CELPIP Writing Task 2 Template — Responding to a Survey

The CELPIP Writing Task 2 gives you a real-life situation and asks you to choose between two options and defend your choice in 150–200 words, in about 26 minutes. It is a persuasive task: the examiner is not testing which option you pick, but how clearly and convincingly you argue for it. This guide gives you a repeatable five-paragraph structure, three reusable "banks" of language and ideas, grammar boosters, and an annotated CLB 9+ model answer you can copy and adapt to any prompt.

What the examiner is looking for

Your response is scored on four official criteria. Knowing exactly what each one rewards is the fastest way to lift your band.

• Content & Coherence — a single, clear position developed with relevant, well-organised reasons. How to hit it: commit to one option and give each reason its own paragraph.
• Vocabulary — precise, varied and persuasive word choice. How to hit it: use the argument-idea bank below instead of repeating "good", "important", "nice".
• Readability — clear paragraphing, linking words, and accurate grammar and spelling. How to hit it: one idea per paragraph, connected with transitions.
• Task Fulfilment — you fully address the prompt, take a clear side, and stay within the length. How to hit it: answer the exact question asked and don't sit on the fence.

Step 0 — plan with the Rule of 3

Before you type a single sentence, spend two minutes deciding three things: your stance (which option), your two strongest reasons, and one counter-argument you will acknowledge and knock down. Jot them as three or four words each. This tiny plan is what separates a focused CLB 9 answer from a rambling CLB 6 one — it stops you from repeating the same idea in different words and guarantees every paragraph has a job.

The five-paragraph structure

A high-scoring Task 2 answer almost always follows the same shape. Each paragraph below has one clear purpose.

Step 1 — Introduction (paraphrase + stance)

Open by paraphrasing the situation in your own words, then state your choice in one confident sentence. Do not copy the prompt's wording — re-express it (see the Paraphrasing Toolkit). End the paragraph with an unambiguous stance such as "For these reasons, I firmly believe the city should…". Two sentences are enough.

Step 2 — Body paragraph 1 (your strongest reason)

Lead with your most compelling reason, then prove it. The pattern is: topic sentence → explanation → concrete example → result. A specific, believable example (a number, a person, a situation) is worth far more than a vague claim, and showing the result of your reason demonstrates the cause-and-effect thinking examiners reward.

Step 3 — Body paragraph 2 (your second reason)

Introduce a different angle — not a restatement of reason 1. If reason 1 was practical (money, time), make reason 2 human (fairness, well-being, community). Variety of reasoning lifts both Content and Vocabulary. Again: explain it and show its impact.

Step 4 — Counter-argument (concede, then rebut)

This is the paragraph that pushes a good answer into the top bands. Acknowledge a genuine strength of the other option, then pivot and rebut it: "Admittedly, … . However, … ." Conceding a real point shows maturity; rebutting it shows your choice still wins. Keep it to two sentences.

Step 5 — Conclusion (restate + summarise)

Restate your position in fresh words and briefly recap your two reasons. Add nothing new. One or two sentences is plenty: "In conclusion, … remains the better choice because … and … ."

The fill-in template

[Intro] In today's [topic area], many people debate whether to [option A] or [option B].
In my view, [your option] is clearly the better choice.

[Body 1] First and foremost, [reason 1]. For instance, [specific example].
As a result, [the concrete benefit].

[Body 2] In addition, [reason 2 — a different angle]. This means that [impact].

[Counter] Admittedly, [other option] does offer [genuine concession].
However, [rebuttal — why your choice still wins].

[Conclusion] In conclusion, [restate your stance] because [reason 1] and [reason 2].

Bank 1 — the Paraphrasing Toolkit

Re-express the prompt instead of copying it. Four reliable techniques:

Bank 2 — sentence starters (the skeleton)

Pick one option from each row and drop your idea in.

Bank 3 — argument ideas (what to actually say)

Stuck for reasons? Borrow a ready angle from the theme closest to your prompt. Each theme gives you reasons, power verbs, and vocabulary to sound precise.

Grammar boosters

Small grammar upgrades make an ordinary sentence sound like a CLB 10 sentence.

Conditionals (show cause and effect).

• Weak: "Better transit is good for the city."
• Strong: "If the city improves transit, thousands of commuters will save hours each week."

Gerunds as subjects (sound academic).

• Weak: "It is helpful to learn a new language."
• Strong: "Learning a new language broadens your career options."

Contrast markers (handle the counter-argument).

• Weak: "A stadium is good but transit is better."
• Strong: "Admittedly, a stadium creates jobs. However, those jobs are seasonal, whereas transit serves residents year-round."

Parallel structure (list reasons cleanly).

• Weak: "It saves money, it is faster, and you can help nature."
• Strong: "It saves money, reduces commute times, and protects the environment."

Model answer (CLB 9+)

Why this answer scores high — line by line

• Introduction: the situation is paraphrased ("invest limited funds") rather than copied, and the stance is unmistakable ("clearly the wiser choice").
• Body 1: a conditional sentence shows cause and effect, and the result (less traffic and pollution) proves the reason.
• Body 2: a completely different angle (inclusion, not money) with a built-in contrast ("whereas a stadium…").
• Counter-argument: a genuine concession ("could create jobs") is conceded and then firmly rebutted ("seasonal and uneven").
• Conclusion: restates the stance in fresh words and recaps both reasons without adding anything new.
• Throughout: varied linking words, no repetition, and it lands at roughly 190 words — right in the target range.

What CLB 7, 9 and 11 look like

• CLB 7: addresses the task and takes a side, but reasons are thin or repetitive, vocabulary is simple, and there are noticeable grammar slips.
• CLB 9: two clearly developed reasons, a real counter-argument, varied connectors, and only minor errors — the band most immigration programs reward most.
• CLB 11: effortless flow, precise and idiomatic vocabulary, controlled complex sentences, and persuasive nuance, with virtually no errors.

The jump from 7 to 9 is almost always about developing reasons (example + result) and adding a rebutted counter-argument — not about bigger words.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Sitting on the fence — you must pick one side and commit to it.
• Listing reasons without developing them — one well-explained reason beats three bare ones.
• Skipping the counter-argument — conceding and rebutting is the easiest way to climb a band.
• Copying the prompt's wording — paraphrase it in the introduction.
• Going over 200 words — it costs time and introduces errors; the graders do not reward extra length.
• One long block of text — give each idea its own short paragraph.