CELPIP Writing
Task 2 of 2
Responding to Survey Questions
You're presented with a survey question offering options, and you pick a position and argue for it in writing. A clear choice defended with reasons scores better than hedging between the options.
- to write
- 26 min
- words
- 150–200
- criteria scored
- 4
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What a Task 2 prompt looks like
An example written by Celpip Plus in the same shape as the real writing task, with notes on how to read it.
Your city has extra money in this year's budget and is asking residents how to spend itnote 1. Choose the option you prefer and explain whynote 2.
Option A: Build an indoor sports centre with a pool.
Option B: Run buses more often in the evenings and on weekends.
Write 150–200 wordsnote 3.
- 1 The context: a city budget, so argue for what helps residents, not only you.
- 2 The choice: pick one option and stay with it. Neither is the right answer; your reasons are what's marked.
- 3 The length: 150–200 words in 26 minutes leaves time to plan two reasons and check your work.
How to prepare for Responding to Survey Questions
- Choose the side you can argue most easily, not the one you personally believe, since a well-supported position scores better than a heartfelt but thin one.
- Back your choice with specific reasons and examples, because developed Content is what lifts your argument above a bare opinion.
- State your position clearly at the start and restate it at the end so your stance is unmistakable throughout.
What raters look for in Task 2
- Content/CoherenceYour choice in the first sentence, then two reasons, each developed with an example.
- VocabularyLanguage for weighing options: "would benefit", "in the long run", "compared with".
- ReadabilityClear paragraphs and linking words, with grammar and spelling that don't slow the reader down.
- Task FulfillmentOne option chosen and explained, in 150–200 words. Mentioning the other option is fine when it supports your choice.
For how the four criteria turn into a CELPIP level from 1 to 12, read How CELPIP Writing is scored.
Keep going with Writing Task 2
Practise on the real interface
The same screen, timer and controls as test day — rebuilt so nothing on the exam is a surprise.
Responding to Survey Questions: frequently asked questions
You get 26 minutes to write CELPIP Writing Task 2, and you're aiming for 150–200 words in your response.
No, there is no correct side; what matters is how clearly and convincingly you argue for the option you choose.
You can acknowledge it briefly, but your focus should stay on building strong reasons for your own choice, since that is what the task rewards.
Write within the suggested length range and use the space to develop your reasons fully; a clear, well-supported argument matters more than hitting an exact count.