CELPIP Writing Task 2 vocabulary

The words and phrases

I would definitely choose

States your choice clearly and confidently at the start of a survey answer.
Example: Between a new library and a new skating rink, I would definitely choose the library.

my preference is for

A slightly formal way to name the option you prefer.
Example: My preference is for the evening program, because it fits around my work schedule.

I am in favour of

Shows that you support one option; useful in your opening sentence.
Example: I am in favour of building more bike lanes along the main road through our neighbourhood.

the main reason is that

Introduces your strongest reason; place it right after stating your choice.
Example: The main reason is that most families in our area have young children who need safe places to play.

first and foremost

Introduces your first and most important point with emphasis.
Example: First and foremost, a community garden would give seniors a reason to get outside every day.

another reason is that

Adds a second reason in a clear, simple way.
Example: Another reason is that a later start time would let students get more sleep.

on top of that

Adds an extra point that makes your argument stronger; slightly informal.
Example: On top of that, the new bus route would cut my commute to the hospital by twenty minutes.

what's more

Adds a further point, often a stronger one, to support your choice.
Example: What's more, a four-day week could reduce traffic on the highway every Friday.

furthermore

A formal word for adding another supporting point.
Example: Furthermore, a larger park would help protect the trees and birds along the river.

most importantly

Signals the point you consider the strongest of all.
Example: Most importantly, a walk-in clinic would mean residents no longer wait hours in the emergency room.

for instance

Introduces a specific example to support a general point.
Example: For instance, my neighbour drives forty minutes just to find an open pharmacy on Sundays.

to illustrate

Introduces an example or short story that makes your reason clearer.
Example: To illustrate, last winter our street was not plowed for three days after a big storm.

a good example of this is

Points to one concrete case that proves your point.
Example: A good example of this is the free yoga class at the rec centre, which is always full.

this means that

Explains the result or importance of the point you just made.
Example: This means that parents could drop their kids off before work without rushing.

consequently

A formal word that introduces a result of what you just described.
Example: Consequently, local shops would get more customers walking past their doors.

this would allow

Describes a benefit the chosen option makes possible.
Example: This would allow newcomers to practise their English while meeting people in the neighbourhood.

in terms of

Narrows the discussion to one aspect, such as cost, time or safety.
Example: In terms of cost, repairing the old arena would be far cheaper than building a new one.

admittedly

Accepts a point for the other side before returning to your own view.
Example: Admittedly, a swimming pool would be popular in summer, but it would sit empty for months.

I can see why some people prefer

Shows fairness by recognizing the appeal of the option you did not choose.
Example: I can see why some people prefer online classes, since they save time on travel.

although some people might argue that

Introduces an opposing opinion that you are about to answer.
Example: Although some people might argue that a mall brings jobs, a park benefits everyone for free.

however

Introduces a contrasting point, often to answer the other side.
Example: However, the downtown location would be much harder to reach for people without a car.

even so

Means 'despite that'; keeps your choice after admitting a weakness.
Example: The library project would take two years to finish. Even so, I believe it is worth the wait.

then again

Adds a contrasting thought that makes the reader reconsider the previous point.
Example: A bigger parking lot sounds useful. Then again, it would encourage even more traffic near the school.

for these reasons

Begins your conclusion by pointing back to all the reasons you gave.
Example: For these reasons, I strongly support turning the empty lot into a playground.

to sum up

Starts a short summary of your argument at the end of your answer.
Example: To sum up, the evening schedule is more flexible and better suited to working parents.

all things considered

Shows you have thought about everything before giving your final view.
Example: All things considered, the community centre would serve far more residents than a golf course.

that is why I believe

Links your reasons to your final position in a strong closing sentence.
Example: That is why I believe the city should invest in more frequent buses.

Put them to work on Task 2

Practise Task 2 on the test screen, or see how Task 2 works.