CELPIP Writing Task 1 Template: Writing an Email

CELPIP Writing Task 1 asks you to write an email of 150 to 200 words in 27 minutes, responding to three bullet points in a given situation. Paragon Testing rates your email on four dimensions: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfillment. The template below covers the salutation, the three body paragraphs, and the sign-off.

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Reading a template teaches you the shape. Writing one under a 27-minute clock teaches you whether you can actually hold that shape when your hands are shaking. Pick a real prompt from the Task 1 question bank and get instant AI feedback on all four rating dimensions, instead of waiting days for a human marker.

What is the official format for CELPIP Writing Task 1?

Task 1 gives you 27 minutes to write one email of 150 to 200 words. The prompt describes an everyday situation, names the person you are writing to, and asks you to do around three things. Paragon Testing Enterprises, which owns and administers CELPIP, publishes the task, the timing, and the word range on its official test format page at celpip.ca, and lists the on-screen timer, word counter, and spell check among the test's built-in tools.

That last row is where people lose marks they never see. The spelling checker underlines a misspelled word and offers you a short dropdown of alternatives, but it will not fix anything by itself, so a flagged word you never click stays wrong on submission. It also checks spelling only. Write "effect" when you meant "affect" and the screen stays clean while a rater reads a word-choice error. Budget the last five minutes to click every underlined word, then read the whole email once more for the grammar the software cannot see.

The word range is a guideline, not a hard cutoff. Paragon says you have a little room to go under or over the suggested limit, and that your score may suffer if you land significantly outside it. Treat "significantly" as the operative word. Aim for the middle of the range, around 175, and you will never have to think about it again. Ignore the specific buffer figures that circulate on prep blogs, because Paragon does not publish one.

Task 1 is one half of the Writing section. Task 2, the survey response, follows it with its own clock. If you want the whole section mapped out, see the full Writing section format, and when you are ready to work against real prompts, the CELPIP Writing practice test hub holds the full bank.

How is CELPIP Writing Task 1 scored?

Your email is rated on four dimensions, each scored against performance-level descriptors: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfillment. Paragon uses at least four independent raters before a final score is issued. There is no raw score out of 38 for Writing, whatever you may have read elsewhere. The rating is holistic.

Here is what each dimension is actually looking at, and what you do about it.

• Content/Coherence. The number and quality of your ideas, and whether they sit in a logical order. This is where signpost phrases earn their keep. Phrases like To briefly review, In terms of, and Regarding act as bridges between paragraphs and tell the rater exactly where you are in the task. Develop each idea with a supporting detail instead of listing bare answers.
• Vocabulary. Range, precision, and tone. Avoid repeating the same word three times. Reach for the precise formal synonym: dissatisfaction rather than unhappy, inquire rather than ask, reimbursement rather than money back. Do not copy phrasing straight out of the prompt.
• Readability. Paragraphing, sentence structure, grammar, spelling, and punctuation all live here. Grammar is not a separate criterion on CELPIP. It is scored as part of how readable your email is. Varied sentence structure counts: mix short sentences with longer complex ones rather than writing eight simple sentences in a row.
• Task Fulfillment. Did you address all three bullet points, hold an appropriate tone for the recipient, and stay near the word range? Miss a bullet and this dimension caps your score no matter how elegant the writing is.

For the full breakdown of the rating scale, see how CELPIP Writing is scored. To see what each Writing level means for your immigration file, the CELPIP Writing score chart and CLB equivalency maps every level to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).

Who should you address the email to, and how do you sign off?

Decide who you are writing to before you type a single word, because that one decision fixes your tone and your sign-off. Read the prompt twice and ask whether this person knows you, and whether the relationship is professional or personal.

The Rule of Pairs

In formal writing, your opening salutation must match your closing sign-off. Mismatching them is a Readability error that costs you nothing to avoid.

Skip the To, From and Subject lines unless the prompt specifically asks for them. Plenty of prep sites tell you to invent a subject line. The task gives you a response box, not an email client, so start at the greeting and spend those words on the three bullets instead.

How do you write the opening paragraph?

State who you are and why you are writing, in two sentences. The rater should know your purpose before the end of your second line.

Grammar Booster: Present Perfect Tense

Use this to prove your history with the recipient. It shows that your relationship started in the past and is still true today.

• Formula: Subject + Have/Has + Been + Noun/Adjective + For [Time]
• Why? "I am a tenant" is basic. "I have been a tenant for five years" demands respect.

The Template

• Context: "My name is [Name], and I have been a [Resident/Customer] for [Duration]."
• Purpose: "I am writing to [express a concern / complain / inquire] regarding [Topic]."

Example: "My name is Mahdie Ahmadi, and I have been a resident of unit 1207 for five years. I am writing to express a safety concern regarding the landscaping."

How do you cover the first bullet point?

Give the background. Set the scene so the reader understands the context before you complain or ask for anything.

Grammar Booster: Simple Past and Passive Voice

When you describe a finished event or order details, use the Simple Past. Use the Passive Voice to sound formal and objective, because it puts the focus on the action rather than the person.

• Active: I ordered the cake.
• Passive (Better): The order was placed on January 10th.

The Template

• Transition: "To briefly review the situation, ..."
• Details: [Describe what happened / the object / the date].

Example: "To briefly review the situation, the large oak tree near the entrance has been deteriorating for months. This tree is excessively overgrown, with several large branches that appear dry and brittle."

How do you cover the second bullet point?

Explain the specific issues, hazards, or details. This paragraph is the substance of the email, so give it your best sentence work.

Grammar Booster: Subordinating Conjunctions

Do not write short, choppy sentences. Use conjunctions to connect the problem with the result.

• Contrast: Although, While
• Cause and effect: Since, Because, Consequently

The Template

• Zoom-In: "In terms of [the hazard/problem], ..."
• Detail 1 (complex sentence): "The roots are uplifting the pavement, leading to a tripping hazard."
• Detail 2 (expander): "Furthermore, [additional detail]."

Example: "In terms of the hazards it poses, the most pressing issue is that the roots are uplifting the pavement. Furthermore, falling branches recently scratched a tenant's car, which raises liability concerns for the building."

How do you cover the third bullet point?

Give the solution, request, or suggestion the prompt asks for. Be specific enough that the reader could act on it tomorrow.

Grammar Booster: Modals of Suggestion and Necessity

Be polite but firm. Avoid "I want." Modals soften the request while keeping it strong.

• Strong: Must, urge
• Polite: Would suggest, could, ought to

The Template

• Transition: "Regarding [the solution/request], ..."
• Proposal: "I strongly urge you to [action]." or "I would suggest [action]."
• Alternative: "Alternatively, [Plan B]."

Example: "Regarding a potential replacement, I strongly urge you to consider a facility that adds value. I would suggest installing a bike rack. Alternatively, a small flower garden could improve the curb appeal."

How do you close and sign a CELPIP email?

Close with a forward-looking sentence and your full name. A missing name or sign-off is a formatting error that a rater cannot ignore.

Use standard phrases that assume the person will act.

The Template

• Closing: "Thank you in advance for ..." or "I look forward to ..."
• Sign-off: [Matches your Rule of Pairs choice]
• Name: [Your full name]

Example: "Thank you in advance for taking this matter into consideration.
Regards,
Mahdie Ahmadi"

What does a CELPIP Writing Task 1 sample answer look like?

A high-scoring Task 1 email runs about 175 words across four short paragraphs, opens with your purpose, gives one paragraph per bullet point, and closes with a clear request. Here is the full template assembled into a single answer, with each move labelled so you can see the skeleton underneath.

Prompt: You live in an apartment building. There is a large tree in the front yard that concerns you. Write an email to the building manager. In your email:

• Describe the tree and its condition.
• Explain the problems the tree creates.
• Suggest what should be installed in its place.

Sample Answer, 193 words

Dear Building Manager, Salutation

My name is Mahdie Ahmadi, and I have been a resident of unit 1207 for five years. Intro: history using present perfect I am writing to express a safety concern regarding the landscaping in the front yard. Purpose

To briefly review the situation, the large oak tree near the entrance has been deteriorating for months, and I believe it is time to remove it. Transition + bullet 1: context This tree is excessively overgrown, with several large branches that appear dry and brittle. Detail: description Additionally, it leans dangerously close to the first-level windows, blocking their natural light. Support: specific problem

In terms of the hazards it poses, the most pressing issue is that the roots are uplifting the pavement, leading to a tripping hazard. Bullet 2: zoom-in phrase + main issue Furthermore, falling branches recently scratched a tenant's car, which raises liability concerns for the building. Support: financial consequence

Regarding a potential replacement, I strongly urge you to consider a facility that adds value to the property. Bullet 3: transition + strong modal I would suggest installing a secure bike rack in that space, as many residents have nowhere to store bikes. Proposal 1 Alternatively, a small flower garden with benches can significantly improve the curb appeal of the property. Proposal 2: alternative plan

Thank you in advance for taking this matter into consideration. Closing

Regards, Sign-off

Mahdie Ahmadi

CELPIP Writing Task 1 Samples With Answers: Three More Worked Examples

The template above works on every Task 1 prompt, but it looks different depending on who you are writing to. These three samples run it through three different registers: a formal request to someone you know by name, a formal complaint to a stranger, and a semi-formal note to a neighbour. Each one names its word count, because knowing what 175 words feels like is half the battle.

Sample 2: Requesting a schedule change (formal, named recipient)

Prompt: You are enrolled in a part-time accounting certificate at a community college. You need to move from the Tuesday evening section of one course to the Saturday morning section. Write an email to the program coordinator, Ms. Fraser. In your email:

• Explain why you need to change sections.
• Describe how you will catch up on the work you have missed.
• Propose when the change should take effect.

Sample Answer, 167 words

Dear Ms. Fraser,

My name is Daniyar Toktassyn, and I have been enrolled in the accounting certificate since September. I am writing to request a transfer from the Tuesday evening section of ACC 210 to the Saturday morning section.

To briefly review my situation, my employer restructured our department last month and moved me onto a rotating evening shift. Since that change took effect, I have missed two Tuesday classes and I expect to miss several more if my schedule stays as it is.

In terms of catching up, I have already borrowed notes from a classmate and completed both missed assignments. I would be glad to meet the Saturday instructor beforehand so that I arrive at the same point as the rest of the group.

Regarding timing, I would suggest the transfer take effect from the first Saturday in September. Alternatively, if the section is full, I would appreciate being added to a waiting list.

Thank you in advance for considering this request.

Sincerely,
Daniyar Toktassyn

Why this scores well. Task Fulfillment: all three bullets get their own paragraph and a concrete answer, including a fallback for the third. Content/Coherence: the three signpost phrases carry the reader from reason to remedy to date. Vocabulary: "restructured", "rotating evening shift", and "take effect" are precise rather than general. Readability: the salutation "Dear Ms. Fraser" correctly pairs with "Sincerely", and no sentence runs past two clauses.

Sample 3: Complaining about a service contract (formal, unknown recipient)

Prompt: You paid a company in advance for driveway snow clearing for the whole winter season. The company has not cleared your driveway after several snowfalls. Write an email to the company's customer service department. In your email:

• Describe the service you paid for and when.
• Explain what has gone wrong and how it has affected you.
• Say what you would like the company to do.

Sample Answer, 173 words

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with a seasonal snow clearing contract I purchased from your company on October 14th for the address at 88 Larkspur Crescent.

To briefly review the situation, the contract guaranteed clearing within twelve hours of any snowfall over five centimetres. Since December, there have been four such snowfalls, and my driveway was cleared only once. I reported the problem by telephone on January 9th and was told a crew would be dispatched, but nobody arrived.

In terms of the impact, I was unable to reach my vehicle on two working mornings and had to arrange transport at my own expense. My elderly mother, who visits weekly, has been unable to reach the front door safely.

Regarding a resolution, I would request a refund of half the contract value, given that roughly half the season remains. Alternatively, I would accept a written commitment that clearing will resume within the guaranteed window.

I hope this matter will receive your immediate attention.

Yours Faithfully,
Priya Raghunathan

Why this scores well. Task Fulfillment: every bullet is answered with a checkable detail, including a date, a depth in centimetres, and a specific remedy. Vocabulary: "dissatisfaction", "dispatched", and "guaranteed window" hit the formal register without sounding forced. Content/Coherence: the impact paragraph gives two distinct consequences, one practical and one personal, rather than repeating the same complaint. Readability: "Dear Sir or Madam" pairs correctly with "Yours Faithfully".

Sample 4: Proposing a shared repair (semi-formal, neighbour)

Prompt: A windstorm damaged the fence between your backyard and your neighbour's. You would like to repair it and share the cost. Write an email to your neighbour, Elena. In your email:

• Describe the damage to the fence.
• Explain what repair you are proposing and how you suggest splitting the cost.
• Suggest when the work could be done.

Sample Answer, 175 words

Dear Elena,

I hope you and the kids came through Saturday's storm all right. I am writing about the fence between our yards, which did not fare quite as well.

To briefly review the damage, three panels near the maple tree have come away from their posts, and one post itself is now leaning badly. One of the cross rails has splintered as well, though that looks like a cheap fix. The rest of the fence looks sound, so I do not think we need to replace the whole thing.

In terms of the repair, I asked a contractor on Kingsway to take a look and he quoted eight hundred dollars to reset the post and refit the panels. Since the fence sits on the property line, I would suggest we split the cost evenly, though I am happy to discuss it if that does not seem fair to you.

Regarding timing, he could start the week of the fifteenth. Let me know what suits you and I will book it.

Best regards,
Tomás Herrera

Why this scores well. Task Fulfillment: the three bullets are covered and the cost split is stated as a number, not a vague "we could share it". Vocabulary: the register drops to semi-formal ("came through", "what suits you") without sliding into slang. Content/Coherence: the same three signpost phrases still structure the email, which shows the template survives a change of tone. Readability: "Dear Elena" pairs with "Best regards", and the opening line does social work before the business starts, which is what a real semi-formal email does.

Your turn. Reading four model answers will not move your score on its own. Pick a prompt from the Task 1 question bank, set a 27-minute timer, and write your own. You will get an instant score on all four rating dimensions and see exactly which one is holding you back.

What topics come up most in CELPIP Writing Task 1?

Task 1 prompts recycle a small set of everyday Canadian situations, and complaints and requests make up the largest share of them. You will not see the exact prompt you practised, but you will almost certainly see one of these categories.

Practise one email in each category and you have covered the ground. What actually changes between them is your opening line and your closing line, which is what the next section handles. For a minute-by-minute plan of how to spend the 27 minutes, see the Task 1 timing strategy.

Which opening and closing phrases work for each email type?

Match your opening and closing sentence to the category of the prompt, and the rest of the template stays identical. This table is the part of this page worth memorising, because it is the only part that changes from email to email.

Grammar Reference: Subordinating Conjunctions

Use these in your second and third body paragraphs to build complex sentences.

Can you use a memorized template on CELPIP Writing Task 1?

Yes, but only as a skeleton, and a fully memorized email will cost you marks rather than earn them. Raters are trained to spot rehearsed language, and the pattern is easy to see: the structure is flawless while the content stays generic and never touches the specifics of the prompt.

There is a second tell that is harder to fake your way past. A memorized email produces a strange mismatch, where the vocabulary reads at a high level because it was polished in advance, while the sentences that actually respond to the prompt are noticeably simpler. Raters read the two together, and the gap between them is the giveaway.

Use the template for the shape: the salutation pair, the three signpost phrases, the paragraph order, the closing formula. Then fill it with detail that could only have come from this prompt. Names, dates, dollar amounts, unit numbers, the specific consequence you experienced. In the four samples above, the skeleton never changes and the content is different every time. That is the standard to aim for.

The same logic applies to Task 2. If you want the survey response equivalent, the CELPIP Writing Task 2 template uses a matching structure for the opinion task.

Practice Task 1 against a real clock

You now have the template, four model answers, and the phrase bank. The only thing left is the part that actually moves a score, which is writing your own email under time pressure and finding out where it breaks.

Open the Task 1 question bank, start the timer, and submit your email for instant AI scoring on all four rating dimensions. If you would rather work through the task step by step first, the CELPIP Writing course builds it up from the salutation onward.