How long do I have for CELPIP Writing Task 2?

You have 26 minutes for Task 2. Since you have already completed Task 1, you should be warmed up. Spend 2-3 minutes planning your position and arguments, 18-20 minutes writing, and 3-5 minutes reviewing for errors.

How many words should I write for Task 2?

Aim for 150 to 200 words, similar to Task 1. You need enough space to develop your opinion with supporting reasons but not so much that you introduce errors. Quality of argumentation matters more than word count.

Do I have to pick a side in the survey response?

Yes. The prompt presents a topic or situation and asks for your opinion. You should take a clear position (agree/disagree, support/oppose, prefer one option). A balanced response that does not commit to a position will score lower on task fulfillment.

Is the survey response always formal?

Task 2 is generally semi-formal. You are responding to a survey, so the tone should be measured and professional, but it does not need to be as formal as a business letter. Avoid slang and overly casual language, but contractions are acceptable.

What makes a CLB 9 survey response?

A CLB 9 response has a clear position stated in the opening, two or three well-developed supporting reasons with specific examples, varied vocabulary and sentence structures, logical paragraph organization, and minimal grammar errors. The response should read as a cohesive argument, not a list of disconnected points.

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CELPIP Writing Task 2: Survey Response

Task 2 asks you to respond to a survey by expressing and supporting your opinion on a given topic. This guide shows you how to structure a persuasive response, develop your arguments, and reach CLB 9 or higher.

Task Format and Timing

26 min

Total Time

150-200

Target Words

Opinion

Task Type

The prompt presents a survey question about a general topic, such as workplace policies, community issues, education, or technology. You read two or more viewpoints or options and write a response expressing your own opinion. Unlike Task 1, there are no bullet points to address. Your job is to build a coherent argument for your position.

Recommended Response Structure

This four-part structure helps you build a clear argument within the word limit.

Opening: State Your Position (2-3 sentences)

Paraphrase the survey question and state your position clearly. Do not copy the prompt wording. Show the evaluator immediately where you stand.

Reason 1 with Supporting Detail (3-4 sentences)

State your first reason and develop it with an example, explanation, or personal experience. This should be your strongest argument.

Reason 2 with Supporting Detail (3-4 sentences)

Introduce your second reason. If space allows, briefly acknowledge the opposing view and explain why your position is still stronger.

Conclusion (2-3 sentences)

Restate your position using different wording. Tie your two reasons together into a final statement that reinforces your argument.

5 Strategies for a High-Scoring Survey Response

State your position in the first sentence

Do not build up to your opinion. Start with a clear statement like "I strongly believe that..." or "In my view, the best approach is..." This immediately satisfies the task fulfillment criterion and gives your response a clear direction.

Give two strong reasons with examples

Each reason should be a separate paragraph or clearly separated section. After stating the reason, add a specific example or explanation. "Working from home increases productivity because employees can focus without office interruptions" is stronger than just "Working from home is good."

Acknowledge the other side briefly

Spending one or two sentences acknowledging the opposite viewpoint shows sophisticated thinking. "While some argue that..., I believe..." or "Although there are concerns about..., the benefits outweigh them because..." This adds nuance without weakening your position.

Use topic sentences to start each paragraph

The first sentence of each paragraph should tell the reader what that paragraph is about. This makes your response easier to follow and demonstrates coherence, which is a key scoring criterion.

End with a confident conclusion

Your final sentences should restate your position and tie your arguments together. Do not introduce new ideas in the conclusion. A strong ending like "For these reasons, I firmly support..." leaves a positive impression.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not taking a clear position and staying neutral throughout
Listing reasons without developing any of them with examples
Repeating the same vocabulary and sentence patterns
Writing an introduction that is too long before getting to the arguments
Forgetting to proofread and leaving easily fixable grammar errors

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