CELPIP Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions
In Writing Task 2 you read a survey with two options, choose the one you prefer, and explain why. You have 26 minutes for about 150 to 200 words. State your choice first, give reasons with details, and compare it to the other option.
Practice Responding to Survey Questions NowThe official format of Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions
CELPIP's official strategies for Writing Task 2
From CELPIP's Writing Pro: Target 9+ Study Pack (2026).
- Make an outline before you start writing.
- Start with an opinion statement and end with a concluding statement.
- State your choice at the beginning, and focus on reasons (not suggestions or descriptions).
- Support each main idea with at least one concrete detail or example.
- Compare your choice to the other choice.
- Avoid list or point form, and avoid overusing words from the question.
- Consider the audience: who will read the survey response? Don't write an academic essay.
- Check your work for 3 to 4 minutes after you write.
A 4-step structure for Task 2
Choose in your own words, give a reason with a real example, compare your choice to the other option, and recommend it again.
CELPIP Writing Task 2 sample answer
The Empty Lot. There is an empty lot in the middle of your neighborhood. The city plans to use it, and it has asked residents to respond to a survey.
Choose the option that you prefer. Why do you prefer your choice? Explain the reasons for your choice. Write about 150-200 words.
- Option A: I think the city should build a small grocery store there.
- Option B: I think the city should build a dog park there.
Dear City Council,
In my opinion, I would strongly prefer that the empty lot become a small grocery store. Our area does not have a single place to buy fresh food, and that affects almost everyone who lives here.
First, a store would save residents a lot of time and effort. For example, the closest supermarket is a twenty-five-minute bus ride away, and I often see older neighbors carrying heavy bags home from the bus stop in the rain. Families without cars have it even harder, especially in winter.
In addition, a store would serve every household all year, which a dog park simply cannot do. A dog park would mostly help people who own dogs, while a store would help families, seniors and students every single week.
For these reasons, I would strongly recommend building the grocery store. A dog park is a nice idea, but fresh food close to home is what our community truly needs.
Sincerely, Alex Morgan
161 words, counted the way CELPIP counts its own samples (every word, including the greeting and sign-off).
A free CELPIP Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions practice question
Neighborhood Transit Options
Read the following information.
Neighborhood Transportation Survey
Your local community is planning to improve transportation options. The city council wants to know which option residents prefer for the main street that connects your neighborhood to downtown.
Choose the option that you prefer. Why do you prefer your choice? Explain the reasons for your choice. Write about 150-200 words.
Option A: Add more bus routes with frequent service every 10 minutes during peak hours.
Option B: Build a dedicated bike lane with bike rental stations every few blocks.
Show the sample answer (CLB 9-10)
I wholeheartedly support Option A, implementing frequent bus service, as it represents the most inclusive and practical transportation solution for our diverse community. This choice addresses multiple transportation challenges simultaneously while serving the broadest possible demographic. Unlike cycling infrastructure, which inherently excludes elderly residents, families with small children, and individuals with physical limitations, accessible public transit creates genuine mobility equity. Furthermore, Canada's harsh winter climate renders bicycle transportation impractical for approximately six months annually, whereas modern heated buses operate reliably regardless of weather conditions. From an environmental perspective, while individual cycling produces zero emissions, the collective impact of efficient public transit far exceeds that of bike lanes - a single bus can replace twenty to thirty individual car trips during peak hours. My experience living in Vancouver demonstrated how transformative frequent, reliable transit can be: when buses arrive every ten minutes, public transportation becomes genuinely competitive with private vehicle use. This infrastructure investment would stimulate local economic development, reduce traffic congestion, and provide sustainable, year-round transportation accessibility for all residents, making it the superior long-term community investment.
More CELPIP Writing Task 2 survey questions
Give yourself the real time limit, aim for about 150 to 200 words, and leave a few minutes to check your work.
- Your city has money for one project. Option A: build a new public swimming pool. Option B: add more bike lanes downtown. Choose the option you prefer and explain why.
- Your workplace is changing its schedule. Option A: everyone works four 10-hour days. Option B: everyone works five 8-hour days with a flexible start time. Choose and explain.
- Your local library can extend its hours. Option A: open later on weekday evenings. Option B: open on Sunday mornings. Choose and explain.
- Your community center will offer a new free class. Option A: a cooking class for families. Option B: a computer skills class for seniors. Choose and explain.
- Your school board is deciding about lunch. Option A: provide free healthy lunches for all students. Option B: use the money to hire more teachers. Choose and explain.
- Your apartment building can make one improvement. Option A: a shared gym room. Option B: a rooftop garden. Choose and explain.
Common mistakes on Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions
- Not stating your choice at the beginning.
- Giving suggestions or descriptions instead of reasons for your choice.
- Never mentioning the other option. CELPIP's strategy list says to compare your choice to the other choice.
- Writing an academic essay instead of a response to the people running the survey.
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Start PracticingTask 2: Responding to Survey Questions FAQ
How long is CELPIP Writing Task 2?+
26 minutes, and the question asks for about 150 to 200 words.
Do I have to choose one option in Task 2?+
Yes. You choose the option you prefer and explain the reasons for your choice.
Should I mention the option I did not choose?+
Yes. CELPIP's strategy list includes "Compare your choice to the other choice."
Do I need a greeting in a CELPIP survey response?+
It is not required. CELPIP's strategy list does not mention one, though its own sample responses open with a greeting. Think about who will read your response.
What CELPIP Writing score do I need for Express Entry?+
Express Entry's Federal Skilled Worker program needs at least CLB 7 in writing and in each other skill, and the most first-language points start at CLB 10.