What You'll Learn
- Understand the Task 2 format and timing constraints
- Apply the 4-part opinion structure that examiners expect
- Choose and defend a position quickly, even without strong personal views
- Support arguments with concrete examples instead of vague statements
- Use high-scoring transition words to connect ideas seamlessly
At a Glance
- Time: 26 minutes
- Word Count: 150-200 words
- Task Type: Opinion response
- Format: Survey question
CELPIP Writing Task 2 asks you to respond to a survey question by choosing one option and defending your choice with reasons and examples. Unlike Task 1’s email format, Task 2 tests your ability to build a persuasive argument quickly.
You’ll see a scenario with two options (e.g., “Should the city build a new sports centre or a new library?”). Your job is to pick one side and explain why in 150-200 words within 26 minutes.
Model Answer: City Development Survey
Before we break down the structure, study this complete model answer. Notice how it addresses every aspect of the chosen option.
City Development Survey
Survey Question: You live in a small town of 10,000 people. A large green area in the centre of town is undeveloped. The city has sent out an opinion survey to see what residents would like to have built in that area.
Option A: Shopping Complex — This shopping mall would include restaurants, a large supermarket, and a movie theatre.
Option B: Recreational Park — This park would include a sports complex, a large green area, and a small petting zoo.
Choose the option that you prefer. Why do you prefer your choice? Explain the reasons for your choice. Write about 150-200 words.
Model Answer (CLB 9):
I believe the city should build a recreational park in the undeveloped green area. This option would provide lasting benefits for residents across all age groups.
First, a sports complex within the park would encourage physical activity and community engagement. Facilities such as a swimming pool, basketball courts, and a small gym would give residents affordable options for regular exercise. My colleague recently joined a fitness class at a community recreation centre and reported significant improvements in both her health and her social connections.
Additionally, preserving a large green area would offer families and individuals a peaceful space for relaxation and outdoor activities. Walking trails, picnic areas, and open fields would provide an essential escape from daily stress, something a shopping mall simply cannot offer.
Finally, the petting zoo would create a unique, family-friendly attraction that appeals to young children and draws visitors on weekends. It would also serve as an educational resource for local school groups learning about animals and nature.
For these reasons, a recreational park would serve our community far better than another commercial development.
(Word count: 182)
Show structure breakdown →
Structure breakdown:
- Position statement (2 sentences): States choice clearly and previews the overall benefit.
- Reason 1 — Sports complex (3 sentences): Discusses facilities, benefits, and includes a concrete personal example.
- Reason 2 — Large green area (3 sentences): Covers relaxation, outdoor activities, and contrasts with the alternative.
- Reason 3 — Petting zoo (2 sentences): Highlights the family appeal and educational value.
- Conclusion (1 sentence): Restates preference with confidence.
Key takeaway: The response covers ALL three aspects of Option B — sports complex, green area, AND petting zoo. Examiners check that you address the full scope of your chosen option. Mentioning only one aspect would signal incomplete task fulfillment.
The Winning Structure
A clear four-part organization usually performs best on this task. The model answer above demonstrates this perfectly.
1. Position Statement (2 sentences)
State your choice immediately. Add one sentence explaining your overall reasoning.
Example: “I believe the city should build a recreational park. This option would provide lasting benefits for residents across all age groups.”
2. Reason 1 + Concrete Example (3-4 sentences)
Present your first argument with a specific supporting detail. Name people, places, or situations.
Example: “First, a sports complex within the park would encourage physical activity. My colleague recently joined a fitness class at a community recreation centre and reported significant improvements in both her health and her social connections.”
3. Reason 2 + Concrete Example (3-4 sentences)
Introduce your second argument with another real-world illustration. Variety matters. Use different reasoning types.
Example: “Additionally, preserving a large green area would offer families a peaceful space for relaxation. Walking trails, picnic areas, and open fields would provide an essential escape from daily stress.”
4. Conclusion (1-2 sentences)
Restate your position using different words. Keep it brief.
Example: “For these reasons, a recreational park would serve our community far better than another commercial development.”
Word count target: Position (20 words) + Reason 1 (50 words) + Reason 2 (50 words) + Additional detail (30 words) + Conclusion (15 words) = ~165 words. Add detail to reach 170-185.
Choosing Your Position in 60 Seconds
You don’t need a genuine opinion; you need a defensible position. Follow this decision tree.
Quick Decision Strategy
- Pick the option you can think of 2 concrete examples for immediately
- Choose the side with more practical benefits (health, money, time, safety)
- If stuck, select the option that affects more people
- Never waste time debating both sides: commit and move forward
The 2-Example Test
Before committing to a position, ask yourself: “Can I name 2 specific people, places, or situations that support this?” If yes, choose that side. If no, pick the other option.
Many test-takers lose valuable time deciding. Practice choosing a side within 60 seconds, even for unfamiliar topics.
Concrete Examples vs. Vague Generalizations
The difference between CLB 7 and CLB 9 often comes down to example quality.
Vague (CLB 6-7): “Sports centres help people stay healthy. Exercise is good for everyone and makes people feel better.”
Concrete (CLB 9-10): “Sports centres help people stay healthy. My cousin David joined a volleyball league at the Burnaby recreation centre and reduced his blood pressure from 145/95 to 125/80 in four months.”
Notice the concrete version includes:
- A real person (cousin David)
- A specific place (Burnaby recreation centre)
- Measurable results (blood pressure numbers)
- A time frame (four months)
Common Mistake
Avoid generic statements like “many people,” “studies show,” or “it is well known.” Examiners want personal examples or specific observations, not research claims or statistics.
Transition Words That Elevate Your Score
Strategic transitions demonstrate coherence, a key CELPIP criterion. Use these to connect your ideas.
For Introducing Reasons
- First / To begin with / Initially
- Second / Additionally / Furthermore / Moreover
For Adding Examples
- For instance / For example / Specifically
- In my experience / Recently / Last year
For Showing Contrast (if mentioning the opposing view)
- While / Although / Despite / However
For Concluding
- Therefore / For these reasons / Consequently / In conclusion
The Most Effective Argument Pattern
Lead with a benefit, follow with a personal example, then add a small contrast to show balanced thinking: “A library would educate residents (benefit). My daughter improved her reading skills through the summer program at our branch (example). While sports centres matter too, a library serves all ages and abilities (contrast).”
This pattern strengthens coherence because it shows nuance while maintaining a clear position.
More Practice Tasks
Practice: Environmental Policy Survey
Survey Question: Your city is considering new environmental policies to reduce waste.
Option A: Ban single-use plastics in all stores and restaurants.
Option B: Invest in a city-wide recycling and composting program.
Choose the option that you prefer. Explain the reasons for your choice. Write about 150-200 words.
Show Model Answer →
I believe the city should invest in a comprehensive recycling and composting program. While banning plastics addresses one type of waste, a recycling program tackles the broader problem of waste management across all materials.
First, a city-wide program would educate residents about proper waste sorting and create lasting behavioural change. My neighbourhood recently introduced green composting bins, and within three months, our building reduced landfill waste by nearly 40 percent. This kind of systemic change produces measurable, long-term results that a plastic ban alone cannot achieve.
Additionally, a recycling program creates local jobs and generates revenue from recyclable materials. The City of Edmonton’s waste processing facility employs over 200 workers and diverts 60 percent of residential waste from landfills. Our community could benefit from similar economic and environmental advantages.
For these reasons, I strongly support a city-wide recycling and composting initiative. It addresses waste holistically while creating economic opportunities for our growing community.
(Word count: 163)
Practice: Education Investment Survey
Survey Question: Your local school board has received additional funding and is deciding how to use it.
Option A: Purchase new technology (laptops, tablets, and smartboards) for every classroom.
Option B: Hire 20 additional teachers to reduce class sizes across the district.
Choose the option that you prefer. Explain the reasons for your choice. Write about 150-200 words.
Show Model Answer →
I believe the school board should hire additional teachers to reduce class sizes. While technology is valuable, smaller classes have a more direct and lasting impact on student learning.
First, smaller class sizes allow teachers to provide individualized attention to each student. My cousin’s daughter struggled with mathematics in a class of 35 students, but after transferring to a school with 20-student classes, her grades improved significantly within one semester. Teachers could identify her specific difficulties and offer targeted support, which was impossible in a larger group.
Furthermore, hiring more teachers strengthens the entire school community. Additional staff members can offer diverse expertise, lead extracurricular programs, and provide mentorship opportunities. When my local elementary school added three new teachers last year, they introduced a robotics club, a creative writing workshop, and an after-school tutoring program that benefited dozens of families.
For these reasons, investing in additional teachers would deliver greater educational value than purchasing technology that quickly becomes outdated.
(Word count: 168)
Self-Evaluation Checklist
After completing practice responses, review your work against these criteria.
Self-Check
- I stated my position clearly in the first 2 sentences
- I provided 2 distinct reasons with specific examples
- My examples included real people, places, or measurable details
- I used 3+ transition words to connect ideas
- My response is 150-200 words
- I concluded by restating my position in different words
5-6 checks = strong execution, 3-4 checks = developing execution
Time Management Breakdown
Allocate your 26 minutes strategically:
- 2 minutes: Read prompt, choose position, brainstorm 2 examples
- 18 minutes: Write response (aim for 10 words/minute)
- 5 minutes: Review and edit for clarity, grammar, word count
- 1 minute: Final scan for spelling errors
Word Count Matters
Responses under 150 words are often underdeveloped. Responses over 200 words are not automatically penalized, but they increase time pressure and editing risk. Aim for 165-185 words as your sweet spot.
Practice this timing structure until it becomes automatic. Use a timer during every practice session.
Master these essentials, and Task 2 becomes a predictable scoring opportunity. The structure works for any survey question; just plug in your position, reasons, and concrete examples.