CELPIP Writing Task 2 survey response
CELPIP Task 2 is a survey response. The prompt gives you a scenario and two or more options, and asks you to choose one and explain why. You have 27 minutes and a recommended length of 150-200 words.
The format sounds simple, but most test takers drop marks at the same two points: they are not decisive enough about their choice, and they develop their reasons with description instead of explanation. This guide shows you the structure, the scoring criteria, and exactly what separates CLB 7 from CLB 9.
How CELPIP Task 2 is scored
| Criterion | What CLB 9 looks like | What CLB 7 looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Task Achievement | Clear choice stated early; both reasons directly support it; all prompts addressed | Choice stated, but one reason is weak or partially off-topic |
| Organization | Four clear moves (introduce, reason 1, reason 2, close); smooth transitions | Clear start and end, but body paragraphs run together or lack clear focus per paragraph |
| Vocabulary Range | Precise word choice, no repetition within a paragraph, occasional low-frequency vocabulary used correctly | Adequate vocabulary, some repetition, mostly high-frequency words |
| Grammar Range | Mix of simple and complex structures; relative clauses, conditionals, or noun phrases used accurately | Mostly simple structures; complex attempts occasionally contain errors |
The 4-paragraph structure
Introduction (2-3 sentences)
State which option you choose and briefly preview why. Do not hedge. The examiner should know your choice within the first two sentences.
Body paragraph 1 -- first reason (40-55 words)
State the reason clearly, explain the logic (why does it matter?), and give one specific example or realistic outcome. Use the SEAL system (below).
Body paragraph 2 -- second reason (40-55 words)
Give a different reason that comes from a different angle -- not just a restatement of the first idea. Avoid starting with the same sentence structure as paragraph 1.
Closing (1-2 sentences)
Restate your choice in different words. You may briefly echo one key reason. Do not introduce anything new here.
The SEAL body paragraph system
SEAL stands for Statement, Explanation, Application, Link. Apply it to each body paragraph to ensure full development without going over the word limit.
Statement
One sentence that names the reason. Keep it direct: "One reason I prefer Option A is that it saves significant time."
Explanation
One or two sentences explaining why this matters. Show the cause-and-effect chain, not just a description of the option.
Application
One sentence applying the reason to a realistic scenario. Be specific: name a type of person, a situation, or a measurable outcome.
Link
One brief sentence connecting this reason back to your overall choice. This prevents paragraphs from ending abruptly.
Scored sample: CLB 7 vs CLB 9
Prompt: "Your company is deciding whether to hold the annual staff appreciation event at a restaurant (Option A) or at an outdoor park (Option B). Which option do you prefer, and why?"
"I prefer Option A, the restaurant. Restaurants are a nice place for events because everyone can enjoy the food. It is also a comfortable place, especially if the weather is bad. The second reason I like restaurants is that they have a nice atmosphere and people feel comfortable. I think the restaurant is a good choice for the staff event because it is convenient for everyone."
- Choice is clear -- good start.
- Reason 1 (food, comfort) and Reason 2 (atmosphere, comfort) are essentially the same idea.
- No specific scenario applied -- "nice atmosphere" is a description, not an explanation.
- Repeated vocabulary: "comfortable" twice, "nice" twice.
"I would strongly recommend Option A, holding the event at a restaurant, as it provides a more controlled and professional setting for a staff appreciation occasion.
One key advantage is reliability. A restaurant eliminates weather-related uncertainty, which is particularly important for a company event that requires advance reservations and coordinated attendance. An outdoor event cancelled or disrupted by rain would leave a negative impression rather than a positive one.
Additionally, restaurants offer dedicated service and set menus that reduce organizational pressure on the event planners. Rather than arranging catering, seating, and cleanup independently, staff can focus entirely on enjoying the recognition being offered to them.
For these reasons, the restaurant option is the most practical and memorable choice for a staff appreciation event."
- Two clearly different reasons: reliability (weather) and reduced planning burden.
- Specific scenario applied in paragraph 1: advance reservations, cancelled event, negative impression.
- Paragraph 2 shows a realistic outcome: planners freed to participate rather than manage logistics.
- No vocabulary repetition across paragraphs; precise word choices: "organizational pressure," "coordinated attendance."
Vocabulary by purpose
| Purpose | Useful phrases |
|---|---|
| State your choice | I would strongly recommend... / My preference is clearly for... / I would choose Option A because... / Without hesitation, I would select... |
| Introduce first reason | One key advantage is... / A primary benefit of this option is... / The first reason for my preference is... |
| Introduce second reason | Beyond this, / An equally important consideration is... / A further advantage is... / This option also excels in terms of... |
| Apply to a scenario | Consider a situation where... / For someone who... / In practical terms, this means that... / This is especially relevant when... |
| Contrast the other option | While Option B may seem appealing... / Although the alternative has some merit... / Unlike Option B, which requires... |
| Close your response | For these reasons, my choice remains... / On balance, Option A is the more practical choice. / Given these advantages, I am confident that... |
Common mistakes and fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Choice is delayed -- reader cannot tell which option you prefer until the second paragraph | State your choice in sentence 1 of the introduction. Never make the examiner read ahead to find it. |
| Two body paragraphs defend the same basic reason (both say "it is more convenient") | Name your two reasons before you write. If they come from the same category (both convenience, both cost), one of them needs to change. |
| Spending two sentences acknowledging the other option makes the response feel undecided | One brief contrast sentence is enough. "While Option B is appealing, it lacks X." Then move on. |
| Support describes the option rather than explaining why it matters | After stating a reason, ask yourself "so what?" until you reach a real effect on a real person or situation. |
| Closing sentence introduces a new reason not mentioned in the body | The closing restates your choice and echoes the two reasons already given. Nothing more. |
| Using "I think" three or more times in 180 words | Vary your stance markers: "I would argue," "this suggests," "in my view," "this is precisely why." |
Timing plan for 27 minutes
| Stage | Time | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Read and plan | 3 minutes | Read the scenario, choose your option, list two distinct reasons, and note one specific application for each. |
| Introduction | 3 minutes | State your choice and briefly preview your two reasons in 2-3 sentences. |
| Body paragraph 1 | 7 minutes | Write SEAL: statement, explanation, application, link (40-55 words). |
| Body paragraph 2 | 7 minutes | Same SEAL structure, different reason and angle (40-55 words). |
| Closing + review | 7 minutes | Write 1-2 sentence closing, then scan for repetition, missing articles, and subject-verb agreement errors. |
Next step
FAQ
What is the main goal in CELPIP Writing Task 2?
The main goal is to choose one option clearly, then defend that choice with two well-developed reasons. The examiner is not looking for a balanced debate -- they are looking for a clear, organized, and well-supported preference. State your choice in the first sentence and keep every paragraph pointed in that direction.
Do I need to discuss both options equally?
No. CELPIP Task 2 is a survey response, not a balanced discussion essay. Choose one option and focus on it. You can briefly acknowledge the other option if it strengthens your contrast, but spending more than one sentence on the rejected option wastes your word count and weakens your Task Achievement score.
What lowers CELPIP Task 2 scores most often?
The top three causes of dropped scores are: (1) an unclear or delayed choice -- the reader cannot tell which option you prefer until the middle or end, (2) repeating the same reason twice in different words instead of developing two distinct ideas, and (3) vague support that describes what you chose without showing why it matters.
How long should CELPIP Task 2 be?
The recommended length is 150-200 words. You have 27 minutes. Aim for 170-190 words with a four-paragraph structure: introduction (choose + preview), body 1, body 2, closing. Going significantly over 200 words usually means your ideas are not concise enough, which can hurt your organization score.
Can I change my opinion partway through the response?
No. Changing your choice midway through the response is one of the most damaging things you can do to your Task Achievement and Organization scores. Choose one option at the start and stay with it. If you feel tempted to switch, that is usually a sign you need to pick a different starting option -- one you can defend more easily.
How detailed should my examples be in Task 2?
Task 2 examples should be realistic and specific enough to be believable, but do not need to be based on real facts. Instead of 'many people prefer working from home,' write 'a parent with young children saves nearly two hours daily by eliminating their commute, which they can spend helping with homework or preparing healthier meals.' The added specificity makes the reason convincing.
Is it okay to use casual language in Task 2?
Task 2 is a survey response, which is semi-formal in register. You do not need the academic formality of an IELTS essay, but avoid slang, contractions (I'd, it's), or overly casual phrases. Match the register you would use writing a thoughtful response to an employer survey: clear, polite, and direct.