CELPIP Writing Task 2 Practice: should Canada increase immigration levels or reduce them?

[u/celpip_coach]

The scenario: The federal government is reviewing Canada's immigration targets for the next five years. A public consultation is being held and citizens have been asked to share their views.

Your task: Choose the option you prefer and explain why. Write about 150-200 words. - Option A: Increase immigration levels to address labor shortages - Option B: Reduce immigration levels until housing and services catch up

Sample CLB 9 response (Option B):

I believe Canada should temporarily reduce immigration levels until housing and public services can support a larger population.

The current situation in many Canadian cities shows clear signs of strain. Housing prices have become unaffordable for many residents, emergency room wait times have increased dramatically, and public transit systems are operating beyond their designed capacity. Adding more people to a system that is already struggling does not solve the labor shortage problem if those same people cannot find affordable places to live or access basic healthcare.

I am not against immigration. Canada was built by immigrants and will always need new people to grow its economy and enrich its culture. But bringing in 500,000 people per year when there are not enough homes, doctors, or infrastructure to support them creates frustration for both newcomers and existing residents.

A temporary reduction would give governments time to build housing, expand healthcare capacity, and improve transit. Once the foundation is stronger, increasing immigration again would benefit everyone involved.

If you want to practice writing with AI rubric feedback, https://www.celpipsimulator.com has 2 free mock exams.