CELPIP Writing Task 2: Three Sample Survey Responses with Analysis

In CELPIP Writing Task 2 you read a survey question with two options, choose one, and explain why. You have 26 minutes and should write about 150–200 words. It is a practical opinion, not an academic essay: a clear choice, two good reasons with examples, and a short conclusion.

Below are three responses. These are my original teaching examples, not official CELPIP responses, and they have not been scored by CELPIP. Study the structure and the kind of support, not the exact sentences.

The Structure

1. Your choice in the first sentence.
2. Reason 1 with a specific example.
3. Reason 2 with a specific example.
4. Optional: one fair sentence about the other option.
5. A short conclusion that restates your choice in new words.

Tip: choose the option that is easier for you to support with examples, not necessarily the one you personally prefer. Your English is being assessed, not your opinion.

Sample 1

Survey: Your company has extra money for staff. Which is better?

• Option A: A free lunch every Friday
• Option B: A small yearly budget for each employee to take a course

I prefer Option B, a yearly budget for courses, because it helps employees and the company in the long term.

First, a course gives people skills they can use every day. For example, a colleague of mine took a short Excel course last year, and now she prepares our monthly reports in half the time. A free lunch is pleasant, but its benefit ends when the meal is over.

Second, a learning budget shows employees that the company cares about their future. People who feel supported are more likely to stay. When my previous employer stopped paying for training, two experienced coworkers left within a year, and replacing them was expensive and stressful.

I understand that a Friday lunch is good for team spirit, and it is a nice idea. However, teams can still meet for lunch on their own, while most people cannot easily pay for professional courses themselves.

For these reasons, I believe a course budget is the more valuable choice for both the staff and the company.

Why it works: the choice is clear immediately, each reason has a concrete example, the other option is treated fairly, and the conclusion doesn't copy the first sentence. About 170 words.

Sample 2

Survey: Your city wants to improve life for families. Which project should it choose?

• Option A: Build a new indoor swimming pool
• Option B: Open more free after-school programs at community centres

In my opinion, the city should choose Option B and open more free after-school programs.

The main reason is that these programs help working parents. Many parents finish work at five or six o'clock, but school ends at around three. A safe, free place for children in those hours would reduce stress for thousands of families and save them money on babysitters.

In addition, after-school programs can reach more children. A swimming pool would be in one neighbourhood, so families on the other side of the city might not use it often. Programs in several community centres would be close to where people live, and children could walk there.

A new pool would certainly be popular, especially in winter. Still, I think helping families every school day is more important than one new building.

To sum up, free after-school programs would make a real difference to more families, so they are the better choice for our city.

Why it works: practical reasons tied to real people (working parents, children), a comparison with the other option, and clear linking words (The main reason, In addition, Still, To sum up). About 157 words.

Sample 3

Survey: Your apartment building is choosing a new rule. Which do you support?

• Option A: No noise after 10 p.m. on weeknights
• Option B: Allow pets in all apartments

I support Option A, a no-noise rule after 10 p.m. on weeknights.

First, people need sleep to work and study well. In our building, many residents start work early, including nurses and construction workers who leave home before six. Loud music or parties late at night make it hard for them to rest.

Second, a clear rule prevents conflicts between neighbours. Last month, two families on my floor argued for weeks because nobody knew what was acceptable. At the moment, people feel uncomfortable knocking on a neighbour's door to complain. If there is an official rule, it is easier to remind someone politely, and the building manager can help if the problem continues.

Allowing pets is a kind idea, and I know many residents love animals. However, pets can also cause noise and allergies, so that decision needs more discussion.

Overall, a quiet-hours rule would improve daily life for almost everyone in the building, so I think it should be our first choice.

Why it works: each reason is developed with details from the building context, the tone stays neutral and polite, and the other option is acknowledged before returning to the choice. About 163 words.

Common Mistakes in Task 2

• Not choosing, or saying both options are good without a clear decision.
• Changing your choice in the conclusion.
• Writing an academic essay with a long introduction about society. Get to your choice quickly.
• Listing reasons without examples. One specific example makes a reason convincing.
• Going far over 200 words, which leaves less time to check your writing.

For the email task, see CELPIP Writing Task 1 sample emails. For a full strategy, read CELPIP Writing tips with model answers. If you want feedback on your own responses, see CELPIP preparation with Masha.