CELPIP Writing Task 2 Template: Survey Response

Goal

Write a survey response (officially: “Responding to Survey Questions”) of 150–200 words in 26 minutes. You’ll be given two options and must choose one, then explain your choice with reasons, examples, and a comparison to the other option.

Sample Prompt

Every step below reuses the same prompt so you can watch one scenario travel through the full template.

Prompt: Your town is developing a green area. Choose between a recreational park or a shopping complex. Explain your choice and compare it with the other option.

What the Examiner Looks For

Step 1: State Your Opinion

Goal: Open by clearly choosing one option. Don’t be ambiguous: commit to your choice in the first sentence.

Grammar Booster: Opinion Hedging

Balance confidence with sophistication by using hedging structures:

The Template

• Clear opinion: From my perspective, the best option is [your choice].
• Reinforcement: After considering both options, I strongly feel that [choice] would [benefit].

Example: From my perspective, the best option is to develop a recreational park in the town’s green area. After considering both options, I strongly feel that a park would benefit the community more than a shopping complex.

Step 2: First Reason with Support

Goal: Present your strongest reason and back it up with a specific example or detail.

Grammar Booster: Reason + Because Clause

Formula: The primary reason I prefer this option is that + [reason clause].

This structure is more sophisticated than I like it because… and demonstrates advanced grammar control.

Variations:

• The most important factor to me is…
• One key reason for my decision is…
• The first point I would like to make is…

The Template

• Reason introduction: The primary reason I prefer this option is that [reason].
• Specific example: For example, [concrete detail].
• Relevance statement: This is particularly relevant because [connection to real life].

Example: The primary reason I prefer this option is that it would promote a healthier lifestyle. For example, the park could include walking trails, open fields for sports, and playgrounds, encouraging residents to stay active outdoors. This is particularly relevant because there are currently limited spaces for outdoor exercise in our town.

Step 3: Second Reason with Support

Goal: Present a second, different reason. Show breadth of thinking.

Grammar Booster: Additive Discourse Markers

Layer your second reason with connectors that show logical progression:

The Template

• Second reason: Another reason I support this choice is [reason].
• Expansion: Moreover, I would like to point out that [additional detail].
• Example/evidence: [Specific supporting detail].

Example: Another reason I support this choice is the recreational park would foster a sense of community. Moreover, I would like to point out that parks provide a free space where families and friends can gather, picnic, and enjoy nature. A petting zoo, in particular, would be a wonderful attraction for children, helping them connect with animals.

Step 4: Compare with the Other Option

Goal: Briefly explain why the other option is less suitable. Don’t attack it, compare it objectively.

Grammar Booster: Concession + Contrast

Use concession structures to acknowledge the other side before countering:

The Template

• Concession: Compared to the other option, [your choice] [advantage].
• Contrast: While some might argue for the other choice, I believe that [reason].

Example: Compared to the other option, a shopping complex would not bring the same long-term benefits. While some might argue for the other choice, I believe that having more green spaces is vital for the well-being of a small town like ours.

Step 5: Conclusion

Goal: Restate your opinion using different words. Do NOT introduce new arguments. Add a polite closing formula.

Grammar Booster: Paraphrased Restatement

Restate your opinion without repeating the exact same words:

The Template

• Restatement: In conclusion, I strongly believe that [paraphrased opinion].
• Summary: For all these reasons, I am convinced that [benefit summary].
• Polite formula (optional): Thank you for this opportunity to express my opinion.

Example: In conclusion, I strongly believe that building a recreational park is the better choice for our town’s development. For all these reasons, I am convinced that a park would create more opportunities for healthy living and strengthen community bonds.

Model Answer (Score 9+)

Putting it all together, here is the full annotated response to the sample prompt at the top of this template:

Opinion Hedge From my perspective, the best option is to develop a recreational park in the town’s green area. Clear Opinion After considering both options, I strongly feel that a park would benefit the community more than a shopping complex.

Reason Structure The primary reason I prefer this option is that it would promote a healthier lifestyle. Supporting Detail For example, the park could include walking trails, open fields for sports, and playgrounds, encouraging residents to stay active outdoors. Relevance This is particularly relevant because there are currently limited spaces for outdoor exercise in our town.

Second Reason Another reason I support this choice is the recreational park would foster a sense of community. Emphasis Moreover, I would like to point out that parks provide a free space where families and friends can gather, picnic, and enjoy nature. A petting zoo, in particular, would be a wonderful attraction for children, helping them connect with animals.

Comparison Compared to the other option, a shopping complex would not bring the same long-term benefits. Concession While some might argue for the other choice, I believe that having more green spaces is vital for the well-being of a small town like ours.

Restatement In conclusion, I strongly believe that building a recreational park is the better choice for our town’s development. Summary For all these reasons, I am convinced that a park would create more opportunities for healthy living and strengthen community bonds.

Universal Phrase Banks

Stating Your Opinion

Introducing Reasons

Supporting with Examples

Comparing Options

Concluding