Email writing might feel routine, but in the Canadian English test it becomes a measured performance. Task 1 asks you to craft a concise, purposeful email within 27 minutes. Mastering this challenge means mastering your CELPIP Writing Tips early so you can focus on content, tone, and timing instead of scrambling on test-day.
Why Task 1 Matters for Your Overall Score
Even though Task 1 counts for roughly 33 % of your Writing mark, it sets the tone for Task 2. A solid start warms you up, boosts confidence, and ensures that you finish both tasks within the allotted 54 minutes. Assessors grade your email on:
- Content/Coherence – Did you address all bullet points logically?
- Lexical Range – Are your word choices precise and varied?
- Readability – Have you used correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation?
- Task Fulfilment – Did you match the required register (formal/informal) and purpose?
What the Scorers Want
Assessors look for clear organization, a suitable greeting/closing, and supporting details. They expect paragraphs of similar length (4–5 lines) and consistent tone throughout.
Proven CELPIP Writing Tips for Task 1 Emails
Follow these actionable strategies to sharpen your response and hit a level 9+ band.
Understand the Prompt
- Identify your role and audience. Are you a tenant writing to a landlord, or a student emailing a professor?
- Underline the purpose (inform, request, complain, invite).
- Note required points—usually three—all must be addressed.
Plan in Two Minutes
- Draft a mini outline: greeting, opening, point 1, point 2, point 3, closing.
- Choose 5–6 tailored vocabulary items (e.g., “reimbursement,” “accommodation”) to showcase range.
Draft with Time Chunks
| Stage | Minutes | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | 2 | Outline + key verbs |
| Write | 20 | 180–200 words |
| Review | 5 | Check links, tone, errors |
Quick CELPIP Writing Tips Checklist
- ✅ Formal greeting if unsure (“Dear Ms. Patel,”).
- ✅ State purpose in first line (“I am writing to inquire about…”).
- ✅ One idea per paragraph.
- ✅ Transition words (“Furthermore,” “However,”).
- ✅ Courteous closing (“Sincerely,”).
Tone, Register, and Vocabulary
Your tone must mirror the social distance between writer and reader:
| Situation | Greeting Example | Closing Example | Key Verbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal complaint | “Dear Sir/Madam,” | “Yours faithfully,” | request, resolve, rectify |
| Semi-formal request | “Hello Professor Grant,” | “Best regards,” | arrange, discuss, clarify |
| Informal invitation | “Hi Alex,” | “Cheers,” | grab, catch up, hang out |
For reliable guidance on language benchmarks, consult the Canadian Language Benchmarks guidelines. They outline the descriptors assessors use when judging vocabulary range and cohesion.
Practice, Review, and Simulate the Test
Consistent rehearsal cements skills:
- Mimic the timer. Set 27 minutes and finish both planning and writing.
- Use scored samples. Compare your email with high-band responses to spot gaps.
- Leverage digital resources. The interactive CELPIP Practice Test provides timed drills, while CELPIP Mock Exams simulate the entire exam day, letting you refine pacing under pressure.
- Self-assess with colour-coding. Highlight each scoring criterion in a different colour. Are you overusing certain words? Is your closing courteous enough?
Self-Review Framework
- Spelling & Grammar
- Tone Consistency
- Bullet Coverage
- Word Count (180–200)
Key Takeaways
- Plan first: A two-minute outline prevents idea overlap.
- Address all points: Missing one bullet caps your score.
- Keep it concise: 180–200 words hit the sweet spot.
- Match tone: Formal emails need formal greetings and closings.
- Proofread: Five minutes of review can fix costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words should my Task 1 email contain?
Aim for 180–200 words. Fewer than 150 or more than 220 may reduce clarity and coherency marks.
Can I use contractions in a formal email?
Avoid contractions (e.g., “can’t,” “won’t”) in formal contexts. They are acceptable in informal messages to friends or family.
Do bullet points in the prompt need separate paragraphs?
Yes. Each bullet should become its own paragraph to showcase organization and make it easy for assessors to locate your ideas.
Is it acceptable to use idioms?
Use idioms sparingly and only in informal emails. Overusing them can confuse the reader and lower clarity.
Conclusion
By internalizing these CELPIP Writing Tips, you transform Task 1 from a hurdle into a score booster. Study sample responses, practice under timed conditions, and refine tone and structure until they feel natural. Consistency turns strategy into habit—giving you complete confidence when the test clock starts ticking.