CELPIP Writing · Survey it
CELPIP Writing Practice — Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions
In CELPIP Writing Task 2 you read a survey question with two or more options, choose one, and write a response that explains your choice. CELPIP Trainer generates the survey, scores your answer on the 1–12 band, and shows a model response.
How this task works
Task 2 tests whether you can take a position and support it. You pick an option, give reasons, and address the reader as if writing to a community or organisation. Raters reward a clear opinion backed by developed, relevant reasons.
- Time
- 26 minutes
- Length
- 150–200 words
- Format
- Choose one option and defend it
- Scored on
- Content · coherence · vocabulary · readability
- Band
- CELPIP 1–12
A worked example
Here's a real example of the kind of task and answer you'll practise. On the app, the content is generated fresh each round.
Survey prompt
Your city council has money to improve one public space. Which should they fund?
- Option A: Upgrade the downtown public library
- Option B: Build a new park with sports facilities
Choose one option and explain your choice.
Model answer — ~CELPIP 10 (Option A)
I strongly believe the council should invest in upgrading the downtown public library rather than building a new sports park.
First, a library serves everyone. Children, students, job seekers and seniors all use it, regardless of age or fitness, whereas sports facilities mainly benefit those who are already active. Second, our current library is overcrowded and its computers are outdated; many residents rely on them for schoolwork and job applications they cannot do at home.
While a new park would be pleasant, the city already has several green spaces. A modern library, by contrast, would fill a real gap in access to information and quiet study space. For these reasons, I firmly support funding the library.
✓States the choice in the first sentence — no ambiguity for the rater.
✓Two developed reasons (“serves everyone”, “overcrowded”) with specifics.
✓Acknowledges the other option, then rebuts it — a mark of higher bands.
Tips to score higher
- ✓Pick the option that's easiest to argue, not the one you personally prefer.
- ✓State your choice in the first sentence, then give two or three developed reasons.
- ✓Briefly acknowledge the other option and explain why yours is stronger.
- ✓Use linking words (first, however, for these reasons) to guide the reader.
- ✓Keep one idea per paragraph so your response is easy to follow.
Frequently asked questions
01Is there a right answer in CELPIP Task 2?+
No. Either option can earn top marks — you are scored on how well you support your choice, not which option you pick.
02How is Task 2 different from Task 1?+
Task 1 is a situational email to one reader. Task 2 asks you to take a position on a survey question and defend it with reasons.
Keep reading
Why CELPIP Trainer
Reading helps. Practising helps more.
This page shows you what a task looks like. The app is where you actually improve — it scores you, adapts, and remembers your progress. It's free.
Instant AI scoring on the 1–12 band
Your Writing and Speaking are marked in CELPIP style with feedback and a model answer — not just a sample to read.
Unlimited fresh tasks
Samples run out; the app doesn't. Every round is a new AI-generated prompt, so you never memorise your way to a score.
Progress that sticks
Scores, streaks and the words you're learning are saved to your free account, so you always know what to work on next.
Short rounds, anywhere
Practice is broken into quick rounds you can finish on your phone — on the bus, on a break, whenever.