CELPIP Writing Test Overview

The CELPIP Writing Test consists of two tasks that must be completed in 53-60 minutes. Task 1 requires writing an email (150-200 words) in 27 minutes, while Task 2 involves responding to a survey question (150-200 words) in 26 minutes. Both tasks are scored on Content, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfillment.

💡 Key Success Tips for CELPIP Writing

Always plan for 3-4 minutes before writing
Aim for 180-190 words to ensure adequate development
Use varied sentence structures and transition words
Leave 3-4 minutes for proofreading
Address all parts of the prompt explicitly

Task 1: Formal Email Samples

Formal emails in CELPIP are typically written to managers, landlords, government officials, or companies. Use professional language, proper salutations, and maintain a respectful tone throughout.

Formal Email - Complaint

Elevator Maintenance Issue

CLB 9

⏱️ 25 min

📝 187 words

Prompt:

The elevator in your apartment building has been out of service for over a week. Write an email to your property manager about this issue. In your email: • Explain how long the elevator has been broken • Describe the difficulties this has caused • Request immediate action

Sample Response 187 words

Dear Mr. Johnson, I am writing to bring to your urgent attention the ongoing elevator malfunction in our building at 245 Maple Street, which has now persisted for nine consecutive days. This prolonged outage has created significant hardships for residents, particularly those on upper floors. My elderly neighbor, Mrs. Chen, has been unable to leave her eighth-floor apartment for medical appointments. Furthermore, families with young children are struggling to manage strollers and groceries via the stairwell. Yesterday, I personally witnessed a resident injure their ankle while carrying heavy packages up the stairs. Given the severity of this situation, I respectfully request that you take immediate action to expedite the repair process. If the current contractor cannot resolve this issue promptly, I suggest engaging an alternative service provider. Additionally, please provide residents with a definitive timeline for completion and consider implementing temporary measures, such as assistance for elderly residents. I trust you will treat this matter with the urgency it deserves. I look forward to your prompt response and a swift resolution. Sincerely, David Mitchell Apartment 806

Examiner Feedback

Content/Coherence

9/12

Vocabulary

9/12

Readability

9/12

Task Fulfillment

9/12

Strengths: Excellent formal tone, clear organization, specific examples, sophisticated vocabulary ("prolonged outage," "expedite"), all prompt points addressed thoroughly.

Areas for CLB 10+: Could include more complex grammatical structures and perhaps one more specific solution.

Formal Email - Request

Flexible Work Arrangement

CLB 8

⏱️ 26 min

📝 175 words

Prompt:

You want to work from home two days a week. Write an email to your manager: • Explain why you need this arrangement • Describe how it will benefit the company • Propose a trial period

Sample Response 175 words

Dear Ms. Anderson, I am writing to request permission to work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting next month. My primary reason for this request is to better manage my elderly mother's medical appointments, which typically fall on these days. Additionally, eliminating my two-hour daily commute would allow me to dedicate more focused time to project work. This arrangement would significantly benefit our team. Working remotely would enable me to start earlier and work later without commute constraints, increasing my productivity by approximately 20%. Moreover, I could attend virtual client meetings across different time zones more flexibly. Our recent quarterly report showed that my deliverables are primarily digital, making remote work highly feasible. I propose a three-month trial period beginning February 1st. During this time, I will maintain regular communication through Teams, attend all meetings virtually, and provide weekly progress reports. We could then evaluate the arrangement's effectiveness together. Thank you for considering my request. I am confident this arrangement will enhance both my performance and work-life balance. Best regards, Sarah Thompson

Examiner Feedback

Content/Coherence

8/12

Vocabulary

8/12

Readability

8/12

Task Fulfillment

8/12

Strengths: Clear structure, professional tone, specific benefits mentioned, concrete proposal with timeline.

Areas for improvement: Could use more sophisticated transitions, vary sentence beginnings more, add one more company benefit.

Task 1: Informal Email Samples

Informal emails are written to friends, family, or close colleagues. Use conversational language, contractions, and a friendly tone while still maintaining clarity and proper structure.

Informal Email - Advice

Friend Visiting Your City

CLB 9

⏱️ 24 min

📝 182 words

Prompt:

Your friend is visiting your city next month. Write an email to suggest: • Where they should stay • What attractions to visit • Where to eat

Sample Response 182 words

Hey Jessica! I'm absolutely thrilled you're finally visiting Toronto! You're going to love it here. For accommodation, I'd highly recommend the Airbnb listings in the Distillery District. It's super trendy, walkable, and you'll be surrounded by cool cafes and art galleries. Plus, it's way more affordable than downtown hotels – usually around $100 per night. You absolutely can't miss the CN Tower (book tickets online to skip the crazy lines!), but I'd also suggest exploring Kensington Market for its vintage shops and street art. If the weather's nice, take the ferry to Toronto Islands – the city skyline view is incredible! For food, you're in for a treat! Start with dim sum in Chinatown, grab poutine from Smoke's Poutinerie (it's a Canadian must!), and definitely try the butter chicken at Little India on Gerrard Street. Oh, and St. Lawrence Market on Saturday mornings has amazing fresh pastries and local treats. Let me know your exact dates – I'd love to play tour guide for a day! Can't wait to see you! Mike

Examiner Feedback

Strengths: Perfect informal tone with contractions and enthusiastic language, specific recommendations with helpful details, natural flow and personality.

Note: This response effectively balances friendliness with informativeness, exactly what's expected for informal CELPIP emails.

Task 2: Survey Response Samples

Task 2 requires choosing one of two options and supporting your choice with reasons and examples. Structure your response with a clear position, 2-3 supporting arguments, and a conclusion.

Survey Response

Online vs In-Person Learning

CLB 10

⏱️ 25 min

📝 193 words

Prompt:

Your company is deciding between offering online training or in-person workshops for employees. Which option do you prefer and why? Choose ONE: • Option A: Online training programs • Option B: In-person workshops

Sample Response 193 words

I strongly advocate for online training programs as they offer superior flexibility and cost-effectiveness for our diverse workforce. Primarily, online training accommodates our employees' varying schedules and locations. Our company has team members across three time zones, and many balance family responsibilities with work. Online modules allow participants to learn at their optimal times, whether that's early morning or late evening. My colleague Sarah, for instance, completed her project management certification entirely during her son's nap times, which would have been impossible with fixed workshop schedules. Furthermore, the cost savings are substantial. Eliminating venue rentals, catering, and travel expenses could reduce our training budget by approximately 60%. These funds could be redirected toward premium course content or additional professional development opportunities. Additionally, online platforms provide detailed analytics on employee progress and engagement, enabling HR to identify knowledge gaps and customize future training. While in-person workshops offer networking opportunities, modern online platforms include breakout rooms, discussion forums, and virtual coffee breaks that effectively facilitate connection. In conclusion, online training's flexibility, cost-efficiency, and scalability make it the optimal choice for our company's professional development strategy.

Examiner Feedback

Strengths: Sophisticated vocabulary and transitions ("primarily," "furthermore"), specific example with Sarah, acknowledges counter-argument, strong conclusion.

CLB 10 Features: Complex sentence structures, precise statistics (60%), varied paragraph lengths, professional register throughout.

📋 CELPIP Writing Templates

Task 1: Formal Email Template

Dear [Title + Last Name], I am writing to [state purpose: inform/request/complain about] regarding [specific issue/topic]. [First main point - provide context/background]. This has [explain impact/importance]. [Second main point - elaborate on situation]. Furthermore, [additional details/examples]. [Third main point - request/suggestion]. I would appreciate if [specific action needed]. I look forward to [expected outcome/response]. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Full Name]

Task 1: Informal Email Template

Hey [First Name]! [Friendly opening - show enthusiasm/emotion]! I wanted to [state purpose casually]. [First main point with personal touch]. You'll love [specific recommendation/advice] because [reason]. [Second main point]. I remember when [personal anecdote/example]. Also, don't forget to [helpful tip]! [Third point if needed]. By the way, [additional suggestion/information]. [Closing with future connection]! Let me know [question/request for response]. [Casual sign-off: Cheers/Take care/Talk soon], [Your First Name]

Task 2: Survey Response Template

I strongly believe that [Option A/B] is the better choice for [context/situation] due to several compelling reasons. Firstly, [strongest argument]. [Supporting detail/example]. For instance, [specific example/statistics]. This clearly demonstrates [why this point matters]. Moreover, [second argument]. [Elaboration]. [Real-world application/personal experience]. As a result, [positive outcome]. While some might argue that [counter-argument], [refutation]. [Why your choice is still better]. In conclusion, [restate position] because it offers [summary of main benefits]. This makes it the most [adjective: practical/effective/suitable] option for [final context].

CELPIP Writing Samples (CLB 7–10) — Templates, Checklists & Feedback

CELPIP Writing Test Overview

Task 1: Formal Email Samples

Task 1: Informal Email Samples

Task 2: Survey Response Samples

📋 CELPIP Writing Templates

Task 1: Formal Email Template

Task 1: Informal Email Template

Task 2: Survey Response Template

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