CELPIP Writing Part 2: Responding to Survey Questions
In Task 2, you respond to a survey question by choosing an option and defending your choice in 150-200 words within 26 minutes. You need to state your opinion clearly, support it with reasons and examples, and write in a semi-formal tone.
Practice Responding to Survey Questions NowWhat Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions looks like on test day
You will see a survey-style question with two or more options — for example, "Should your community build a new park or a new library? Choose one and explain why."
You choose one option and write a persuasive response of 150-200 words defending your choice. You must give reasons and examples to support your position.
Raters assess your argument quality (clear position with support), vocabulary range, grammatical accuracy, coherence (logical paragraph structure), and task fulfillment.
How to score CLB 9+ on Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions
- State your choice in the first sentence: "I believe our community should build a new library." Don't bury your position.
- Use the OREO structure: Opinion, Reason 1 + Example, Reason 2 + Example, Opinion restated. This gives you 4 clear paragraphs.
- Briefly acknowledge the other option: "While a new park would be nice, I think a library would benefit more people because..." This shows nuance.
- Use academic vocabulary: "Furthermore", "Additionally", "A significant advantage is", "This would lead to", "Evidence suggests".
- Always give specific examples. "A library helps students" is weak. "A library gives students a quiet space to study for exams and access free educational resources" is strong.
- Keep the tone semi-formal. This is a survey response to an organization, not a casual text to a friend.
Common mistakes on Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions
- Switching positions mid-essay or going neutral. Pick one option in the introduction and defend it consistently to the conclusion.
- Repeating the prompt verbatim instead of paraphrasing it in your own opening. Verbatim copying caps your vocabulary score.
- Listing reasons without examples. CLB 9+ requires concrete situations or comparisons that back each reason — abstractions alone are not enough.
- Running out of time and skipping the conclusion. Even one sentence summarizing your stance is required by the rubric.
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Start PracticingTask 2: Responding to Survey Questions FAQ
Is the tone for Task 2 the same as Task 1?+
No. Task 2 is always semi-formal (like writing to a community organization or survey). Task 1 varies between formal and informal depending on the recipient.
Does it matter which option I choose?+
No. Raters evaluate the quality of your argument, not which option you picked. Choose the option you can argue for more easily in English.
How should I structure my response?+
Paragraph 1: State your opinion. Paragraph 2: First reason with an example. Paragraph 3: Second reason with an example. Paragraph 4: Brief conclusion restating your position.
What if I can't think of examples?+
Make them up. Use phrases like "For instance, in my neighborhood..." or "Based on my experience..." The raters assess your English, not the truthfulness of your examples.
How is Task 2 scored differently from Task 1?+
Task 2 places more emphasis on argumentation and persuasion. Task 1 focuses more on tone and format. Both assess grammar, vocabulary, and coherence equally.