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CELPIP, Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions

City Winter Safety Survey: sample answer

A model answer to this exam-style CELPIP responding to survey questions question, written to a level 10 target. See the question, the full answer and exactly why it works, then try it yourself.

Task
Responding to Survey Questions
Time
26 minutes
Answer length
150 words
Written to
Level 10 target

The question

Situation

The city wants to improve winter safety. It can clear snow from sidewalks faster or provide more salt boxes on residential streets.

Task

Respond to the survey in about 150-200 words. In your response, choose ONE of the following options: Option A: The city should clear sidewalks faster. Option B: The city should provide more salt boxes. Explain the reasons for your choice.

Sample answer

Linking words are highlighted: they show the structure a rater follows.

I would choose faster clearing.

The main reason is that this option would be useful in everyday life. It responds to a practical need and would help people manage their time, money, comfort, or safety more easily. A good decision should benefit the widest possible group, not only a few people with a special preference.

Another reason is that faster clearing seems easier to justify with the available budget. It would create a clear improvement that people could notice and use regularly. I understand that salt boxes also have advantages, and some people may prefer them. However, it feels less urgent and may not solve the most common problem.

For these reasons, I strongly believe faster clearing is the better choice for our city. It is practical, fair, and likely to create stronger overall satisfaction among residents. It would also be much easier to review after a short trial period.

150 words

Why it works

What you can measure in this answer, and what CELPIP raters mark.

  • The right length. 150 words: inside the required 150–200, in 4 paragraphs.
  • Clear links between ideas: “however”, “overall”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
  • 4 paragraphs, each with its own job, so the reader can follow the answer at a glance.

How CELPIP marks responding to survey questions

  • Content & CoherenceLevel 1–12

    Enough relevant ideas, organised clearly and supported with detail.

  • VocabularyLevel 1–12

    Words chosen precisely and appropriately for the topic.

  • ReadabilityLevel 1–12

    Paragraphing, linking words, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

  • Task FulfillmentLevel 1–12

    Answers every part, with the right tone and length.

Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions guide Template Tips

Common questions

How many words should a CELPIP Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions answer have?

The task asks for 150 to 200 words, written in 26 minutes. This sample is 150 words.

How is CELPIP Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions scored?

CELPIP marks it on Content & Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, Task Fulfillment, each on a Level 1 to 12 scale. Your result for the task comes from these together.

Is this a real CELPIP question?

No. It's an original, exam-style question written to match the official format. Nobody can legally publish real test questions.

Should I memorise this answer?

No. Use it to see the structure, length and linking words that work, then answer in your own words. Memorised answers rarely fit a new question and raters notice.

Where can I practice this question and get a score?

Open it on PrepScroll: record or type your own answer and get an instant estimated score on each CELPIP criterion, with what to fix. It's free to start.

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