Task 1 Email Templates

What you'll learn: three flexible email skeletons — for complaints, requests, and invitations — that cover the large majority of CELPIP Task 1 scenarios, ready to adapt in the moment.

Why templates (used correctly)

A template isn't something to memorize word-for-word — CELPIP raters can spot generic, unadapted templates, and a response that ignores the specific prompt details loses task fulfillment points. Instead, use these as skeletons: a proven order of moves that you fill in with prompt-specific detail every time.

Template 1: The Complaint

Dear [Name/Title],

I am writing to raise a concern about [specific issue]. [One sentence with concrete detail: when, how often, how it's affecting you.]

[Optional second detail or consequence of the issue.]

I would appreciate it if [specific resolution requested]. Please let me know [how/when you'd like to hear back].

[Sign-off matched to tone],
[Your name]

Template 2: The Request

Dear [Name/Title],

I'm writing to ask about [what you're requesting]. [One sentence of context/reason for the request.]

[Specific detail: dates, amounts, or conditions relevant to the request.]

Would it be possible to [restate the specific ask]? I'd be happy to [offer something in return, if relevant — e.g., provide more information, adjust timing].

[Sign-off],
[Your name]

Template 3: The Invitation

Hi [Name],

I wanted to invite you to [event], happening on [date/time] at [location]. [One sentence on why this event/occasion matters.]

[Optional detail: what to bring, who else is coming, logistics.]

Let me know if you're able to make it — it would mean a lot to have you there!

[Sign-off],
[Your name]

Worked example: adapting Template 1

Prompt: "Write an email to an airline about a delayed flight that caused you to miss a connection."

Dear Customer Service Team,

I am writing to raise a concern about Flight AC482 on July 14th, which was delayed by over two hours and caused me to miss my connecting flight to Vancouver. As a result, I had to purchase a same-day replacement ticket at significant extra cost.

I would appreciate it if you could look into reimbursing the additional ticket cost, or offering travel credit for a future booking. Please let me know what documentation you need from my end.

Best regards,
Morgan Lee

Template checklist

• Have I filled every bracket with prompt-specific detail, not generic placeholders?
• Does the tone of my fill-ins match the greeting I chose?
• Have I removed any template language that doesn't fit this specific prompt?
• Does the closing request match what the prompt actually asked me to request?

Common mistakes

• Leaving template phrasing so generic it could apply to any prompt — raters notice and it hurts content scoring.
• Using the Complaint template's tone for an Invitation prompt (too formal/negative).
• Forgetting to change the sign-off when switching between formal and informal templates.

Recap

These three skeletons — complaint, request, invitation — cover most CELPIP Task 1 scenarios, but their value comes from how specifically you adapt each bracket to the actual prompt, not from memorizing the wording itself.