CELPIP Writing
Task 1 of 2
Writing an Email
You're given a situation and asked to write an email that fits it — the right purpose, the right reader, and the right tone. It's marked on content, vocabulary, readability and how fully you address the prompt.
- to write
- 27 min
- words
- 150–200
- criteria scored
- 4
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What a Task 1 prompt looks like
An example written by Celpip Plus in the same shape as the real writing task, with notes on how to read it.
You moved into a rented basement apartment in Halifax two months ago, and the heating has stopped working twice this monthnote 1. Write an email to your landlordnote 2. In your email:
- describe the problem
- explain how it has affected you
- say what you would like the landlord to donote 3
Write 150–200 words.
- 1 The situation: the facts you are given: a basement unit and two heating failures this month. Use them rather than inventing a different problem.
- 2 Your reader: a landlord, so polite and semi-formal: firm about the problem, not angry.
- 3 The three points: give each bullet its own paragraph. Leaving one out costs Task Fulfillment marks.
How to prepare for Writing an Email
- Pin down the purpose, reader, and situation from the prompt, then make sure every part of your email actually addresses them for strong Task Fulfillment.
- Match your tone to the reader, choosing formal or friendly language deliberately since Readability and appropriateness both count.
- Organize your email into clear paragraphs with an opening, body, and closing so your Coherence is easy to follow.
What raters look for in Task 1
- Content/CoherenceA clear purpose in the first lines, one paragraph per bullet, and a closing that states the next step.
- VocabularyPrecise words for the problem and the request ("the furnace shut off", "arrange a repair") rather than "the thing broke".
- ReadabilityParagraphs, linking words, and accurate grammar and spelling, so the landlord understands it on one read.
- Task FulfillmentAll three bullets covered, a tone that suits a landlord, and 150–200 words.
For how the four criteria turn into a CELPIP level from 1 to 12, read How CELPIP Writing is scored.
Keep going with Writing Task 1
Practise on the real interface
The same screen, timer and controls as test day — rebuilt so nothing on the exam is a surprise.
Writing an Email: frequently asked questions
You get 27 minutes to write CELPIP Writing Task 1, and you're aiming for 150–200 words in your email.
Match the formality to the reader and situation in the prompt; a complaint to a company is more formal than a note to a friend, and choosing the right register supports your score.
Yes, covering all the required points fully is central to Task Fulfillment, so read the prompt carefully and respond to each element it asks for.
You are given a suggested length range and should write enough to fully develop your points without padding; aim to be complete and clear rather than counting words obsessively.