Courses/CELPIP Writing Course/Scoring & What “Good” Looks Like

#2. Scoring & What “Good” Looks Like

Your Writing score is based on four areas. Learn what each one means and how to meet it.

1) Content & Coherence

Goal: clear ideas, logical order, and useful support.

Do

  • Start with a clear main idea.
  • Give 2–3 reasons and add short, real examples.
  • Keep one main idea per paragraph.

Avoid

  • Jumping between topics.
  • Repeating the same point in different words.

2) Vocabulary

Goal: natural, precise word choice that fits the task.

Do

  • Use everyday words that match the situation (work, city, community).
  • Paraphrase the prompt instead of copying it.
  • Prefer strong verbs and clear nouns over long phrases.

Avoid

  • Fancy words you can’t control.
  • Overusing the same key word.

3) Readability

Goal: easy to read and well-structured writing.

Do

  • Use short, direct sentences; mix in a few longer ones.
  • Link ideas with simple connectors (because, so, for example, however).
  • Use clear paragraphs (opening → reasons → ending).
  • Do a quick check for spelling and punctuation.

Avoid

  • One long paragraph.
  • Long chains of commas with no pauses.

4) Task Fulfillment

Goal: follow instructions, use the right tone, and stay in range.

Do

  • Answer every bullet in the prompt.
  • Keep a polite, neutral tone for emails; a clear, reasoned tone for surveys.
  • Aim for about 150–200 words per task and watch the counter.

Avoid

  • Ignoring a bullet or changing the topic.
  • Writing far under or far over the word range.

Quick Checklist (copy before you submit)

Content & Coherence

  • Clear main idea early
  • 2–3 reasons with short examples
  • Ideas move in a logical order

Vocabulary

  • Natural, precise words for this context
  • Prompt paraphrased (no copying)
  • Minimal repetition

Readability

  • Paragraphs: opening, body, closing
  • Simple connectors (because, so, for example)
  • Few grammar/spelling slips

Task Fulfillment

  • Every bullet covered
  • Polite, appropriate tone
  • ~150–200 words (checked)
Previous
Orientation & Diagnostic
Next
Fast Planning for Tasks