CELPIP Responding to Survey Questions Template (W2)

What raters reward

The same four dimensions as Task 1, but here Coherence and Vocabulary are judged through persuasion: a clear, unwavering position, two well-developed reasons, contrast language to handle the other option, and topic-specific words rather than the prompt's words.

Your time plan

0–3 min — Plan — Pick the side that's easier to argue (not necessarily what you believe), and jot two distinct reasons, each with a benefit and a concrete example, plus one good point about the option you're rejecting.

3–23 min — Draft — Use the five-block shape below: state your choice, build two reason blocks, concede-and-rebut the other option, then conclude.

23–26 min — Proofread — Tighten wording to fit 150–200 words, check transitions read smoothly, and fix grammar and word choice.

How to structure it

Fill the [slots] with your own ideas — adapt the frames, don't recite them.

1. Position (introduction) — State the option you choose in the first sentence, with a one-line why.

2. Reason 1 — reason + benefit + result — Give your strongest reason, the benefit it brings, and the longer-term result.

3. Reason 2 — reason + benefit + result — Add a second, genuinely different reason developed the same way.

4. Concede & rebut the other option — Briefly acknowledge the rival option, then explain why yours still wins.

5. Conclusion — Restate your choice and the long-term advantage in one confident sentence.

1 Position (introduction) ~25 words

Commit immediately and never waver. Paraphrase the prompt rather than copying it.

Grammar Stance verb + paraphrase ('I firmly believe that …')

Phrases to adapt

After weighing both options, I firmly believe that [Option A] is the better choice.
If I had to choose, I would opt for [Option A] over [Option B] for two reasons.
In my view, [Option A] is clearly preferable because [one-line reason].

2 Reason 1 — reason + benefit + result ~50 words

Build it in three moves: reason → specific benefit/example → what it leads to. This depth separates band 8–9 from band 6.

Grammar Cause & result + conditionals ('if …, … will …')

Phrases to adapt

The most compelling reason is [concept: cost / time / community].
As a result, [stakeholders] would [benefit], which [longer-term result].
For instance, [concrete example].

3 Reason 2 — reason + benefit + result ~50 words

Make it a different angle from Reason 1 (e.g., cost vs. wellbeing), not a restatement.

Grammar Addition + gerund subject ('[Doing X] is …')

Phrases to adapt

Equally important is [second, distinct reason].
[Doing X] would also [benefit], meaning [result].
A clear example of this is [example].

4 Concede & rebut the other option ~25 words

One sentence of contrast shows critical thinking and lifts Coherence — concede a small point, then outweigh it.

Grammar Concession (Admittedly … However …)

Phrases to adapt

Admittedly, [Option B] would [small benefit].
However, [Option A] better meets [need] because [reason].
While the alternative has merit, it overlooks [flaw].

5 Conclusion ~20 words

Don't introduce new reasons — reinforce the thesis and land the plane.

Grammar Summary + recommendation ('I therefore urge …')

Phrases to adapt

To sum up, because [Option A] offers [benefit 1] and [benefit 2], it is the wiser choice.
I would therefore urge [the council / management] to proceed with [Option A].

Idea angles by theme

Stuck for reasons? Pick one or two themes and build a reason block from each line.

Cost & money

This option saves money in the long run by [reducing X].
It avoids the recurring expense of [Y].

Time & convenience

It's far more convenient because [reason].
It would save people hours otherwise spent on [task].

Community & wellbeing

It fosters [social cohesion / safety] by [how].
It improves quality of life for [group] through [benefit].

Environment

It reduces the [carbon footprint / waste] created by [activity].
It's the more sustainable option because [reason].

Useful vocabulary

Vocabulary is one of the four scored dimensions — weave a few in (don't force all of them).

Stating a position

I am firmly of the opinion thatI would opt forWithout a doubtI am convinced that

Contrast & concession

AdmittedlyHoweverOn the other handEven thoughNeverthelessWhile it is true that

Cause, result & addition

As a resultConsequentlyThereforeMoreoverThis leads to

Persuasive verbs & adjectives

ensurefostermaximizeinvaluablesignificantworthwhile

Common mistakes to avoid

Sitting on the fence or quietly switching sides halfway through.
Two reasons that are really the same point in different words.
Reasons with no example or consequence to develop them.
Ignoring the other option (you lose the contrast that shows critical thinking).
Reusing the prompt's exact wording instead of topic-specific vocabulary.
Going under 150 or over 200 words.

Quick tips

Pick the easier-to-argue side, even if it isn't your personal view.
Use contrast (Admittedly, However) and addition (Furthermore, Additionally) transitions.
Two fully developed reasons beat three thin ones.
Use one complex sentence (Since…, …; If…, …) per paragraph for range.

Put it into practice

Try Responding to Survey Questions with this template

Start practice Next template Giving Advice (S1)