CELPIP Writing Task 2: How to Answer the Survey Question

Understanding CELPIP Writing Task 2

In CELPIP Writing Task 2, you are presented with a survey. Usually, a city council, a company HR department, or a local organization is asking for your opinion on two proposed options (e.g., Should the city build a new park or a new shopping mall?). You have 26 minutes to write 150 to 200 words explaining which option you prefer and why.

This task is a test of your argumentative writing skills. While Task 1 tests your ability to adapt your tone to different audiences, Task 2 requires a consistently semi-formal, objective, and persuasive tone. Let's explore how to conquer the survey.

The "Genuinely Different Reasons" Rule

The single biggest reason test-takers score a CLB 6 on this task is because they only have one reason for their choice, and they just repeat that reason in three different ways. For example, if you choose the park over the mall:

• Reason 1: The park is good for our health.
• Reason 2: People can exercise in the park and get healthier.
• Reason 3: A park provides fresh air which is healthy.

Raters see this as one developed idea. To score a CLB 9+, you must provide two or three genuinely different reasons. For example:

• Reason 1: Health and wellness (exercise spaces).
• Reason 2: Environmental impact (trees reduce city pollution).
• Reason 3: Social cohesion (a free space for community events).

Picking a Side: Does it Matter?

Just like in Speaking Task 7, the raters do not care which side you choose. Do not waste time trying to figure out which option the "city council" prefers. Pick the option that you can think of the best vocabulary words for. If you know the words "biodiversity," "recreation," and "tranquility," choose the park. If you know the words "economic stimulus," "job creation," and "retail infrastructure," choose the mall.

The 4-Paragraph Survey Structure (CLB 9+)

To hit the 150-200 word count with perfect coherence, use this 4-paragraph structure:

1. The Introduction (30-40 words)

Acknowledge the survey, state your choice clearly, and provide a brief thesis statement.

"To the City Council,

Thank you for giving the residents an opportunity to voice their opinions on the city's vacant lot. While both proposals have merit, I strongly believe that constructing a new public park would be the most beneficial choice for our community's long-term well-being."

2. Body Paragraph 1: The Primary Argument (50-60 words)

State your strongest reason and back it up with an example.

"My primary reason for supporting the park initiative is the urgent need for recreational green spaces in our rapidly urbanizing district. Currently, families have to drive over twenty minutes to find a safe playground for their children. A local park would not only promote physical health through exercise but also provide a much-needed sanctuary away from the concrete and traffic."

3. Body Paragraph 2: The Secondary Argument (50-60 words)

Use an advanced transition word and introduce your second, distinctly different reason.

"Furthermore, from an environmental perspective, planting trees in that lot would significantly improve our local air quality. We already have three large shopping malls within a ten-mile radius, and constructing another retail center would simply increase traffic congestion and pollution in a residential area."

4. The Conclusion (20-30 words)

Summarize your stance and sign off respectfully.

"In conclusion, prioritizing public health and environmental sustainability over commercial development is the right step forward. Thank you for considering my input.

Sincerely,
Jane Doe"

Advanced Coherence: Acknowledging the Other Side

If you want to push for a CLB 10 or higher, you can use a technique called concession in your second body paragraph. This means briefly acknowledging the benefit of the other option before destroying it with your argument.

Example: "While I understand that a shopping mall could potentially create short-term retail jobs, I believe the long-term environmental degradation and traffic congestion it would cause far outweigh those minor economic benefits."

This demonstrates to the rater that you have total mastery over complex, contrasting sentence structures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an informal tone: Do not write "Hey City Council, what's up!" You are writing a formal response to an organization.
• Failing to use paragraphs: Submitting a single, massive block of 200 words makes your writing difficult to read and will decimate your Coherence score. Use the return key.
• Relying on Spell Check: The CELPIP computer has a spell checker, but it will not catch homophones (e.g., using "their" instead of "there"). You must still proofread your work.

Conclusion

Task 2 is your chance to shine as an analytical writer. By brainstorming two genuinely different reasons, adopting a professional tone, and structuring your arguments into clear paragraphs, you will easily fulfill the raters' criteria for a CLB 9+ score.