CELPIP Writing Task 2 - The Survey Response Hack Nobody Talks About

What Is Task 2?

Task 2 presents a survey prompt about a community, workplace, or social issue. You must:

1. Choose one option from the survey (e.g., "Option A: Build a park" or "Option B: Build a parking lot")
2. Write a response explaining and supporting your choice (~150–200 words)
3. Complete it in the remaining time (~26 minutes)

The key difference from Task 1: you're not just relaying information - you're arguing a position. You need to persuade the reader that your choice is the right one.

The Opinion Framework

Use this framework for every Task 2 response:

Paragraph 1 - State your choice (2 sentences):
"I strongly believe that [Option X] is the better choice for our community. There are several compelling reasons for this position."

Paragraph 2 - Reason 1 + Example (3–4 sentences):
"First and foremost, [reason]. For example, [specific example or detail]."

Paragraph 3 - Reason 2 + Example (3–4 sentences):
"Furthermore, [reason]. To illustrate, [example]."

Paragraph 4 - Acknowledge the other option + Reaffirm (2–3 sentences):
"While [other option] has some merit, I believe it falls short because [brief counter]. Therefore, [Option X] remains the superior choice."

This framework ensures you: state a position, support it with reasons, address the counterargument, and reach a conclusion - all CLB 7 requirements.

20 Must-Know Opinion Phrases

Sprinkle these throughout your survey response:

Stating your opinion:
- "I firmly believe that..."
- "In my opinion..."
- "From my perspective..."
- "It is my strong conviction that..."

Supporting your argument:
- "The primary reason is that..."
- "This is supported by the fact that..."
- "A key advantage of this option is..."
- "One cannot overlook the benefit of..."

Giving examples:
- "For instance..."
- "A prime example of this is..."
- "This can be seen in cases where..."
- "To illustrate this point..."

Acknowledging the opposing view:
- "Admittedly, some may argue that..."
- "While there is some validity to..."
- "Despite the merits of the alternative..."

Concluding:
- "In light of these reasons..."
- "Taking everything into consideration..."
- "All things considered..."
- "For the reasons outlined above..."

Use 8–10 of these per response and your coherence score jumps.

Common Task 2 Mistakes

• Not choosing a side: You MUST pick one option and defend it. Don't write "both options are good."
• Weak examples: "This is better because it's good" is not an example. Use: "This is better because it provides outdoor recreation space, which has been shown to reduce stress and promote family bonding."
• Ignoring the other option: Not addressing the alternative option at all misses the CLB 7 criterion of acknowledging different perspectives.
• Running out of time: Task 2 often gets less time because writers overspend on Task 1. Budget your time.