The first writing task in CELPIP is an email, and it is worth a lot of your Writing score. The good news is that it follows a pattern. If you learn the pattern and practise it, you can write a clear, well-organised email in the time you are given, which is 27 minutes for the task. Here is how to approach it.
Read the situation carefully
The task describes a situation and gives you a few points to cover. Underline who you are writing to, why you are writing and what each point asks for. Missing a point is one of the most common reasons for a lower score, so write the points as a short list before you start.
Choose the right tone
Look at who the reader is. An email to a friend or a neighbour can be friendly and relaxed. An email to a manager, a landlord or a company should be polite and more formal. Keep the same tone from beginning to end, and avoid very casual expressions in a formal email.
A simple structure
- Greeting: Dear Ms. Brown, for a formal email, or Hi Sam, for a friendly one.
- Reason for writing: one clear sentence, such as I am writing to ask about the cleaning schedule for our building.
- Details: one short paragraph for each point from the task, with a reason or an example.
- Request or next step: say what you want the reader to do, for example Could you please reply by Friday?
- Closing: Thank you for your help. Kind regards, and your name.
Use clear, natural language
Short and correct sentences are better than long and complicated ones. Use simple linking words such as also, however, because of this and as a result to connect your ideas. Our Cohesive Devices guide shows which linking words sound natural.
Manage your time
- About 3 minutes to read the task and plan the points.
- About 20 minutes to write.
- About 4 minutes to check spelling, punctuation and missing points.
Practise with a timer so the real test feels familiar.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing too little, or too much. Aim for a complete email that covers every point, within the suggested length.
- Using the wrong tone for the reader.
- Forgetting a greeting or a closing.
- Copying the wording of the task instead of using your own words.
Practise and get feedback
Try an email in our timed CELPIP practice tests, then send us your writing through the assessment and feedback service. A trainer can show you exactly what to improve before test day.