CELPIP Writing Task 1 Template — Writing an Email
A proven, fill-in-the-blanks structure for the CELPIP Writing Task 1 email, with a CLB 9+ model answer and the mistakes that quietly cost you points.
The CELPIP Writing Task 1 asks you to write an email of 150–200 words in about 27 minutes, responding to an everyday situation. The prompt gives you a scenario and three bullet points you must address. This template gives you a reliable structure you can adapt to any Task 1 prompt — a request, a complaint, an apology, or an arrangement.
What the examiner is looking for
Your email is scored on four official criteria:
- Content & Coherence — you address all three bullet points clearly and your ideas flow logically.
- Vocabulary — accurate, varied word choice that fits the situation.
- Readability — clear paragraphs, linking words, and correct grammar and spelling.
- Task Fulfilment — you complete the task with the right tone, purpose, and length.
The single biggest lever is covering all three bullet points with a tone that matches your reader.
The structure that works
- Greeting — match the formality of the reader.
- Opening line — state who you are (if needed) and why you are writing.
- Body — one short paragraph per bullet point, in order.
- Closing — a polite next step or thank-you.
- Sign-off — appropriate to the tone.
The fill-in template
Dear [Name / title], I am writing to [purpose — e.g. request, inform you about, complain about] [topic]. [Bullet 1 — the situation: give the key background in 1–2 sentences.] [Bullet 2 — the detail / problem: explain clearly, with a specific example.] [Bullet 3 — the action you want / your solution: be polite but direct.] [Closing line — e.g. "I would be grateful if you could … by [date]." / "Thank you for your help with this."] [Sign-off — Sincerely / Best regards / Thanks], [Your name]
Email phrase bank
Mix and match these by tone. Formal phrases suit a manager, company, or official; semi-formal suits a coworker or acquaintance; friendly suits a close friend.
| Purpose | Formal | Semi-formal | Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening | I am writing to inform you that… | I wanted to get in touch about… | I just wanted to let you know… |
| Requesting | I would be grateful if you could… | Would it be possible to…? | Could you do me a favour and…? |
| Complaining | I am writing to express my concern about… | I wanted to flag an issue with… | I have to say I'm a bit unhappy about… |
| Apologising | Please accept my sincere apologies for… | I'm sorry about… | I'm really sorry I… |
| Closing | I look forward to your reply. | Thanks in advance — let me know. | Talk soon! |
| Sign-off | Sincerely / Yours faithfully | Best regards / Regards | Cheers / Take care |
Model answer (CLB 9+)
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I am writing to report a recurring problem with the heating in my apartment, unit 4B, and to ask that it be repaired as soon as possible.
The heater has stopped working intermittently for the past two weeks. Although it runs for a short time, it shuts off after about an hour and the apartment becomes very cold, especially overnight.
I first reported this by phone on November 3rd, and a technician was scheduled to visit. Unfortunately, no one arrived, and I did not receive any follow-up about a new appointment.
I would be grateful if you could arrange for a technician to inspect the heating system this week. As temperatures are dropping quickly, a prompt repair would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know a suitable time, and I will make sure to be home.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, Daniel Reyes
Why it scores high: the opening states the purpose immediately; each paragraph covers one bullet point; the tone is consistently formal; linking words ("Although", "Unfortunately", "As") connect ideas; and the closing makes a clear, polite request with a next step.
Language booster — match the tone
A common way to lose points is mixing tones. Decide formal vs. friendly before you write, then keep it consistent.
- Weak (mixed): "Dear Mr. Lee, Hey, I really need that report ASAP."
- Strong (consistent): "Dear Mr. Lee, I am writing to ask whether the report could be sent by Friday."
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wrong tone — too casual to a manager, or stiff and cold to a friend.
- Missing a bullet point — this directly lowers Task Fulfilment.
- No clear purpose — the reader should know why you wrote within the first sentence.
- One giant paragraph — group each idea into its own short paragraph.
- Ignoring word count — under 150 looks thin; over 200 wastes time and adds errors.
Use this template on a real, exam-style writing question and get a CLB estimate with specific fixes on your own answer.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a CELPIP Writing Task 1 email be?
Aim for 150–200 words. Shorter answers look underdeveloped and miss bullet points; much longer answers eat your time and introduce more errors. Quality and coverage of all three bullet points matter more than length.
Should the email be formal or informal?
Match the tone to the reader given in the prompt. Write formally to a manager, landlord, company or official; write in a warm, semi-formal tone to a friend or coworker. Getting the tone wrong is one of the most common ways to lose points.
How much time do I get for CELPIP Writing Task 1?
About 27 minutes for the email (Task 1), then roughly 26 minutes for the survey response (Task 2). Spend the first 2–3 minutes planning and save 2 minutes at the end to proofread.
How is CELPIP Writing Task 1 scored?
On four criteria — Content & Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability and Task Fulfilment — combined into a CELPIP level (3–12) that equals your CLB. You must address all three bullet points to fully satisfy Task Fulfilment.