In CELPIP Writing you have two tasks and very little time to think about structure. A simple template solves that: you already know how your text starts, what goes in each paragraph and how it ends, so you can spend your time on good ideas and correct English.
Below you'll find a template for the Task 1 email (with openings and closings for each tone) and for the Task 2 survey response, plus a short example for each part.
Please note: these are flexible frames, not texts to memorize. If you learn a whole email by heart and paste it into every task, it usually doesn't answer the question, and that costs you points. The examples are my original teaching examples, not official CELPIP material.
The Two Tasks in Short
| Task 1: Email | Task 2: Survey | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 27 minutes | 26 minutes |
| Length | about 150–200 words | about 150–200 words |
| What you do | Write an email and cover every point in the task (usually three) | Choose one of two options and explain why it is better |
Task 1 Email Template
1. Greeting
Choose the greeting by the reader:
| Reader | Greeting | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| A company, a manager you don't know, a city office | Dear Sir or Madam, / Dear Ms. Lee, | Formal |
| Your manager, a landlord, a neighbour you don't know well | Dear Mr. Brown, / Hi Sarah, | Semi-formal |
| A friend or a family member | Hi Tom, / Hey Anna, | Friendly |
2. Opening: why you are writing (1–2 sentences)
- Formal: I am writing to complain about… / I am writing to ask about… / I am writing regarding…
- Semi-formal: I'm writing to let you know that… / I wanted to ask you about…
- Friendly: How are you? I hope everything is good with you. I'm writing because…
3. One paragraph for each point in the task
The task usually lists three things to include. Give each one its own short paragraph, in the same order as the task, so the reader (and the rater) can see that you covered everything.
- Point 1: First of all, … / The problem is that… / As you may know, …
- Point 2: Because of this, … / This has caused… / It has also been difficult because…
- Point 3 (often a request): I would appreciate it if you could… / Could you please…? / Would it be possible to…?
Add one concrete detail to every point: a date, a place, an amount, what exactly happened. "The heater stopped working on Monday, and the temperature in my apartment dropped to 15 degrees" is much stronger than "The heater is broken."
4. Closing line
- Formal: Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your reply.
- Semi-formal: Thanks a lot for your help. Please let me know if you need anything else from me.
- Friendly: Can't wait to hear from you! / Let me know what you think.
5. Sign-off
- Formal: Sincerely, / Kind regards, + your full name
- Semi-formal: Best regards, / Thanks, + your first name
- Friendly: Take care, / See you soon, + your first name
A short Task 1 example (formal)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to complain about the coffee machine I bought on your website on October 3.
First of all, the machine stopped working after only one week. It turns on, but no water comes through, even after I cleaned it as the manual says.
Because of this, I have had to buy coffee on the way to work every day, which has cost me about $30 so far…
The rest of the email covers the third point (what you want the company to do) and closes politely. Full emails in all three tones: CELPIP Writing Task 1 sample emails.
Task 2 Survey Response Template
1. Your choice in the first sentence
Say clearly which option you choose. Don't keep the reader waiting until the end.
- In my opinion, the city should choose Option A, more bike lanes on main streets.
- I would definitely prefer Option B, because…
2. Reason 1 + example (one paragraph)
- The main reason is that…
- For example, … / In my experience, …
3. Reason 2 + example (one paragraph)
- Another reason is that…
- This would also help…, because…
4. Why your choice is better than the other option (1–2 sentences)
This is optional, but it makes your choice stronger. Keep it short, and don't turn it into a list of pros and cons for both sides.
- Although Option B also has benefits, …
- Longer library hours would be nice, but they would help fewer people than…
5. Conclusion (1 sentence)
- For these reasons, I strongly believe that Option A is the better choice for our city.
A short Task 2 example
In my opinion, the city should spend the money on more bike lanes on main streets.
The main reason is safety. Right now, many people ride their bikes next to buses and trucks, and I have seen two accidents on my street this year alone. Separate bike lanes would protect them…
The full response continues with a second reason, a short comparison with the library option and a one-line conclusion. Complete responses: CELPIP Writing Task 2 sample survey responses.
Linking Words for Both Tasks
- Adding: also, in addition, another reason is, on top of that
- Giving a reason: because, since, the main reason is
- Result: so, because of this, as a result
- Contrast: but, however, although, even though
- Example: for example, for instance, such as
Use them naturally. Two or three in each paragraph are enough; a linking word at the start of every sentence makes the text sound mechanical.
Check Before You Submit (3 minutes)
- Did I answer every point in the task (Task 1) or make one clear choice (Task 2)?
- Is the tone right for the reader from start to finish?
- Is it about 150–200 words?
- Did I check verb tenses, articles (a / the), plurals and spelling?
Want feedback on your own text? Paste it into the free writing check: you get corrections, a score and an improved version. For more practice, try the free CELPIP practice questions with answers, and for Speaking, see my CELPIP Speaking templates.