At a glance
- Skill
- Writing
- Time to write
- 27 min
- Length
- 150–200 words
What you need to do
In Writing Task 1, you read about a situation and write an email of about 150–200 words. The task always tells you who to write to and gives you three things your email must do — for example, describe a problem, explain how it affected you and say what you want.
The reader could be a company, a landlord, a manager, a neighbour or a friend. Choosing the right tone for that reader is part of your score, so the same situation needs a very different email for a store than for your best friend.
What you'll see on the test
- You have 27 minutes to plan, write and check one email.
- Aim for 150–200 words. The screen shows a word counter.
- The task gives a situation and three points your email must cover.
- You type on a computer. The test screen includes spell check.
What the test is looking for
Content and coherence
Clear, relevant ideas with specific details, organized into paragraphs that flow logically.
Vocabulary
A good range of words used precisely and naturally, not the same simple words again and again.
Readability
Correct grammar, a variety of sentence types, and good spelling and punctuation, so the email is easy to read.
Task fulfillment
All three points covered, the right tone for the reader, and about the right length.
Step-by-step strategy
- 1
Read the task and decide the tone (1 minute)
Who is the reader? A company, landlord or manager needs a polite, professional email. A friend or neighbour needs a warm, natural one.
- 2
Plan one paragraph for each point (2–3 minutes)
Write a few words for each of the three points and add one specific detail to each: a date, a name, an amount or an example.
- 3
Write the email (about 18 minutes)
Start with a greeting and one sentence that says why you are writing. Then write a short paragraph for each point, in order, and finish with a clear closing.
- 4
End with what happens next
A request, a suggestion or an invitation makes your email feel complete, for example "Please let me know by Friday."
- 5
Check your work (last 3–4 minutes)
Read the email once for meaning and once for errors: verb tenses, articles (a/the), plurals and spelling. Check that all three points are there.
Useful phrases
Formal openings
- “Dear Sir or Madam,”
- “I am writing to let you know about…”
- “I am writing regarding my order from…”
Friendly openings
- “Hi Sam,”
- “I hope you and your family are doing well.”
- “I just wanted to tell you…”
Explaining and requesting
- “Unfortunately, …”
- “As a result, …”
- “I would appreciate it if you could…”
- “Would it be possible to…?”
Closings
- “Thank you for your help.”
- “I look forward to hearing from you.”
- “Sincerely,”
- “Talk soon,”
Common mistakes
Forgetting one of the three points.
Plan one paragraph per point and check each one off before you finish.
Using the wrong tone.
No slang or "Hey!" to a company, and not too stiff with a friend. Decide the tone before you write.
Writing general sentences with no details.
Add specific details — the order number, the date, what exactly was broken. Details make your email clear and believable.
Writing far too much or too little.
Stay near 150–200 words. Very short emails can't cover the task well, and very long ones usually have more errors.
Not leaving time to check.
Stop writing with 3–4 minutes left. Most people find several small errors they can fix quickly.
Examples with answers
Example 1
Task
You bought a coffee maker from an online store. It stopped working after one week. Write an email to the store's customer service team. In your email: • describe what you bought and when • explain the problem • say what you would like the store to do.
Sample answer
Dear Customer Service Team, I am writing about a coffee maker I ordered from your website on March 3 (order number 45821). It arrived two days later, and at first it worked very well. Unfortunately, after only one week, the machine stopped heating the water. It turns on and makes a normal noise, but the coffee comes out cold. I have cleaned it and followed every step in the instruction booklet, but the problem has not changed. Since I use it every morning before work, this has been quite frustrating. The coffee maker is still under warranty, so I would like to return it for a replacement. If a replacement is not available, I would appreciate a full refund of $89. Could you please send me a prepaid shipping label, and let me know how long the process usually takes? Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, David Moreno
Why it works: It covers all three points in order, each in its own paragraph, with specific details (the date, the order number, the price). The tone is polite and professional for a company, and the email ends with a clear request. It has a good range of vocabulary ("warranty", "replacement", "prepaid shipping label") and is about 170 words.
Example 2
Task
Your friend is moving to your city next month and has asked for your help. Write an email to your friend. In your email: • say how you feel about the news • suggest a good area to live in and explain why • offer to help with the move.
Sample answer
Hi Priya, I'm so happy you're moving here! I've missed you a lot since you left, and I can't believe we'll finally live in the same city again. You asked about good areas to live in. I really think you'd like Riverside. It's close to the subway, so you could get downtown in about fifteen minutes, and the rent is lower than in the city centre. There's also a big park by the river where you could go running every morning, just like you used to. Of course, I'd love to help with the move. I'm free on the weekend of the 14th, and my brother has a van that we could borrow for the big furniture. I could also show you around the neighbourhood and introduce you to the best coffee shop on my street! Let me know your moving date, and we'll make a plan. I can't wait to see you. Talk soon, Maya
Why it works: This time the reader is a close friend, so the tone is warm and natural, with contractions and a friendly closing. All three points are covered in order, each with specific details (the travel time, the park, the date and the van). It is about 170 words.
Questions students ask
How long should my CELPIP email be?
About 150–200 words. The test screen shows a word counter, so you can check as you write.
How do I know if I should be formal or informal?
Look at who you are writing to. Companies, landlords, managers and teachers need a formal, polite email. Friends, family and neighbours need a friendly, natural one.
Can I use a memorized template?
A simple structure helps, but memorized sentences that don't fit the situation can lower your score. Use a plan, then write about the actual task.
Is there spell check on the CELPIP Writing test?
Yes. The official test screen includes spell check and a word counter. You should still check your grammar yourself.
Do I need a subject line in the CELPIP email?
Focus on the greeting, the body and the closing — those are what the task is about. Spend your time on covering all three points clearly.