Task 2: Reusable Template
The Formula¶
| Section | What to Write | Target Words |
|---|---|---|
| Intro | Salutation + Hook + Stance | ~35 words |
| Body 1 | Theme 1 + Problem + Result | ~45 words |
| Body 2 | Theme 2 + Detail + Benefit | ~40 words |
| Body 3 | Concession + Rebuttal | ~30 words |
| Conclusion | Summary + Urge | ~25 words |
| Total | ~175 words |
The Template¶
Everything outside the brackets stays the same every time. Only fill in the [BRACKETS].
To the [DEPARTMENT],
After careful consideration, I firmly support the proposal that
[OPTION A — passive voice (be + past participle)] 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].
First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this
initiative is [THEME 1]. Currently, many [PEOPLE] experience
[PROBLEM] due to [CAUSE]. Consequently, if this plan is
implemented, it will allow [WHO] to [BENEFIT], significantly
reducing [NEGATIVE THING].
Additionally, this approach optimizes [THEME 2]. By [VERB-ING]
the [THING], the [ORGANIZATION] ensures that [BENEFIT]. It
provides a unique opportunity for [WHO] to [ACTION], which is
essential for [BROADER GOAL].
Admittedly, some [PEOPLE] might argue that [OPTION B] would
[ONE GOOD POINT]. However, [OPTION A] better suits our needs
because [FEATURE] can effectively address [THE CONCERN], making
it the more practical choice.
To sum up, based on the improved [THEME 1] and [THEME 2],
I strongly urge the [DEPARTMENT] to proceed with this plan.
Four Synonyms — No Repetition
The template uses four different words for the same idea. Memorize this order:
| Location | Word |
|---|---|
| Intro | proposal |
| Body 1 start | initiative |
| Body 1 middle | plan |
| Body 2 | approach |
What to Fill In¶
Intro Placeholders¶
| Placeholder | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|
[DEPARTMENT] |
Who you're writing to | HR Department / community center board / city council |
[OPTION A — passive voice] |
Your choice rewritten formally (be + past participle) | a pet-friendly workplace policy be implemented |
[OPTION B — short] |
The other option in short form | maintaining the current no-pets restriction |
[OPTION A — short] |
A brief label for your choice | the pet-friendly policy |
[THEME 1] |
Your first argument topic | employee well-being |
[THEME 2] |
Your second argument topic (different from Theme 1) | cost efficiency |
Body 1 Placeholders¶
| Placeholder | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|
[PEOPLE] |
Who is affected | residents / employees / families |
[PROBLEM] |
What they're experiencing | limited access to food support / heightened stress levels |
[CAUSE] |
Why it's happening | the lack of an organized donation system / demanding workloads |
[WHO] |
Who benefits | community members / employees / families in need |
[BENEFIT] |
What they gain | access nutritious food on a regular basis |
[NEGATIVE THING] |
What gets reduced | food insecurity / workplace anxiety and burnout |
Body 2 Placeholders¶
| Placeholder | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|
[VERB-ING] |
Pick a verb: establishing / streamlining / reducing / promoting / improving | establishing a central donation point |
[THING] |
What the verb acts on | collection process / scheduling system / donation program |
[ORGANIZATION] |
The group in charge | community center / company / city council |
[BENEFIT] |
What is ensured | donations are managed efficiently |
[WHO] |
Who gets the opportunity | residents / the organization / families |
[ACTION] |
What the opportunity enables | receive consistent support / attract top talent |
[BROADER GOAL] |
The big-picture reason | community welfare / long-term business growth |
Body 3 Placeholders¶
| Placeholder | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|
[PEOPLE] |
Who might disagree | residents / colleagues / community members |
[OPTION B] |
The other option | a door-to-door service / a no-pets policy |
[ONE GOOD POINT] |
One real benefit of Option B | offer a more personalized experience |
[OPTION A] |
Your chosen option | the centralized collection point / the pet-friendly policy |
[FEATURE] |
What makes your option work | a fixed schedule / designated pet zones / clear guidelines |
[THE CONCERN] |
The worry from the other side | availability concerns / allergy and distraction concerns |
Before You Write: The 2-Minute Setup¶
Before filling in the template, spend 2 minutes deciding:
| Step | Question | Write Down |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Which option is easier to support? | Option A or B |
| 2 | What is Theme 1? | e.g., well-being, cost, safety |
| 3 | What is Theme 2? (must be different) | e.g., productivity, morale, efficiency |
| 4 | What is one good thing about the other option? | e.g., prevents distractions |
Pick the Easier Option, Not Your Real Opinion
Choose the option you can support with two strong reasons — even if you personally disagree with it. The examiner scores your writing skill, not your opinion.
Example: Pet-Friendly Workplace¶
Prompt: Your company is considering implementing a new pet-friendly workplace policy. Choose Option A (allow pets) or Option B (maintain no-pets policy).
Setup:
| Step | Decision |
|---|---|
| Option | A — Allow pets |
| Theme 1 | Employee well-being |
| Theme 2 | Productivity and retention |
| Counter-argument | Allergies and distractions |
Filled-in template (~190 words):
To the [HR Department],
After careful consideration, I firmly support the proposal that [a pet-friendly workplace policy be implemented] rather than [maintaining the current no-pets restriction]. While both options have merit, I believe [the pet-friendly policy] offers superior benefits in terms of [employee well-being] and [workplace productivity].
First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support this initiative is [employee well-being]. Currently, many [staff members] experience [heightened stress levels] due to [demanding workloads and long hours away from home]. Consequently, if this plan is implemented, it will allow [employees] to [feel more relaxed throughout the day], significantly reducing [workplace anxiety and burnout].
Additionally, this approach optimizes [productivity and staff retention]. By [establishing] the [pet-friendly work environment], the [company] ensures that [employee morale remains consistently high]. It provides a unique opportunity for [the organization] to [attract and retain top talent], which is essential for [long-term business growth].
Admittedly, some [colleagues] might argue that [a no-pets policy] would [prevent allergies and workplace distractions]. However, [the pet-friendly policy] better suits our needs because [designated pet zones and clear guidelines] can effectively address [these concerns], making it the more practical choice.
To sum up, based on the improved [employee well-being] and [workplace productivity], I strongly urge the [HR Department] to proceed with this plan.
Quick Theme Picker¶
Use this table to quickly pick two themes for any prompt.
| Theme | Key Arguments | Strong Verbs |
|---|---|---|
| Business / Work | Productivity, Morale, Retention, Revenue | Optimize, Maximize, Streamline |
| Community / City | Social Cohesion, Safety, Property Value | Foster, Promote, Revitalize |
| Environment | Carbon Footprint, Sustainability, Pollution | Reduce, Conserve, Mitigate |
| Health / Lifestyle | Mental Well-being, Stress Relief, Work-Life Balance | Alleviate, Enhance, Ensure |
| Education | Skill Acquisition, Career Prospects, Development | Equip, Broaden, Cultivate |
| Transportation | Traffic Congestion, Commute Time, Accessibility | Alleviate, Connect, Modernize |
| Technology | Digital Security, Automation, User Experience | Digitize, Implement, Automate |
| Economy / Tourism | Local Economy, Job Creation, Revenue Stream | Boost, Stimulate, Attract |
| Family / Children | Child Development, Parental Support, Affordability | Nurture, Support, Supervise |
| Arts / Culture | Cultural Heritage, Creative Expression, Local Identity | Preserve, Showcase, Celebrate |
The Two-Theme Rule
Always pick themes from two different rows. If Theme 1 is Health, make Theme 2 Business or Economy — never two health arguments. This shows range.
Source: Based on the CELPIP Writing Task 2 Template