CELPIP Writing Task 1: How to Write a High-Scoring Email (CLB 9+)

What Is CELPIP Writing Task 1?

Writing Task 1 is an email-writing task. You are given a prompt describing a situation and three bullet points — each bullet represents a specific thing you must address in your email. You have 27 minutes and must write between 150 and 200 words (the target is 150–200; writing more is not penalized but time is limited). The email is scored on four criteria: **Content/Coherence** — Did you address all three bullet points? Is the email logically organized? **Vocabulary** — Are you using varied, context-appropriate words rather than repeating simple ones? **Readability** — Is your writing easy to follow? Correct paragraph breaks, connectors, and sentence variety matter here. **Task Fulfilment** — Does your email match the tone and purpose described in the prompt? Formal vs. informal vs. semi-formal matters.

The Biggest Mistake: Ignoring Tone

CELPIP Writing Task 1 prompts come in three relationship types, and each requires a different register:

• Formal — writing to a landlord, employer, company, or authority figure you do not know personally
• Semi-formal — writing to a neighbour, colleague, or someone you know professionally but not closely
• Informal — writing to a friend, family member, or close contact

Many candidates write every email in the same neutral tone regardless of the relationship. Examiners specifically look for tone-matching. A formal email must open with "Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]" and close with "Sincerely" or "Regards." An informal email can open with "Hi [Name]" and close with "Talk soon." Using the wrong register drops your Readability and Task Fulfilment scores significantly.

The 5-Part Structure That Works Every Time

Use this framework for every Writing Task 1 email regardless of topic:

• 1. Opening line — state the purpose of the email in one sentence (not "I am writing to you because...")
• 2. Bullet 1 — dedicate one clear paragraph to the first requirement
• 3. Bullet 2 — new paragraph, second requirement, with specific details
• 4. Bullet 3 — new paragraph, third requirement, extended with a reason or example
• 5. Closing line — appropriate sign-off matching the tone (action request or friendly wrap-up)

Each bullet point should get at least 2–3 sentences. A single-sentence answer to a bullet point signals low vocabulary range and shallow task fulfilment. Add a reason, a specific detail, or a follow-up sentence to each point.

Vocabulary That Lifts Your Score

The Vocabulary criterion rewards word choice, not word count. Examiners look for whether you use the right word for the context, not just more words. High-scoring vocabulary habits include:

• Use topic-specific words (e.g., "reimbursement" instead of "money back", "inconvenience" instead of "problem")
• Vary your sentence openers — avoid starting every sentence with "I"
• Use hedging language in formal emails: "I would appreciate it if...", "I was wondering whether..."
• Use connectors naturally: "As a result", "In addition", "However", "With that said"
• Avoid repetition — if you used "issue" in paragraph 2, use "concern" or "matter" in paragraph 3

Common Errors That Drop You Below CLB 9

These mistakes appear most often in scored Writing Task 1 responses:

• Missing one of the three bullet points entirely — automatic Content/Coherence penalty
• Writing below 150 words — triggers a Task Fulfilment deduction
• Mixing formal and informal registers in the same email ("Dear Mr. Smith... Cheers!")
• Copying the prompt language word-for-word instead of paraphrasing
• Writing everything as one paragraph instead of using paragraph breaks per bullet
• Starting the email with "I am writing to inform you that..." — overused and signals low vocabulary

Sample High-Scoring Opening Lines by Tone

Here are strong opening lines for different email types:

• Formal complaint: "I am contacting you regarding a significant issue I encountered with [product/service] on [date]."
• Formal request: "I would like to request your assistance with [topic], as [brief reason]."
• Semi-formal invitation: "I wanted to reach out to let you know about [event] and hope you can join us."
• Informal apology: "I'm really sorry about what happened — let me explain and hopefully make it right."
• Informal suggestion: "I've been thinking about [topic] and wanted to share a few ideas with you."

Notice that none of these use the filler phrase "I am writing to you because." That phrase wastes your opening sentence without adding score. Get to the point in the first line.

Practice With Timed Email Prompts

The fastest way to improve Writing Task 1 is timed practice with real feedback — not just reading about strategies. CELPIPACE Writing practice includes Task 1 prompts across all three tone types, sample high-scoring responses with annotation, and a checklist that mirrors the CELPIP scoring rubric. For the companion guide to Writing Task 2 (the longer survey-response task), see our guide on CELPIP Writing Task 2 tips and templates.