CELPIP Task 2 asks you to respond to a survey question with your opinion. A high-scoring response requires a clear position, two developed reasons, and a conclusion. The "opinion paragraph system" gives each reason its own paragraph with a consistent internal structure.
Examples
Weak
Avoid"I think working from home is good. People can save time and money. They are also more comfortable. So I think it is a good idea."
Stronger
Better"Remote work significantly benefits employees in two key ways. First, it eliminates daily commuting, saving the average urban worker 90 minutes per day — time that can be redirected to productivity or wellbeing. Second, it provides scheduling flexibility, allowing employees to structure their day around peak energy levels rather than fixed office hours. For these reasons, remote work should become the default arrangement for knowledge-based roles."
The strong response has a position statement, two numbered reasons each with a specific supporting detail, and a conclusion that restates the position. Word count is approximately 90 — appropriate for Task 2.
How It Works
The paragraph system
Sentence 1: position + number of reasons (X benefits Y in two key ways).
Sentence 2: First reason + specific detail.
Sentence 3: Second reason + specific detail.
Sentence 4: Conclusion that restates the position.
Choosing your two reasons
- Pick reasons you can support with a specific number, example, or comparison.
- Avoid reasons that apply equally to both sides of the question.
- The stronger reason goes first.
Reason + detail patterns
Quick rules
- Target 150-200 words — under 100 is too thin; over 250 wastes time.
- State the number of reasons in your opening sentence — it signals organisation.
- Each reason needs one specific detail — a number, comparison, or real example.
Common Mistakes
Reasons without specific support
Avoid"First, it saves time. Second, it is more comfortable."
Better"First, it saves commuting time — the average Canadian commuter spends 60 minutes daily in transit. Second, it allows employees to work in their preferred environment, which research links to 13% higher productivity."
Fix: Every reason needs a "because" or a specific number/example immediately after it.
No conclusion
AvoidResponse stops after the second reason with no restatement.
Better"For these reasons, remote work offers measurable advantages that outweigh its limitations."
Fix: The conclusion sentence takes 5 seconds to write and signals that your response is complete and organised.
Practice Lab
Self-mark each task. Retry until every answer is correct.
Score: 0/3
1. Quick pick
Which Task 2 opening best signals a CLB 9 response?
2. Build it
Put the sentence in the correct order.
Tap a chunk to move it between the bank and answer area.
3. Sort it
Sort each item into the correct category.
First, remote work saves time because workers do not need to commute.
First, remote work is good because it saves time.
Second, flexible scheduling allows workers to match tasks to peak energy hours, improving output.
Second, workers can choose when to work, which is better.
Why It Matters
CELPIP Task 2 is scored on Task Fulfilment, Coherence, Vocabulary, and Grammar. The opinion paragraph system ensures Task Fulfilment (clear position + two reasons) and Coherence (numbered structure, conclusion) are both met before worrying about vocabulary. CLB 9 responses have a visible structure; CLB 7 responses state an opinion without developing it.
Get Feedback
Personalized score feedback
Get clear next-step advice.
Choose the support that matches your study goal.
Related Strategy Guides
Use these focused pages to go deeper on the exact test task behind this lesson.
Get free Band 7+ strategies every week
Get free Band 7+ strategies every week
Free study emails
Subscribe for Weekly CELPIP Writing Emails
- Receive one practical CELPIP writing strategy each week.
- Get lesson updates focused on the mistakes that block CLB 9.
- Be notified when new tools and downloads are ready.
You are subscribing to weekly score-improvement emails.
Choose the fastest way to improve
Start with the free email subscription, then choose feedback or coaching if you want faster score gains.
Step 1: Free starter
Subscribe for CELPIP Writing Updates
Get weekly writing strategy emails and updates when new tools are available.
Subscribe by EmailStep 2: Direct feedback
AI Writing Feedback
Practice under timed conditions and get instant CLB scoring on your writing.
Try AI Writing FeedbackStep 3: Private coaching
1:1 CELPIP Writing Coaching ($30)
Turn weak responses into a personal score plan in a focused session.
Book Writing SessionWhat to do next
1
Diagnose and improve
Subscribe for weekly writing strategy emails and updates when new tools are available.
Subscribe by Email2
Get direct feedback
Practice under timed conditions and get instant CLB scoring on your writing.
Try AI Writing Feedback3
Work with me live
Use private coaching to turn feedback into faster CLB score gains.
Book 1:1 Writing Session