CELPIP Writing Task 1: Writing an Email Strategies

What this part tests

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.

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

Open with a greeting and close with a sign-off. This demonstrates real-world writing competence.

Write“Dear [Name],”“Hi [Name],”“Sincerely,”“Best regards,”

Use transitional phrases between points

These phrases create flow and demonstrate coherence.

Write“In addition to this”“I'd also like to mention”“Regarding your question about…”

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.

What it looks like

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

How to apply the strategies

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.