CELPIP Writing Task 2 Survey: The Pick a Side Strategy

You have 26 minutes left. The screen shows a survey from your city council. They ask: “Should we build a new public park or a multi-story parking lot?”

Immediately, you start typing. You write about how parks are beautiful, but parking is also necessary. Trying to be balanced. You try to be fair.

Unfortunately, you just fell into the biggest trap in CELPIP Writing Task 2 Survey.

The test raters are not looking for a balanced politician. They are looking for a decisive writer. If you try to support both sides, your opinion becomes weak, and your score drops.

To get a CLB 9+, you must master the “Pick a Side” Strategy. Below is the guide on how to be opinionated, structured, and successful.

The Golden Rule: No Fence-Sitting

First, you must understand the goal. The prompt asks for your opinion.

Therefore, your opinion must be 100% clear from the first sentence to the last. Do not “sit on the fence.”

• Weak Score: “Both options have good points. The park is green, but the parking lot helps cars.” (This is confusing).
• CLB 9 Score: “I strongly believe that building a new park is the superior choice for our community.” (This is clear).

Consequently, you should pick the option that is easiest to write about, even if you don’t actually agree with it in real life.

The 4-Paragraph Structure

Next, forget about improvisation. Use this strict structure every time you answer a CELPIP Writing Task 2 Survey.

Paragraph 1: The Clear Choice

Start by acknowledging the survey and stating your choice immediately.

• Example: “I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts on this development. In my opinion, building the park is definitely the better option.”

Paragraph 2: The First Strong Reason

Then, provide your main argument. Focus on one clear benefit.

• Example: “First, a park would significantly improve the health of our residents. Green spaces encourage exercise and provide a safe place for children to play.”

Paragraph 3: The “Attack” (Why the other option is bad)

Crucially, do not just praise your choice. Explain why the other option is a mistake. This shows complex critical thinking.

• Example: “Conversely, a parking lot would only increase traffic congestion. It would bring more noise and pollution to our quiet neighborhood, which is detrimental to our quality of life.”

Paragraph 4: The Conclusion

Finally, restate your opinion in one sentence.

• Example: “For these reasons, I am convinced that the park is the right investment for our future.”

Essential Vocabulary for Opinions

Furthermore, you need to use strong words to sell your idea. Stop saying “I think” or “good.”

Instead, use these power words:

• Undoubtedly: “Undoubtedly, this change will benefit everyone.”
• Superior: “Option A is the superior choice.”
• Detrimental: “Option B would be detrimental to local businesses.”
• I am convinced that: “I am convinced that we must act now.”

Why You Need Feedback on Your Tone

Admittedly, this strategy looks simple on paper. However, executing it under the pressure of a timer is difficult.

Many students try to be “strong” but end up sounding “rude.” Alternatively, they try to be “polite” and end up sounding “weak.”

Ultimately, you cannot fix your tone by yourself. You need an expert to check your work.

This is where Exam Hero helps you win.

• Opinion Strength Check: Our AI analyzes your writing to ensure you “picked a side” clearly.
• Vocabulary Upgrades: If you use basic words like “bad,” we suggest “detrimental” instantly.
• Timing Drills: Practice writing full survey responses in 26 minutes so you never run out of time.

[Stop guessing. Start writing CLB 9 surveys with Exam Hero.]