Task 2: Survey Template

Goal¶

Write a persuasive survey response (150–200 words) expressing a clear opinion on a specific topic. You must demonstrate Persuasive Language, Complex Argumentation, and Contrast.

What the Examiner Looks For (Assessment Criteria)¶

Criterion	What They Check
Task Fulfillment (Relevance)	You must choose one option and stick to it. Do not sit on the fence. You must also acknowledge the opposing side (the counter-argument) to show critical thinking.
Coherence & Cohesion (Flow)	The examiner looks for specific Transitions of Contrast (Admittedly, However) and Addition (Additionally, Furthermore).
Grammar (Range & Accuracy)	You must demonstrate Complex Sentences (using Since, If, Unless) and Passive Voice to sound objective.
Vocabulary (Lexical Resource)	You need strong persuasive verbs (Optimize, Foster, Ensure) and topic-specific vocabulary rather than repeating the words from the prompt.

Step 0: The Setup (Analyze the Options)¶

Goal: Choose the option that is easier to support with logical reasons, even if it is not your personal opinion.

The Rule of 3¶

Before writing, quickly identify:

Reason 1 for your choice (e.g., Convenience)
Reason 2 for your choice (e.g., Cost-saving)
One positive aspect of the other choice (to use in your counter-argument)

Step 1: The Introduction (Stance & Paraphrase)¶

Goal: State your opinion immediately and paraphrase the context using formal grammar.

The Paraphrasing Toolkit¶

To paraphrase effectively, do not just change one word. Use a combination of these four strategies to completely rewrite the prompt while keeping the same meaning.

Strategy	Definition	Original (From Prompt)	Paraphrased (Your Intro)
1. Passive Voice	Focus on the action, not the actor. Change Subject + Verb to Be + Past Participle.	"The school is considering adding a new course."	"I strongly support the proposal that a new driving course be added to the curriculum."
2. Synonyms	Replace common words with higher-level formal vocabulary.	"The city is deciding between building a garden or a playground."	"The council intends to construct a communal green space rather than a recreational area."
3. Parts of Speech	Change the form of the word (e.g., turn a Verb into a Noun).	"The company wants to train employees in the city."	"The training of employees locally is the superior choice for staff development."
4. Word Order	Move the clauses around. Start with the "Why" instead of the "What."	"We should choose the program because it helps the environment."	"Due to its significant environmental benefits, the recycling program is the preferred option."

The Template¶

Opening: "To the [City Council / Manager / Department],"
The Hook: "After careful consideration, I strongly support the proposal that [Option A be implemented] rather than [Option B]."
The Roadmap (Optional): "While both proposals add value, I believe [Option A] offers broader benefits regarding [Theme 1] and [Theme 2]."

Example (Using Passive Voice + Synonyms)

Prompt: "The boss wants to give everyone a bonus."

Your Answer: "After careful consideration, I strongly support the proposal that financial incentives be distributed to all staff."

Step 2: Body Paragraph 1 (Primary Argument)¶

Goal: Present your strongest reason. Focus on the main benefit (Efficiency, Money, or Community).

Grammar Booster: Cause & Effect (Conditionals)¶

Use "If/Then" logic or strong connectors to show the positive result of your choice.

Formula: If + [Action], + [Result].
Connectors: Consequently, Therefore, As a result.

The Template¶

Topic Sentence: "First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support [Option A] is [Concept: Time Efficiency / Cost Effectiveness]."
Explanation: "Currently, [Describe the problem with the status quo]."
Result (Complex Sentence): "Consequently, if [Option A] is implemented, it will allow [Stakeholders] to [Benefit], significantly reducing [Negative Issue]."

Example

The primary reason is time efficiency. Commuting to a separate facility is stressful. Consequently, if the company provides an on-site facility, we allow parents to synchronize their commute, significantly reducing daily travel stress.

Step 3: Body Paragraph 2 (Secondary Argument)¶

Goal: Present a second, distinct benefit. If Body 1 was about "Time," make Body 2 about "Health" or "Money."

Grammar Booster: Gerunds as Subjects¶

Start sentences with an "-ing" verb to sound sophisticated and concise.

Weak: It is good to have a garden because it helps people learn.
Strong: Having a garden provides a unique opportunity to learn.

The Template¶

Transition: "Additionally, the [Educational / Financial] value of this proposal cannot be overstated."
Detail (Gerund): "[Verb-ing]... is a significant asset that..."
Benefit: "It provides a unique opportunity for [People] to [Action]."

Example

Additionally, this initiative optimizes work-life balance. By offering care within the same building, the company ensures that parents have peace of mind, knowing they are just a few floors away from their children.

Step 4: Body Paragraph 3 (The Counter-Argument)¶

Goal: Acknowledge the other option (to show you are reasonable), then explain why your choice is still better. This acts as a "Checkmate."

Grammar Booster: Contrast Markers¶

Use the "Admittedly... However..." structure. This is a hallmark of a high-scoring essay.

Formula: Admittedly + [Good point about other option]. + However + [Why it is flawed/inferior].

The Template¶

Concession: "Admittedly, some [residents/colleagues] might argue that [Option B] would [Benefit of Option B]."
Rebuttal: "However, [Option A] better suits our needs because [Reason]." OR "However, [Option A] addresses a more urgent priority."

Example

Admittedly, a playground would provide a recreational space for children. However, playgrounds are often unused during winter months; thus, a garden better suits our needs as it serves all demographics year-round.

Step 5: The Conclusion (Summary)¶

Goal: Summarize your main points and give a final recommendation. Do not introduce new ideas.

Grammar Booster: Parallel Structure¶

List your reasons using the same grammatical form (Noun, Noun, and Noun).

The Template¶

Summary: "To sum up, based on the fact that [Option A] provides [Benefit 1] and [Benefit 2],..."
Final Push: "I therefore strongly urge the [Council/Management] to proceed with [Option A]."

Example

To sum up, based on the superior convenience and the optimization of work-life balance, I therefore strongly urge management to proceed with the on-site daycare.

Model Answer (Score 9+)¶

Instruction: Your community is planning a new program and is deciding between offering Cooking Classes or starting a Recycling Collection Program. Write a response stating which option you support and why.

To the Community Planning Committee, (Salutation)

After careful consideration, I firmly support the proposal that a recycling collection program be established rather than offering a cooking class. (Intro: Stance + Paraphrase)

The primary reason is environmental sustainability. (Body 1: Topic Sentence — Environment) Statistics have shown that local landfills have reached dangerous capacity levels because many recycled materials are currently thrown away with regular trash. (Explanation: Context) Consequently, by implementing a formal collection service, the community will have significantly reduced its carbon footprint by diverting tons of waste from dump sites before they overflow. (Result: Complex Sentence)

Additionally, this initiative optimizes municipal spending. (Body 2: Topic Sentence — Economy) Sending refuse to landfills incurs high disposal fees; therefore, community funds are currently wasted on burying useful materials. (Detail: Problem) By recovering recyclables for resale, the community transforms waste management from a financial liability into a revenue stream. (Gerund Phrase + Benefit)

Admittedly, some neighbors might argue that cooking classes promote dietary health. (Body 3: Concession — The "Admittedly" Clause) However, managing waste is a public responsibility that requires a coordinated system, whereas cooking is a skill that can be learned individually at home. (Rebuttal — The "However" Clause)

To sum up, based on the critical environmental protection and long-term cost savings for the community budget, I strongly urge the community to proceed with a recycling collection program. (Conclusion: Summary + Final Urging)

Universal Sentence Starters (The Skeleton)¶

Use this table to build your paragraphs. Mix and match the Topic Sentences with the Supporting Templates to create a full logical flow.

Paragraph	Component	Template Options
Body 1 (Primary Argument)	Topic Sentence	"First and foremost, the most compelling reason to support [Option A] is [Reason]." / "The primary argument in favor of [Option A] concerns [Concept]." / "To begin with, [Option A] offers a significant advantage in terms of [Reason]."
	Supporting Templates	"Currently, [describe the problem with the status quo]." / "Consequently, if [Option A] is implemented, it will allow us to [Benefit], significantly reducing [Negative Issue]." / "This change would result in [Positive Outcome] for all stakeholders."
Body 2 (Secondary Argument)	Topic Sentence	"Additionally, the [financial/social] benefits of this proposal cannot be overstated." / "Furthermore, this initiative [verb: optimizes/fosters/promotes] [Concept]." / "Another key factor to consider is [Concept], as [Option A] would allow us to [Goal]."
	Supporting Templates	"[Verb-ing] is a significant asset that [Positive Outcome]." / "By [Verb-ing], the [Company/City] ensures that [Benefit]." / "It provides a unique opportunity for [People] to [Action]."
Body 3 (Counter-Argument)	Topic Sentence	"Admittedly, [Option B] has its merits regarding [Point]." / "Some might argue that [Option B] is [Adjective]." / "It is true that [Option B] would offer [Benefit]."
	Supporting Templates	"However, [Option A] is superior because [Reason]." / "Nevertheless, I believe that [Option A] better suits our needs as it [Reason]." / "While [Option B] addresses [Issue], it fails to consider [Major Flaw], which [Option A] resolves."
Conclusion (Summary)	Closing Statement	"To sum up, based on the [Benefit 1] and [Benefit 2], I strongly urge [Management] to proceed with [Option A]." / "In conclusion, given the superior [Benefit 1] offered by this proposal, I fully support [Option A]." / "Taking all this into account, it is clear that [Option A] is the more logical choice."

Universal Argument Themes (The Meat)¶

Theme	Key Arguments (Nouns)	Verbs to Use	Useful Adjectives
Business / Work	Productivity, Employee Morale, Retention, Time Efficiency, Revenue	Optimize, Maximize, Streamline, Generate	Cost-effective, Profitable, Efficient
Community / City	Social Cohesion, Inclusivity, Safety, Public Spirit, Property Value	Foster, Promote, Strengthen, Revitalize	Intergenerational, Vibrant, Sustainable
Environment	Carbon Footprint, Green Space, Pollution, Sustainability, Biodiversity	Reduce, Conserve, Mitigate, Preserve	Eco-friendly, Renewable, Vital
Health / Lifestyle	Mental Well-being, Physical Fitness, Stress Relief, Work-Life Balance	Alleviate, Enhance, Maintain, Ensure	Therapeutic, Essential, Holistic
Education	Skill Acquisition, Cognitive Development, Career Prospects, Knowledge Gap	Equip, Broaden, Facilitate, Cultivate	Hands-on, Practical, Invaluable
Transportation	Traffic Congestion, Commute Time, Accessibility, Public Safety, Urban Mobility	Alleviate, Connect, Expand, Modernize	Accessible, Reliable, Congested, Seamless
Technology	Digital Security, Automation, Data Accuracy, User Experience, Connectivity	Digitize, Implement, Secure, Automate	Cutting-edge, User-friendly, Obsolete, Innovative
Economy / Tourism	Local Economy, Job Creation, Tourist Attraction, Revenue Stream, Investment	Boost, Stimulate, Attract, Generate	Lucrative, Thriving, Commercial, Prosperous
Family / Children	Child Development, Parental Support, Safety Supervision, Affordability	Nurture, Support, Supervise, Relieve	Developmental, Affordable, Secure, Nurturing
Arts / Culture	Cultural Heritage, Creative Expression, Artistic Appreciation, Local Identity	Preserve, Showcase, Inspire, Celebrate	Culturally Significant, Artistic, Diverse, Historical

Source: CELPIP Writing Task 2 Template: Responding to Survey Questions