CELPIP Writing Task 2: Survey Response Tips and Templates (CLB 9)

What Is CELPIP Writing Task 2?

Writing Task 2 is a survey-response task. You are shown a survey prompt — typically a statement or question — and asked to respond with your opinion, two or three supporting reasons, and sometimes an acknowledgement of an opposing view. You have 26 minutes and are expected to write 150–200 words. The four scoring criteria are identical to Task 1: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfilment. However, the strategy differs because you are now writing an argument, not an email.

The 4-Part Argument Structure

Every high-scoring Writing Task 2 response follows the same logical shape:

• 1. Position statement — one sentence clearly stating your opinion on the survey topic
• 2. Reason 1 — one specific reason with a supporting detail or example (2–3 sentences)
• 3. Reason 2 — a second distinct reason, also with a detail or example (2–3 sentences)
• 4. Closing — a concise conclusion that restates your position in different words (1–2 sentences)

Some prompts ask you to acknowledge both sides before landing on a position. In those cases, add a brief counter-acknowledgement ("While some people argue that..., I still believe...") before your reasons. This signals analytical thinking to the examiner and usually lifts the Coherence score.

Position Statements That Score Well

Your opening sentence sets the examiner's expectations for the rest of your response. Avoid vague openers like "I think this is an important topic." Instead, state your position directly and with a hint of the reason:

• Strong: "Remote work should be a permanent option for most office jobs because it measurably improves productivity and employee wellbeing."
• Strong: "Cities should invest in public transit over road expansion, as mass transit is more cost-effective and reduces long-term congestion."
• Weak: "I believe this is a very good idea and there are many reasons for this."
• Weak: "In my opinion, both sides have valid points and it depends on the situation."

The strong openers signal vocabulary range (measurably, cost-effective) and coherence (you know what your reasons will be). The weak openers force the examiner to keep reading before understanding your argument — a readability penalty.

How to Extend a Reason Without Padding

Many candidates write a reason and stop: "Public transit reduces congestion. This is good for cities." That earns low Vocabulary and Readability scores because it is too simple. Instead, extend each reason with one of these moves:

• Add a concrete example: "For instance, cities like Vancouver have seen a 20% reduction in peak-hour traffic after major transit expansion."
• Add a consequence: "As a result, residents spend less time commuting, which improves both mental health and work performance."
• Add a comparison: "In contrast, expanding roads has historically induced more demand rather than reducing traffic."
• Add a hypothetical: "Without adequate transit, low-income residents in particular face significant barriers to employment opportunities."

One well-extended reason scores higher than three thin ones. Aim for depth over quantity.

Vocabulary Patterns That Signal CLB 9

These vocabulary and grammar patterns consistently appear in CLB 9+ Writing Task 2 responses:

• Hedge your opinion: "I firmly believe", "In my view", "The evidence suggests"
• Use academic connectors: "Furthermore", "Consequently", "Nevertheless", "By contrast"
• Use precise nouns: "infrastructure" not "things", "revenue" not "money", "legislation" not "rules"
• Use complex sentence structures: subordinate clauses, relative clauses, and conditional sentences
• Vary your verb forms: passive voice where appropriate, modal verbs for hedging (could, would, should)

Time Management: 26 Minutes Broken Down

26 minutes is tight for a well-structured response. Use this breakdown:

• 2 minutes: Read the prompt carefully. Identify what position you will take and your two best reasons.
• 3 minutes: Plan — write three bullet-point notes (position + reason 1 + reason 2) before typing
• 18 minutes: Write your response. Do not edit as you go — finish the draft first.
• 3 minutes: Review — check tone, check that you addressed the prompt fully, fix any obvious grammar errors

The planning step is the most skipped — and the most valuable. Candidates who plan for 3 minutes consistently write more coherent responses than those who start typing immediately.

Practice Task 2 With Real Prompts

CELPIPACE Writing practice includes Task 2 survey prompts across the most common CELPIP topics (work, technology, environment, community, education), sample CLB 9–10 responses with annotation, and a scoring checklist. For the email-writing companion guide, see CELPIP Writing Task 1: How to Write a High-Scoring Email.