Best structure
Greeting, purpose, details, request or next step, closing
How to Write CELPIP Writing Task 1 Email: Samples, Structure, and Useful Phrases
Short answer: A strong CELPIP Writing Task 1 email clearly answers every bullet point, uses the correct tone, and follows a simple structure: greeting, purpose, details, request, and closing.
Most students lose marks because the email is incomplete, too casual, or poorly organized, not because the topic is difficult.
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Start here
The answer framework
Use this page as an answer-first guide: start with the direct response, then use examples, templates, and mistakes to practise with a clear scoring target.
Typical length
About 150-200 words
Tone
Formal for companies and officials; warmer for friends or neighbours
Main risk
Missing one bullet point from the prompt
How to use this page
- 1Read the short answer first.
- 2Copy the template structure.
- 3Practise with one sample prompt.
- 4Check your response against the mistakes list.
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Practice prompts
Sample CELPIP-style questions
These prompts are original practice examples, not copied from official CELPIP materials.
Question 1
You bought a winter jacket online, but the zipper broke after one week. Write to customer service.
Question 2
You missed a meeting with your manager because of a family emergency. Write an apology email.
Question 3
Your neighbour plays loud music late at night. Write a polite complaint.
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Examples
Sample answers
Read the structure first: direct answer, reasons, specific detail, and clean ending.
Sample answer: Product complaint email
Dear Customer Service Team,
I am writing to report a problem with a winter jacket I purchased from your website last week. Unfortunately, the zipper stopped working after only a few days of normal use.
The order number is 48291, and the jacket was delivered to my home on Monday. I wore it twice, and on the second day the zipper became stuck and then separated completely. Since the jacket is new, I believe this may be a product defect.
Could you please let me know whether I can receive a replacement or a refund? I have attached a photo of the damaged zipper and a copy of my receipt. Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Maya Singh
Sample answer: Apology email to a manager
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I am writing to apologize for missing our project update meeting yesterday afternoon. I understand that my absence caused inconvenience, especially because you were expecting my progress report before the client deadline.
Unfortunately, I had a family emergency and had to leave my phone on silent while I was helping my younger brother at the clinic. I should have sent you a short message as soon as I realized I would not be able to attend, and I am sorry for not doing that.
I have attached my updated report to this email and can meet today at any time that is convenient for you. I will also make sure to inform the team immediately if a similar situation happens again.
Sincerely, Daniel Lee
Sample answer: Neighbour complaint email
Dear Mr. Patel,
I am writing to ask for your help with a noise issue that has been happening in the evenings. Over the past two weeks, loud music has been playing from your apartment several times after 11 p.m.
I understand that everyone wants to relax at home, and I do not want to create any conflict. However, the noise makes it difficult for my family to sleep, especially on weekdays when we need to wake up early for work and school.
Could you please lower the volume after 10 p.m. or use headphones later at night? I would really appreciate your cooperation, and I hope we can solve this in a friendly way.
Sincerely,
Amina Khan
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Reusable frames
Templates
Use templates as structure, not as memorized full answers.
Template 1
Formal email template
Dear [Name/Team], I am writing to [purpose]. [Explain situation]. [Give details: date, order number, problem, reason]. Could you please [request]? Thank you for your time. Sincerely, [Name]
Template 2
Friendly email template
Hi [Name], I hope you are doing well. I wanted to let you know about [situation]. [Explain details]. Would it be possible to [request]? Thanks so much, [Name]
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Score protection
Common mistakes
Fix the mistakes that make an otherwise good answer look weak or incomplete.
Missing one bullet point.
Before submitting, check the prompt and mark each bullet as answered.
Wrong tone.
Use formal language for companies, managers, landlords, and officials.
No clear request.
Say exactly what you want: a refund, replacement, update, meeting, or confirmation.
Too many disconnected details.
Group details by purpose: what happened, why it matters, what you want.
Related CELPIP guides
FAQ
How do I write CELPIP Writing Task 1 email?
Use a clear greeting, state your purpose, answer every bullet point, make a specific request, and end with a suitable closing.
How many words should CELPIP Task 1 be?
A practical target is about 150-200 words, but completeness and clarity matter more than forcing an exact number.
Can I use the same email template every time?
You can reuse the structure, but you must change the tone, details, and request for each prompt.
Should CELPIP emails be formal or informal?
It depends on the reader. Use formal tone for organizations and professional contacts, and a warmer tone for friends or neighbours.
What phrases can I use in a complaint email?
Useful phrases include “I am writing to report...”, “Unfortunately...”, “Could you please...”, and “I would appreciate a response by...”
How do I end a CELPIP email?
Use “Sincerely” for formal emails and “Best” or “Thanks” for friendly emails.
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