CELPIP Tips: Writing Task 2 - Responding to Survey Questions

When preparing for IELTS General Training Writing Task 2, it’s important to understand how answers differ across band scores. One effective way to improve is by comparing mid-level responses (Band 5) with higher-level responses (Band 7) written for the same question.

In this blog post, we’ll look at a Task 2 question based on a workplace survey and examine two model answers at different levels.

📝 The Task Question

You work in a small office. The boss wants to reduce vacation time by two days but send everyone in the office to a nice beachside hotel for four days of job training. Some staff are happy about this idea, while others are upset.

You are asked to respond to an opinion survey.

Your task:

Choose the option you prefer and explain why.
Write 150–200 words.

  • Option A: Keep vacation time instead of going to training

  • Option B: Do the training and cut back vacation time

🟡 Level 5 Sample Answer (Band 5)

I prefer Option A, which is keeping our vacation time instead of doing job training. In my opinion, vacation is very important for workers, especially in a small office where people work closely together every day.

Firstly, having time off helps staff relax and reduce stress. If employees feel tired all the time, they cannot work well. A short vacation at the beach hotel would help everyone feel refreshed and more positive when coming back to work. This can improve teamwork and mood in the office.

Secondly, not all training is useful for every employee. Some workers may already know how to do their job well, so the training could feel like a waste of time. Losing vacation days for training might make workers feel unhappy and upset.

In conclusion, I believe keeping vacation time is a better choice because happy and relaxed employees usually work more effectively.

✅ Level 5 Evaluation

Strengths

  • The writer clearly chooses one option and stays on topic

  • Ideas are relevant and easy to understand

  • Paragraphing is logical (introduction, body, conclusion)

  • Basic linking words such as firstly and secondly are used

Weaknesses

  • Vocabulary range is limited and repetitive (work well, feel happy, very important)

  • Reasons are general and not deeply developed

  • Most sentences follow the same simple structure

  • Few complex sentences and limited grammatical variety

✅ This response meets the task requirements but lacks depth and language range, which keeps it at Band 5.

🟢 Level 7 Sample Answer (Band 7)

I strongly prefer Option B, which is to complete the job training even if it means reducing vacation time. Although holidays are important, long-term benefits for both employees and the company should be prioritized.

Firstly, job training allows staff to improve their skills and work more efficiently. When employees are well trained, they can complete tasks with greater confidence and make fewer mistakes. This can increase productivity and reduce stress in daily work over time.

Secondly, shared training experiences can strengthen teamwork and communication within the office. A more knowledgeable and cooperative staff creates a positive and professional working environment, which benefits everyone.

Although some employees may feel disappointed about losing vacation days, improved performance and opportunities for career development can lead to higher job satisfaction in the future.

In conclusion, job training is a worthwhile investment for long-term success.

✅ Level 7 Evaluation

Strengths

  • Clear, well-developed arguments with logical progression

  • Strong paragraph structure and coherence

  • Wider and more precise vocabulary (prioritized, productivity, professional, investment)

  • Good use of complex and compound sentences

  • Addresses long-term impacts, not just personal opinion

Weaknesses

  • Arguments could be further strengthened with specific examples

  • Some sentences are slightly idealistic and not fully balanced with counterarguments

✅ This response shows strong control of language and ideas, meeting the criteria for Band 7.

⭐ Key Takeaway for IELTS Learners

To move from Level 5 to Level 7, focus on:

  • Developing ideas more deeply

  • Using a wider range of vocabulary naturally

  • Varying sentence structures

  • Discussing long-term or broader effects

Minju B