CELPIP Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions
Choose one survey option and justify it with developed reasons relevant to the situation.
At a glance
- Time available
- 26 minutes
- Written response
- 1 response
- Recommended length
- 150–200 words
Use 200 words as the upper end of the recommended range, not as a guaranteed technical typing limit. CELPIP allows a little flexibility, but being substantially over or under the suggested length can affect your score. The word counter is there to help you stay on target.
Writing has two separately timed tasks: 27 minutes for the email and 26 minutes for the survey. Do not plan to borrow unused time from the other task.
Format reference: official Writing study pack · current test format. Checked 4 October 2026.
What you will do
One written response to a two-option survey. Recommended length: 150–200 words; email formatting is not needed.
Manage this part’s time
Suggested MockPip routine: plan for 4 minutes, draft for 17 minutes and revise for 5 minutes. Choose an option promptly so the planning time goes into support rather than repeated switching.
Practice routines are MockPip suggestions, not additional official timing rules.A step-by-step approach
- Choose one option and state it clearly at the beginning.
- Select two distinct reasons connected to the survey’s community or audience.
- Develop each reason with a consequence or a concrete example.
- Finish with a brief conclusion that reinforces the same choice.
Techniques for this task
- Compare the options using one shared criterion, such as access, cost or long-term usefulness.
- Build a reason → explanation → example chain instead of listing benefits.
- You may acknowledge a strength of the alternative, then explain why your option remains preferable.
- Keep the response as a survey argument, with no greeting, subject line or email sign-off.
See the technique in action
Original practice prompt: A neighbourhood can fund either a small library branch or a sports court. Choose one and explain why it would be more useful. A library argument might develop study access and year-round community activities as two separate reasons.
This example is independently written for practice.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Supporting both options equally without making a choice.
- Repeating the same reason in two paragraphs.
- Inventing statistics instead of explaining a plausible example.
Your next practice exercise
Write within 26 minutes. Label your choice, first reason, supporting example, second reason and conclusion. Revise any paragraph that merely repeats your preference.
Before you finish
- Did I choose exactly one option?
- Are the reasons distinct and developed?
- Is my response coherent and within the recommended 150–200 words?
Explore another skill
MockPip’s techniques and practice examples are independently created. MockPip is not affiliated with or endorsed by CELPIP or its test provider. Practice results are not official CELPIP scores.