Task 2: Quick System
The Whole System on One Card¶
1. PICK OPTION → "Which one gives me 2 reasons in 10 seconds?"
2. PICK 2 THEMES → Well-being / Money / Convenience / Fairness / Environment
3. FILL TEMPLATE → Everything else is already written for you
That's it. The rest of this page explains each step.
Step 1: Pick the Option (10 seconds)¶
Don't overthink. Ask yourself one question:
"Which option can I give 2 reasons for right now?"
If you can't think of 2 reasons in 10 seconds, pick the other one.
Important
Pick the easier option, not your real opinion. The examiner scores your writing, not your beliefs.
Step 2: Pick 2 Themes (20 seconds)¶
Don't memorize 10 themes. Memorize only these 5. They work for ANY prompt.
| # | Theme | It means... |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Well-being | health, stress, happiness, quality of life |
| 2 | Money | cost, savings, budget, waste |
| 3 | Convenience | time, access, ease, availability |
| 4 | Fairness | equal access, all ages, inclusive, all demographics |
| 5 | Environment | green, waste, pollution, sustainability |
Rule: Pick 2 from different rows. Never pick two from the same row.
How to pick: The Quick Test¶
For each theme, ask: "Does this connect to my option?" If yes, use it.
| Prompt about... | Usually works with... |
|---|---|
| Workplace / Office | Well-being + Money |
| Community / Neighborhood | Fairness + Convenience |
| Health / Fitness | Well-being + Money |
| City / Infrastructure | Convenience + Environment |
| Education / Programs | Fairness + Well-being |
| Services / Facilities | Convenience + Fairness |
Step 3: Fill in the Template¶
Pre-loaded sentences for each theme¶
These are ready-made sentences. Just swap in the [DETAILS] that match your prompt. Everything else stays exactly as written.
If Theme 1 is WELL-BEING:¶
First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this
initiative is community well-being. Currently, many [PEOPLE]
experience heightened stress levels due to [CAUSE]. Consequently,
if this plan is implemented, it will allow [WHO] to maintain
a healthier lifestyle, significantly reducing [NEGATIVE THING].
| Fill in | Examples |
|---|---|
[PEOPLE] |
residents / employees / students / families |
[CAUSE] |
demanding schedules and limited access to recreational facilities / long working hours and insufficient breaks |
[WHO] |
community members / staff members / all residents |
[NEGATIVE THING] |
stress-related health issues / mental fatigue and burnout / missed opportunities for physical activity |
If Theme 1 is MONEY:¶
First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this
initiative is cost efficiency. Currently, a significant portion
of the budget is being allocated to [WASTEFUL THING]. Consequently,
if this plan is implemented, it will allow [WHO] to allocate
resources more effectively, significantly reducing unnecessary
expenditures.
| Fill in | Examples |
|---|---|
[WASTEFUL THING] |
maintaining underused facilities during off-peak periods / operating services with low attendance |
[WHO] |
the management committee / the municipal government / the organization |
If Theme 1 is CONVENIENCE:¶
First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this
initiative is accessibility. Currently, many [PEOPLE] struggle
to access [SERVICE/FACILITY] due to [BARRIER]. Consequently,
if this plan is implemented, it will allow [WHO] to save
valuable time, significantly reducing scheduling conflicts and
inconvenience.
| Fill in | Examples |
|---|---|
[PEOPLE] |
working professionals / parents with young children / elderly residents |
[SERVICE/FACILITY] |
the community facility / essential health services / public transportation |
[BARRIER] |
limited operating hours / the current rigid schedule / insufficient availability |
[WHO] |
all community members / residents across all neighborhoods |
If Theme 1 is FAIRNESS:¶
First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this
initiative is equitable access. Currently, certain groups are
underserved due to [CAUSE]. Consequently, if this plan is
implemented, it will allow all demographics to benefit equally,
significantly reducing disparities across the community.
| Fill in | Examples |
|---|---|
[CAUSE] |
the current one-size-fits-all approach / limited availability in underserved neighborhoods / a system that only accommodates certain schedules |
If Theme 1 is ENVIRONMENT:¶
First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this
initiative is environmental sustainability. Currently, the
existing approach contributes to [WASTE/PROBLEM]. Consequently,
if this plan is implemented, it will allow [WHO] to reduce
its environmental footprint, significantly reducing [HARM].
| Fill in | Examples |
|---|---|
[WASTE/PROBLEM] |
unnecessary energy consumption during low-demand periods / excessive waste due to inefficient resource allocation |
[WHO] |
the community / the organization / the municipality |
[HARM] |
carbon emissions and operational waste / the strain on local ecosystems |
Pre-loaded sentences for Body 2¶
Use the same theme table above, but swap to your Theme 2 and use this structure:
Additionally, this approach optimizes [THEME 2]. By [VERB-ING],
the [ORGANIZATION] ensures that [GOOD OUTCOME]. It provides a
unique opportunity for [WHO] to [ACTION], which is essential for
long-term [BROADER GOAL].
| Theme 2 | [VERB-ING] |
[GOOD OUTCOME] |
[BROADER GOAL] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well-being | promoting a healthier lifestyle | residents maintain both physical and mental wellness | community health |
| Money | reducing operational costs during low-demand periods | funds are redirected toward facility improvements | financial sustainability |
| Convenience | streamlining the scheduling process | services are available when demand is highest | efficient resource management |
| Fairness | ensuring equal access for all demographics | no group is excluded from the benefits | an inclusive community |
| Environment | minimizing unnecessary resource consumption | energy and materials are used responsibly | environmental preservation |
Pre-loaded Counter-argument (Body 3)¶
This never changes much. Just fill in the 2 blanks:
Admittedly, some residents might argue that [OPTION B] would
[ONE GOOD POINT]. However, [OPTION A] better suits our needs
because [REASON], making it the more practical choice.
Common [ONE GOOD POINT] phrases:
| Option B is about... | Use this |
|---|---|
| Keeping things the same | provide consistency and predictability for regular users |
| More flexibility | offer greater flexibility to accommodate individual preferences |
| Saving money | reduce short-term operational expenses |
| More options | give residents more choices |
Pre-loaded Intro and Conclusion¶
Intro (fill in 3 things):
To the [DEPARTMENT],
After careful consideration, I firmly support the proposal that
[OPTION A — passive voice] rather than [OPTION B — short].
While both options have merit, I believe [OPTION A — short]
offers superior benefits in terms of [THEME 1] and [THEME 2].
Conclusion (fill in 3 things):
To sum up, based on the improved [THEME 1] and [THEME 2],
I strongly urge the [DEPARTMENT] to proceed with this plan.
Full Example: Community Pool Hours¶
Prompt: The pool management is considering seasonal hours (Summer: 5 AM–10 PM, Winter: 7 AM–8 PM) vs. keeping fixed hours (6 AM–9 PM year-round).
The 3 Steps¶
| Step | 10 seconds | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pick option | "Seasonal hours — I can argue summer access + winter savings" | Option B |
| 2. Pick themes | Well-being + Money | Two different rows |
| 3. Fill template | See below | ~195 words |
Filled-in Answer¶
To the [pool management committee],
After careful consideration, I firmly support the proposal that [seasonal operating hours be adopted for the community pool] rather than [maintaining the current fixed schedule]. While both options have merit, I believe [seasonal adjustments] offers superior benefits in terms of [community well-being] and [cost efficiency].
First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this initiative is [community well-being]. Currently, many [residents] experience [limited opportunities for physical activity during summer evenings] due to [the pool closing at 9 PM while daylight extends well past that hour]. Consequently, if this plan is implemented, it will allow [families and working professionals] to maintain a healthier lifestyle, significantly reducing [missed opportunities for exercise and recreation].
Additionally, this approach optimizes [operational cost efficiency]. By [reducing hours during the low-demand winter months], the [management committee] ensures that [utility and staffing expenses are minimized during periods of low attendance]. It provides a unique opportunity for [the saved funds] to [be redirected toward facility maintenance and improvements], which is essential for long-term [financial sustainability of the pool].
Admittedly, some residents might argue that [fixed year-round hours] would [provide consistency and predictability for regular swimmers]. However, [seasonal adjustments] better suit our needs because [they align operating costs with actual usage patterns while maximizing access when demand is highest], making it the more practical choice.
To sum up, based on the improved [community well-being] and [cost efficiency], I strongly urge the [pool management committee] to proceed with this plan.
Cheat Sheet: Print This¶
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ TASK 2 QUICK SYSTEM │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ 1. PICK OPTION (10 sec) │
│ → Which gives me 2 reasons faster? │
│ │
│ 2. PICK 2 THEMES (20 sec) │
│ → Well-being │
│ → Money │
│ → Convenience │
│ → Fairness │
│ → Environment │
│ (pick 2 from different rows) │
│ │
│ 3. FILL TEMPLATE (autopilot) │
│ → Intro: "After careful consideration" │
│ → Body 1: "First and foremost" │
│ → Body 2: "Additionally" │
│ → Body 3: "Admittedly... However..." │
│ → Close: "To sum up" │
│ │
│ GRAMMAR REMINDERS: │
│ → "this initiative" (singular) │
│ → "everyone is" (singular) │
│ → Don't repeat key words │
│ → Use passive voice in intro │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Based on the CELPIP Writing Task 2 Template