CELPIP Writing Task 1 email guide
CELPIP Task 1 gives you a situation, a relationship, and three things your email must address. The task looks manageable until students notice they covered only two of the three points, or used the wrong tone for the relationship, or wrote an opening that does not state the purpose clearly.
This guide covers the structure, tone decisions, scored samples, and all the specific mistakes that drop Task 1 scores below CLB 9.
What CELPIP Task 1 asks you to do
Task 1 gives you a scenario: you are a tenant, an employee, a friend, or a customer. You must write an email to someone in that context. The prompt includes:
- The relationship between you and the recipient (friend, manager, landlord, company)
- The general situation (a problem, a request, an invitation, a complaint, an update)
- Three specific points your email must address
All three points must appear in the email. Missing one is the single most common cause of a low Content score. Mentioning a point briefly in one sentence is not the same as addressing it adequately -- each point needs 2 to 3 sentences of development.
How scoring works
| Criterion | What it measures | What CLB 9 requires |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Whether all prompt points are addressed, purpose is clear, tone is appropriate | All three prompt points covered with appropriate depth. Tone matches relationship. Purpose clear in first two sentences. |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Whether the email reads logically and flows well between paragraphs | Each paragraph has one clear focus. Transitions between ideas are natural. Ideas connect without repetition. |
| Vocabulary | Range and accuracy of words used | Varied vocabulary appropriate to the tone. No noticeable repetition. Correct use of email-specific phrases. |
| Sentence Structure | Range and accuracy of grammar | A mix of sentence structures with few errors. Complex structures (relative clauses, conditionals, passive) used accurately. |
The tone system: three levels
Tone is the most important decision you make before writing. The prompt always signals which tone is correct.
Formal
When: writing to an official organization, government office, large institution with no personal relationship
Opening: "I am writing to bring to your attention..." / "I wish to formally request..."
Request: "I would be most grateful if you could..." / "I respectfully request that..."
Closing: "I look forward to your prompt response." / "Yours faithfully,"
Semi-formal (most common)
When: writing to a manager, landlord, teacher, service provider, or professional contact
Opening: "I am writing regarding..." / "I wanted to follow up on..."
Request: "I would appreciate it if you could..." / "Could you please..."
Closing: "Thank you for your time." / "Best regards,"
Informal
When: writing to a friend, family member, or someone you know well
Opening: "I hope you're doing well!" / "I just wanted to reach out about..."
Request: "It would be great if you could..." / "Do you think you might be able to..."
Closing: "Looking forward to hearing from you!" / "Take care,"
Structure: what each paragraph does
Opening (1 to 2 sentences)
Greet the reader and state the purpose in the first two sentences. The examiner should know why you are writing immediately. Do not use a long introduction that delays the main point.
Delayed purpose (weak): "I hope this email finds you well. I am a customer who has used your service for a long time and I have always been happy. However, I recently had an experience that I would like to tell you about."
Clear purpose (strong): "I am writing to report a problem with a recent order from your company and to request a refund for the damaged items."
Body paragraph 1 (3 to 4 sentences)
Address the first and possibly second prompt point. Give enough detail that the reader has a complete picture. Do not just mention the point -- explain it with one or two supporting details.
Body paragraph 2 (2 to 3 sentences)
Address the remaining prompt point(s). This paragraph is often where students leave content too thin. Give it the same level of development as the first body paragraph.
Closing (1 to 2 sentences)
Thank the reader, express what you expect or hope will happen next, and sign off. Match the sign-off to the tone: "Sincerely" for formal, "Best regards" for semi-formal, "Take care" or "Talk soon" for informal.
Scored samples: the same prompt at CLB 7 and CLB 9
Prompt: You recently stayed at a hotel for a business trip. When you returned home, you realized you left your laptop charger in the room. Write an email to the hotel. In your email:
- Describe the item you left and where you think it might be
- Explain why you need it back urgently
- Ask what the hotel's process is for returning lost items
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a guest who stayed at your hotel last week. I left my laptop charger in my room. I think it is on the desk near the window. I need it back because it is important for my work.
Please tell me how I can get it back. I would like to know your process for lost items. Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
A Guest
Problems: Content is superficial. Point 2 (why it is urgent) is only one vague sentence -- "important for my work" does not develop the urgency. Point 3 is asked in general terms without specific questions. Vocabulary is basic and repetitive. Only about 90 words -- well under 150.
Dear Guest Services Team,
I am writing regarding a laptop charger I believe I left in Room 412 during my stay from May 14 to 16. The charger is a black 65-watt USB-C model, and I think it may still be on the desk or possibly in the top drawer of the bedside table.
I am reaching out urgently because I am presenting at a conference this Thursday and my current battery charge will not last through the day. Replacing the charger is expensive on short notice, and the specific model is not easily available locally.
Could you please let me know your process for returning lost property? Specifically, I would like to know whether courier shipping is an option and approximately how long the process takes. I am happy to cover any associated costs.
Thank you very much for your assistance. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
A. Johnson
Strengths: All three prompt points developed with specific detail. Point 1 includes room number, dates, description, and location. Point 2 explains urgency concretely (conference, battery, cost). Point 3 asks specific questions about process and timeline. Approximately 195 words. Semi-formal tone consistent throughout.
Vocabulary for common email purposes
| Purpose | Semi-formal options | Informal options |
|---|---|---|
| Stating purpose | I am writing to..., I wanted to follow up on..., I am reaching out regarding... | I just wanted to..., I thought I'd get in touch about..., I'm writing because... |
| Making a request | I would appreciate it if you could..., Could you please..., I would be grateful if... | Do you think you could..., Would it be possible for you to..., It would be great if... |
| Explaining a problem | I recently encountered an issue with..., I was disappointed to find that..., I would like to bring to your attention that... | I've been having a problem with..., Something came up that I wanted to mention..., I noticed that... |
| Closing | Thank you for your time and assistance., I look forward to your response., Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information. | Looking forward to hearing from you!, Let me know what you think!, Hope to hear from you soon. |
Common mistakes and how to fix them
| Mistake | Score impact | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Missing or underdeveloping one prompt point | Content score drops significantly | Before writing, list all three points. Check that each one has at least 2 sentences. After writing, re-read the prompt and tick each point that appears. |
| Wrong tone for the relationship | Content score affected (appropriateness); may also affect Vocabulary | Read the first line of the prompt carefully. It almost always names the relationship. "Your manager" = semi-formal. "Your friend" = informal. "The company" = semi-formal to formal. |
| Purpose unclear until paragraph two | Coherence and Cohesion lowered | Start with "I am writing to..." in the first sentence. The reader should know the purpose immediately. |
| Repeating the same sentence opener ("I am writing about..." three times) | Vocabulary score lowered | Vary openers between paragraphs. Use pronouns, passive voice, or different introductory phrases for the second and third paragraphs. |
| Under 150 words | Content and possibly Coherence penalized | Develop each prompt point with 2 to 3 sentences. Add a specific detail to each point -- a date, a name, a reason, a consequence. |
| Closing that restates the purpose instead of looking forward | Minor but noticeable to examiners | Closing sentences should look forward: "I look forward to hearing from you," "I appreciate your help," or "Please contact me if you need more information." Do not summarize what you just wrote. |
How to use your 27 minutes
Minutes 1 to 2: Read and plan
Read the prompt twice. Identify: the recipient, the relationship (which determines tone), and the three prompt points. Write the three points briefly on the notepad. Decide the tone.
Minutes 3 to 22: Write the email
Opening: 2 sentences. Body 1: 3 to 4 sentences covering points 1 and 2. Body 2: 2 to 3 sentences covering point 3. Closing: 2 sentences with sign-off. Aim for 165 to 185 words.
Minutes 23 to 27: Check
Re-read the prompt. Check all three points appear and are developed. Check tone consistency. Fix any grammar or spelling errors. Check word count.
Next step
FAQ
What matters most in CELPIP Writing Task 1?
The four scoring criteria are Content, Coherence and Cohesion, Vocabulary, and Sentence Structure. Content -- covering every prompt point with appropriate purpose and tone -- is assessed first and has the most visible impact on the score. No amount of strong grammar can fully compensate for a missing or underdeveloped prompt point. The fastest way to improve is to ensure complete prompt coverage with the correct tone before working on vocabulary or grammar.
What tone should I use in a CELPIP Task 1 email?
Tone in CELPIP Task 1 depends on the relationship stated in the prompt. Semi-formal is correct for most prompts involving managers, landlords, businesses, or colleagues you do not know well. Informal is appropriate for friends, family, or acquaintances. Formal is rarely needed in Task 1 but may appear for official organizations. The prompt almost always signals the relationship clearly -- read it carefully before writing your opening.
Why do students lose marks in CELPIP Task 1?
The most common causes of lost marks in Task 1 are: (1) missing one of the prompt points, leaving content incomplete, (2) wrong tone -- too casual for a formal situation or too stiff for an informal one, (3) a vague opening that does not state the purpose clearly, (4) repetitive vocabulary or sentence patterns, and (5) underdeveloped prompt points that mention the idea but do not explain or develop it.
How long should a CELPIP Task 1 email be?
CELPIP Task 1 requires 150 to 200 words. Writing under 150 is penalized. Writing significantly over 200 wastes time you need for Task 2. Most well-structured Task 1 responses are 165 to 190 words. Each prompt point should receive at least 2 to 3 sentences to be considered adequately developed.
How many prompt points does CELPIP Task 1 have?
CELPIP Task 1 prompts include three bullet points or sub-tasks that your email must address. All three must appear in the response. A common error is focusing heavily on the first two points and writing only one sentence for the third. Each point should be developed with at least two sentences.
Can I use the same opening sentence structure in every Task 1 email?
Having a reliable opening template is useful for managing time, but you must adjust it to fit the tone and relationship. A template like 'I am writing to [state purpose]' works for semi-formal and formal emails. For informal emails, 'I wanted to get in touch about...' is more natural. Avoid copying a template word-for-word if the tone is wrong for the context.
What is the difference between formal and semi-formal in CELPIP writing?
Formal: used for official organizations, government, or institutions you have no personal relationship with. Uses full formal constructions: 'I would be most grateful if you could...' Semi-formal: used for managers, landlords, service providers, or professional contacts you interact with regularly. Uses polite but accessible language: 'I would appreciate it if you could...' Informal: friends, family, close acquaintances. Conversational tone, contractions acceptable: 'I just wanted to let you know...'