CELPIP Writing Guide: Task 1 and Task 2
Writing is where the referee (human evaluator) enters the field. Unlike the computer, this referee has feelings.
6.1 What is the CELPIP Writing Test?
The Writing Test is one of the four sections that make up the CELPIP General exam, along with the listening, reading, and speaking sections. It is a computerized test designed to evaluate your English writing skills through two specific tasks:
- Task 1: Writing an Email
- Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions
6.2 What does the exam consist of?
The CELPIP Writing Test is a computerized test divided into two specific tasks. You have a limited total time to complete both tasks, and each one has its own time limit.
1. How much time you have
You have a total of 53 minutes to complete the entire writing section, for the two tasks:
- Task 1 (Email): Use the time shown in the test to read, plan, write, and revise your email.
- Task 2 (Survey): Reserve time to plan and revise your survey response.
2. Who evaluates (computer or human?)
Your official exam will be evaluated by human examiners. At CelpipGoal we have AI simulators that will be your Coaches and help you in the process; however, in the real test, it is people who read and grade your responses based on four strict criteria: task fulfillment, fluency and coherence of your ideas, range of your grammar, and precision of your vocabulary.
3. Is it written on paper or computer?
The CELPIP writing test is completely computerized. You'll take the exam by typing your answers with a keyboard on the evaluation center's computer.
4. Word limit
For both tasks, you are required to write between 150 and 200 words. Check the length guidance shown in the task and prioritize addressing every prompt clearly.
6.3 Evaluation Criteria for CELPIP Writing Task 1
The four main criteria the examiner will base their evaluation on are:
Task Fulfillment
The examiner verifies whether you have sufficiently addressed the three points required in the instructions. To score well, it's essential to fully develop your ideas using supporting details, rather than just making a list with brief answers.
Coherence & Cohesion
The examiner looks for your text to have a logical sequence. They want to see specific phrases that serve as "signposts" (like To briefly review, In terms of, Regarding) that act as bridges between your paragraphs, making the email easy to read.
Grammar (Range & Accuracy)
Your ability to use a variety of sentence structures is evaluated. Instead of writing only simple sentences, you must demonstrate the use of complex grammar, such as Present Perfect to establish context or Modal verbs to express necessity or courtesy.
Vocabulary (Lexical Resource)
You will be evaluated on the breadth of your vocabulary and the tone you use in the email. You should avoid repetition and opt for precise and formal synonyms (for example, using "Inquire" instead of "Ask").
Applying the CELPIP Writing Assessment Criteria
To connect more directly with the evaluator, beyond the technical rubric, you must demonstrate communicative maturity by writing an email that is easy to read and fits naturally in a human context. At its core, they look for a candidate who understands exactly who they are writing to in order to dictate the appropriate tone (being polite but firm, and avoiding overly basic or demanding expressions like "I want"), who knows how to "set the stage" by giving clear context and background before presenting a complaint or request, and who makes the effort to fully develop their ideas so the message flows through "signpost" or bridge phrases, rather than limiting themselves to making a robotic and choppy list of answers.
6.4 CLB Levels and Writing Skill Development
In this version, we can clearly observe how the CELPIP evaluates the progression of your skills. While lower levels are limited to simple sentences, higher levels (9 to 12) demonstrate mastery of complex grammar and a much more precise vocabulary ("Lexical Resource") to express the same idea in a sophisticated and natural way. What's evaluated is not just avoiding errors, but the ability to transform common phrases into advanced and efficient writing.
| Level (CLB) | Description (Criteria and Task Fulfillment) | Evolutionary Phrase Example |
|---|---|---|
| Level 12 | Writes complex texts developing ideas with extensive details. Communicates with precision and ideal tone. | "Six days of home-cooking precede my Sunday dining." |
| Level 11 | Produces formal and informal texts with relevant facts. Communicates ideas with exactness. | "Daily meal preparation gives way to Sunday dining." |
| Level 10 | Creates short texts of some complexity. Conveys exact intention with formal conventions. | "My daily culinary routine shifts to dining out on Sundays." |
| Level 9 | Develops main ideas supported by relevant facts. Achieves purpose naturally. | "Weekly home-cooking concludes with a Sunday meal out." |
| Level 8 | Writes short and moderately complex texts. Conveys ideas clearly following conventions. | "My daily cooking routine yields to dining out on Sundays." |
| Level 7 | Produces short, factual, and moderately complex texts. Uses a common and understandable style. | "Despite cooking daily, I enjoy dining out on Sundays." |
| Level 6 | Writes short and coherent texts with some details. Tone is sometimes appropriate. | "I cook meals daily; however, I dine out on Sundays." |
| Level 5 | Writes simple to moderate texts connecting a couple of ideas on familiar topics. | "Since I cook daily, I prefer eating out on Sundays." |
| Level 4 | Writes short and simple sentences and paragraphs. Expresses very familiar information with basic phrases. | "I cook every day, but I eat out on Sundays." |
| Level 3 | Can only write short, simple sentences about immediate needs, often with errors. | "I cook every day. Sundays I eat food outside." |
6.5 Exercise Types: Task 1 (Email)
What it consists of:
It consists of writing a professional, well-structured email (150 to 200 words) resolving a specific situation. The goal is to demonstrate that you can establish the context of a relationship, use clear transitions between paragraphs, and apply complex grammatical structures.
The Message Tone
You have a time limit to write before facing your Big Game. The exercise type is defined by the recipient, which dictates whether your tone should be:
- Formal (Unknown): Addressed to a manager, company, or official (e.g., Dear Sir or Madam).
- Formal (Known): For a boss or authority whose name you know (e.g., Dear Mr. Smith).
- Semi-Formal: For a neighbor, coworker, or acquaintance (e.g., Dear John).
- Informal: Exclusively for close friends or family (e.g., Hi John).
Task 1 Themes
- Complaints & Dissatisfaction: Firm but polite Tone (Generally Formal or Semi-formal). Used to describe a problem with a product or service, explain its impact, and demand a solution.
- Requests for Services, Information, or Permission: Formal Tone. Consists of asking for something specific while being very clear about your need and the reason behind it.
- Suggestions & Community Proposals: Formal or Semi-formal Tone. It involves identifying a problem or opportunity and offering a constructive idea that benefits the community.
- Explanations & Apologies: Sensitive and polite Tone. Used to explain a change of circumstances (like a loan) or offer sincere apologies for a mistake or delay.
- Reporting Incidents: Formal and objective Tone. Writing reports of events you have directly witnessed, such as security issues or thefts.
- Social Situations, Advice & Appreciation: Semi-formal Tone (for recommending something to a friend) or Formal (for expressing gratitude for a business service).
Simple Structure for Answering the Email
Our Playbook's universal template consists of the following steps:
- Step 0 (The Greeting): Analyze the scenario so your greeting matches your closing.
- Step 1 (The Opening): Introduce yourself, establish your relationship/authority (who you are) and the email's purpose.
- Step 2 (Bullet 1 - The Situation): Give the context or background story to "set the stage" before complaining or asking for something.
- Step 3 (Bullet 2 - The Problem/Details): The "core" of the email; explain the specific problems using complex sentences.
- Step 4 (Bullet 3 - The Solution/Action): Provide the solution, request, or suggestion that the instructions ask for.
- Step 5 (Closing and Signature): End professionally with standard phrases and your full name.
How to study the task based on your current level
CLB 3 to 6 Block (Fundamentals - Beginner League)
Your focus should be on fulfilling the basic task. Make sure to address the three points (bullets) the exercise asks for. Concentrate on writing complete, clear sentences, avoiding serious spelling errors. Use simple vocabulary but make sure the email's purpose is understood.
CLB 6 to 8 Block (Structure and Tone - Amateur League)
At this level, you must memorize and strictly apply the 5-step structure mentioned above. Study how to use "signpost" or transition phrases (Regarding, In terms of) to connect your paragraphs and make sure your tone (formal or informal) is correct based on who you're writing to.
CLB 9+ Block (Complexity and Precision - Pro League)
To reach the top, you must study and implement "Grammar Boosters" routinely. Practice using Present Perfect to establish how long you've been a customer ("I have been..."), Passive Voice to sound more formal and objective ("The order was placed"), and courtesy Modal verbs to suggest instead of demand ("I would suggest").
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Task 1)
Listing instead of developing
The examiner checks whether you've addressed the three required points. Giving brief answers or making lists is a serious error; you must fully develop your ideas with supporting details to score high.
Short and choppy sentences
Writing simple phrases penalizes your grammar. A common error is not using subordinating conjunctions. Instead of short sentences, you should use words like Although, Since, or Because to connect the problem with the result.
Using a demanding or rude tone
Avoid writing phrases like "I want." This shows a lack of tone control. You must be polite but firm using modal verbs (e.g., "I strongly urge you to" or "I would suggest") to soften the request.
Forgetting the signature
An email without your name or the proper signature at the end is considered a serious formatting error that will cost you points.
Vocabulary Development
Use this high-impact vocabulary as Tactics to improve your lexical score (avoiding repetition and staying formal):
- Dissatisfaction: Use it instead of "Unhappy" or "Mad".
- Inquire: (To investigate/consult) Use it instead of the basic verb "Ask".
- Furthermore: (In addition) Ideal connector to expand on an additional detail in complex sentences.
- Consequently: (As a result) Excellent cause-and-effect conjunction to replace "So".
- Although: Perfect subordinating conjunction to show contrast, instead of always using "But".
6.6 Task 2: Responding to a Survey
What it consists of:
In this exercise, you must respond to a workplace or community survey by choosing between two options. The goal is to evaluate your ability to argue, persuade, and justify an opinion using logical reasons and supporting details.
How the exam works (Timing and formality)
Use the time shown in the test to plan and write a text of between 150 and 200 words. Unlike the email (Task 1), here you are always presented with two paths (Option A and Option B). The required tone is usually semi-formal or formal, as you're typically justifying your choice to your company's management, a committee, or the city government.
Task 2 Topics
- Community Topics: Deal with city or neighborhood decisions (e.g., building a park vs. building a shopping center). Usually addressed to the city hall or local government.
- Workplace Topics: Focused on company policies (e.g., allowing remote work vs. requiring in-person work, or giving bonuses vs. giving more vacation days). Addressed to human resources or executives.
- Educational Topics: Decisions about budgets at institutions (e.g., investing in library computers vs. renovating furniture). Addressed to directors or administrative boards.
How to study the task based on your current level
CLB 3 to 6 Block (Fundamentals)
Your priority should be choosing an option quickly and giving simple reasons. Focus on using short but correct sentences, reaching the minimum of 150 words, and avoiding basic spelling and punctuation errors. Don't complicate yourself with structures you haven't mastered yet.
CLB 6 to 8 Block (Structure and Development)
At this level, you must organize your text into well-defined paragraphs. Study how to use basic connectors (First, Second, In addition) and make sure to provide concrete examples for each reason you offer. You must demonstrate that you can weave a complete argument from start to finish.
CLB 9+ Block (Argumentation and Complexity)
Here you must master persuasion and complex grammar. Study how to use subordinate sentences and high-level vocabulary. The key at this level is mastering the "Concession and Rebuttal" technique (acknowledging the validity of the other option before dismantling it) to show deep critical thinking.
How to improve your score using contrast
To obtain an advanced score, use the "Concession and Rebuttal" structure. Dedicate your first paragraph to strongly defending the option you chose. Then, in the second paragraph, briefly validate the opposing option to show you're objective, and immediately attack it.
Example: "Although I understand that Option A could generate temporary jobs (concession), the long-term maintenance costs would far outweigh the initial benefits (rebuttal)." This forces you to use complex grammar that evaluators desperately look for.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Task 2)
Not taking a clear stance
Trying to agree with both options or being neutral will cost you points. Example: Writing "Both options are good and the committee should do both." You have to pick a side and defend it aggressively.
Lack of specific examples
Giving generic reasons without backing them up with real-life scenarios. Example: Saying "Option A is better for the environment" without explaining why. The correct approach: "Option A is better because it will reduce carbon emissions by 20% on our street."
Overly informal tone
Forgetting that you're responding to a professional survey and using a conversational tone. Example: Using words like "Gonna," "Wanna," or phrases like "It's a super cool idea."
Simple structure for answering the survey
- Opening: Greeting to the committee/manager and a direct statement of the option you chose.
- Paragraph 1 (Your choice): Your main and strongest reason, backed by a detailed example.
- Paragraph 2 (Contrast/Concession): Acknowledge a benefit of the other option, but explain why your choice is still superior.
- Closing: A one-sentence summary reinforcing your position and a formal farewell.
Vocabulary Development
- Whereas: Perfect for contrasting the two survey options in a sophisticated way.
- Undoubtedly: To show absolute conviction in your argument instead of saying "I think."
- Advantageous: A much more professional alternative to basic adjectives like "good" or "better."
- Nevertheless: The ultimate transition connector for refuting the opposing argument.
- Prioritize: Ideal for explaining why the committee should choose your option over the other.
6.7 Study Methodology
5 Steps for Structured CELPIP Writing Practice
To ensure your preparation is efficient and leads you directly to an Elite score, we recommend this concise 5-step methodology. The secret of this system lies in consistency; by applying these steps continuously, any Athlete's brain will automate the advanced structures that evaluators look for. Remember that at CelpipGoal we have our simulator with instant AI correction so you can practice constantly.
Step 1: Quickly organize your ideas before writing
Before typing a single word, spend a couple of minutes doing a mental "brainstorm" or a very brief outline. Immediately define who you're writing to, what your stance will be, and what specific detail you'll use to address each bullet point. This pre-planning methodology ensures your text has a common thread from the beginning, maintaining logical order and preventing you from going blank mid-exam.
Step 2: Internalize the Templates
Don't improvise on exam day. Constantly write and recreate the prefabricated response structures. By writing under a strict logical order over and over, you'll automatically meet the Coherence and Cohesion criteria, making your text flow effortlessly through the use of clear transitions.
Step 3: Build your grammar arsenal ("Grammar Boosters")
Focus on the grammar that scores points and use it at every opportunity you practice. Get used to always integrating Present Perfect to give historical context, Passive Voice to maintain a formal and objective tone, and suggestion modal verbs ("ought to," "would suggest") habitually to sound polite but firm.
Step 4: Deliberately elevate your vocabulary
Create word blocks for specific situations and force yourself to include them repeatedly in your writings. The goal is for the substitution of basic words with precise and formal synonyms (like routinely using "dissatisfaction" instead of "unhappy") to become an almost involuntary habit.
Step 5: Practice with full simulations
The true key to success is relentless iteration. Do practice Mock Tests under the time limit over and over. After finishing each attempt, audit your own text by checking whether you addressed the three key points of the instruction (Task Fulfillment); doing this as a routine cycle will guarantee that on exam day you act on pure muscle memory. Rely on tools like our Writing simulator to receive instant feedback and continuously improve.
Practise CELPIP Writing
The difference between a 7 and a 9 isn't writing more, it's writing with strategy. Put your 'Softening' to the test in our AI simulator.