Task 1 Templates (Writing an Email)

Task 1 is a short email, about 150–200 words in 27 minutes, built around three "do the following" bullets.

🎥 The template, filled in line by line (8:55)

Six short lines that never change, with blanks where your own details go. One template covers formal and informal, because you swap the words rather than the structure. The video fills every blank on a real exam question and lands on a Level 10 answer at about 190 words.

Jump to: 0:00 the template, screenshot it · 0:28 why memorised phrases score low · 1:14 line 1, the greeting · 1:36 line 2, the purpose line · 2:00 line 3, the body · 2:23 line 4, the concluding statement · 3:14 the full answer, written live · 5:37 the one thing a template cannot do.

Before you write a single word, answer one question: who am I writing to?

• Formal — a manager, a company, an office, building management, the city → Section A
• Informal — a friend, a neighbour, a family member → Section B

This one decision changes your greeting, your vocabulary, your sign-off, even your punctuation. Getting it wrong costs a level or two even when your grammar is perfect — which is exactly why it comes first.

🎥 Watch: Templates in action

Jump to: 2:26 the words to delete · 3:08 the 4-part framework · 5:11 the answer that fails at 8/12 · 6:47 the rewrite at 12/12 · 8:13 two bonus tricks

Stop counting your sentences

A lot of advice tells you to write exactly two sentences per bullet. Ignore it.

Graders do not count sentences. They check whether your writing flows naturally and whether every bullet is covered and developed. Counting sentences while a 27-minute clock runs adds stress, and panic costs more marks than an extra sentence ever did.

Write until each bullet is genuinely answered. Then check the counter.

Section A — The formal email

Use this when you're writing to a manager, a company, an office, building management, or the city. Everything in this section is deliberately polite and slightly distant, which is exactly why none of it belongs in an informal email.

The 5-part map

1. Greeting
2. Purpose line — why you're writing, one sentence
3. Body — one short paragraph per bullet; each makes its point and adds one concrete detail
4. Request + next steps — what you want, and by when
5. Sign-off + name

Skip To / From / Subject unless the prompt asks for them. Start at the greeting.

A1) Greetings

• Hello Ms. ____,
• Hello Mr. ____,
• Dear ____ Team,
• Dear Customer Service,
• Dear Admissions Office,
• Dear Translation Services Manager,

If you don't know a name, use the role or the team — Customer Service, Building Management, Program Office.

A2) Purpose lines

Reporting a problem

• I'm writing to report repeated delays on Route ____.
• I'm writing about ongoing noise after 11 p.m. at ____.
• I'm writing to report frequent elevator outages in the north tower.

Requesting information

• I'm writing to ask about registration for the __ course in __.
• I'm writing to confirm the documents needed for ____.
• I'm writing to request details about the repair schedule for ____.

Asking for a change

• I'm writing to request a schedule change for my class on ____.
• I'm writing to ask if my appointment can be moved to ____.
• I'm writing to request a refund/replacement for order #____.

Following up

• I'm writing to follow up on my last email from ____.
• I'm writing to check the status of service ticket #____.

A3) Body — one paragraph per bullet

Each paragraph = the point + one concrete detail. A date, a number, a name, a cost.

Impact on people / access

• This causes long waits during rush hour; for example, the 5:40 bus often arrives after 6:00.
• Residents on higher floors miss deliveries; last week, parcels stayed in the lobby overnight.
• Evening classes run late, so working parents arrive after the lesson has started.

Safety / reliability

• The south entrance is poorly lit after 9 p.m.; last night, several lights were off.
• The elevator stops between floors; yesterday it halted on the 7th floor for two minutes.

Service / quality

• Several items were missing from the delivery; the receipt lists two filters, but only one arrived.
• The booking page shows "confirmed," yet staff could not find my reservation at check-in.

Money / deadlines

• The new fee was charged twice; my statement shows two payments on the same date.
• The application deadline appears as July 1 on the website but July 5 in the email.

Community / public impact

• Weekend events bring large crowds, so families wait in long lines for washrooms.
• Snow on the stairs makes the entrance slippery; two neighbours slipped last week.

Clarity / communication

• Notices list "repairs in progress," but no estimated finish date is shown.
• The sign at the gate says "permit required," yet the website shows "free after 6 p.m."

A4) The request + next steps

Polite action verbs

• Could you please arrange a technician visit this week?
• Would it be possible to post daily updates with an estimated date?
• Could you add one evening bus during rush hour this month?
• Please confirm which documents I should bring on ____.
• Would you please move my appointment to ____?
• Could you issue a refund for the second charge on ____?
• Please send a replacement for item ____, or advise on pickup.

Offering help or information

• I can share photos, receipts, and unit numbers if needed.
• I'm available ____ for a call or visit.

Timeline

• Please let me know by Friday if this plan works.
• Kindly confirm the next steps by tomorrow afternoon.

A5) The concluding statement

Paragon's own material calls this the concluding statement, and it is the line that stops your email ending abruptly.

Do not jump from your third bullet straight to Kind regards. There should be one line that shows the email is finished.

• Please let me know if you need anything further from me.
• I look forward to hearing from you.
• Thank you for looking into this.
• I would appreciate a reply before Friday.

A6) Sign-offs

• Sincerely,
• Kind regards,
• Best regards,
• Thank you,

Then your full name, and optionally unit number or phone.

Formal model answer (rebuilt from a 6 to a 10+)

Prompt. You used an online document translation service for an important business document. It was finished before the deadline, but several errors caused confusion with your business partners.

Write to the manager:

(1) give details about your document and when you submitted it;

(2) explain the errors and how they affected your business communication;

(3) request appropriate compensation and suggest how they can improve.

❌ Around a 6

Dear Manager, I am writing about the translation I got from your company last week. I sent you my business document on Monday and you sent it back on Wednesday. It was fast but not good. The translation had many mistakes… I think you should give me my money back… Please reply soon. I want my refund. Thanks, John Smith

Blunt and casual for a formal complaint. Thin details, flat vocabulary, asks that read like demands. It touches the bullets but develops none of them.

✅ Around a 10

Dear Translation Services Manager,

I am writing regarding a recent translation completed by your company. On September 15th, I submitted our quarterly business proposal — a 10-page document detailing our product specifications and partnership terms — for translation from English to Mandarin Chinese.

While it was delivered ahead of the September 18th deadline, numerous critical errors were identified. Technical specifications were mistranslated, causing confusion about our product capabilities, and several pricing values were converted incorrectly. These led to an uncomfortable meeting with our partners in Shanghai and required extensive clarification, compromising our credibility.

Given this, I believe a 50% refund would be reasonable compensation. I would also recommend a specialized review process for technical documents, involving subject-matter experts alongside your linguists.

I appreciate your attention and look forward to your response.

Kind regards,
Dr. Elizabeth Chen

One paragraph per bullet: the document and the date → the errors and their real impact → the refund and the improvement.

Plug-and-play formal templates

A) Building maintenance request

Hello Building Management,

I'm writing to report repeated elevator outages in the north tower this month. The notice says "part on order," but there is no repair date.

This affects many residents on higher floors. For example, deliveries pile up in the lobby because drivers cannot reach upper floors.

It also creates access issues for seniors and parents with strollers. On Tuesday evening, the elevator stopped between the 7th and 8th floors for about two minutes, and several people used the stairs.

Could you please arrange a technician visit this week to stabilize service while we wait for the part? Also, would it be possible to post daily updates with an estimated completion date so residents can plan?

I can share unit numbers and times if helpful. Please let me know the repair timeline by Friday.

Kind regards,

B) Refund or replacement (online order)

Hello Customer Service,

I'm writing to request a replacement for order #__. The parcel arrived on __, but the box contained one filter instead of two, and the bottle cap was cracked. I attached a photo of the items and the receipt.

This issue delays a planned repair at my home. The second filter is needed for the installation, which is scheduled for this weekend.

Could you please send a replacement for the missing filter and advise about the damaged bottle? If a replacement is not available, would you please issue a refund for both items?

I can return the damaged part if required. Please confirm the next steps by tomorrow afternoon.

Best regards,

C) Schedule change (class or appointment)

Hello Program Office,

I'm writing to request a schedule change for my photography class on May 12. I need to attend a medical appointment at the same time. I would like to move to the Saturday morning session if possible.

Evening travel takes longer during construction on Main Street, so I often arrive late for weeknight classes. A weekend session would help me attend from the start.

Could you please transfer my registration to Saturday or suggest another time this month? I can attend any morning slot and will pay any difference in fees.

Please confirm the change and let me know if you need additional details.

Sincerely,

D) Information request (documents / policies)

Hello Admissions Office,

I'm writing to ask about the document list for the Business Writing course starting in September. The website mentions "proof of English level," but it does not specify which tests you accept.

I have recent results and work experience in Canada. I want to ensure I bring the correct papers to registration.

Could you please confirm which test scores and IDs you require? If there is a registration deadline, please let me know the date.

Thank you for your help.

Kind regards,

E) Community issue (noise / events)

Hello City Events Team,

I'm writing about late-night music from the waterfront stage after 10 p.m. on weekends. The sound reaches nearby apartments, and families with young children cannot sleep.

Crowds also create long washroom lines and litter by the playground. On Saturday, bins overflowed by 9:30 p.m.

Could you please reduce volume after 9:30 p.m. and add two waste bins near the playground during events? If possible, please post the schedule at the park entrance so residents can plan.

Please let me know if these steps are possible for next weekend.

Best regards,

Section B — The informal email

Informal prompts are roughly half the Task 1 bank. If the prompt says friend, neighbour, cousin, classmate, or someone you know well — you're here.

The 4-part framework

Think of it as a long text message, not a letter.

No "Dear." No "I am writing to inform you." No full name at the bottom.

It's the same 5-part map from Section A, in different clothes. The purpose line merges into the catch-up, and the ask sits inside the last body paragraph. You are not learning two systems.

B1) The swap list — delete these, use these

If any word on the left survives into your informal email, your tone score drops. Screenshot this one.

Rule of thumb: if it sounds like a lawyer talking to a buddy, cut it.

B2) Informal phrase bank

Openers

• Hi __, / Hey __,
• Hope you're doing well!
• Hope you had a great weekend.
• Hope you're having a good week.

Pivots into the point

• Anyway, the reason I'm reaching out is…
• So, I actually wanted to ask you something.
• I'm reaching out because…
• Quick one for you —

Asking a favour

• I was wondering if you'd be up for…
• Any chance you could…?
• Would you mind…?
• I could really use your help with…

Softening a big ask

• I know this is a massive favour.
• No pressure at all if you're too busy.
• Totally understand if it doesn't work out.
• Just say the word if it's too much.

Offering something back

• To make it up to you, I could…
• Happy to return the favour whenever you need.
• Let me know how I can pay you back for this.
• Your call — whatever works for you.

Sharing excitement

• I'm so excited about this!
• Count me in.
• I can't wait to help make this special.

Closers

• Let me know if this works for you.
• Let me know what you think.
• Catch up soon, / Talk soon, / Cheers, / Thanks a million,

Informal model answer 1 — the too-formal trap

Prompt. You are planning a week-long trip to Halifax next month to visit your elderly parents. You have a friendly dog, Biscuit, and a neighbour who has met Biscuit several times and has looked after him before. Write an email to your neighbour: (1) explain why you are going away; (2) describe your dog's daily routine and any special care instructions; (3) offer to do something in return.

❌ Perfect grammar, wrong tone — 8/12

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to formally submit a request regarding the temporary custody of my dog. The rationale for my upcoming departure is a visit to my elderly parents in Halifax, and the duration of my absence will encompass one entire week.

Regarding the aforementioned canine, his daily regimen consists of two feedings and a minimum of one extended walk per day. Furthermore, he requires medication administered with his evening meal.

I acknowledge that this constitutes a considerable imposition. Consequently, I would be pleased to reciprocate in any manner you deem appropriate.

Kindly confirm your availability at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,
*(full name)

Read that again, because it is the most useful bad answer on this page. Every bullet is covered. The grammar is flawless. The structure is right. The word count is right. And it caps at 8 — purely because this is business-letter English aimed at a neighbour who has already dog-sat for you.

✅ Same content, right tone — 12/12

Hi John,

Hope you're having a great week! I'm reaching out because I'm heading over to Halifax next month to check in on my elderly parents — from August 10th to the 17th. Since Biscuit absolutely adored staying with you last summer, I was wondering if you'd be up for having him again?

His routine is still pretty much the same: breakfast around 7, dinner around 6, and one long walk in the afternoon. The only new thing is a small tablet with his evening food — I'll leave everything labelled so you can't get it wrong.

I know asking you to give up a week of your time is a massive favour. To make it up to you, I'd be happy to look after your place while you're away in the fall, or just cover your groceries for the week — your call.

Let me know if this works for you. Absolutely no pressure if you're too busy.

Cheers,
Matthew

Full marks on all four criteria. The tone matches a neighbour. All three bullets are covered and developed with concrete detail — dates, feeding times, the tablet, two specific offers. And it sounds like a person: pretty much, a massive favour, your call, no pressure.

The information in both versions is identical. Only the register changed — and it was worth four points.

Informal model answer 2 — friendly but vague → warm and specific

Prompt. Your best friend is planning a surprise anniversary party for their parents next month. You have party-planning experience and want to help. Write to your friend: (1) share your excitement and mention your experience; (2) suggest specific ideas (decorations, venue, entertainment); (3) explain how you can help with planning and organizing.

❌ Right tone, thin content — around a 6

Hi friend, I am so happy that you want to make a party for your parents… I made some parties before for my family and friends, so I know what to do. We can buy balloons and flowers… Maybe we can do it in your house because it's big… I know where to get good stuff for cheap prices… Let me know if you want my help. Your friend, Sam

The tone is actually correct — friendly, which the prompt wants. It still scores a 6 because it's vague. Buy balloons and flowers, good stuff for cheap, I made some parties before — no specific ideas, no real venue, no developed experience.

✅ Warm and specific — around a 10

Hi Emily,

I'm so excited you're planning a surprise anniversary party for your mum and dad — count me in! You know I've organized a bunch of these, including that charity gala at the Cultural Centre last month, so I can't wait to help make this one special.

I've already got a few ideas. What about the newly renovated Heritage Hall? It has that elegant-but-cosy feel that would suit your parents perfectly. We could go with soft lighting, fresh flowers, and a little photo display of their journey together — and for entertainment, some live music tied to their story.

Here's how I can take the pressure off you: I'll handle the vendors I trust — the caterer and the decorators — and manage the timing on the day so the surprise actually stays a surprise. You just pass me the guest list and a budget.

Want to grab lunch next week and map it all out? So happy to help.

Talk soon,
Alex

One paragraph per bullet: excitement plus real experience (the charity gala at the Cultural Centre, not just "I've done parties") → specific ideas (Heritage Hall, soft lighting, a photo display, live music) → exactly how I'll help (vendors and timing; you give me the guest list and budget).

These two examples teach opposite lessons. The Biscuit email had strong content and the wrong voice. Sam's email had the right voice and weak content. You need both.

🎥 Watch: CELPIP Task 1 Email - The 5 Part Map That Scores +10

Learn a 5-part email map that works for EVERY CELPIP Task 1 prompt, learn how to choose formal vs informal tone, and watch two real emails go from a band 6 to a 10+, line by line.

Two tricks that lift a good answer to a great one

Trick 1 — the white-space hack

Graders read hundreds of emails a day. One giant chunky block of text is exhausting to read before it is even judged.

Every time you move to a new bullet point, hit Enter twice. A clear blank line between paragraphs makes your writing visually easy to scan — and that alone lifts your organization score.

Trick 2 — the 5-minute cushion

You have 27 minutes. Do not start typing immediately.

Those last five minutes are where the marks are.

Before → After fixes you can copy

Too casual (formal task)
Before: "Hey, this keeps happening and it's super annoying."
After: "Hello, I'm writing about repeated delays on Route ____."

Too formal (informal task)
Before: "I would be most grateful if you would consider accommodating my canine."
After: "Any chance you could look after Biscuit for the week?"

No ask
Before: "The class time is hard for me."
After: "Could you please move my class to the Saturday session?"

Vague
Before: "There are many problems at night."
After: "After 10 p.m., music from the stage is loud, and families cannot sleep."

Wordy
Before: "I would like to kindly take the opportunity to state that…"
After: "I'm writing to request…"

Hard tone
Before: "Your staff never helps anyone."
After: "Service delays have caused missed appointments."

Exam-day checklist

Before you write

• Formal or informal? Say it in your head.

• All three bullets underlined.

While you write

• One short paragraph per bullet.

• One concrete detail in each.

• Blank line between every paragraph.

• Word counter between 150 and 200.

In your last five minutes — the formal-word hunt (informal emails only)

• "Therefore" → so

• "However" → but

• "Furthermore" → also

• "Dear" → Hi

• "I am writing to…" → I'm reaching out because…

• Full name at the bottom → first name only

• Anything else that makes it look like a business letter → delete or replace

Then

• Run the spell check.

• Read once for the words spellcheck can't catch (there / their, its / it's).

• Submit.

Practice

1. Spot the tone (2 min). Write only the greeting and sign-off for each, and label it Formal or Informal:
(a) complain to your gym about a broken machine · (b) ask a friend to water your plants · (c) ask the city to fix a streetlight · (d) invite a neighbour to a barbecue.
Answers: a & c → Formal (Dear… / Kind regards). b & d → Informal (Hi… / Talk soon).

2. De-formalise it (5 min). Rewrite the 8/12 Biscuit email using the 4-part framework without looking at the 12/12 version. Then compare. How many words from the swap list did you catch?

3. Fix the weak email (10 min). Rewrite Sam's party email on the map: one paragraph per bullet, one concrete detail each, a clear offer to help. Keep the friendly tone. Aim 160–190 words.

4. Write it live (27 min). Take a real Task 1 prompt on CELPIP Writing Task 1: Writing an Email, use the 2 / 20 / 5 split, and submit for instant AI feedback on tone and grammar.

Related:

• Lesson 4 — Task 1 Essentials for the system behind these templates
• Lesson 7 — Vocabulary for Precision for word choice
• Lesson 12 — Common Errors for the 17 mistakes to check against