As a veteran language assessment specialist with over 20 years of experience in the field, specializing in Canadian English proficiency exams, I've trained thousands of candidates for the CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) test. 

In my experience, Writing Task 2—Responding to Survey Questions—often proves to be a pivotal section where test-takers can shine or stumble, depending on their preparation. 

This task demands not just grammatical accuracy but also the ability to articulate opinions persuasively within tight constraints. As of August 18, 2025, according to official Paragon Testing Enterprises guidelines, the test format remains consistent, with no significant structural changes since previous years. 

However, subtle emphases in scoring rubrics continue to prioritize digital literacy and real-world applicability, reflecting post-pandemic shifts toward online testing environments. 

While resources like OETPro are tailored for occupational English in healthcare professions, for immigration-focused exams like CELPIP, targeted practice on opinion-based writing is essential. 

In this article, I'll draw on the latest official resources and my expertise to outline the task, provide strategies, and share top sample questions to help you achieve high scores.

The CELPIP Writing Task 2 is integral to the General test, which assesses skills for permanent residency, citizenship, or professional purposes in Canada. 

As of 2025, the entire Writing section spans 53 minutes, with Task 2 allocated 26 minutes. This task evaluates your capacity to respond to an opinion survey by selecting one of two options and justifying it in 150-200 words. 

Responses under 130 words or over 220 words risk penalties, emphasizing the importance of precision. The prompt typically presents a scenario, such as a community decision or workplace policy, requiring you to choose and explain without ambiguity. 

In recent iterations, prompts have increasingly incorporated contemporary themes, such as sustainability and remote work, aligning with Canadian societal trends.

The purpose of this task extends beyond mere writing; it mirrors everyday Canadian communication, such as emailing stakeholders or participating in surveys. High performers demonstrate logical reasoning, cultural awareness, and linguistic versatility—skills vital for integration. 

For instance, a client of mine, an engineer from India applying for Express Entry, increased his score from CLB 7 to 9 by practicing prompts on environmental policies and learning to incorporate specific Canadian examples, such as urban green initiatives in Vancouver.

The format is straightforward yet demanding. You'll encounter a screen with a statement and two options (A or B). Your response must be typed directly into the system, using only basic spell-check tools. 

As confirmed in the 2025 CELPIP Test Taker Guidebook, the task remains computer-delivered, with AI-assisted initial scoring refined by human raters for fairness. No format changes were introduced this year, but enhanced proctoring in online sessions ensures integrity.

A strong response follows a clear structure to maximize coherence, a key scoring dimension. Begin with an introduction (1-2 sentences), paraphrasing the topic and stating your choice. 

For example: "In addressing the challenge of urban transportation, I firmly support expanding the bus network over building a new subway system."

Follow with two body paragraphs, each dedicated to a reason. 

The first might elaborate on cost-effectiveness: "Firstly, expanding buses is more economical, allowing funds to be redirected toward maintenance rather than massive infrastructure projects. 

In my city, similar expansions have reduced traffic by 20% without exorbitant costs." The second could address accessibility: "Additionally, buses offer flexible routes that serve remote areas, unlike subways, which are limited to fixed lines. This promotes equity for low-income residents."

Conclude by restating your position: "Ultimately, bus expansion better serves community needs." This structure ensures logical flow, earning points in organization.

Scoring assesses four areas: Content/Coherence (the relevance and development of ideas), Vocabulary (range and precision), Readability (grammar, syntax, and transitions), and Task Fulfillment (word count, tone, and completeness). 

According to the 2025 rubrics, Level 9-10 responses feature advanced Vocabulary, such as "exorbitant" or "equity," varied sentence structures, and error-free grammar. Common pitfalls include vague reasons or unbalanced arguments, which can result in scores being dropped to Level 6.

To succeed, employ proven strategies. Start with 2-3 minutes of planning: jot notes on reasons and examples. Aim for 180 words to allow depth. Use formal tone—avoid contractions like "don't" in favor of "do not." Incorporate transitions such as "furthermore," "conversely," and "in conclusion." Proofread in the last 2 minutes for errors.

High-scoring tips include specificity: instead of "it's good," say "it enhances community cohesion by fostering intergenerational interactions." Draw on real-world examples, such as Toronto's public health campaigns. 

Practice under timed conditions to build stamina. In my workshops, candidates who reviewed 50+ prompts improved Readability by varying sentence lengths.

Topics in 2025 continue to span corporate, educational, community, health, environmental, technological, and personal domains, reflecting diverse Canadian contexts. 

This variety tests adaptability—corporate prompts might involve remote work policies, while environmental ones address renewable energy.

The compilation of top questions serves multiple benefits: it hones idea organization, expands Vocabulary, and builds confidence. Regular engagement simulates exam pressure, reducing anxiety. 

For example, practicing health prompts helped a nurse client integrate professional jargon, elevating her response from generic to expert-level.

Adopt a structured response strategy. Time management: 2 minutes planning, 20 minutes writing, 4 minutes proofreading. Vocabulary: use synonyms like "prioritize" over "choose." Coherence: Use connectors to ensure smooth progression. 

Evidence: bolster with hypotheticals or stats—e.g., "Studies show recycling programs cut waste by 30%." Proofreading: scan for subject-verb agreement and spelling.

To improve, develop responses with introductions stating choices, bodies explaining reasons, and conclusions summarizing. Practice timing, vary expressions, and focus on clarity. Advanced techniques include complex sentences: "Although subways offer speed, their high costs outweigh benefits in smaller cities."

Now, let's explore sample questions categorized by theme, updated with 2025-relevant twists, such as AI integration or post-COVID priorities. These draw from official practice materials and common trends.

Community and Public Services

1. Your city plans to enhance leisure options by either building a public swimming pool or expanding library facilities. Which do you prefer, and why?

Example Response Excerpt: "I advocate for expanding libraries, as they promote lifelong learning. In communities like mine, libraries serve as hubs for digital access, especially post-pandemic."

2. Local authorities debate funding: Should they improve road safety with more traffic lights or invest in bike lanes? Which is more beneficial?

3. A neighbourhood initiative: create a community garden or install public Wi-Fi hotspots. Which supports resident well-being better?

4. The town council considers renovating the theatre or constructing a sports complex. Explain your choice.

Education

1. School board proposes: mandate online learning tools or emphasize hands-on projects. Which fosters better student development?

Example: "Hands-on projects build practical skills. For instance, science fairs encourage innovation, unlike passive screen time."

2. University policy: increase tuition for advanced tech courses or subsidize arts programs. Which should be prioritized?

3. Curriculum change: focus on AI ethics or traditional history. Why is your option?

4. Extracurriculars: expand sports teams or music clubs. Which enhances student experience?

Health and Lifestyle

1. Community health program: build a yoga center or offer free nutrition workshops. Which promotes better wellness?

Example: "Nutrition workshops empower informed choices, reducing obesity rates as seen in national campaigns."

2. Workplace wellness: implement standing desks or mental health days. Which improves employee health?

3. Public campaign: ban sugary drinks in parks or promote fitness apps. Explain preference.

4. Elderly care: fund home visits or community centers. Which supports aging populations?

Environment

1. Government initiative: subsidize electric vehicles or expand public transit. Which combats climate change effectively?

Example: "Public transit reduces emissions broadly. Cities like Calgary have seen 15% drops in car usage post-expansion."

2. Urban planning: plant rooftop gardens or install solar panels on schools. Why your choice?

3. Waste management: enforce plastic bans or educate on composting. Which is more sustainable?

4. Conservation effort: protect local forests or promote eco-tourism. Explain.

Technology and Society

1. Company policy: adopt AI for customer service or hire more staff. Which enhances satisfaction?

Example: "Human staff provide empathy AI lacks, as evidenced by service complaints in automated systems."

2. School tech: provide tablets to all students or upgrade computer labs. Which aids learning?

3. Social media regulation: limit ads or require fact-checking. Why?

4. Remote work: mandate hybrid models or full office return. Prefer which?

Personal Choices

1. Career dilemma: Pursue a high-paying job abroad or stay local for family reasons. Why is your option?

Example: "Staying local nurtures relationships, outweighing financial gains in long-term happiness."

2. Lifestyle: adopt a minimalist approach or embrace consumerism. Explain.

These samples, totalling over 20 with potential expansion to 200, reflect the 2025 trend, such as tech integration. In my practice, tackling 5-10 weekly builds proficiency.

CELPIP Writing Task 2 demands strategic preparation. As of 2025, with unchanged formats but evolving prompts, focus on structured, evidence-based responses.

Incorporate platforms like OETPro for complementary skills, especially if you are in healthcare, but dedicate time to CELPIP-specific drills. With diligent practice, you'll not only meet but exceed expectations, paving the way for Canadian success.