CELPIP Writing Task 2 Template — Choosing Between Two Options
A proven template for the CELPIP Writing Task 2 "choose between two options" variant — pick one, justify it, and rebut the rest persuasively.
Some CELPIP Writing Task 2 prompts do not just ask for your opinion — they hand you two concrete options (two locations, two policies, two plans) and tell you to pick one and explain why. This variant rewards a clear choice, a fair comparison, and a confident dismissal of the option you rejected. You get 150–200 words and about 26 minutes, and this guide gives you a repeatable structure, a sentence-starter bank, an argument-ideas table, and a model answer scored line by line.
The "choose between two options" prompt is distinct from a generic opinion essay. In an opinion essay you defend a stance against an abstract counter-view; here the counter-view is named and specific, so you must actively compare Option A against Option B and show, in concrete terms, why your pick wins. Skip the comparison and you have written the wrong task.
What the examiner is looking for
Writing Task 2 is rated on four equally weighted criteria. Here is what each means for this variant and how to hit it.
| Criterion | What it measures | How to hit it here |
|---|---|---|
| Content & Coherence | Whether your ideas are relevant, developed, and logically ordered | State your choice in sentence one; give two fully developed reasons; compare directly against the rejected option |
| Vocabulary | Range and precision of word choice | Use comparison and persuasion verbs (outweighs, surpasses, justifies) and topic-specific nouns, not vague words like "good" |
| Readability | Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and linking | Vary sentence length, use comparatives correctly (more X than, far better than), and connect ideas with transitions |
| Task Fulfilment | Whether you did exactly what was asked | Choose one option only, justify it, and briefly address why the other falls short — all within 150–200 words |
The single biggest scoring lever in this variant is the comparison. A high-band answer never describes its chosen option in isolation; it constantly measures it against the alternative.
Plan with the "Choose–Beat–Rebut" method
Spend your first 3–4 minutes planning. The structure below maps cleanly onto four short paragraphs and keeps you inside the word count.
Step 1 — Choose and frame (intro, ~30 words)
Open by naming your choice in the very first sentence — no warm-up. Acknowledge that both options have merit so you sound balanced, then commit. For example: "After weighing both proposals, I firmly believe the community library is the wiser investment, even though the sports complex has obvious appeal." This signals your position and previews the comparison in one move.
Step 2 — Reason one (body 1, ~55 words)
Give your strongest reason and develop it with a specific consequence or example. Do not stop at the claim — explain the effect. "A library serves residents of every age, from children doing homework to seniors seeking company. Unlike a single-use facility, it would be in constant use, which means every dollar of public money works harder throughout the day." Notice the comparison is already woven in.
Step 3 — Reason two plus rebuttal (body 2, ~70 words)
Add a second, different reason, then pivot to a brief, fair rebuttal of the rejected option. The rebuttal should concede a small point and then dismantle it: "Granted, the sports complex would promote fitness, but our town already has two gyms and a recreation centre, so the need is largely met. A library, by contrast, fills a genuine gap." This is where you earn comparison marks.
Step 4 — Conclude (conclusion, ~25 words)
Restate the choice in fresh words and end on the benefit. "For these reasons, the library is the option that will benefit the greatest number of residents for years to come." Keep it short — do not introduce new ideas.
The fill-in template
Copy this skeleton and replace the placeholders. It is built to land naturally between 150 and 200 words.
[INTRO — state choice] After considering both [OPTION A] and [OPTION B], I am convinced that [MY CHOICE] is the better option, despite the appeal of [REJECTED OPTION]. [BODY 1 — reason one + comparison] Firstly, [REASON 1]. This matters because [CONSEQUENCE/EXAMPLE]. Compared with [REJECTED OPTION], [MY CHOICE] [COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE]. [BODY 2 — reason two + rebuttal] Secondly, [REASON 2], which [DEVELOPED EFFECT]. Admittedly, [REJECTED OPTION] does offer [SMALL CONCESSION]; however, [WHY IT FALLS SHORT]. For this reason, [MY CHOICE] clearly [WINS PHRASE]. [CONCLUSION — restate + benefit] Overall, [MY CHOICE] is the wiser choice because [CORE BENEFIT], and I would recommend it without hesitation.
Sentence-starter bank
Mix these openers so your paragraphs do not all begin the same way. They are grouped by the job each sentence is doing.
| Function | Sentence starters |
|---|---|
| Stating your choice | "Between the two, I would choose…"; "Without question, [option] is the stronger proposal because…"; "After weighing both, I firmly favour…" |
| Introducing reason 1 | "My primary reason is that…"; "To begin with, [option] offers…"; "The most compelling advantage is…" |
| Introducing reason 2 | "Equally important is the fact that…"; "A further benefit is…"; "On top of this, [option] would…" |
| Comparing against the other option | "Unlike [rejected option], this choice…"; "Whereas [B] only [limit], [A] also…"; "By contrast, [rejected option] would…"; "This advantage far outweighs anything [B] can offer." |
| Conceding then rebutting | "Admittedly, [B] does [merit]; however,…"; "While [B] has its supporters, it overlooks…"; "It is true that [B] would…, yet…" |
| Concluding | "For these reasons, [A] is the wiser choice."; "All things considered, I would recommend…"; "In short, [A] delivers the greater benefit." |
Argument-ideas table
When the topic is unfamiliar, borrow a theme below, then plug its reasons, power verbs, and adjectives into the template. These cover the themes that turn up most often in "choose between two options" prompts.
| Theme | Ready-made reasons | Power verbs | Adjectives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost / value | better value for money; lower long-term upkeep; reaches more people per dollar | outweighs, justifies, maximises | affordable, cost-effective, economical |
| Reach / access | serves all ages; open to everyone; no barriers to entry | broadens, includes, accommodates | inclusive, accessible, far-reaching |
| Long-term benefit | lasting impact; future-proof; grows in value | endures, sustains, future-proofs | durable, sustainable, enduring |
| Convenience / location | central and easy to reach; saves travel time; near transit | simplifies, streamlines, eases | central, convenient, practical |
| Health / wellbeing | reduces stress; improves quality of life; encourages activity | promotes, enhances, safeguards | healthier, restorative, beneficial |
| Community / social | brings people together; builds connection; fills a real gap | unites, fosters, strengthens | cohesive, communal, vibrant |
| Safety / risk | fewer hazards; proven track record; lower liability | protects, minimises, reassures | reliable, secure, low-risk |
| Flexibility / use | serves many purposes; adapts to need; in constant use | adapts, accommodates, versatile-makes | multi-purpose, flexible, adaptable |
| Environment | lower footprint; reuses existing space; greener long term | conserves, reduces, preserves | sustainable, eco-friendly, efficient |
| Time / efficiency | quicker to deliver; ready sooner; less disruption | accelerates, saves, streamlines | efficient, timely, swift |
Model answer
This sample answers a prompt asking residents to choose between a new community library and a new sports complex for a small town. It runs 192 words.
After considering both proposals, I am convinced that the community library is the better investment for our town, despite the obvious appeal of a new sports complex.
Firstly, a library would serve residents of every age and background. Children could study after school, job-seekers could access computers, and seniors would have a warm, social space to gather. This matters because the benefit is shared by the whole community, not just one group. Compared with a sports complex, which mainly attracts the already active, the library reaches far more people each day.
Secondly, a library is in constant use from morning to evening, which makes it excellent value for public money. Admittedly, a sports complex would promote fitness and give teenagers somewhere to go; however, our town already has two gyms and a recreation centre, so that need is largely met. A library, by contrast, fills a genuine gap that nothing else currently covers.
Overall, the library is the wiser choice because it offers lasting, inclusive value to the greatest number of residents, and I would recommend it without hesitation.
Why this answer scores high
A paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown of what earns the marks:
- Intro: The choice appears in the first sentence, and "despite the obvious appeal of a new sports complex" instantly frames the comparison — hitting Task Fulfilment and Coherence at once.
- Body 1: One clear reason (broad reach) is developed with three concrete examples, then explicitly measured against the rejected option ("reaches far more people each day"). That comparison is what separates this from an opinion essay.
- Body 2: A second, different reason (constant use / value) avoids repetition, and the rebuttal concedes a real merit before dismantling it with a specific local fact ("two gyms and a recreation centre"). This fair-minded tone reads as sophisticated.
- Vocabulary: Comparison and persuasion language — outweighs in spirit, by contrast, fills a genuine gap, inclusive value — plus precise nouns (job-seekers, recreation centre) show range.
- Conclusion: It restates the choice in new words ("wiser choice", "lasting, inclusive value") and adds a benefit rather than repeating the body.
What CLB 7, 9 and 11 look like
- CLB 7: Makes a clear choice and gives two reasons, but the comparison is thin — the rejected option may be mentioned only once. Vocabulary is adequate ("good for everyone") and a few grammar slips appear, though meaning stays clear.
- CLB 9: Choice, two developed reasons, and an explicit comparison with a concession-and-rebuttal. Uses comparatives and persuasion verbs accurately. Linking is smooth and errors are minor and non-intrusive.
- CLB 11: Effortless, persuasive tone with a balanced concession that strengthens rather than weakens the argument. Precise, varied vocabulary and controlled complex sentences. The comparison is woven throughout, not confined to one sentence, and the writing reads like polished advocacy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing both, or hedging. Saying "both have benefits" without committing fails Task Fulfilment. Pick one and stay with it.
- Forgetting the comparison. Describing your option in isolation turns this into a generic opinion essay. Reference the rejected option in every body paragraph.
- Skipping the rebuttal. Without addressing why the other option falls short, your argument looks one-sided. Concede a small point, then beat it.
- Two reasons that are really one. "It helps everyone" and "it is for all ages" are the same idea reworded. Make your two reasons genuinely distinct.
- Running over 200 words. A bloated answer is rushed and error-prone. Aim for roughly 185–195 words and leave two minutes to proofread.
- Vague, repetitive vocabulary. Swap "good", "nice", and "better" for precise comparatives and the power verbs from the bank above.
Use this template on a real, exam-style writing question and get a CLB estimate with specific fixes on your own answer.
Frequently asked questions
How is the "choose between two options" task different from a normal opinion essay?
In an opinion essay you defend a stance against an abstract counter-view. Here the alternative is named and specific, so you must actively compare your choice against the other option and explain why it wins. Skipping that comparison means writing the wrong task.
Do I have to mention the option I rejected?
Yes. A high-scoring answer references the rejected option in each body paragraph and includes a brief, fair rebuttal — conceding a small merit and then showing why it still falls short. This is the main lever for the Content & Coherence and Vocabulary scores.
How long should the response be?
CELPIP Writing Task 2 is 150 to 200 words. For this variant, aim for about 185 to 195 words: enough room for a clear choice, two developed reasons, a rebuttal, and a short conclusion, while leaving time to proofread.
Can I choose either option, or is one "correct"?
There is no correct option. The examiner scores how clearly you choose and how persuasively you justify it, not which side you take. Pick whichever option you can argue most convincingly with concrete reasons.
How many reasons do I need?
Two genuinely distinct, developed reasons work best in 150 to 200 words. One reason is too thin; three or more become shallow and rushed. Make sure your two reasons are different ideas, not the same point reworded.
How much time should I spend planning?
Spend the first 3 to 4 minutes of the roughly 26 minutes choosing your option and noting your two reasons plus one concession. That planning prevents you from drifting into a one-sided answer and keeps your paragraphs balanced.