CELPIP General
CELPIP Writing Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions | Complete Guide
At a Glance Feature Detail Task Writing Task 2 - Responding to Survey Questions Time 26 minutes Word count …
At a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Task | Writing Task 1 - Writing an Email |
| Time | 27 minutes |
| Word count | Approximately 150-200 words (no strict minimum) |
| Format | Email response to a given scenario |
| Tone options | Formal, semi-formal, or informal |
| Typed | Yes, keyboard on computer |
| Scored by | Two human raters |
| Scoring dimensions | Content and Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, Task Fulfilment |
| Required content | Three specific points listed in the prompt |
CELPIP Writing Task 1 gives you a scenario and asks you to write an email. The companion book frames it well: “Getting the tone right is half the battle.” The other half is covering all three required content points clearly, within the word range, with varied vocabulary and a clean structure.
This guide walks you through the exact format, the email structure that scores well, the tone-matching rules that separate CLB 9 from CLB 7 writers, and three full CLB 10 model emails across formal, semi-formal, and informal scenarios.
What is CELPIP Writing Task 1?
Task 1 is the email-writing task. The companion describes it like this: “You’ll see a situation described in 3-4 sentences. Then you’re told to write an email to someone specific. The prompt always tells you three things you MUST address in your email. Think of these as your three required paragraphs.”
The skill being measured is functional, daily-life writing. Can you write an email to a landlord, a coworker, or a friend that achieves its purpose, sounds appropriate for the relationship, and uses varied, accurate English?
What Task 1 is NOT
- Not an essay
- Not a story
- Not a creative writing exercise
- Not a chance to show off literary vocabulary
- Not a multi-paragraph argument
Task 1 is a real-world email. Score well by writing the kind of email a competent Canadian English speaker would actually send.
The Three-Point Rule
Every Task 1 prompt contains a scenario plus three specific bullet points. The companion gives a sample:
“Your neighbour has been playing loud music late at night. Write an email to your building manager. In your email: describe the problem, explain how it affects you, and suggest a solution.”
Those three bullets are your content checklist. If you miss any of them, you lose marks under Content and Task Fulfilment.
How to use the three points
- Read the scenario carefully.
- Identify the three bullets explicitly. Write them on your scratch paper.
- Decide one or two specific details for each point.
- Make each bullet its own body paragraph.
If the three bullets are “describe the problem, explain how it affects you, suggest a solution,” your email has three body paragraphs in exactly that order. Do not bury point 3 inside point 1. The rater wants to see each point covered clearly.
The Scoring Criteria
Two human raters score your email on four dimensions.
| Criterion | What raters look for | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Content and Coherence | Did you address all three points? Is it logical? | High |
| Vocabulary | Range and precision of word choice | High |
| Readability | Clear structure, paragraphing, flow | Medium |
| Task Fulfilment | Appropriate tone, format, length | Medium |
Content and Vocabulary are weighted highest. That means a fully-developed answer with varied word choice will score higher than a polished but vocabulary-thin response.
Tone Matters: Formal vs Informal
The companion book is explicit: “Using formal language in an informal email (to a friend) will cost you marks, and using informal language in a formal email (to a company) will too. Read the scenario carefully. Who are you writing to? Match your tone to the relationship.”
Tone guide by recipient
| Writing To | Tone | Language Style |
|---|---|---|
| Manager / Company / Authority | Formal | “I am writing to inform you…”, “I would appreciate…” |
| Colleague / Neighbour / Acquaintance | Semi-formal | “I wanted to let you know…”, “Would you mind…” |
| Friend / Family member | Informal | “Hey! Just wanted to…”, “Could you…?” |
Tone markers
Formal markers: Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name; I am writing regarding; I would be grateful if; I look forward to your response; Sincerely, Yours sincerely; no contractions.
Semi-formal markers: Hi First Name; I’m writing to; I was wondering if you could; Thanks for considering; Best regards, Thanks; some contractions are fine.
Informal markers: Hey, Hi (First Name); Just a quick note; Can you; Thanks!; Cheers, Take care; contractions throughout; occasional exclamation marks.
Email Structure Template
A CLB 9-10 email has five clear sections. The companion outlines them:
- Opening (1-2 sentences): State your purpose. “I am writing to inform you about…” or “I wanted to reach out regarding…”
- Point 1 (3-4 sentences): Address the first bullet point from the prompt. Give detail.
- Point 2 (3-4 sentences): Address the second bullet point. Connect to point 1 if possible.
- Point 3 (3-4 sentences): Address the third bullet point. If it asks for a suggestion or request, be specific.
- Closing (1-2 sentences): End appropriately. Match the closing to the tone.
Use white space. The rater should see paragraphs at a glance, not a wall of text.
CLB 10 Model Answer 1: Formal Email
Prompt
Your neighbour has been playing loud music late at night for the past two weeks. Write an email to your building manager. In your email:
- Describe the problem clearly
- Explain how it has affected you
- Suggest what you would like the building manager to do
Model Email (187 words)
Subject: Persistent late-night noise from Unit 506
Dear Mr. Henderson,
I am writing to report an ongoing noise issue from the apartment directly above mine, Unit 506. Over the past two weeks, loud music has been audible from approximately 11 p.m. until well after 1 a.m. on most weeknights, including Sunday through Thursday. The volume is high enough that the bass vibrates through the ceiling and is clearly noticeable in both my living room and bedroom.
As a result, my sleep has been seriously disrupted. I work as a registered nurse and start early shifts at 6 a.m., so the lost rest has begun to affect my concentration and overall health. My eight-year-old daughter has also been struggling to fall asleep before midnight and has been late to school twice this week.
I would appreciate it if you could speak to the resident of Unit 506 and remind them of the building’s noise by-law. If the situation does not improve within the next week, I would like to discuss further options, such as a formal noise complaint.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely, Priya Sharma Unit 406
Why this scores CLB 10
- All three points covered clearly in separate paragraphs
- Formal tone consistent throughout (no contractions, formal closing)
- Specific details: time range, building unit numbers, professional context
- Strong vocabulary: ongoing, audible, vibrates, disrupted, by-law, prompt attention
- Clear structure with greeting, body, closing
- Word count within the 150-200 target
CLB 10 Model Answer 2: Semi-formal Email
Prompt
You and your coworker, Daniel, are both scheduled to work on a Saturday two weeks from now. You would like to take that day off for a family event. Write an email to Daniel. In your email:
- Explain why you cannot work that Saturday
- Ask him to cover your shift
- Offer to do something in return
Model Email (179 words)
Subject: Can you cover my Saturday shift on May 18?
Hi Daniel,
I hope your week is going well. I’m writing to ask a small favour and I really appreciate you considering it.
My grandmother is celebrating her 80th birthday on Saturday, May 18, and our whole family is gathering in Edmonton for the weekend. My parents booked the venue months ago, and as the eldest grandchild, I’m expected to give a short speech during the dinner. Unfortunately, this is the same Saturday I’m scheduled to work the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift at the store.
Would you be willing to cover my shift that day? I know it’s a long shift, and I would not ask unless it really mattered to me. The shift is fairly quiet on Saturdays once the morning rush ends, and I can leave detailed notes on the open inventory tasks.
In return, I would be happy to take your Sunday shift on the long weekend in July, or cover any other day that works better for you.
Thanks so much for considering this. Let me know if you have any questions.
Best, Aisha
Why this scores CLB 10
- All three points covered clearly
- Semi-formal tone: “Hi Daniel,” “Best,” some contractions, warm but professional
- Specific details: exact date, role at family event, shift hours, future trade offer
- Strong vocabulary: gathering, expected, fairly quiet, open inventory tasks
- Polite framing: “small favour,” “I would not ask unless it really mattered”
- Within word target
CLB 10 Model Answer 3: Informal Email
Prompt
Your close friend recently moved to Toronto and you have not spoken in three months. Write an email to your friend. In your email:
- Update them on what has been happening in your life
- Ask about their new life in Toronto
- Suggest a way for you both to catch up properly
Model Email (184 words)
Subject: Way overdue catch-up!
Hey Maria,
I cannot believe it has been three months since we last talked. Life has been a complete blur on my end. I finally finished the renovation on the upstairs bathroom (only six months behind schedule) and started a new role at work in the marketing team. The first few weeks were intense but I’m really enjoying it. Oh, and I adopted a cat. Her name is Olive and she is the most dramatic creature on the planet.
So how is Toronto treating you? You promised me one good Toronto story per week and you owe me at least twelve of them. How is the new place? Are you anywhere near the lake or stuck in suburbia? And most importantly, have you found a decent coffee shop yet? I cannot picture you surviving without your morning espresso ritual.
Let’s do a proper video call this weekend. Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning works for me. We can make tea (or wine, it is Saturday after all) and actually talk for two hours like we used to.
Miss you tons.
Hugs, Sam
Why this scores CLB 10
- All three points covered: life update, asking about Toronto, suggesting catch-up
- Informal tone throughout: contractions, “Hey,” “Hugs,” casual asides, exclamation marks
- Specific details: bathroom renovation, cat’s name, exact catch-up time options
- Personality and voice: “the most dramatic creature on the planet,” “twelve good Toronto stories”
- Warm closing matching the relationship
- Within word target
Vocabulary Upgrades for CELPIP Task 1
The companion book offers a useful vocabulary upgrade table.
| Instead of | Use | Even Better |
|---|---|---|
| good | beneficial, effective, valuable | advantageous, rewarding, constructive |
| bad | problematic, concerning, harmful | detrimental, counterproductive, damaging |
| important | essential, crucial, significant | fundamental, pivotal, indispensable |
| I think | I believe, In my opinion | I’m convinced that, From my perspective |
| a lot of | numerous, many, several | a considerable number of, a significant amount of |
| help | assist, support, contribute to | facilitate, enable, foster |
Use the middle column in semi-formal emails. Use the right column in formal emails. Avoid the right column entirely in informal emails - it sounds robotic to a friend.
Sentence Stems by Email Function
Stating purpose (opening)
- Formal: I am writing to inform you about / I am contacting you regarding
- Semi-formal: I wanted to reach out about / I’m writing to ask
- Informal: Hey, just wanted to tell you / I have some news
Describing a problem
- Formal: I would like to report an ongoing issue with
- Semi-formal: I wanted to flag something that has been bothering me
- Informal: Something weird has been happening
Making a request
- Formal: I would appreciate it if you could / I would be grateful if
- Semi-formal: Would you mind / I was wondering if you could
- Informal: Could you / Can you
Suggesting a solution
- Formal: One possible solution would be / I would suggest that
- Semi-formal: What if we / Perhaps you could
- Informal: Maybe you could / What about
Closing
- Formal: Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter
- Semi-formal: Thanks for considering / I appreciate your help
- Informal: Thanks so much / Catch you later
Common Mistakes That Drop Your Score
The companion includes a detailed error table for writing.
| Error | CELPIP 5-6 Writers | How 7-8 Writers Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Missing content points | Only address 1-2 of 3 required points | Tick off each requirement as they write |
| Wrong tone | Use slang in formal emails, or overly formal with friends | Identify recipient and set tone before writing |
| Repetitive vocabulary | “I think it’s good because it’s good for people” | Plan 3-4 key vocabulary words for the topic before writing |
| No structure | One long paragraph without breaks | Use 4-5 short paragraphs with clear topic sentences |
| Too short | 80-100 words (not enough substance) | Aim for 160-180 words with specific examples |
| No clear purpose | Reader has to guess what the email wants | Open with a clear purpose sentence |
CELPIP vs IELTS GT vs PTE Core
| Aspect | CELPIP Task 1 | IELTS GT Task 1 | PTE Core Write Email |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total time | 27 min | 20 min | ~9 min |
| Word count | 150-200 | At least 150 | 50 words minimum |
| Format | Email with three required bullets | Letter (formal, semi-formal, informal) | Short email response |
| Tone variety | Three tones tested | Three tones tested | Mostly semi-formal |
| Scored by | Two human raters | One examiner | AI scoring |
| Required content | Three explicit bullets | Three explicit bullets | One scenario, fewer constraints |
| Scoring criteria | Content, Vocabulary, Readability, Task Fulfilment | TA, CC, LR, GRA | Multi-trait AI scoring |
The CELPIP and IELTS GT tasks are nearly identical in structure. The main differences: CELPIP allows seven extra minutes and uses two human raters instead of one. PTE Core’s email task is much shorter and AI-scored.
Time Management for Task 1
The companion recommends this split for the 27-minute Task 1.
| Phase | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | 3 min | Identify recipient, tone, three points, key vocabulary |
| Writing | 20 min | Write all five sections without stopping |
| Proofreading | 4 min | Check spelling, tense, articles, missing words |
The companion warns: “The proofreading phase is non-negotiable. Students who write until the last second submit responses with typos, missing words, and tense errors that cost real marks.”
What to plan in 3 minutes
- Who am I writing to? (formal / semi-formal / informal)
- What are the three bullet points? Write them down.
- One specific detail per bullet point.
- Three key vocabulary words I will use.
- Greeting and closing that match the tone.
The Pre-Writing Checklist
Before you start typing, answer these five questions on scratch paper. It takes 90 seconds and saves you ten minutes of confused writing.
- Recipient: Who am I writing to? (Mr. Patel / Daniel / Maria)
- Tone: Formal / semi-formal / informal?
- Three points: [List each bullet]
- One detail per point: [Write one specific thing for each]
- Closing: Sincerely / Best regards / Cheers?
Proofreading: The 4-Minute Routine
In your final four minutes, do this in order:
- Word count check (15 seconds): Are you between 150 and 200 words? If under 130, add one specific detail to your shortest paragraph. If over 220, cut one repetitive sentence.
- Three-point check (30 seconds): Is each bullet point clearly addressed? Underline the sentence that covers each one mentally.
- Tone check (30 seconds): Read the opening and closing. Do they match the rest of the email?
- Tense check (90 seconds): Scan for tense errors. Many students switch between past and present accidentally.
- Spelling and typos (90 seconds): Read slowly for missing words, doubled words, and obvious typos.
How to Practice Task 1
14-day Task 1 plan
Days 1-3: Untimed model emails
Write five emails without time pressure. Use a different tone each day. After writing each, compare against a CLB 10 model. Note differences in structure and vocabulary.
Days 4-7: Timed practice at 30 minutes
Give yourself three extra minutes to start. Write four emails under timed conditions. After each, identify which scoring dimension was weakest.
Days 8-11: Real test conditions at 27 minutes
Practice on a computer keyboard. Time yourself strictly. Submit five emails. Use a scoring tool or a peer to check each.
Days 12-14: Mixed Task 1 + Task 2 sessions
Do full writing sessions: Task 1 (27 min) plus Task 2 (26 min) plus 7 minutes of transition. Build stamina for the back-to-back format.
Test Day Checklist for Task 1
- Read the scenario twice
- Identify the recipient and tone in your first 30 seconds
- List the three bullet points on scratch paper
- Decide one specific detail per bullet
- Open with a clear purpose sentence
- Use three body paragraphs, one per bullet point
- Match closing to opening tone
- Stay within 150-200 words
- Save 4 minutes for proofreading
- Check tense consistency in the final review
The Myth of Exact Word Count
The companion addresses a common worry: “You need exactly 200 words to score well. Reality: There’s no strict word count requirement. Raters care about quality, not quantity. A well-written 150-word email that covers all three points clearly will score higher than a 220-word email that’s repetitive and unfocused. Aim for 150-200 as a guideline, not a rule.”
Stop counting words obsessively. Focus on coverage and clarity.
Ready to Practice CELPIP Writing Task 1?
Email writing is one of the most teachable parts of CELPIP. The structure is fixed, the prompts follow a predictable pattern, and the scoring rewards specific, well-developed answers in the right tone.
Marvel Education’s CELPIP practice software gives you timed Task 1 prompts across all three tone levels, AI scoring aligned to the CLB rubric, and CLB 10 model answers for every prompt. Start with a free trial and build the email-writing skill that lifts your CELPIP score from a 7 into a 9 or higher.