The CELPIP Writing test has only two tasks, but each one can move your score up or down a full level. The difference between a CLB 7 answer and a CLB 9 answer often isn't fancy vocabulary. It's a clear plan, the right tone and a few minutes saved for checking.
This guide covers the tips that help most, with a short example and the mistakes we see again and again.
How CELPIP Writing works
You type two answers on the computer. The screen has a word counter and spell check.
| Task | What you write | Time | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Writing an Email | An email about a situation, covering three points | 27 minutes | 150–200 words |
| 2. Responding to Survey Questions | Choose one of two options and explain your choice | 26 minutes | 150–200 words |
Raters score each answer in four areas:
- Content and coherence: clear ideas, good details and a logical order.
- Vocabulary: a good range of words, used correctly and naturally.
- Readability: correct grammar, a mix of sentence types, good spelling and punctuation.
- Task fulfillment: everything the task asked for, with the right tone and length.
Tip 1: Spend three minutes planning
It feels like wasting time, but planning is the fastest way to a well-organized answer. Before you type:
- Read the task twice. Underline who you're writing to and what you must do.
- Decide the tone. A company or a manager needs a polite, professional email. A friend or neighbour needs a warm, natural one.
- Write a few words for each paragraph. For the email, that's one paragraph for each of the three points. For the survey, that's your choice and two or three reasons.
With a plan, you won't forget a point, and your answer will be organized from the first sentence.
Tip 2: Cover every point in the task
In Task 1, the task always gives you three things to do, for example: explain the problem, say how it affected you, and say what you want. Missing one of them costs more than several small grammar mistakes, because it affects task fulfillment directly.
An easy habit: before you check your grammar, read the three points again and find each one in your email.
Tip 3: Use a simple, clear structure
You don't need a complicated format. This one works for almost every CELPIP email:
- Greeting and purpose: "Dear Ms. Lee, I'm writing about the heating in my apartment."
- Point 1 in its own short paragraph.
- Point 2 in its own short paragraph.
- Point 3 in its own short paragraph.
- Closing: a request or next step, and a sign-off. "Could you please send someone this week? Thank you for your help. Sincerely, Ana"
For the survey response, use: your choice in the first sentence, one paragraph for each reason with an example, and one closing sentence.
Tip 4: Add specific details
Details make your writing clear and believable. They also show a wider range of vocabulary. Compare:
- "The heater doesn't work well, and it is cold."
- "Since last Monday, the heater in my bedroom only blows cold air, and the temperature in the apartment has dropped to about sixteen degrees at night."
The second sentence gives a time, a place and a number. You can invent details, as long as they make sense. Nobody checks whether your heater is real!
Tip 5: Get the tone right
Tone is part of your score. A few examples:
| Too casual for a company | Better |
|---|---|
| Hey! My order is messed up. | Hello, I'm writing about a problem with my recent order. |
| Fix it ASAP. | I would appreciate it if you could fix this by Friday. |
| Thx, bye | Thank you for your help. Sincerely, |
And the opposite is a problem too. An email to a close friend that starts with "Dear Sir or Madam" or "I am writing to inform you" sounds strange. Use contractions (I'm, don't, can't) and a friendly tone with friends.
Get feedback on your CELPIP writing
Write a timed email or survey answer, then see your estimated level and simple tips to improve it.
Tip 6: Show a range of language, but keep it natural
Raters want to see that you can use different kinds of sentences and words. That doesn't mean long, complicated sentences. It means a good mix:
- Linking words: however, as a result, for example, also, although, because of this.
- A few longer sentences joined with "because", "when" or "which", mixed with short ones.
- Precise words instead of very common ones: "delayed" instead of "late", "convenient" instead of "good", "disappointed" instead of "sad".
Only use a word if you're sure how to use it. A simple word used correctly is better than an impressive word used wrongly.
Tip 7: Stay close to the word count
Aim for 150 to 200 words. The word counter is on the screen, so check it as you go. A very short answer can't cover the task well. A very long one usually has more mistakes, and it uses up time you need for checking.
Tip 8: Save the last three or four minutes to check
Most people find several small mistakes when they check, and each one is easy to fix. Read your answer once for meaning, then once for these common errors:
- Verb tenses: "Last week I buy" should be "Last week I bought".
- Articles: a, an and the.
- Plurals: "two month" should be "two months".
- Subject-verb agreement: "the stores is" should be "the stores are".
- Missing words from typing fast.
Spell check helps with spelling, but it won't catch a correctly spelled wrong word, like "their" instead of "there".
A short example
Task: The internet at your home has stopped working several times this month. Write an email to your internet company. Describe the problem, explain how it has affected you, and say what you would like them to do.
Part of a strong answer:
"Hello, I'm writing about my home internet service (account number 7730-2291). Since September 5, the connection has stopped working at least four times, usually in the evening. Each time, it's down for two or three hours, and restarting the modem doesn't help.
This has caused real problems for me. I work from home two days a week, and last Tuesday I missed an important video meeting with my manager because the connection dropped..."
This opening states the purpose in the first sentence, gives specific details (a date, an account number, how often and how long) and uses a polite, professional tone. The next paragraph would ask for a technician visit and a partial refund, with a clear request.
For full sample answers with commentary, see our free lessons for Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting to type without a plan. This leads to repeated ideas and missed points.
- Writing a general essay for the survey task. Choose one option clearly and support it with your own reasons and examples.
- Choosing the option you "think is right" instead of the one you can explain best. Raters don't score your opinion. They score how well you support it.
- Copying sentences from the task. Use your own words to show your vocabulary.
- Leaving no time to check. Stop writing with three or four minutes left.
How to practice CELPIP Writing
Practice with real task types and the real time limits: 27 minutes for an email, 26 for a survey response. After each answer, check it against the four scoring areas, or better, get feedback from someone who can tell you exactly what to fix. With a free StudyPIP account, you can write an answer with the real timer and get it scored on the four CELPIP areas, with specific suggestions.
Frequently asked questions
How many words should I write in CELPIP Writing?
About 150 to 200 words for each task. The test screen shows a word counter.
Does CELPIP Writing have spell check?
Yes. The test screen includes spell check. It won't catch grammar mistakes or correctly spelled wrong words, so you still need to check your work.
Is it better to write more than 200 words?
Usually not. A little over is fine, but very long answers often have more mistakes and leave no time for checking.
Which option should I choose in the survey task?
The one you can explain best, with the most reasons and examples. Raters don't care which option you choose.
Can I use contractions like "I'm" and "don't"?
Yes. Contractions are natural in emails to friends and are fine in most everyday writing. In a very formal email, you can use fewer of them.