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CELPIP Writing · Task 2

Survey Response Template Guide

Learn how to choose the easier option, paraphrase the prompt, build two logical arguments, and use a high-scoring counter-argument before closing with a clear recommendation.

Time: 26 minutes

Target: 150-200 words

Format: survey response

Goal

How to Respond to a Survey

CELPIP Writing Task 2 asks you to write a formal survey response. Your goal is to take a clear position, support it with two logical reasons, acknowledge the other choice, and finish with a strong final recommendation. The best option is not always your real opinion; it is the option you can explain more clearly under time pressure.

Step 1

The Setup: Analyze the Options

Goal: choose the option that is easier to support with logical reasons, even if it is not your personal opinion. Before writing, use the Rule of 3.

Reason 1

Choose a broad theme such as convenience, time, safety, or accessibility.

Reason 2

Choose a different theme such as cost-saving, health, fairness, or long-term value.

Other Option

Find one positive point to use in your counter-argument.

Example: If the survey asks whether a company should add a gym or offer transit passes, you might choose transit passes because they save money and reduce commuting stress, while admitting that a gym could improve employee health.

Step 2

The Introduction: Stance & Paraphrase

Goal: state your opinion immediately and paraphrase the context using formal grammar. Do not simply replace one word; combine several paraphrasing strategies.

StrategyOriginal SentenceParaphrased Version
Passive VoiceThe city will close the downtown parking lot.The downtown parking lot would be closed by the city.
SynonymsThe company wants to reduce employee parking costs.The organization hopes to lower transportation expenses for staff.
Parts of SpeechThe new schedule will benefit commuters.The new schedule will provide clear benefits for commuters.
Word OrderResidents should choose between a new park and a larger parking area.Between a larger parking area and a new park, residents should support the option that serves the community better.

Opening: To the [City Council / Manager / Department],

Hook: After careful consideration, I strongly support the proposal that [Option A be implemented] rather than [Option B].

Roadmap: While both proposals add value, I believe [Option A] offers broader benefits regarding [Theme 1] and [Theme 2].

Example: To the Human Resources Department, after careful consideration, I strongly support the proposal that subsidized transit passes be introduced rather than an on-site fitness room. While both options could benefit employees, transit support would provide wider advantages in terms of affordability and daily convenience.

Step 3

Body Paragraph 1: Primary Argument

Goal: present your strongest reason first. If your first reason is about time, do not repeat time later. Develop one clear benefit with a practical explanation.

Grammar Booster: Clear Topic Sentences

Weak: This is good because people like it.

Strong:The main advantage of this option is that it would make employees' daily commute more affordable and predictable.

Transition: First and foremost,...

Detail: [Option A] would help [group] by [specific benefit].

Benefit: As a result, [positive outcome].

Example: First and foremost, subsidized transit passes would help employees reduce their monthly commuting expenses. As a result, staff members who rely on public transportation would feel less financial pressure and would be more likely to arrive at work on time.

Step 4

Body Paragraph 2: Secondary Argument

Goal: present a second, distinct benefit. If Body 1 was about money, make Body 2 about convenience, productivity, health, fairness, or the environment.

Grammar Booster: Gerunds as Subjects

Start sentences with an "-ing" verb to sound sophisticated and concise.

Weak: If people take the bus, it will help the environment.

Strong:Encouraging employees to take public transit would also reduce traffic congestion and support the company's environmental goals.

Transition: In addition,...

Detail (Gerund): Providing / Encouraging / Reducing / Improving [action] would...

Benefit: This would lead to [second positive result].

Example: In addition, encouraging employees to use public transportation would reduce the demand for limited parking spaces. This would create a smoother start to the workday and reduce frustration for both staff and visitors.

Step 5

Body Paragraph 3: The Counter-Argument

Goal: acknowledge the other option to show you are reasonable, then explain why your choice is still better. This is the checkmate paragraph.

Grammar Booster: Contrast Markers

Use the Admittedly... However... structure. This is a hallmark of a high-scoring essay.

Formula: Admittedly, [Option B] would [positive point]. However, [Option A] is still preferable because [stronger reason].

Concession: Admittedly, [Option B] has some value because...

Rebuttal: However, [Option A] would benefit more people / solve a more urgent problem / provide longer-term value.

Example: Admittedly, an on-site fitness room could encourage healthier habits among employees. However, it would mainly benefit people who already have time to exercise at work, whereas transit support would help a much wider group every single day.

Step 6

The Conclusion: Summary

Goal: summarize your main points and give a final recommendation. Do not introduce new ideas in the conclusion.

Summary: To sum up, based on the fact that [Option A] provides [Benefit 1] and [Benefit 2],...

Final Push: I therefore strongly urge the [Council/Management] to proceed with [Option A].

Example: To sum up, based on the fact that subsidized transit passes would lower commuting costs and reduce parking pressure, I strongly urge the company to proceed with this option.

Example Passage

Survey Prompt, Instructions, and Sample Response

Prompt

Your company has extra funding to improve employee benefits. Management is asking employees to choose one option: subsidized public transit passes or an on-site fitness room.

Instructions

  • • Choose one option.
  • • Explain why your choice is better.
  • • Support your opinion with reasons and examples.
  • • Write about 150-200 words.

To the Human Resources Department,

After careful consideration, I strongly support the proposal that subsidized public transit passes be introduced rather than an on-site fitness room. While both proposals add value, I believe transit support offers broader benefits regarding affordability and daily convenience.

First and foremost, subsidized transit passes would help employees reduce their monthly commuting expenses. Many staff members already spend a significant amount on buses or trains, so lowering this cost would make the benefit practical and immediately useful.

In addition, encouraging employees to use public transportation would reduce the demand for limited parking spaces. This would create a smoother start to the workday and reduce frustration for both staff and visitors.

Admittedly, an on-site fitness room could encourage healthier habits. However, it would mainly benefit employees who have time to exercise at work, whereas transit passes would support a wider group every day.

To sum up, because transit passes would lower commuting costs and reduce parking pressure, I strongly urge management to proceed with this option.