CELPIP Writing Task 1: Writing an Email
Write a clear, complete email to the specified recipient, with an appropriate tone and a specific purpose.
At a glance
- Time available
- 27 minutes
- Written response
- 1 response
- Recommended length
- 150–200 words
Use 200 words as the upper end of the recommended range, not as a guaranteed technical typing limit. CELPIP allows a little flexibility, but being substantially over or under the suggested length can affect your score. The word counter is there to help you stay on target.
Writing has two separately timed tasks: 27 minutes for the email and 26 minutes for the survey. Do not plan to borrow unused time from the other task.
Format reference: official Writing study pack · current test format. Checked 4 October 2026.
What you will do
One email response based on a situation and a set of instructions. Recommended length: 150–200 words.
Manage this part’s time
Suggested MockPip routine: plan for 4 minutes, draft for 18 minutes and revise for 5 minutes. Aim to finish near 180–195 words so editing does not push you far outside the target.
Practice routines are MockPip suggestions, not additional official timing rules.A step-by-step approach
- Identify the recipient, your role and the purpose: request, complaint, explanation or recommendation.
- Turn every instruction into a brief content point before drafting.
- Open with the purpose, develop the required points with concrete details, and make the requested action clear.
- Check tone, completeness and word count before submitting.
Techniques for this task
- Use a purposeful greeting and sign-off, with paragraphs that each do a different job.
- For a complaint, describe the problem and its effect, then ask for a realistic remedy politely.
- Use precise details that serve the prompt; avoid filling space with a long backstory.
- Vary sentence structure only when you can keep it accurate. Clear communication is more useful than forced advanced vocabulary.
See the technique in action
Original practice prompt: A community centre has changed a course time without notice. Write to the coordinator: explain the conflict, describe how the change affects you, and request a practical solution. Plan one concrete point for each instruction.
This example is independently written for practice.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting one bullet in the instructions.
- Using an angry or overly casual tone for a professional recipient.
- Writing a long introduction and leaving little room for the requested action.
Your next practice exercise
Draft the email within 27 minutes. Highlight the sentence that addresses each instruction, then remove any sentence that does not help the reader understand or act.
Before you finish
- Is the purpose clear immediately?
- Did I develop every instruction?
- Are tone, paragraphs, grammar and the 150–200-word target checked?
MockPip’s techniques and practice examples are independently created. MockPip is not affiliated with or endorsed by CELPIP or its test provider. Practice results are not official CELPIP scores.