CELPIP Writing Tips: Mastering Task 1 and Task 2

The CELPIP Writing test has two tasks: Task 1 requires writing a 150-200 word email in 27 minutes (formal or informal depending on the recipient), and Task 2 requires writing a 150-200 word response to a survey question in 26 minutes. Both tasks are evaluated by trained raters across four dimensions: Content/Coherence (logical flow and prompt fulfilment), Lexical Range (vocabulary variety and precision), Readability (paragraph structure and formatting), and Task Fulfillment (addressing all required points). The most common reason candidates score below CLB 9 in Writing is using conversational language instead of the structured, formal paragraph patterns the rubric demands — even native English speakers frequently underperform because they write casually rather than following strict email and essay architectures.

The Universal Writing Rubric

Before dissecting the specific tasks, you must comprehend how Paragon's AI and human evaluators grade your text. They utilize four dimensions:

Mastering Task 1: Writing an Email

Task 1 gives you 27 minutes to write a 150-200 word email handling a specific situation (e.g., complaining to a restaurant manager, apologizing to a friend, or asking a boss for a raise).

Step 1: Identify the Tone Matrix

The most catastrophic mistake in Task 1 is failing to match the recipient's required tone. The evaluators refer to this as "Register".

• FormalWriting to a manager, a government official, or a business. You must use full sentences, zero contractions ("cannot" instead of "can't"), and highly polite conditionals ("I would appreciate it if...").
• InformalWriting to a close friend or sibling. You should use contractions ("I'm", "we'll"), phrasal verbs ("catch up", "hang out"), and warmer sign-offs.

Step 2: The Core Email Template

Regardless of the prompt, inject your details into this rigid, 5-block structure:

Mastering Task 2: Responding to a Survey

Task 2 gives you 26 minutes to write 150-200 words. You will be presented with an office or municipal dilemma, and two distinct choices (Option A or Option B).

The Survey Template Structure

This task requires an introductory stance, two distinct supporting paragraphs, and a conclusive sign-off.

• Introduction (30 words): Address the survey originator. State your choice definitively.
  "To whom it may concern, I have reviewed the proposed initiatives regarding the new office layout, and I strongly advocate for Option A due to two distinct factors."
• Body Paragraph 1 (70 words): Present your strongest reason supporting your choice. Use cause-and-effect transitions.
  "Primarily, selecting this option will drastically improve employee morale. Consequently..."
• Body Paragraph 2 (70 words): Destroy the alternative option. Explain why Option B is a terrible idea.
  "Conversely, while Option B may seem financially prudent initially, its long-term ramifications would be detrimental to our team's productivity."
• Conclusion (30 words): Wrap it up cleanly.
  "Taking these multifaceted issues into consideration, Option A clearly represents the most beneficial trajectory for our organization. Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback."

Final Word Count and Timing Strategy

The CELPIP software features an automated word counter at the bottom of the screen. Aim for roughly 180 words. If you write 148 words, you will be penalized. If you write 210 words, you will not necessarily be penalized directly, but you mathematically increase your probability of making a grammatical mistake. Stop at 180 words, and spend your final 4 minutes purely checking for pluralizations (s), correct articles (a/an/the), and tense consistency.