CELPIP Writing: Task 2, Responding to a Survey (method)
Responding to a Survey
Task 2
Survey Format: There are three paragraphs to any opinion response, with a word count of 150 – 200 words, that you should complete in approximately 26 minutes.
3 Paragraph Essay
- An Introduction paragraph of no more than 2 sentences
- A Body paragraph with a proper topic sentence and 2 or 3 ideas that are supported with examples/detail
iii. A Concluding paragraph of only two sentences.
Survey method
- Read the prompt and choose an Option (A or B)- this is called a position (your position or the side of the argument you have chosen will guide your entire response)
- Write 2 or 3 reasons why you support your position
- Write your introduction (usually a neutral statement + thesis = (your position, rewritten using different words to have the same meaning as the question prompt–see examples that follow)
- Write the topic sentence (topic and controlling idea) for your body paragraph that generally suggests ‘why’ you have chosen your position–keep it general (i.e., for several reasons–see examples below)
** NEVER give REASONS in your introduction–just a neutral statement and the position you have chosen.
- Add your ideas and support these ideas with examples–remember to use signal words to add to the readability of your essay
- Write a 2-sentence conclusion (see examples below)
- Try to leave yourself 3 to 4 minutes to re-read your essay and make corrections to spelling and sentence structure, etc. at the end of the time limit.
A note on surveys:
It does not matter what side/ option you argue (option A or B); it only matters ‘how’ you argue. So, by writing a solid introduction, a body paragraph with 2 or 3 ideas that are supported, and a conclusion, you will undoubtedly score a 7 or higher if your text is logical with little spelling or sentence structure errors. If you follow this format, your text will look organized (face validity) and this will go a long way towards you getting a higher score.