CELPIP Writing Task 1 — Email — tips, template & practice

• Content/Coherence: addresses all 3 bullet points in the prompt.
• Vocabulary: appropriate register (formal for business, semi-formal for acquaintances).
• Readability: grammar + spelling.
• Task Fulfillment: 150–200 words.

CLB 9 = clear structure, varied vocabulary, no grammar errors that obscure meaning.

Email template (~180 words):

Greeting: "Dear [Name]," (formal) or "Hi [Name]," (semi-formal)

Opening (1 sentence): State the purpose. *"I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to [purpose]."*

Body Para 1 (50–60 words): Address bullet point 1 with specifics.

Body Para 2 (50–60 words): Address bullet point 2 with specifics.

Body Para 3 (30–40 words): Address bullet point 3 with specifics.

Closing (1 sentence): "Please let me know if you need any further information. Looking forward to hearing from you soon."

Sign-off: "Best regards," / "Sincerely," / "Thanks so much," (match the register).

Signature: "[Your name]"

• Match the register precisely — 'Dear Sir/Madam' for a complaint to a company, 'Hi Sarah' for a colleague.
• Address ALL 3 bullet points — missing one caps Content at CLB 7.
• Aim for 170–190 words. Under 150 or over 200 risks penalty.
• Use 1–2 phrasal verbs naturally ('looking into', 'sort out', 'get back to you').
• Always include greeting, body, closing, sign-off — missing one = readability penalty.
• Spell-check the last 3 minutes.

• Wrong register (too formal for a friend, too casual for a complaint).
• Missing one of the 3 bullet points.
• Going under 150 words.
• No sign-off — automatic readability penalty.
• Using 'I' + 'you' patterns repetitively without variation.