CELPIP · Writing · W1
CELPIP Writing Task 1: Writing an Email
CELPIP Writing Task 1, Writing an Email, gives you an everyday situation and a list of points your email must cover, for example explaining a problem, describing its effect and asking for a solution. You have 27 minutes to write about 150 to 200 words to the person named, in a tone that suits them.
- Time
- 27 minutes
- Length
- About 150 to 200 words
- Prompt
- A short scenario plus the points your email must cover
- Rating areas
- Content/coherence, vocabulary, readability, task fulfillment
- Scoring
- Counts toward your CELPIP Writing level (1 to 12)
How it works
- 1Read the scenario: who you are, what happened, and who you are writing to.
- 2Read the list of points your email must address.
- 3Type your email in the response box; a word counter helps you stay near the target length.
- 4When 27 minutes are up, the test moves on to Writing Task 2.
Sample task
Original sample · not from an official test
You ordered a birthday cake from a local bakery for your daughter's party last Saturday. When you picked it up, the name on the cake was spelled wrong and it was a different flavour from the one you ordered. Write an email to the bakery manager in about 150-200 words. In your email: - Describe your order and what went wrong - Explain how this affected the party - Say what you would like the bakery to do
Show a strong responseHide response
Outline: Greeting and purpose: a problem with a cake order. Paragraph 1: what was ordered (flavour, name, pickup day) and the two errors. Paragraph 2: the effect on the party, such as a disappointed child. Paragraph 3: a clear, reasonable request, such as a refund. Polite closing and your name.
A strong response covers all three bullet points in order, uses a firm but polite tone for a business, gives specific details rather than general complaints, and ends with a concrete request. It stays near 150-200 words and uses paragraphs so the reader can follow it easily.
Tips that work
- Plan for two or three minutes before you type: one short paragraph per bullet point keeps the email organized.
- Match the tone to the reader. A manager, a landlord and a close friend each need a different greeting, closing and level of formality.
- Add one specific detail per point, such as a date, an amount or a consequence. Specifics make the content convincing.
- Leave the last few minutes to reread for missing words, spelling and verb tense.
Common mistakes
- Skipping or barely touching one of the required points, which weakens task fulfillment.
- Using a casual tone with a business or an overly stiff tone with a friend.
Questions candidates ask
What happens if I write more than 200 words?
The target is about 150 to 200 words. Going slightly over is less serious than missing a required point, but a long email leaves more room for errors and less time to check. Aim to cover everything within the range.
Do I need to use formal language in every email?
No. The right tone depends on who you are writing to. A letter to a company or official should be polite and formal; an email to a friend can be relaxed. Getting the tone right is part of doing the task well.
How is CELPIP Writing Task 1 scored?
Raters look at content and coherence, vocabulary, readability, and task fulfillment. Your two writing tasks together produce your Writing level on the 1 to 12 scale.
Can I get feedback on my practice emails?
Yes. EnglishHub gives AI feedback on writing practice, based on the same four rating areas, so you can see which parts of your email need work before test day.
Other CELPIP Writing tasks
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