Writing Task 2 — Responding to a Survey
The opinion task: 26 minutes, 150–200 words. Pick ONE option and defend it with reasons and examples. Includes CLB 7, 9 and 11 sample answers.
- 1.State your choice in the very first sentence. Indecision reads as weak — commit immediately.
- 2.Give TWO clear reasons, and back each one with a specific detail or example. Reasons without examples stay shallow.
- 3.Briefly acknowledge the other option, then explain why yours still wins. This shows balanced thinking.
- 4.Use linking words to guide the reader: Firstly, Furthermore, On the other hand, For this reason.
- 5.You do NOT need email format here — a short essay with a mini-introduction and conclusion is ideal.
- 6.Keep it 150–200 words and leave 4–5 minutes to proofread tense, articles and plurals.
What this task tests
CELPIP Writing Task 2 gives you 26 minutes to write 150–200 words. You read a short survey describing a situation with two options, and you must choose one and explain why it is the better choice. Unlike Task 1, this is not an email — it is a short opinion piece.
The scenario usually frames it as: "Your [city / company / building] is considering [Option A] or [Option B]. Which do you prefer? Explain your choice."
A structure that always works
- State your choice — one clear sentence: "I believe Option A is the better choice."
- Reason 1 + example — your strongest reason, supported by a concrete detail.
- Reason 2 + example — a second, different reason, also supported.
- Concession — acknowledge the other option, then explain why yours is still better.
- Conclusion — one sentence restating your position.
Why "reason + example" is the key
Test-takers who only list reasons ("It is cheaper. It is faster.") stay at a low band. The jump in score comes from developing each reason:
"Choosing the community garden would be cheaper. For example, the city already owns the land, so the only real cost would be soil and seeds — far less than building a new parking lot."
That bolded sentence is what moves you up a level: it proves the reason instead of just asserting it.
Common mistakes that cost CLB points
- Sitting on the fence — discussing both sides equally without committing.
- Listing reasons without examples — keeps the answer shallow.
- No concession — a one-sided answer feels less mature than one that addresses the opposing view.
- Over-running the word count — every extra sentence is another chance to make an error.
Sample answers by CLB level
See what each band looks like — and what lifts an answer to the next level.
Your city has money to improve one public space. The options are: (A) build a new playground for children, or (B) plant a community garden. Which option do you support? Give reasons.
I think the city should build a new playground for children. First, there are many young families in our area, but there are very few safe places for children to play. A new playground would give them a place to be active and make friends. This is good for their health. Second, a playground is used by many people every day. Parents can meet other parents there, so it helps the whole community feel closer. A community garden is also a nice idea, and some people would enjoy it. However, I think fewer people would use a garden than a playground. For this reason, the playground is the better choice. In conclusion, the city should build the playground because it helps children and brings families together.
Your city has money to improve one public space. The options are: (A) build a new playground for children, or (B) plant a community garden. Which option do you support? Give reasons.
In my opinion, the city should invest the money in a new children's playground. Firstly, our neighbourhood has a growing number of young families but almost nowhere safe for children to play. A modern playground would give them somewhere to be active outdoors, which matters at a time when so many kids spend their afternoons in front of screens. Furthermore, a playground naturally brings people together. While their children play, parents strike up conversations and form friendships, strengthening the sense of community on our street. A community garden certainly has its appeal, and I understand why some residents would prefer it. However, a garden tends to attract a small, dedicated group, whereas a playground serves dozens of families every single day. For these reasons, I am confident that a playground would benefit the greatest number of residents and is the wiser investment.
Your city has money to improve one public space. The options are: (A) build a new playground for children, or (B) plant a community garden. Which option do you support? Give reasons.
If the city has funds for a single public space, I would direct them toward a new children's playground without hesitation. My first reason is reach. Our neighbourhood has seen a wave of young families move in, yet there is virtually nowhere safe for their children to play. A well-designed playground would draw dozens of families daily, offering kids an active alternative to the screens that increasingly dominate their free time. Just as importantly, a playground quietly builds community. As children play, parents fall into easy conversation, and those small exchanges are precisely how neighbours become friends. I can see the charm of a community garden, and for a handful of dedicated gardeners it would be rewarding. Realistically, though, its appeal is narrow, while a playground delivers value to a far broader cross-section of residents. Weighing breadth of benefit against cost, the playground is, to my mind, the clearly wiser choice.
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