How long do I have for CELPIP Writing Task 1?

You have 27 minutes to read the prompt and write your email. There is no separate preparation time. You should aim to spend 2-3 minutes planning, 20 minutes writing, and 4-5 minutes reviewing and editing your response.

How many words should I write for Task 1?

Aim for 150 to 200 words. Writing fewer than 100 words will likely result in a lower score because you cannot demonstrate enough vocabulary and idea development. Writing more than 250 words is risky because you may run out of time for Task 2, and longer responses tend to have more errors.

How do I know if the email should be formal or informal?

The prompt tells you who you are writing to. If you are writing to a friend, family member, or someone you know well, use an informal tone. If you are writing to a manager, business, government office, or someone you do not know, use a formal tone. The prompt always makes the relationship clear.

Can I use contractions in CELPIP emails?

In informal emails, contractions (I'm, don't, can't) are natural and appropriate. In formal emails, avoid contractions and write the full forms (I am, do not, cannot). Using contractions in a formal email signals that you do not understand register, which can lower your score.

What is the most common mistake in Writing Task 1?

The most common mistake is not addressing all three bullet points in the prompt. Every Task 1 prompt includes three specific points you must cover. Missing even one of them reduces your task fulfillment score significantly, even if your grammar and vocabulary are strong.

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CELPIP Writing Task 1: Email Writing

Task 1 asks you to write an email in response to a given scenario. The email can be formal or informal depending on the audience. This guide covers the format, tone rules, scoring criteria, and strategies for writing a high-scoring email in 27 minutes.

Task Format and Timing

27 min

Total Time

150-200

Target Words

3 Points

Required Coverage

The prompt describes a situation and tells you who to write to. It always includes three bullet points that you must address in your email. You type your response in a text box on the computer. There is a word counter at the bottom of the screen.

Formal vs. Informal Email Conventions

Formal Email

Greeting: "Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]," or "Dear Hiring Manager,"
No contractions: use "I am," "do not," "would not"
Professional vocabulary: "inquire," "request," "appreciate"
Closing: "Sincerely," or "Regards," followed by your name
When to use: writing to a boss, company, official, or stranger

Informal Email

Greeting: "Hi [Name]," or "Hey [Name],"
Contractions are natural: "I'm," "don't," "can't"
Casual vocabulary: "awesome," "grab a coffee," "sounds great"
Closing: "Talk soon," "Cheers," or "Best,"
When to use: writing to a friend, family member, or close colleague

Email Template Structure

This structure works for both formal and informal emails. Adjust the tone and vocabulary to match the audience.

Greeting

Use the appropriate greeting for the tone. Always include the recipient's name if provided in the prompt.

Opening Paragraph (2-3 sentences)

State why you are writing. Reference the situation from the prompt. This sets the context and addresses the first bullet point naturally.

Body Paragraph (4-6 sentences)

Address the remaining bullet points with specific details. Develop each point with at least one supporting sentence. Use transition phrases to connect ideas.

Closing Paragraph (2-3 sentences)

Summarize your main point or request. Include a call to action (\"Please let me know,\" \"I look forward to hearing from you\"). Add an appropriate sign-off.

5 Key Tips for Writing Task 1

Address all three bullet points

Every Task 1 prompt contains three specific points you must cover. Before you start writing, number them mentally and make sure each one appears in your email. Missing a bullet point is the single most costly mistake you can make on this task.

Match your tone to the audience

Read the prompt carefully to determine whether the email is formal or informal. Your greeting, vocabulary, sentence structure, and closing should all match that tone. Mixing formal and informal elements in the same email lowers your coherence score.

Use a clear three-paragraph structure

Paragraph 1: Opening and context (why you are writing). Paragraph 2: Main content addressing the bullet points. Paragraph 3: Closing with a call to action or next steps. This structure keeps your email organized and easy to follow.

Leave 4-5 minutes for proofreading

Spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors are more visible in writing than in speaking. Reserve the last few minutes to read through your email and catch common mistakes like subject-verb agreement, article usage, and missing prepositions.

Vary your sentence structures

Do not write five sentences that all start with "I." Mix simple and complex sentences. Use conditionals ("If you need more details, please let me know"), relative clauses ("the meeting, which is scheduled for Friday"), and different openers to demonstrate range.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing one or more of the three required bullet points
Using informal language in a formal email or vice versa
Writing fewer than 100 words, leaving ideas underdeveloped
Starting every sentence with the same word or structure
Spending all 27 minutes on Task 1 and rushing Task 2

Practice Writing Task 1 with AI Scoring

Write real emails and get instant AI feedback on grammar, vocabulary, tone, coherence, and task fulfillment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about CELPIP Writing Task 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

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