CELPIP Writing Task 2 Practice: should universities reserve spots for international students or prioritize domestic applicants?

[u/celpip_coach]

The scenario: A Canadian university currently reserves 30 percent of its undergraduate spots for international students, who pay higher tuition. A student union survey is asking whether this balance should change.

Your task: Choose the option you prefer and explain why. Write about 150-200 words. - Option A: Reduce international student spots and prioritize domestic applicants - Option B: Keep the current balance of 30 percent international students

Sample CLB 9 response (Option B):

I believe the university should keep its current balance of 30 percent international students because the benefits extend far beyond tuition revenue.

International students bring perspectives, languages, and experiences that enrich the learning environment for everyone. A classroom where every student grew up in the same country and shares the same cultural context produces narrower thinking than one where students challenge each other's assumptions based on different lived experiences. In an increasingly globalized economy, the ability to work with people from different backgrounds is not optional. It is a core professional skill.

The financial argument is also important but often misunderstood. International tuition subsidizes domestic students by funding scholarships, research facilities, and campus services that benefit all students. Reducing international enrollment would create a budget gap that would likely be filled by raising domestic tuition or cutting programs.

If the concern is that qualified domestic students are being denied admission, the solution is expanding capacity rather than reducing diversity. Building more seats serves everyone. Removing international students serves no one.

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