CELPIP Writing Task 2 Template 2026: Survey Structure
By MyCELPIP Editorial Team · Updated September 9, 2026
CELPIP Writing Task 2 is Responding to Survey Questions. A strong response takes a clear position, develops reasons with specific support, and stays consistent with the option selected.
A template can save planning time, but the safest template is a structure, not a memorized essay.
Task 2 structure: clear position → reason 1 + example → reason 2 + example → concise conclusion.
The current CELPIP-General Writing component is 53 minutes for Task 1 and Task 2 together. Official sample materials commonly use a 150–200 word target for the written response.
Verify current test information on the official CELPIP-General page and use CELPIP Writing Pro for official performance guidance.
The flexible Task 2 template
Opening — choose a side immediately
Do not spend several sentences describing both options before deciding.
Examples:
- I would strongly support Option A because it would be more accessible and more useful to residents throughout the year.
- In my view, the city should choose the second proposal, mainly because it is less expensive and can be implemented more quickly.
Your first paragraph can be two or three sentences. Its job is to make the position unmistakable.
Body paragraph 1 — strongest reason + specific support
Structure:
Reason → explanation → example/consequence
Useful transitions:
- The strongest reason is...
- Most importantly...
- One major advantage is...
- This would matter because...
- For example...
Body paragraph 2 — second reason + specific support
Add a different reason, not a restatement of the first.
Useful transitions:
- Another important benefit is...
- In addition...
- A second reason is...
- This could also...
If helpful, acknowledge one disadvantage briefly and explain why your chosen option is still stronger.
Conclusion — reinforce the decision
Do not introduce a completely new reason in the final two sentences.
Examples:
- For these reasons, I believe Option A would provide the greatest long-term benefit.
- Although both proposals have advantages, the second option is the more practical choice for the community.
Original Task 2 practice prompt
Your community has funding for one new public space. Residents must choose between:
Option A: a year-round indoor study and coworking centre.
Option B: a large outdoor festival plaza used mainly for seasonal events.
Choose one option and explain why it would be better for the community.
Original sample response
I would choose the year-round study and coworking centre because it would serve more residents consistently and support both education and employment.
The strongest advantage is accessibility throughout the year. An outdoor festival plaza could be useful during summer, but bad weather would limit its value for several months. In contrast, students could use the indoor centre after school in every season. For example, high-school and college students who do not have a quiet place at home could study there in the evenings.
A second benefit is that the space could support job seekers and remote workers. Reliable internet, desks, and small meeting rooms would allow residents to attend online interviews, complete training courses, or work between appointments. These services could be used every week rather than only during special events.
Although a festival plaza might attract large crowds occasionally, I believe the indoor centre would provide a more dependable long-term benefit. It would support learning, employment, and community access throughout the entire year.
Why this response works
The sample:
- chooses one option immediately;
- gives two distinct reasons;
- develops each reason with specific consequences and examples;
- acknowledges the alternative without losing focus;
- maintains an appropriate survey/opinion tone;
- finishes by reinforcing the same position.
Task 2 planning in two minutes
Write only this:
Choice: A
R1: year-round → students
Ex: evening study
R2: jobs/remote work
Ex: interviews/training
Counter: plaza seasonal
Those notes are enough to produce a complete response without writing a full outline.
How many reasons should Task 2 have?
Two well-developed reasons are usually easier to control than four short reasons.
A third reason can work if it is genuinely different and you have enough time, but do not sacrifice examples, organization, or proofreading just to increase the number of points.
Useful Task 2 language
Position
- I strongly support...
- I would choose...
- In my view...
- I believe the better option is...
Development
- The main advantage is...
- This would be particularly useful because...
- A practical example is...
- As a result...
- In the long term...
Contrast
- Although the other option offers...
- While this is a valid concern...
- On the other hand...
- However, the larger benefit is...
Conclusion
- For these reasons...
- Overall...
- Taking these factors into account...
Common Task 2 mistakes
Sitting on the fence
The prompt asks you to choose. Make the position clear.
Giving reasons with no examples
"It is cheaper and more useful" is a start, not full development.
Repeating the same reason twice
"It helps families" and "families benefit" are one idea unless you develop different mechanisms.
Spending half the response attacking the other option
The goal is to defend your choice. Contrast can help, but your chosen option should remain the centre of the response.
Memorizing a universal introduction
A long generic opener uses words without advancing the argument.
Level 9-focused self-check
Content/Coherence: Are the reasons fully developed and logically connected?
Vocabulary: Are the words precise enough to compare options and consequences?
Readability: Are paragraphs clear and grammar controlled?
Task Fulfillment: Is the chosen position clear and fully supported?
Use CELPIP Writing Practice for timed Task 2 prompts, review the full Task 2 guide, and use the Writing 8→9 plan if you are trying to move one level higher.