CELPIP Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions

1. 1

   Decide · about 2 minutes

   Pick the option you can support best — not the one you think sounds “right”. Note two different reasons and one fair point about the other option.

2. 2

   Write · about 20 minutes

   Choice first, then one paragraph per reason, then the other option. Watch the word bar: aim for the band between the two ticks.

3. 3

   Check · the last 3–4 minutes

   Run the self-check: is your position clear, are there two developed reasons, and did you address the other option?

1. 1

   Your choice, in the first sentence or two

   Name the option you prefer and the main reason in a phrase. Avoid “both options are good”.

2. 2

   Reason one, developed

   A specific situation: who benefits, what changes for them, and why it matters.

3. 3

   Reason two, from a different angle

   Cost, time, safety, health or community — not the first reason in new words.

4. 4

   The other option, fairly

   Say what is good about it, then why your choice still serves people better.

1. Position stated — could a reader underline your choice in the first two sentences?
2. Two reasons — does each reason have its own paragraph and at least one specific detail?
3. Other option addressed — did you say something fair about it before setting it aside?

These are the three boxes in the editor’s self-check. Tick them before you submit; the AI report then shows how fully it found each part of the task covered.

Prompt: Your city is redesigning a neighbourhood park and can afford only one new feature. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. Option A: A covered playground for young children. Option B: An outdoor fitness area for adults.

All prompts are original, written for practice in the style of the test — not real or past CELPIP questions. Choose one to load it into the timed editor.

1. Library improvement. Your local library has funding for one improvement. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: Stay open until 9 p.m. on weekdays. B: Buy additional public computers. Practise this prompt
2. Neighbourhood park. Your city is redesigning a neighbourhood park and can afford only one new feature. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: A covered playground for young children. B: An outdoor fitness area for adults. Practise this prompt
3. Workplace benefit. Your employer will introduce one new benefit next year. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: Two extra paid vacation days per year. B: A monthly allowance for public transit. Practise this prompt
4. School funding. A local school board has extra money for one program. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: Free after-school tutoring for all grades. B: New equipment for sports and music programs. Practise this prompt
5. New community centre program. Your community centre has room for one new weekly program. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: Free English conversation circles for newcomers. B: Cooking classes for families. Practise this prompt
6. Improving public transit. Your city has money to improve public transit in one way. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: Run buses more often during rush hour. B: Add late-night bus service on weekends. Practise this prompt
7. New work schedule. Your employer is choosing a new work schedule for next year. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: A four-day week with longer working days. B: A five-day week with flexible start times. Practise this prompt
8. Apartment building upgrade. Your apartment building has money for one improvement for residents. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: A rooftop garden with seating. B: An updated fitness room. Practise this prompt
9. Summer community event. Your town can afford to hold one large event next summer. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: An outdoor music festival in the park. B: A weekend food and craft market downtown. Practise this prompt
10. Helping residents stay active. Your city wants to help residents stay active and has funding for one project. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: Free swimming passes for children and teenagers. B: New protected bike lanes on main streets. Practise this prompt
11. Reducing waste. Your city wants to reduce the amount of garbage sent to the landfill. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: Weekly compost collection for every home. B: More recycling bins in parks and public spaces. Practise this prompt
12. Workplace training. Your employer will pay for one type of training for staff next year. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: An online course that each employee chooses. B: In-person workshops for the whole team. Practise this prompt
13. Neighbourhood winter event. Your neighbourhood association is planning one winter event for residents. Which option do you prefer? Explain your reasons. A: A skating party at the outdoor rink. B: A potluck dinner at the community hall. Practise this prompt

• Sitting on the fence. “Both options have advantages” without a clear choice weakens Task Fulfillment.
• Choosing one side, then arguing for the other. Reread your reasons — they should all point the same way.
• Listing instead of developing. Four short reasons with no detail read weaker than two developed ones.
• Ignoring the other option entirely. One fair sentence about it shows you have weighed the choice.
• Writing a general essay. Answer for your community, building or workplace — specific beats abstract.

Not sure which one applies to you? Try the three-point check, or paste an old answer into the writing checker.