WritingCLB 7-9Template 1 — Standard preference response

Task 2 — Preference/Comparison Response

When to use

Prompt gives two options and asks which you prefer or which is better.

CLB 9 upgrade

Recognize the alternative genuinely before rebutting.

Template 1 — Standard preference response Template 2 — Criteria-based comparison Template 3 — Tried-both experience response

INTRO (2 sentences)
1) Frame the two options.
2) State your choice clearly.

BODY 1 (3-4 sentences)
1) Strongest reason for your choice.
2) Personal or real-world example.
3) Explain why this makes your option more practical/effective.

BODY 2 (3-4 sentences)
1) Second reason.
2) Supporting detail.
3) Explain why it matters.

CONCLUSION (2 sentences)
1) Acknowledge the other option briefly.
2) Reaffirm your choice with a concise recap.

Sample Answers

Ex 1 — Big city vs. small town165 words

The survey asks whether I would prefer to live in a big city or a small town. I would definitely choose a big city, and my decision is based on two main factors.

The strongest reason is career opportunity. Large cities such as Toronto offer far more jobs in my field, information technology. When I compare postings online, the city has ten times as many openings as my cousin's small town, and the salaries are noticeably higher as well. This makes building a stable, long-term career much more practical.

In addition, big cities provide convenient services. Hospitals, public transit, schools, and international food markets are all within a short distance, which saves time every single day and makes life easier for my family, especially for my parents who do not drive.

While small towns offer peace and lower housing costs, I value opportunity and convenience more at this stage of my life. For these reasons, a big city is clearly the better choice for me.

Ex 2 — Gym membership vs. transit pass168 words

The survey asks whether our company should offer employees a free gym membership or a free transit pass. I believe the transit pass is the better option for two clear reasons.

My strongest reason is that everyone can use it. All employees travel to work, but only some are interested in the gym. For example, in my department of twelve people, ten take the bus or train daily, so the pass would help almost the whole team immediately, while a gym membership might sit unused for most of them.

Second, a transit pass supports the environment and the community. When more staff leave their cars at home, the company reduces its carbon footprint, parking spaces are easier to find, and traffic around the office becomes lighter for everyone in the area.

I understand that a gym membership promotes fitness, and it is certainly a generous idea. However, the transit pass delivers daily, practical value to far more people, so it is clearly the wiser investment for the company.

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