Best structure
Clear choice, reason 1, reason 2, contrast, closing
How to Answer CELPIP Writing Task 2 Survey Questions: Template and Examples
Short answer: For CELPIP Writing Task 2, choose one option clearly and support it with two specific reasons.
Your answer should sound like a practical opinion, not an academic essay, and it should explain why your choice is better for the people in the situation.
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Start here
The answer framework
Use this page as an answer-first guide: start with the direct response, then use examples, templates, and mistakes to practise with a clear scoring target.
Typical length
About 150-200 words
Tone
Clear, practical, and respectful
Main risk
Discussing both options equally without a clear choice
How to use this page
- 1Read the short answer first.
- 2Copy the template structure.
- 3Practise with one sample prompt.
- 4Check your response against the mistakes list.
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Practice prompts
Sample CELPIP-style questions
These prompts are original practice examples, not copied from official CELPIP materials.
Question 1
Your city is planning to improve public spaces. Should it build more bike lanes or more playgrounds?
Question 2
Your company has extra training money. Should it offer online courses or in-person workshops?
Question 3
A school wants to reduce cafeteria waste. Should it charge for disposable containers or give discounts for reusable ones?
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Examples
Sample answers
Read the structure first: direct answer, reasons, specific detail, and clean ending.
Sample answer: Public space survey
I believe the city should build more bike lanes because this option would help more residents on a daily basis. Many people want to cycle to work or school, but they avoid it because the roads feel unsafe.
The first reason is safety. If the city creates protected bike lanes, cyclists will not need to ride so close to cars and buses. This could reduce accidents and make parents more comfortable letting teenagers bike independently.
The second reason is traffic. Bike lanes can encourage short trips by bicycle instead of car, especially in busy neighbourhoods. Playgrounds are also important, but bike lanes would support transportation, health, and the environment for a wider group of people.
Sample answer: Company training survey
I believe the company should offer online courses because they would be more flexible for employees with different schedules. Many staff members are busy with client work, family responsibilities, or long commutes, so attending a fixed workshop may be difficult.
The first reason is convenience. Employees could complete online lessons during quieter work periods or after important deadlines. This would make the training easier to finish without interrupting regular tasks.
The second reason is variety. Online courses can cover many topics, such as communication, software skills, and leadership, while one in-person workshop usually focuses on only one area. Although workshops can be useful for group discussion, online courses would give more employees access to practical training.
Sample answer: Cafeteria waste survey
In my opinion, the school should give discounts to students who bring reusable containers. This approach would reduce waste in a positive way instead of making students feel punished.
The main reason is motivation. If students can save money by using their own containers, they are more likely to change their habits. A small discount can remind them to prepare before coming to school.
Another important point is fairness. Charging for disposable containers may affect students who forget once or who cannot easily buy reusable items. Discounts are more encouraging because they reward good behaviour while still allowing students to choose. Overall, I think this option would create better long-term habits.
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Reusable frames
Templates
Use templates as structure, not as memorized full answers.
Template 1
Survey response template
I believe [option A] is the better choice. The first reason is [reason 1]. For example, [example]. The second reason is [reason 2]. Although [option B] has some benefits, [option A] would be more useful because [final reason].
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Score protection
Common mistakes
Fix the mistakes that make an otherwise good answer look weak or incomplete.
Discussing both options equally.
Choose one side clearly in the first paragraph.
Writing a long academic introduction.
Start directly with your choice and first reason.
No examples.
Add a workplace, school, family, city, or daily-life example.
Weak closing.
Restate why your option is more useful or practical.
Related CELPIP guides
FAQ
How do I answer CELPIP Writing Task 2?
Choose one option clearly, support it with two reasons, add a practical example, and close by explaining why your choice is better.
Do I need to discuss both options?
You can mention the other option briefly, but your answer should clearly support one choice.
How many paragraphs should Task 2 have?
Three or four short paragraphs usually work well: opinion, reason 1, reason 2, and closing.
Can I use “I believe” in CELPIP Writing?
Yes. Task 2 asks for your opinion, so phrases like “I believe” and “In my view” are natural.
What is a good CELPIP survey response template?
Use: clear choice, first reason, example, second reason, short contrast, and final recommendation.
How can I improve my CELPIP Writing Task 2 score?
Improve task completion, paragraph control, grammar accuracy, vocabulary precision, and the specificity of your examples.
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Send us your speaking or writing response and get corrections based on CELPIP scoring criteria. We will point out what is already working, what is unclear, and what to fix first in your structure, grammar, vocabulary, and task completion.
Use the feedback to revise one answer, practise the same task again, and build a cleaner response before your next timed attempt.
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