#12. Common Errors & How to Fix Them

Below are the most common issues raters see in CELPIP Writing, with quick “Before → After” fixes you can copy.

A) Missing or messy task coverage (off-task / incomplete bullets)

Problem: Not answering every “Do the following” bullet (Task 1) or no clear choice (Task 2).
Fix it fast: Mark bullets → write one short sentence per bullet/choice → expand with one detail.

Before: “The elevator is bad. Please help.”
After: “The north elevator stops often (bullet: describe). Residents on higher floors miss deliveries (bullet: impact). Please send a technician and post daily updates (bullet: requests). Kindly confirm the repair date (bullet: next steps).”

B) Word count outside the window

Problem: Far under 150 or well over 200.
Fix it fast: If short—add one concrete detail or result. If long—cut repetition and filler.

Before (126 words): “The bus is slow and it is a problem…”
After (~175 words): “During rush hour, Route 9 arrives 15–20 minutes late, so riders miss transfers. Please add two peak-hour buses and post live updates at stops.”

C) Tone errors (too casual / too harsh / too formal)

Problem: Email sounds like a chat or a complaint; survey sounds academic or stiff.
Fix it fast: Email = polite, neutral; Survey = clear, respectful, persuasive.

Before (casual email): “Hey, this keeps happening. It’s super annoying.”
After (semi-formal): “Hello, I’m writing about repeated delays on Route 9. Could you please add an evening bus and post schedule updates?”

D) Punctuation: comma splices, missing periods, list commas

Problem: Two sentences joined by a comma; no periods; missing list comma.
Fix it fast: End sentences with a period; use so/because or a semicolon to join complete ideas; add commas in lists.

Before: “The bus was delayed, I missed my interview.”
After: “The bus was delayed, so I missed my interview.”
List: “We need name, unit number, and date.”

E) Articles and prepositions

Problem: Wrong or missing a/an/the; unnatural prepositions.
Fix it fast:

• a/an = first mention / not specific; the = specific/known.
• Natural pairs: on the bus, at the stop, in winter, during rush hour.

Before: “Please repair elevator in north tower.”
After: “Please repair the elevator in the north tower.”

F) Run-on sentences and weak sentence variety

Problem: One long sentence with many commas; all short choppy lines.
Fix it fast: Mix simple + compound + complex (because/so/although).

Before: “The route changed it caused delays people were upset this is a big problem.”
After: “The route changed, so buses started to arrive late. As a result, riders missed transfers.”

G) Repetition and vague words

Problem: Using the same key word (problem, help) or vague terms (things, very big).
Fix it fast: Rotate precise synonyms and collocations.

Before: “This is a big problem and it causes problems.”
After: “These delays are a serious concern because riders miss transfers.”

H) No examples (claims without support)

Problem: Reasons are stated but not shown.
Fix it fast: Add one small, real-life detail (time/place/number).

Before: “Buses are often late.”
After: “On weekday evenings, Route 9 arrives 15–20 minutes late, so students miss the 6:10 transfer.”

I) Paragraphing problems (wall of text / ideas mixed together)

Problem: One giant block; two ideas in one paragraph.
Fix it fast: 3–5 short paragraphs; one idea per paragraph; topic sentence first.

Before: (one block mixing purpose, reasons, and request)
After:

• P1 (purpose): “I’m writing to report repeated delays on Route 9.”
• P2 (reason A + example): “During rush hour, trips take 45 minutes instead of 25…”
• P3 (reason B + example): “Students miss the 6:10 transfer to campus…”
• P4 (next steps): “Could you add one peak-hour bus and post live updates?”

J) Copying prompt phrases (no paraphrase)

Problem: Repeating the question wording.
Fix it fast: Paraphrase with natural synonyms and structure changes.

Before: “Please improve bus service.”
After: “Please make buses more reliable and reduce wait times.”

K) Email format mistakes (Task 1)

Problem: Missing greeting/sign-off; no clear request/next steps.
Fix it fast: Greeting → purpose → reason A (+ example) → reason B (+ example) → request/next steps → sign-off.

Before: “Fix the noise. Thanks.”
After:
“Hello,
I’m writing about late-night construction noise on 3rd Ave. It wakes residents after 11 p.m., including seniors on the 5th floor. Could you please limit work to daytime and post the schedule? Kind regards, …”

L) Survey mistakes (Task 2)

Problem: No clear choice; arguing both sides; greeting/sign-off (not needed).
Fix it fast: Choice in line 1 → two reasons with examples → brief nod to the other option only if space.

Before: “Both ideas are good. Hello Sir/Madam…”
After: “I support bus-only lanes because they cut travel time and keep trips on schedule. For example…”

M) Over-linking with heavy connectors

Problem: Moreover/furthermore/therefore in every line.
Fix it fast: Use 1–2 simple connectors per paragraph (because, so, for example).

Before: “Moreover, furthermore, therefore, consequently…”
After: “Route 9 is late because of construction, so riders miss transfers.”

N) Over-reliance on spellcheck

Problem: Homophones and wrong words pass (there/their; effect/affect).
Fix it fast: Final 2-minute scan for word choice; don’t accept every suggestion.

Before: “There delays effect riders.”
After: “These delays affect riders.”

O) Inconsistent spelling (Canadian/US mix)

Problem: colour/center mix; random capitalization.
Fix it fast: Pick one variety and stay consistent; capitalize names and the first word of each sentence.

P) Tense drift and agreement errors

Problem: Switching tenses without time change; subject–verb mismatch.
Fix it fast: Keep one tense per paragraph; check the verb matches the subject.

Before: “The buses is late and riders were upset.”
After: “The buses are late and riders are upset.”

Q) Weak endings (no ask or wrap-up)

Problem: The email ends without a request; survey ends without a clear takeaway.
Fix it fast: Email → ask for next steps with a time; Survey → one-line summary.

Email close: “Please confirm the repair date by Friday.”
Survey close: “Although a fare cut helps some riders, lanes fix the main delay.”

Final Quick Checklist

• Every bullet covered (email) or clear choice (survey)
• Near 150–200 words; no filler/repetition
• Semi-formal email / concise, persuasive survey
• Clean sentences and commas; articles/prepositions correct
• One concrete example per reason; short, clear ending