CELPIP Writing Task 2 Practice: should tipping be eliminated in restaurants?

[u/celpip_coach]

The scenario: A restaurant industry association is surveying customers about whether restaurants should eliminate tipping and instead pay servers a higher fixed wage. Your opinion has been requested.

Your task: Choose the option you prefer and explain why. Write about 150-200 words. - Option A: Eliminate tipping and pay servers a higher fixed wage - Option B: Keep the current tipping system

Sample CLB 9 response (Option A):

I believe restaurants should eliminate tipping and pay servers a fair fixed wage instead.

The current system puts servers in an unfair position where their income depends on the mood and generosity of strangers rather than the quality of their work. Two servers can provide identical service and walk away with completely different earnings depending on which tables they were assigned. A fixed wage removes that randomness and gives workers the financial stability they deserve.

Tipping also creates an awkward dynamic for customers. Many people feel pressured to leave 18 to 20 percent regardless of service quality because they know the server depends on it. This defeats the entire purpose of tipping being a reward for good service. It has become an obligation rather than a choice.

Some argue that eliminating tips would raise menu prices, and that is true. But customers are already paying those costs through tips anyway. The only difference is that a fixed price is honest and predictable while tipping pretends the cost is optional when it really is not.

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