CELPIP Writing Strategies

The CELPIP Writing section has two tasks completed on the computer. You type your responses — there is no handwriting. Both tasks are assessed on the same criteria and carry equal weight.

How Writing Is Scored

Each task is assessed on four dimensions:

1. Content/Coherence — Is the content relevant? Are ideas logically organized?
2. Vocabulary — Is the word choice varied and appropriate for the context?
3. Readability — Is the writing easy to follow? Are there clear paragraphs and transitions?
4. Task Fulfillment — Did you complete all parts of the task? Is the tone appropriate?

Scores range from 0-12 and map directly to CLB levels.

Task 1: Writing an Email (~27 minutes)

You are given a situation and must write an email of approximately 150-200 words. The prompt tells you:

• Who you are writing to
• Why you are writing
• Three specific points to address

The Three Tone Types

Every Task 1 email requires one of three tones. Identifying the correct tone is critical:

Formal (writing to a manager, company, government office, stranger):

• "Dear Mr. Thompson," / "Dear Hiring Manager,"
• "I am writing to inquire about..." / "I would like to bring to your attention..."
• "I look forward to your response." / "Thank you for your consideration."
• "Sincerely," / "Best regards,"

Semi-formal (writing to a colleague, neighbour you know, community group):

• "Hi Sarah," / "Hello everyone,"
• "I wanted to let you know..." / "I was hoping we could..."
• "Thanks so much!" / "Let me know what you think."
• "Best," / "Thanks,"

Informal (writing to a close friend or family member):

• "Hey!" / "Hi there!"
• "Guess what?" / "I was just thinking..."
• "Can't wait!" / "Talk soon!"
• "Take care," / "Chat later,"

Warning: Using the wrong tone is one of the most common mistakes. A formal complaint to your landlord should not start with "Hey!" A casual email to your best friend should not start with "Dear Sir or Madam."

Email Structure

Follow this structure for every Task 1 response:

1. Greeting (1 line) — Match the tone
2. Opening (1-2 sentences) — State your purpose
3. Body (6-10 sentences) — Address all three points from the prompt. Develop each point with 2-3 sentences.
4. Closing (1-2 sentences) — Wrap up with a clear call to action or friendly ending
5. Sign-off (1 line) — Match the tone

Example Prompt:

You recently moved to a new apartment and discovered several problems. Write an email to your landlord. In your email:

• Describe the problems you found
• Explain how these problems affect you
• Request specific actions to fix them

Example Response (Formal):

Dear Mr. Chen,

I am writing to bring several issues to your attention regarding my apartment at Unit 305, 42 Maple Street.

Since moving in last week, I have discovered three problems. First, the kitchen faucet is leaking constantly, which has left water pooling on the counter and floor. Second, the bathroom window does not close properly, allowing cold air to come in at night. Third, the living room ceiling has a large brown stain that appears to be water damage from above.

These issues are significantly affecting my daily life. The leaking faucet is wasting water and making it difficult to keep the kitchen dry. The broken window means the apartment is uncomfortably cold, especially at night, and I am concerned about my heating costs increasing as a result. The ceiling stain worries me because it may indicate an ongoing leak that could cause further damage.

I would appreciate it if you could arrange for a plumber to fix the faucet and a contractor to repair the window and inspect the ceiling within the next week. Please let me know what times work for maintenance to access the apartment.

Thank you for your prompt attention to these matters.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Task 1 Checklist:

• Did I address all three points from the prompt?
• Is my tone appropriate (formal/semi-formal/informal)?
• Did I open with a clear statement of purpose?
• Did I develop each point with 2-3 sentences (not just one)?
• Did I close with a clear action or next step?
• Is my email 150-200 words?

Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions (~26 minutes)

You are given a topic and asked to choose between two options or express your opinion, then justify your choice in approximately 150-200 words.

What makes Task 2 different from Task 1:

• It is an opinion piece, not a message to someone
• You must choose a side and argue for it
• You need to provide reasons and examples
• The format is a short essay, not an email

Structure:

1. Introduction (2-3 sentences) — State the topic and your opinion clearly
2. Reason 1 (3-4 sentences) — First argument with explanation or example
3. Reason 2 (3-4 sentences) — Second argument with explanation or example
4. Conclusion (1-2 sentences) — Restate your position

Example Prompt:

A local community centre is deciding how to use its new funding. Some people think it should build a new playground for children. Others think it should create a fitness area for adults.

Which option do you think is better for the community? Explain why.

Example Response:

In my opinion, the community centre should use the new funding to build a playground for children. While a fitness area for adults would certainly be beneficial, I believe a playground would serve a wider range of community members and provide greater long-term value.

First, a playground would benefit families with young children, who are one of the largest groups in our neighbourhood. Many parents I know struggle to find safe outdoor spaces for their kids to play. A well-designed playground would give children a place to be active and socialize, while also giving parents a reason to visit the community centre more frequently. This could lead to stronger connections within the community.

Second, there are already several gyms and fitness facilities in the area, but very few dedicated play spaces for children. Adults have multiple options for exercise, including private gyms, running paths, and home workout equipment. Children, on the other hand, have limited options, especially during winter months. A playground would fill a genuine gap in what the community offers.

For these reasons, I believe investing in a children's playground would benefit the greatest number of people and bring our community closer together.

Task 2 Tips:

1. Pick a side immediately. Do not write "both options have advantages." Choose one and commit.
2. Use specific examples. "Many parents in my neighbourhood..." is stronger than "Some people might think..."
3. Keep your opinion consistent. Every sentence should support your chosen position.
4. Do not introduce new ideas in the conclusion. Simply restate your main arguments.

Vocabulary for Both Tasks

Formal email vocabulary:

• I would like to request / inquire about / inform you that
• I am writing to express my concern regarding
• I would appreciate your assistance with
• Please do not hesitate to contact me
• At your earliest convenience

Opinion and persuasion vocabulary:

• I firmly believe that... / In my view...
• One significant advantage is...
• Furthermore... / In addition to this...
• A compelling reason for this is...
• Taking all factors into consideration...

Connecting ideas:

• Adding: Moreover, Furthermore, In addition, Additionally
• Contrasting: However, On the other hand, Nevertheless, Although
• Explaining: This is because, The reason for this is, In other words
• Concluding: Therefore, As a result, In conclusion, For these reasons

Common Mistakes That Lower Your Score

1. Not addressing all parts of the prompt. If the prompt gives three points, you must cover all three.
2. Wrong tone. Formal when it should be casual, or casual when it should be formal.
3. Too short. Under 150 words means underdeveloped ideas. Aim for 170-200 words.
4. Repetitive vocabulary. Using "good" five times instead of varying with "beneficial," "valuable," "advantageous."
5. No clear structure. Write in paragraphs, not one long block of text.
6. Spending too long on Task 1. Both tasks carry equal weight. Save enough time for Task 2.

Practice Strategy

1. Week 1: Write 3 emails (one formal, one semi-formal, one informal) without a timer. Focus on structure and tone.
2. Week 2: Write 3 survey responses. Focus on having a clear opinion, two strong reasons, and specific examples.
3. Week 3: Practice both tasks under timed conditions (27 min + 26 min).
4. Week 4: Do full timed practice. After each response, check: Did I cover all parts? Is my tone right? Is it 150-200 words?

Key Takeaways

• Task 1 is always an email — identify the correct tone (formal/semi-formal/informal) immediately.
• Task 2 is an opinion response — choose a side and support it with specific reasons.
• Address every point in the prompt — missing one costs significant marks.
• Aim for 170-200 words per task — enough to develop ideas without running over time.
• Use varied vocabulary and clear paragraph structure.
• Manage your time — both tasks carry equal weight, so do not overspend on Task 1.