip Restate your choice in the conclusion.
I am in favour of
phraseCLB 6Shows support.
“I am in favour of building a new community centre.”
SimilarI supportCELPIP tip Clear statement of choice.
Option A would be more beneficial
phraseCLB 7States which option is better.
“Option A would be more beneficial for the neighbourhood.”
SimilarOption A is betterCELPIP tip Name the option directly.
To begin with
phraseCLB 6Introduces the first reason.
“To begin with, it would cost less to maintain.”
Similarfirstlyfirst of allCELPIP tip Organizes your answer by introducing the first reason.
Secondly
phraseCLB 5Introduces the second reason.
“Secondly, it would attract more visitors.”
Similaranother reason isCELPIP tip Gives your answer clear structure.
Furthermore
phraseCLB 7Adds another point.
“Furthermore, it is environmentally friendly.”
Similarmoreoverin additionCELPIP tip A formal linker for adding another point.
Although Option B has its merits
phraseCLB 8Acknowledges the other option.
“Although Option B has its merits, it would be too costly.”
Similarwhile Option B is goodCELPIP tip Addresses the other option before rejecting it.
For example
phraseCLB 5Introduces an example.
“For example, families could use the park on weekends.”
Similarfor instanceCELPIP tip Support reasons with examples.
This would allow
phraseCLB 6Explains a benefit.
“This would allow seniors to stay active.”
Similarthis would enableCELPIP tip Shows clear cause and effect.
As a result
phraseCLB 6Shows a result.
“As a result, fewer people would drive downtown.”
SimilarconsequentlyCELPIP tip Shows cause and effect.
Overall
phraseCLB 5Introduces a summary.
“Overall, Option A is the better choice.”
Similarin conclusionall in allCELPIP tip A good word to start your concluding sentence.
I strongly recommend
phraseCLB 7Recommends firmly.
“I strongly recommend choosing the first option.”
SimilarI urgeCELPIP tip A confident way to restate your choice in the conclusion.
From a practical standpoint
phraseCLB 8When you consider what is realistic or useful.
“From a practical standpoint, a new playground would be used every day.”
SimilarIn practical termsPractically speakingCELPIP tip Introduces a reason based on real use, which is persuasive in surveys.
It goes without saying that
phraseCLB 8Used to say that something is obvious.
“It goes without saying that safety must come first.”
SimilarObviouslyClearlyCELPIP tip A smooth way to add an obvious but important point.
far outweighs
phraseCLB 10Is much more important than something else.
“The convenience for residents far outweighs the short construction period.”
Similaris much greater thanclearly exceedsCELPIP tip "Far" makes your comparison stronger; a hallmark of confident writing.
In light of the above
phraseCLB 10Considering everything already mentioned.
“In light of the above, I firmly believe Option A is the wiser choice.”
SimilarFor these reasonsConsidering all thisCELPIP tip A polished alternative to "In conclusion", which is already in this list.
Verbs 12
prefer
verbCLB 5/prɪˈfɜːr/To like one option more than another.
“I prefer the first option for several reasons.”
SimilarfavourchooseCELPIP tip Pattern: prefer A to B.
contribute
verbCLB 7/kənˈtrɪbjuːt/To help cause or achieve something.
“This project would contribute to a healthier community.”
Similaradd tohelppromoteCELPIP tip 'Contribute to + noun' is a strong academic pattern.
enhance
verbCLB 7/ɪnˈhæns/To improve the quality of something.
“A new library would enhance the quality of life for families.”
SimilarimproveboostCELPIP tip Higher-level than 'make better'.
support
verbCLB 5/səˈpɔːrt/To agree with.
“I fully support the plan to extend library hours.”
SimilarbackfavourCELPIP tip A clear verb for stating your position.
improve
verbCLB 5/ɪmˈpruːv/To make better.
“It would improve safety on our streets.”
SimilarenhanceupgradeCELPIP tip A common verb for the benefits of your choice.
attract
verbCLB 6/əˈtrækt/To cause people to come.
“A new market would attract tourists.”
Similardrawbring inCELPIP tip Common in community topics.
provide
verbCLB 5/prəˈvaɪd/To give or supply.
“It would provide jobs for young people.”
SimilaroffersupplyCELPIP tip Formal verb for benefits.
reduce
verbCLB 6/rɪˈdjuːs/To make less.
“This would reduce noise in residential areas.”
SimilardecreasecutCELPIP tip A common verb for the benefits of your choice.
foster
verbCLB 8/ˈfɔːstər/To help something develop.
“A community garden would foster friendships between neighbours.”
SimilarencouragepromotenurtureCELPIP tip Pair it with community, connection, creativity or growth.
outweigh
verbCLB 9/ˌaʊtˈweɪ/To be more important or valuable than something else.
“The long-term benefits outweigh the initial cost.”
SimilarexceedsurpassoverrideCELPIP tip Use it to dismiss the main disadvantage of your chosen option.
streamline
verbCLB 9/ˈstriːmlaɪn/To make a process simpler and more efficient.
“An online booking system would streamline registration for parents.”
Similarsimplifyspeed upimproveCELPIP tip Good for options about technology or services.
bolster
verbCLB 10/ˈboʊlstər/To make something stronger or more successful.
“A farmers' market would bolster the local economy.”
SimilarstrengthenboostsupportCELPIP tip Pair it with the economy, confidence or support.
Nouns 4
residents
nounCLB 6/ˈrɛzɪdənts/People who live in a place.
“Most residents would benefit from longer pool hours.”
Similarlocalscommunity membersCELPIP tip Useful for community-themed surveys.
priority
nounCLB 7/praɪˈɒrəti/Something more important than other things.
“Safety should be our top priority.”
Similarmain concernfocusCELPIP tip 'Top priority' is a natural collocation.
drawback
nounCLB 8/ˈdrɔːbæk/A disadvantage or problem.
“The main drawback of Option B is the cost of hiring extra staff.”
SimilardisadvantagedownsideCELPIP tip Mention the other option's drawback to strengthen your own choice.
cohesion
nounCLB 9/koʊˈhiːʒən/The state of a group being united.
“Free summer events would improve social cohesion in our neighbourhood.”
SimilarunitytogethernesssolidarityCELPIP tip Strong for community-focused survey topics.
Adjectives 11
beneficial
adjectiveCLB 7/ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl/Having a good effect.
“This change would be beneficial for students and seniors alike.”
SimilaradvantageoushelpfulCELPIP tip Pattern: beneficial for/to someone.
long-term
adjectiveCLB 7/ˌlɒŋ ˈtɜːrm/Lasting a long time into the future.
“The long-term benefits are clear.”
SimilarlastingsustainableCELPIP tip Contrast long-term and short-term for depth.
affordable
adjectiveCLB 6/əˈfɔːrdəbəl/Not too expensive.
“It is a more affordable option for the city.”
SimilarreasonableinexpensiveCELPIP tip A common comparison point between options.
accessible
adjectiveCLB 7/əkˈsɛsəbəl/Easy to reach or use.
“The new location is more accessible by bus.”
SimilarreachableconvenientCELPIP tip Common community topic word.
sustainable
adjectiveCLB 8/səˈsteɪnəbəl/Able to continue without harming the environment.
“Solar panels are a sustainable solution.”
Similareco-friendlyCELPIP tip A common environmental argument.
practical
adjectiveCLB 6/ˈpræktɪkəl/Useful and realistic.
“It is the more practical choice.”
SimilarsensiblerealisticCELPIP tip A common comparison word: useful and realistic.
convenient
adjectiveCLB 6/kənˈviːniənt/Easy and suitable.
“Evening hours would be more convenient for workers.”
SimilarhandysuitableCELPIP tip A common comparison word: easy and suitable.
cost-effective
adjectiveCLB 8/ˌkɔːst ɪˈfektɪv/Giving good results for the money spent.
“Repairing the old pool is more cost-effective than building a new one.”
Similareconomicalgood valueCELPIP tip Money is often a key issue in Task 2; use it to support your choice.
tangible
adjectiveCLB 9/ˈtændʒəbəl/Real and easy to see or measure.
“A new bus route would bring tangible benefits to commuters.”
SimilarconcreterealmeasurableCELPIP tip Pair it with benefits, results or improvements.
paramount
adjectiveCLB 10/ˈpærəmaʊnt/More important than anything else.
“For families with young children, safety is paramount.”
SimilarvitalcrucialessentialCELPIP tip Usually after the verb "be": "safety is paramount".
multifaceted
adjectiveCLB 10/ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/Having many different parts or aspects.
“The benefits of a community centre are multifaceted: health, learning and friendship.”
Similarvariedwide-rangingCELPIP tip Introduce a list of benefits with it, then explain each one.
Adverbs 4
consequently
adverbCLB 7/ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/As a result.
“Consequently, fewer people would need to drive.”
Similaras a resultthereforeCELPIP tip Shows cause-and-effect reasoning between your points.
therefore
adverbCLB 6/ˈðɛərfɔːr/For that reason.
“Therefore, I believe Option A is the best choice.”
SimilarthussoCELPIP tip Leads to your conclusion.
significantly
adverbCLB 7/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/By a large amount.
“It would significantly reduce costs.”
SimilarconsiderablygreatlyCELPIP tip Strengthens your claims: "It would significantly reduce costs."
admittedly
adverbCLB 9Used to accept that something is true before you argue against it.
“Admittedly, Option B is cheaper, but it would serve far fewer people.”
SimilarIt's true thatGrantedCELPIP tip Conceding a point shows balance, which raises the quality of your argument.
Expressions 1
For these reasons
expressionCLB 6Summarizes the reasons you've given.
“For these reasons, I believe the city should choose Option A.”
Similarthat is whythereforeCELPIP tip A smooth bridge into your conclusion.
Phrasal verbs 2
take advantage of
phrasal verbCLB 7To use an opportunity.
“More residents could take advantage of the facility.”
Similarmake use ofbenefit fromCELPIP tip A natural, fluent phrase for using an opportunity.
bring about
phrasal verbCLB 8To cause something to happen.
“This change would bring about real improvements.”
Similarcauselead toCELPIP tip Formal and academic: means to cause something to happen.
How to learn these words
- Start with words at or just above your target CLB: the badge on each word is our estimate of the level at which learners use it correctly. Pick a level in Any CLB level to see only those words.
- Learn five to ten words a day, not the whole list at once.
- Open Flashcards, say what each word means, then check. Words you mark I know it drop out of the To learn view.
- Use two or three new words in your next Task 2 practice answer. A word you have used yourself is the one you remember in the test.
- Save the words you keep forgetting to your own word bank, which brings each one back just before you would forget it.
More CELPIP Writing vocabulary
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