CELPIP Writing Task 1 requires you to write an email about an everyday situation in a work or community context. You have exactly 27 minutes to plan, write, and proofread your response.
1. Key Requirements & Interface
Word Count
Write between 150 and 200 words. Avoid writing fewer than 135 words or more than 220 words to prevent scoring penalties.
Computer Tools
The screen provides a live word counter, a timer in the top-right corner, and a spellcheck tool that underlines errors in red. Note that spellcheck will not catch wrong word errors — for example, using "quite" instead of "quiet".
2. Email Types & Purposes
The test covers a variety of everyday scenarios. You may be asked to write emails for the following purposes:
- Making a complaint (e.g., poor restaurant service or a product issue)
- Providing information or giving an update
- Reporting an incident
- Giving a compliment
- Sending an invitation (e.g., inviting a guest speaker)
- Making a request for a resolution or a refund
3. The Planning Phase (3–4 Minutes)
Before typing, use the provided scratch paper and pen to create a brief outline.
Analyze the Prompt
Read the background information and the 3–4 bullet points you must address carefully before you start planning.
Use the 5 W's
Establish the Who, What, Where, When, and Why in your introduction to anchor the scene for the reader.
Generate Specific Details
High scores (Level 9–12) come from using precise, concrete details rather than general statements.
| Weak (General) | Strong (Specific) |
|---|---|
| I bought shoes that don't fit. | I bought a pair of size 9 brown leather dress shoes on February 9th. |
| The meal was terrible. | The pasta was inedible and the service was extremely disappointing. |
4. Email Structure
A high-scoring email follows this four-part format:
Greeting
Use a formal opening such as "Dear Restaurant Manager" if the recipient's role is clear from the prompt. Use "Dear Sir or Madam" only if the recipient is completely unknown.
Introduction & Purpose Statement
Briefly establish the who, what, where, when, and why — then clearly state why you are writing.
Example: "I am writing to provide details regarding my recent visit and to request a satisfactory resolution."
Body Paragraphs
Dedicate one separate paragraph to each bullet point in the prompt. This makes it easy for the rater to identify that you have addressed every required point.
Conclusion & Sign-off
Summarize your request and close professionally with "Regards" or "Sincerely" followed by your name.
5. Scoring Dimensions to Focus On
Content & Coherence
Develop your ideas clearly and support each point with specific examples and details.
Vocabulary
Use a wide range of words and paraphrase the prompt rather than copying its language directly.
Readability
Use transitions such as "Furthermore," "However," and "As a result" to connect ideas. Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences for variety.
Task Fulfillment
Address every bullet point provided. Even in a complaint, maintain a polite and respectful tone throughout.
6. Final Review (3 Minutes)
Save the last few minutes to proofread your work. Check for subject-verb agreement, consistent verb tenses, and punctuation errors before time runs out.