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CELPIP Writing
Task 1: Email
27 Minutes150-200 Words

CELPIP Task 1: Email Writing Practice

Master the art of writing effective emails for CELPIP. Practice both formal and informal formats with instant AI feedback on tone, structure, and content.

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Email Types in Task 1

Formal Emails

Written to employers, businesses, or officials

Common Scenarios:
Complaint to a companyRequest to a managerInquiry to a businessApplication follow-up
Key Tips:
Use formal greeting (Dear Mr./Ms.)
Avoid contractions (do not vs don't)
Professional closing (Sincerely, Regards)

Informal Emails

Written to friends, family, or acquaintances

Common Scenarios:
Invitation to a friendThank you to a relativeCatching up with a friendSharing news with family
Key Tips:
Casual greeting (Hi, Hey)
Contractions are fine (I'm, don't)
Friendly closing (Talk soon, Cheers)

Email Structure for High Scores

1
Greeting
Formal: Dear Mr./Ms. [Name],Informal: Hi [Name],
2
Opening
Formal: I am writing to inquire about...Informal: How are you? I wanted to tell you about...
3
Body (2-3 paragraphs)
Formal: Address all points from the prompt clearly and professionallyInformal: Share your message in a friendly, conversational tone
4
Closing
Formal: I look forward to your response.Informal: Let me know what you think!
5
Sign-off
Formal: Sincerely, / Best regards,Informal: Talk soon, / Cheers,

Task 1 Scoring Criteria

Content/Coherence

Are all points from the prompt addressed? Is the email logically organized with smooth flow?

Vocabulary

Is vocabulary appropriate for the email type? Is there good range without errors?

Readability

Are sentences clear and varied? Is grammar and punctuation accurate?

Task Fulfillment

Is the tone appropriate (formal/informal)? Does it meet the word count (150-200)?

CELPIP Task 1 FAQ

What is CELPIP Writing Task 1?

CELPIP Writing Task 1 requires you to write an email in response to a given situation. You have 27 minutes to write 150-200 words. The email can be formal (to a workplace) or informal (to a friend or family member) depending on the prompt.

How is CELPIP Task 1 different from IELTS letter writing?

CELPIP Task 1 is always an email format (not a letter), has a strict word limit of 150-200 words (IELTS has only a minimum), is computer-based with typing, and uses Canadian English conventions. CELPIP also specifies whether the email should be formal or informal in the prompt.

What makes a high-scoring CELPIP email?

High-scoring emails address all points in the prompt, use appropriate tone (formal or informal as required), have clear organization with proper greeting and closing, demonstrate good vocabulary range, and stay within the 150-200 word limit.

Should I use Canadian spelling in CELPIP?

Yes, CELPIP is a Canadian English test. Use Canadian/British spellings (colour, centre, organisation) rather than American spellings. However, consistency matters most - don't mix spelling conventions within your response.

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