CELPIP Writing Task 1: Writing an Email Strategies

What this part tests

150–200 words, 27 minutes to plan, write, and proofread.
You will read a scenario describing a situation, then write an email in response.
The prompt gives you 3 specific requirements that your email must address.
Your email should match the appropriate tone for the audience (friend, employer, company, etc.).
You are scored on Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfillment.
Example scenarios include customer complaints, workplace requests, event invitations, and personal updates.

Key strategies

Address all 3 requirements without exception

Each requirement should get roughly one paragraph or a substantial portion of your email. Missing even one requirement significantly lowers your Task Fulfillment score.

Match your tone to the audience

Writing to a friend? Use warm, conversational language. Writing to a manager? Use formal, professional language. Writing a complaint? Be firm but polite.

Use proper email format

Start with a greeting ("Dear [Name]," or "Hi [Name],"), end with a closing ("Sincerely," "Best regards,"). This demonstrates real-world writing competence.

Use transitional phrases between points

"In addition to this," "I'd also like to mention," "Regarding your question about..." These phrases create flow and demonstrate coherence.

Be specific, not generic

Instead of "I think this is a problem," write "The leaking pipe in the kitchen has caused water damage to the floor." Specificity shows vocabulary range and task engagement.

Example

Task 1: Writing an Email

Read the following information.

You are a dedicated member of a local gym. Recently, the gym announced a change to its operating hours, particularly affecting the evening schedule. These new hours no longer align with your personal work schedule, making it difficult for you to attend your regular workout sessions. You are concerned about maintaining your fitness routine.

Write an email to the gym manager in about 150-200 words. Your email should do the following things:

Express your disappointment and concern regarding the new operating hours.
Explain how the altered schedule specifically impacts your ability to utilize the gym facilities.
Propose a potential solution or suggest how the gym might accommodate members affected by these changes.

Strong Sample Response

Dear Valued Gym Management Team,

I am writing to you today as a dedicated member for the past three years to convey my significant disappointment and concern regarding the recently implemented changes to your operating hours, particularly the earlier evening closing time. This adjustment has unfortunately created substantial difficulties for me.

My professional commitments often extend until 6:30 PM, followed by a commute. Under the previous schedule, I could reliably attend the gym from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, which perfectly accommodated my fitness regimen. The new closing time now effectively eliminates my ability to engage in a full workout, forcing me to either cut short my sessions or miss them entirely. This directly impacts my health goals and the value I derive from my membership.

I earnestly suggest that you consider re-evaluating these new hours. Perhaps extending operations until 9:30 PM on at least a few weekdays, or introducing an early morning slot before 6:00 AM, could provide crucial flexibility. Alternatively, a member survey might shed light on peak usage times and inform a more inclusive schedule. I hope we can find a mutually beneficial solution.

Respectfully,

Alex

Writing an Email