Content & Coherence
Ideas should be relevant, logically ordered, and connected so the reader can follow your message easily.
What is CELPIP Writing Task 1?
CELPIP Writing Task 1 asks you to write an email for a practical situation, such as making a request, explaining a problem, or giving advice. You need to communicate clearly with the intended reader, use an appropriate tone, and cover all of the points in the prompt. Your response is normally 150 to 200 words and is completed in 27 minutes.
CELPIP Writing Task 1 Format
| Task | Write an email in response to a real-life situation. |
|---|---|
| Time | 27 minutes |
| Length | 150-200 words |
| Prompt | A situation, a reader, and several points your email must address. |
| Goal | Communicate the purpose and details clearly in an appropriate email tone. |
How CELPIP Writing Task 1 Is Scored
Vocabulary
Use words and phrases that are accurate, varied, and suitable for the situation and reader.
Readability
Sentences, grammar, spelling, and punctuation should make your email clear and comfortable to read.
Task Fulfilment
Address the email purpose, all requested points, and the expected tone with enough specific detail.
CELPIP Writing Task 1 Template
Adapt the placeholders to the prompt instead of memorizing every word.
Subject: [Clear topic] Dear [Name/Title], I am writing to [state your purpose clearly]. First, [explain the situation with a specific detail]. In addition, [address the second required point]. This matters because [give a short reason, example, or requested outcome]. Could you please [make your request or explain the next step]? I would appreciate it if [add a practical detail or deadline]. Thank you for your time and consideration. Kind regards, [Your name]
CELPIP Writing Task 1 Sample Answers
Sample answer: CLB 7
CLB 7Prompt: Write to your building manager about a noisy appliance in the laundry room. Describe the problem, explain how it affects residents, and request a solution.
Subject: Problem with washing machine
Dear Building Manager,
I am writing to report a problem with one of the washing machines in the laundry room. The machine beside the window makes a very loud banging sound during the spin cycle. I used it twice this week, and the noise was strong enough to be heard from the hallway.
This is affecting residents because many people use the laundry room in the evening. Yesterday, a neighbour stopped her wash because she was worried that the machine might be damaged. It is also difficult to use the room when the noise is continuing.
Could you please ask a technician to inspect the machine? If possible, a notice could be placed on it until it is repaired.
Kind regards,
Alex
Why this scores at this level
The email addresses all three instructions and uses a polite, appropriate tone. Its organization is clear and the details are relevant, but the vocabulary and sentence patterns are mostly straightforward, with limited development beyond the essential message.
Sample answer: CLB 9+
CLB 9+Prompt: Write to your building manager about a noisy appliance in the laundry room. Describe the problem, explain how it affects residents, and request a solution.
Subject: Request for repair of washing machine in laundry room
Dear Ms. Patel,
I am writing to ask for a prompt inspection of the front-loading washing machine beside the east window in our laundry room. During the final spin cycle, it produces repeated metallic knocks and vibrates across the floor. The problem has become noticeably worse over the past week.
Several residents are now avoiding the machine, particularly in the evening when the noise travels into the adjacent corridor and nearby units. On Tuesday, I saw a resident pause a cycle because the appliance appeared unstable. Besides being disruptive, this may become a safety issue if the machine continues to move while operating.
Would you please arrange for a technician to examine it and post a temporary notice asking residents not to use it? I would also be grateful for an update on the expected repair date.
Sincerely,
Alex
Why this scores at this level
The response gives precise, well-chosen details and develops the effect on residents into a clear reason for action. Cohesive links, varied sentence structures, and controlled vocabulary such as “prompt inspection,” “adjacent corridor,” and “temporary notice” support a polished, reader-focused email.
Practice CELPIP Writing Task 1
Writing prompt
Your community centre has changed the schedule for its evening fitness classes. Write an email to the program coordinator. Explain why the change is difficult for you, suggest an alternative schedule, and explain how your suggestion would help participants.
Time remaining
This is a sample prompt in the same format as the real CELPIP exam. For full timed practice with AI feedback, sign in to your free account.
Common CELPIP Writing Task 1 Mistakes
- Missing one of the required points in the prompt.
- Using a tone that does not fit the reader or situation.
- Writing general statements without useful details or examples.
- Using a memorized template without adapting it to the purpose.
- Spending too long on the opening and leaving no time to check the email.
- Ignoring word count and submitting a response that is too short.
CELPIP Writing Task 1 Tips
Use a simple plan before you write
- Underline the purpose, reader, and every required point in the prompt.
- Choose a tone that matches the relationship before drafting the greeting.
- Give one concrete detail for each required point.
- Use paragraphs so the reader can quickly understand your message.
- Reserve the last two minutes to check names, verb forms, punctuation, and word count.
CELPIP Writing Task 1 FAQ
How many words should I write for CELPIP Writing Task 1?
Aim for 150 to 200 words. This range gives you enough room to address every instruction with clear details while staying concise. Writing far below the range can leave your ideas underdeveloped, while writing much more can make timing and accuracy harder to manage.
How much time should I spend on CELPIP Writing Task 1?
Plan for 27 minutes for Task 1. A practical split is a few minutes to plan, about 20 minutes to write, and the final minutes to check that you answered every point and corrected obvious errors. Keep an eye on the clock so you can move on to Task 2 on time.
Should my CELPIP Task 1 email be formal or informal?
Match the tone to the relationship and purpose in the prompt. Use a more formal, polite style for an employer, manager, landlord, or service provider, and a warm but clear style for a friend or neighbour. In every case, the language should remain respectful and easy to understand.
Do I need a subject line in CELPIP Writing Task 1?
A subject line can make your email look organized, but the most important requirement is a clear response to the prompt. If you include one, keep it brief and relevant. Do not spend valuable time trying to make it elaborate.
What does Task Fulfilment mean in CELPIP Writing Task 1?
Task Fulfilment means responding to the purpose, reader, tone, and every required point in the prompt. Your email should give enough specific information for the reader to understand what happened and what you want next. A polished email can still lose marks if it misses one instruction.
Can I get feedback on my CELPIP Writing Task 1 practice?
Yes. Sign in to the PrepCELPIP portal to submit writing practice and receive instant AI feedback. The feedback is designed to help you review your response before you revise it.
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Average improvement after practice
What test-takers typically experience
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Most people are surprised by how different the real exam format feels without practice.
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Many find that writing evaluation is what finally shows them where they lose points.
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A common experience: the first mock test reveals gaps that weeks of self-study missed.
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