CELPIP Writing Task 1 Email Template & Sample Answers
A proven fill-in-the-blank template to structure your email in 27 minutes. Includes CLB 7, 9, and 12 sample answers with annotations.
What Is CELPIP Writing Task 1?
Everything you need to know about the email/letter task before you start writing.
The Task
You will read a short scenario describing a situation, then write an email or letter in response. The prompt includes 3 bullet points telling you exactly what to address. You have 27 minutes to read the prompt and write your response of approximately 150-200 words.
What It Tests
- Tone and register — matching formality to your audience
- Organization — clear paragraph structure and logical flow
- Vocabulary — range and accuracy of word choice
- Grammar — sentence structures and accuracy
- Task completion — addressing all required points
Common Email Types You May Encounter
| Email Type | Typical Audience | Expected Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Complaint | Manager, company, landlord | Formal, firm but polite |
| Request | Boss, organization, service provider | Formal, respectful |
| Apology | Colleague, neighbor, friend | Sincere, semi-formal to informal |
| Suggestion | Employer, community group, school | Polite, constructive |
| Information Sharing | Friend, family, colleague | Friendly, informative |
| Invitation | Friend, colleague, neighbor | Warm, semi-formal to informal |
The Fill-in-the-Blank Email Template
Follow this 6-step structure for every Task 1 response. Fill in the blanks based on your specific prompt.
Salutation
Use the name given in the prompt. For formal emails: 'Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],' or 'Dear [Title],'. For informal: 'Dear [First Name],' or 'Hi [Name],'.
Opening Paragraph
State your purpose immediately. Reference the specific situation from the prompt so the reader knows exactly why you are writing.
Body Paragraph 1
Address the first main point from the prompt. Provide a specific detail, reason, or example to support it.
Body Paragraph 2
Address the second point or provide additional information. If the prompt asks you to suggest a solution or make a request, include it here.
Closing Paragraph
End with a polite call to action. For formal: request a response or next step. For informal: express warm wishes or offer to help.
Sign-off
Formal: 'Sincerely,' / 'Regards,' / 'Respectfully,'. Semi-formal: 'Best regards,' / 'Kind regards,'. Informal: 'Best,' / 'Thanks,' / 'Cheers,'.
Sample Prompt & Answers at Every Level
See how the same prompt is answered at CLB 7, 9, and 12. Click each tab to compare the differences.
Sample Prompt
You recently moved into a new apartment and discovered several maintenance issues. Write an email to your building manager. In your email: - Describe the problems you have found - Explain how these issues are affecting you - Request that repairs be made as soon as possible
Key Features at This Level
- ✓Gets the task done with clear communication
- ✓Simple but correct vocabulary (leaking, drips, fix)
- ✓Mostly simple sentence structures
- ✓Adequate tone for a formal email
- ✓Addresses all three bullet points from the prompt
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
These errors cost test-takers the most points. Learn to recognize and fix them before exam day.
Using the wrong tone for the audience
Writing 'Hey dude, fix my stuff ASAP' to a building manager, or 'Dear Sir/Madam' to a close friend.
Always check who you are writing to. Boss or manager = formal. Friend or neighbor = semi-formal or informal.
Not addressing all parts of the prompt
The prompt has 3 bullet points but you only write about 2 of them.
Read the prompt twice. Mentally check off each bullet point as you write. Each one should get at least 1-2 sentences.
Writing too short or too long
Writing only 80 words (too brief, looks incomplete) or 300 words (wastes time, may have more errors).
Aim for 170-200 words. This gives you enough space to address all points without running out of time.
No clear purpose statement
Starting with 'I hope you are doing well. The weather has been nice lately...' without stating why you are writing.
Your very first sentence should state your purpose: 'I am writing to inform you about...' or 'I am writing to request...'
Using informal language in formal emails
Using contractions (don't, can't), slang (gonna, wanna), or text speak (u, pls, thx) in a formal email.
For formal emails, write out full forms (do not, cannot) and use professional vocabulary.
Pro Tips for a High Score
Strategies used by test-takers who scored CLB 9 and above.
Read the prompt twice to identify: (1) who you are writing to, (2) the required tone, and (3) every point you must address.
Address ALL bullet points in the prompt. Missing even one will lower your Task Completion score.
Use paragraph breaks to separate your opening, body, and closing. This improves your Organization score.
Aim for 170-200 words. Shorter responses may not fully develop your ideas; longer ones risk more errors under time pressure.
Leave 2-3 minutes at the end to proofread. Check for subject-verb agreement, spelling, and missing words.
Match your sign-off to your tone. 'Sincerely' for formal, 'Best regards' for semi-formal, 'Thanks' for informal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practice Writing Task 1 with AI Feedback
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