CELPIP Writing Task 2: Survey Response Guide with Templates

CELPIP Writing Task 2 gives you 26 minutes to respond to survey questions. You need to pick a position, defend it, and write 150-200 words. It sounds straightforward, but the structure and vocabulary you use make the difference between CLB 7 and CLB 9+.

Understanding Task 2

What You'll See

• A brief scenario (e.g., your city council is making a decision)
• Two survey questions asking your opinion
• You must respond to BOTH questions in a single response

What Raters Look For

• Clear position — stated immediately, not buried in paragraph 3
• Strong supporting reasons — with specific examples, not vague claims
• Counter-argument — acknowledging the other side shows sophistication
• Cohesion — smooth flow between ideas with transition words
• Vocabulary range — advanced, varied, no repetition

The CLB 9+ Template

[Position statement answering both questions clearly.]

There are several compelling reasons for this view. First and foremost, [Reason 1]. This is particularly significant because [elaboration with specific example or evidence].

Furthermore, [Reason 2]. For instance, [concrete example]. This demonstrates that [connection back to your position].

While some might argue that [counter-argument], I believe this perspective overlooks [your rebuttal]. In reality, [evidence that supports your side].

In conclusion, [restate position concisely] due to [summary of key reasons].

Sample Responses by Topic Type

Community/Local Decision

Prompt: Your neighbourhood has received funding to build either a new playground or a community garden. Which would benefit residents more? Why?

I firmly believe that a community garden would benefit our neighbourhood significantly more than a new playground, and I would enthusiastically support this initiative.

First and foremost, a community garden serves residents of all ages, from children learning about nature to seniors who enjoy gardening as a peaceful hobby. Unlike a playground, which primarily benefits families with young children, a garden creates an inclusive space where the entire community can gather, collaborate, and build meaningful connections with their neighbours.

Additionally, a community garden provides tangible health benefits beyond physical activity. Growing fresh vegetables and herbs gives residents access to nutritious, locally-sourced food — particularly valuable for families on limited budgets. Studies have consistently demonstrated that community gardens improve both mental health and dietary habits in urban neighbourhoods.

While playgrounds certainly offer recreational value for children, most neighbourhoods already have multiple play areas within walking distance. A community garden, however, would be a unique addition that fills an unmet need.

In conclusion, the community garden offers broader, more lasting benefits for residents of all demographics and deserves our full support.

(183 words — CLB 10 quality)

Workplace Policy

Prompt: Your company is considering switching to a 4-day work week with longer daily hours. Do you support this change? What impact would it have?

I wholeheartedly support transitioning to a four-day work week, as I believe the benefits for both employees and the company would be substantial.

The most compelling advantage is improved work-life balance. Having three consecutive days off would allow employees to properly recharge, pursue personal interests, and spend quality time with their families. This isn't merely speculation — companies like Microsoft Japan reported a remarkable 40% productivity increase after implementing a four-day schedule, proving that well-rested employees actually accomplish more.

Moreover, this policy would significantly enhance employee retention and recruitment. In today's competitive job market, offering a four-day week would position our company as a progressive, employee-focused organization. Talented professionals increasingly prioritize flexibility over marginal salary differences.

Admittedly, some might worry that longer daily hours would lead to fatigue. However, eliminating one entire commute day and consolidating work hours has consistently shown to reduce overall stress rather than increase it.

Ultimately, a four-day work week represents a forward-thinking approach that would boost productivity, morale, and our company's reputation simultaneously.

(178 words — CLB 9+ quality)

Education/Society

Prompt: Should public libraries invest more in digital resources (e-books, online databases) or maintain their focus on physical books and in-person programs?

I strongly believe that public libraries should prioritize investing in digital resources while maintaining a reasonable collection of physical materials.

The primary reason is accessibility. Digital resources eliminate geographic barriers entirely — a resident with mobility challenges, a busy parent, or someone living far from the library can access thousands of e-books and databases from home at any hour. This dramatically expands the library's reach and ensures that knowledge isn't limited to those who can physically visit the building.

Furthermore, digital resources offer far superior cost efficiency in the long term. While physical books deteriorate, require shelf space, and can only serve one patron at a time, digital copies are permanent, space-free, and can be accessed simultaneously by multiple users. This allows libraries to offer vastly larger collections within the same budget.

Critics might argue that physical books provide a superior reading experience, and I acknowledge this preference. However, the library's mission is to maximize access to information for all residents, not to preserve a particular reading format.

In conclusion, digital investment best fulfils the library's core purpose of universal knowledge access.

(190 words — CLB 9+ quality)

Vocabulary Power-Ups by Topic

Community Topics

• infrastructure, residents, demographics, initiative, revitalize
• "foster a sense of community," "address the needs of," "contribute to the well-being of"

Workplace Topics

• productivity, retention, morale, efficiency, implementation
• "boost employee satisfaction," "streamline operations," "foster innovation"

Education Topics

• accessibility, curriculum, literacy, resources, equitable
• "bridge the gap," "empower learners," "cultivate critical thinking"

Environment Topics

• sustainability, carbon footprint, renewable, conservation, ecosystem
• "mitigate the effects of," "promote environmental awareness," "reduce our ecological impact"

The 26-Minute Strategy

| Time | Action | |------|--------| | 0:00-1:30 | Read prompt, choose position, note 2 reasons + 1 counter | | 1:30-3:00 | Plan paragraph structure mentally | | 3:00-21:00 | Write the response | | 21:00-26:00 | Review: check both questions answered, fix errors, verify word count |

5 Common Mistakes

1. Not answering both questions — If the prompt asks "Do you support this?" AND "What impact would it have?" — address BOTH.
2. Sitting on the fence — "Both options are good" = CLB 6. Pick a side firmly.
3. No examples — Abstract reasoning without concrete examples caps you at CLB 7.
4. Starting with "I think" — Use stronger openings: "I firmly believe," "I strongly support," "I'm convinced that"
5. Weak conclusion — Don't just stop writing. Wrap up with a clear restatement.

Practice Now

Task 2 improves quickly with feedback. Write a response, see your CLB score, and learn what to fix.

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