#5. Task 2 Essentials: Responding to Survey Questions

Task 2 is a short survey response. You choose one option, explain your position, and support it with clear reasons and simple examples. Aim for about 150–200 words in about 26 minutes. The screen shows a timer, word counter, and basic spell check.

The core move: choose a side early

• First sentence: state your choice and the main idea in one line.
• Do not argue both sides. If you have room at the end, you may mention the other option briefly.

Example first lines

• I support adding more bus-only lanes because they cut travel time and costs.
• I prefer extended library hours since they help students who work evenings.

Build 2–3 reasons with support

• Reason A → add one short example or fact.
• Reason B → add a different angle + a short example.
• If you have a third reason, keep it short and specific.

Support ideas

• A number or trend you often see (e.g., “evening buses are full”).
• A small example from daily life.
• A result or benefit (“this reduces long waits in winter”).

Keep the right tone

• Clear and respectful.
• No greeting or sign-off.
• Avoid slang and academic essay style.

Paragraph map (fast template)

1. Opening (1–2 lines): state your choice and why in one idea.
2. Reason A (+ example): short, concrete, relevant.
3. Reason B (+ example): different angle than A.
4. Close (1–2 lines): quick summary; if space allows, a short nod to the other option.

Mini language bank

• Stating your choice: I prefer / I support / I would choose… because…
• Giving reasons: This helps / This reduces / This improves…
• Examples: For instance, last winter… · In my building… · On my route…
• Brief nod to the other option: Although extra parking helps drivers, …

Model Task 2 (≈180 words)

Prompt: Your city can add more bus-only lanes or reduce bus fares by 10%. Choose one and explain why it helps commuters more.

I support adding more bus-only lanes because they cut travel time and make service more reliable. Price matters, but people stop using buses when trips take too long or schedules are unpredictable.

First, dedicated lanes keep buses moving during rush hour. On Main Street, a trip that should take 20 minutes often becomes 40 because buses are stuck behind single-occupant cars. A bus lane would let vehicles bypass that jam and stay on schedule.

Second, faster and reliable trips attract new riders. Commuters plan around time, not small savings. If the ride is quicker, more students and workers will switch from driving, which lowers traffic for everyone.

A small fare cut helps current riders, but it does not fix delays. When buses are late, people miss classes or shifts, and a 10% discount does not solve that problem. For these reasons, bus-only lanes deliver a bigger benefit for daily commuters.

Error fixes (common problems)

No clear choice:
“Both options are good…” → Fix: State your choice in line one.

List with no support:
“It’s cheaper, cleaner, and easier.” → Fix: Add a short example to each claim.

Equal support for both sides:
“Lanes are good, but fares are also good…” → Fix: Focus on your side; mention the other only at the end.

Academic tone:
“In summation, aforementioned proposals…” → Fix: Use plain, direct sentences.

Quick checklist (before you submit)

• Choice in the first line
• 2–3 reasons with a short example for each
• Clear, respectful tone (no greeting/sign-off)
• Brief nod to the other option only if space permits
• ~150–200 words; checked with the counter

5-minute practice

1. Write your first line (choice + why).
2. List three reasons; keep the best two.
3. Add a 7–10 word example to each reason.
4. Draft the closing line; if space remains, add one short sentence about the other option.