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CELPIP Writing · Task 1

Email Template Guide

Learn how to analyze the scenario, choose the correct tone, and build a complete CELPIP email with a clear opening, situation, problem, solution, and professional closing.

Time: 27 minutes

Target: 150-200 words

Format: one email

Goal

General Basic Instruction

CELPIP Writing Task 1 asks you to write an email for a practical situation. Your goal is to show that you can understand the relationship, answer all bullet points, and control tone in a message that feels natural and complete.

Assessment Criteria

What Examiners Look For

Task Fulfillment

Answer every bullet point and match the email purpose.

Coherence

Organize ideas in a logical order with clear paragraphing.

Vocabulary

Use precise, natural words for the situation and relationship.

Readability

Make the message easy to scan with a clear opening, body, and closing.

Grammar Control

Use accurate sentence structure, tense, modals, and connectors.

Tone

Choose the right level of politeness for the reader.

Key words to remember: purpose, tone, details, organization, and accuracy.

Step 1

Analyze the Scenario

Before writing, identify who you are writing to, why you are writing, and how formal the email should be. This is the Rule of Pairs: your salutation and sign-off must match the relationship.

Who is that?Salutation TemplateMatching Sign-off
Manager, Company, OfficialDear Sir or Madam, / To the Customer Service Manager,Yours faithfully,
A boss or official whose name you knowDear Mr. Wilson, / Dear Ms. Chen,Yours sincerely, / Sincerely,
A neighbor, colleague, or acquaintanceDear Mr. Patel, / Hi Maria,Best regards, / Kind regards,
A close friend or family memberHi Alex, / Dear Aunt Linda,Best, / Warmly, / Take care,

Step 2

The Opening: Who + Why

The opening should immediately show the reader why you are writing. Keep it direct and avoid long background details here.

Formula to Introduce Context

I am writing regarding [object/event/service] that [time/place].

Example: I am writing regarding the laptop I purchased from your store last Friday.

Formula to Express Purpose

I am writing to [complain / request / explain / apologize] about [main issue].

Example: I am writing to request a repair because the device stopped working after two days.

Step 3

The Situation

Goal: introduce the background story. Set the scene so the reader understands the context before you complain, request something, or explain the next action.

Transition: To briefly review the situation,...

Details: [Describe what happened / the object / the date].

Example: To briefly review the situation, I ordered a dining table from your website on May 3, and it was delivered to my apartment on May 10.

Step 4

The Problem / Details

Goal: explain the specific issues, hazards, or details. This is the meat of the email, so be precise and show why the issue matters.

Grammar Booster: Subordinating Conjunctions

Contrast words: although, even though, while, whereas, however

Cause/effect words: because, since, as, therefore, as a result, consequently

Template

Zoom-in: In terms of the problem / hazard,...

Detail 1: Use a complex sentence with because / although.

Detail 2: Expand with another connector such as furthermore / as a result.

Example: In terms of the problem, although the table looked fine at first, one of the legs was cracked, and the surface was scratched. As a result, it is unsafe to use, especially because I have two young children at home.

Step 5

The Solution / Action

Be polite but firm. Avoid weak or rude wording like "I want." Use modals to soften the request while keeping it strong.

Strong

must, need to, should, urge, strongly recommend, be required to

Polite

would suggest, could, may, ought to, would appreciate, would be grateful if

Transition: Regarding [the solution/request],...

Proposal: I strongly urge you to [action]. / I would suggest [action]. / I would appreciate it if you could [action].

Alternative: Alternatively, [Plan B].

Example: Regarding the solution, I would appreciate it if you could arrange a replacement by the end of this week. Alternatively, I would be willing to accept a full refund.

Step 6

The Closing & Signature

Goal: end professionally using standard phrases. A missing name or signature is a major formatting error, so always finish the email completely.

Grammar Booster: Future Expectations

Use standard phrases that assume the person will do the job: I look forward to hearing from you, I trust this matter will be resolved promptly, or Thank you in advance for your help.

Closing: Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. / I look forward to your prompt response.

Sign-off: [Match Step 1 selection]

Name: [Your Full Name]

Example: Thank you in advance for your assistance. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely, Daniel Lee

Sample Passage

Band-Strong Sample Email

Dear Customer Service Manager,

I am writing regarding the dining table I purchased from your website on May 3, and I would like to request a prompt solution to a serious delivery problem.

To briefly review the situation, the table was delivered to my apartment on May 10. Although the delivery arrived on time, the product was not in acceptable condition. In terms of the problem, one leg was cracked, the surface had several deep scratches, and the box showed signs of damage. As a result, the table is unsafe to use, especially because I have two young children at home.

Regarding the solution, I would appreciate it if you could arrange a replacement by the end of this week. Alternatively, I would be willing to accept a full refund if a replacement is not available. I have attached photos of the damage for your reference.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours faithfully,

Daniel Lee