You can bring a lot of IELTS writing skill into CELPIP. The core ideas are the same: answer the task, make your message easy to follow, choose precise words, and control grammar. What changes is the format and length: CELPIP is shorter, tighter, and uses an email for Task 1.
The four IELTS pillars → the four CELPIP areas
| IELTS pillar | What it means (plain view) | Use it in CELPIP like this | CELPIP area it strengthens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task Response (Task Achievement in T1) | Answer every part of the question and stay relevant. | Mark each bullet (email) or make a clear choice in line 1 (survey). Add 2–3 reasons with small examples. | Task Fulfillment |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Logical order and smooth links between ideas. | Use a simple paragraph map and 1–2 natural connectors per paragraph (because, so, for example). | Content/Coherence and Readability |
| Lexical Resource | Natural, precise word choice; correct collocations; limited repetition. | Paraphrase the prompt, use everyday Canadian collocations (bus-only lane, repair timeline), and replace vague words. | Vocabulary |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Clear sentence control; few errors; varied structures. | Mix simple + compound + complex sentences; fix common comma/article issues; keep one idea per sentence. | Readability |
What stays the same (transfer directly)
- Answer structure: opening that states purpose or position → body reasons with examples → short closing.
- Evidence: short, concrete examples beat general claims.
- Clarity first: plain, precise words are better than rare words used oddly.
- Paragraph focus: one main idea per paragraph; avoid long walls of text.
What changes for CELPIP (adapt your IELTS habits)
- Shorter responses: aim for about 150–200 words per task.
- Tighter timing: Task 1 and Task 2 share under an hour, so plan in 4–5 minutes and save 2–3 minutes to edit.
- Email genre (Task 1): use greeting, purpose line, polite request(s), next steps, and a sign-off.
- Stricter word window: being far under/over can hurt your score—trim filler and add one concrete detail if short.
Mini how-to: convert IELTS habits to CELPIP moves
IELTS habit → CELPIP move
- Long background → One-line context, then the reason.
- Multi-paragraph argument → Two short body paragraphs (Reason A + example, Reason B + example).
- “On the one hand / on the other hand…” → Pick a side early (survey) and stay with it; one brief nod to the other option at the end only if space.
- Formal letter frames → Semi-formal email: polite, neutral tone; clear ask and timeline.
Before → After (tightening an IELTS-style start)
IELTS-style opening (loose and long)
“Public transportation plays a vital role in the daily lives of citizens, and there are various proposals to enhance the service, each with potential benefits and drawbacks.”
CELPIP-ready opening (direct and short)
“I support adding bus-only lanes because they cut travel time and keep trips on schedule.”
What changed: shorter sentence, clear choice, and a specific benefit.
Language swaps (Lexical Resource → Vocabulary)
- vague → precise: things → items/materials; good → reliable/effective; bad → unsafe/inconvenient
- repeat → rotate: problem → issue/concern/disruption
- copy → paraphrase: improve bus service → make buses more reliable / reduce wait times
Fast mapping drill (3 minutes)
- Write your opening line: purpose (email) or choice (survey).
- List two reasons; add a 7–10-word example to each.
- Mark one connector for each body paragraph (because / so / for example).
- End with next steps (email) or one-line wrap-up (survey).
Micro-checklist (use before you submit)
Task Fulfillment
- Every bullet covered (email) or clear choice in line 1 (survey)
- Near 150–200 words; trimmed filler or added one detail if needed
Coherence & Cohesion
- Paragraph map followed; one idea per paragraph
- 1–2 natural connectors per paragraph (no over-linking)
Lexical Resource → Vocabulary
- Prompt paraphrased; precise, natural words; useful collocations
- Repetition reduced; vague words replaced
Grammar
- Mix of simple/compound/complex sentences
- Articles and commas checked; periods in place
Practice: 10-minute cross-over
- Minutes 0–2: Write a CELPIP-style opening for an IELTS-type topic.
- Minutes 2–6: Two body paragraphs (one reason + example each).
- Minutes 6–8: Replace two vague words; add one collocation that fits the context.
- Minutes 8–10: Edit for word count and email/survey tone.