Writing Strategies
Master both writing tasks with strategies for email composition and persuasive survey responses, scored on Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfillment.
Task 1: Writing an Email
Format
- 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.
Strategies
Example
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.
- 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.
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
- Strategy #1 (Address all 3 requirements): The first paragraph expresses disappointment, the second explains the specific impact on the writer's schedule, and the third proposes concrete solutions.
- Strategy #2 (Match tone to audience): The tone is formal and polite, matching the audience of a gym manager.
- Strategy #3 (Proper email format): Opens with "Dear Valued Gym Management Team" and closes with "Respectfully, Alex."
- Strategy #4 (Transitional phrases): Phrases like "Under the previous schedule" and "Alternatively" create smooth flow between ideas.
- Strategy #5 (Be specific): Uses specific details like "6:30 PM," "7:30 PM to 9:00 PM," and "extending operations until 9:30 PM" instead of vague language.
Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions
Format
- 150–200 words, 26 minutes to plan, write, and proofread.
- You will read a survey question that presents two options (Option A and Option B).
- You must choose one option and write a persuasive response explaining your choice with clear reasoning and examples.
- Your response should have a clear position, supporting reasons, and a conclusion.
- You are scored on Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfillment.
- Example topics include workplace policies, education approaches, community decisions, and lifestyle choices.
Strategies
Example
Our local youth sports league, facing concerns about high dropout rates and increasing pressure on young athletes, is re-evaluating its core philosophy. We are surveying parents, coaches, and community members to determine whether our league should primarily emphasize skill development and enjoyment or competitive success and winning. Your input will help shape our league's future direction.
I strongly advocate for emphasizing participation and skill development in youth sports. This approach creates lasting benefits that extend far beyond the playing field.
Firstly, a participation-focused environment cultivates a lifelong love for physical activity. When children are not solely judged by scores, they feel less pressure and more joy, leading to sustained engagement in sports well into adulthood. Research consistently shows that young athletes who enjoy their experience are far more likely to remain active throughout their lives.
Secondly, prioritizing development builds essential character traits such as teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. These qualities are transferable to academics and future careers. For example, a child who learns to support teammates during a losing game develops empathy and resilience that no trophy can teach.
While competition certainly has its place and can motivate some athletes, an overemphasis on winning often leads to burnout, anxiety, and early dropout from sports entirely.
In conclusion, fostering an environment where every child feels valued and has opportunities to develop skills through participation is paramount for their holistic growth and continued involvement in sports.
- Strategy #1 (Choose what you can argue best): The writer chose the option they could argue most convincingly for, regardless of personal belief.
- Strategy #2 (State your choice clearly): The opening sentence immediately states the chosen option with conviction: "I strongly advocate for..."
- Strategy #3 (Give 2-3 distinct reasons): Two distinct reasons are provided, the love for physical activity and character development, each supported by specific examples and evidence.
- Strategy #4 (Acknowledge the other option): Competition is briefly acknowledged in one sentence before being dismissed.
- Strategy #5 (Strong conclusion): The response ends with a definitive conclusion that restates the position.
Practice Writing Now
Apply these strategies with real CELPIP-style writing prompts and get instant feedback.
Start Practicing