Writing an Email
A clean template that hits every bullet point: purpose → details → request.
Template
Replace the CAPS placeholders with your details. Add a short subject line above it.
Hello RECIPIENT, I’m writing to ACTION regarding TOPIC. On DATE at TIME in LOCATION, I received SERVICE under ID. I chose your company because EXPECTATION, but the experience did not match what was advertised. Key issues: First, FACT_1. Second, FACT_2. Third, FACT_3. The situation was made worse by DETAIL_1, and I attempted to address it on the spot by STEP_1. Because of this, IMPACT, and I was unable to RESULT. This fell short of the standard I expected. I have EVIDENCE available, including RECEIPTS, PHOTOS, and SCREENSHOTS, and I can share any additional details you need. I also contacted CHANNEL on PREVIOUS_DATE, and spoke with AGENT_NAME, but the matter remains unresolved. To resolve this, I’m requesting REQUESTED_SOLUTION. If that is not possible, an alternative would be ALTERNATIVE_SOLUTION. If a refund is approved, please return it to PAYMENT_METHOD. Please confirm receipt and let me know next steps, including a case number if applicable. I would appreciate a response by DEADLINE. You can reach me at PHONE or EMAIL. Thank you, NAME
Email Writing Playbook
Use this every time on CELPIP Task 1: plan → write → polish.
Decide tone, collect facts, and map bullet points to paragraphs.
- Who are you writing to? (friend / company / manager) → choose the right tone.
- Underline every bullet point. Each bullet becomes 2-3 sentences in your email.
- Pick 3-5 concrete details: date, time, order #, address, names.
- Decide your request + deadline (replacement, refund, reschedule, confirmation).
Keep it simple: purpose → details → request.
- Subject: action + topic (Request / Complaint / Inquiry + 1 detail).
- Paragraph 1 (2-3 sentences): greeting + purpose + 1 key detail.
- Paragraph 2 (4-6 sentences): cover all bullet points with facts.
- Paragraph 3 (2-3 sentences): request + deadline + thanks + sign-off.
This is where you earn easy points: format, clarity, and accuracy.
- Check format: subject + greeting + sign-off + name.
- Check task: every bullet point answered (no missing requirement).
- Make vague sentences specific (numbers, dates, places, names).
- Fix quick errors: verb tense, plural -s, articles (a / an / the).
Checklist
Graders reward task completion, clear organization, appropriate vocabulary, and accurate grammar.
- All prompt bullet points answered
- Concrete details (date, time, numbers, names)
- Clear structure: purpose → details → request
- Polite, consistent tone
- Accurate grammar + spelling
- Missing a bullet point
- Wrong format (no subject / greeting / sign-off)
- Vague writing (no facts)
- Unclear request or no deadline
- Tone mismatch or many errors
Example answer
Highlights show what graders reward: clear purpose, concrete details, and a specific request.
Subject: Complaint about “Old Town Highlights” tour (Booking #WT-43821)
Hello Customer Service Team,
I’m writing to complain about the “Old Town Highlights” walking tour I joined on Saturday, January 12 at 10:00 a.m. (booking #WT-43821). I expected a well-run tour, but the experience did not match what was advertised.
To begin, the guide arrived about 15 minutes late and did not acknowledge the delay. The tour then felt rushed, with several advertised stops skipped. It was also hard to hear the commentary because the portable speaker was not used in busy areas. Finally, when participants asked basic questions, the responses were short and dismissive.
Overall, these issues reduced the value of the tour. Could you please offer either a partial refund or a voucher to take the tour again with a different guide? Please reply within three business days. I’m happy to provide any additional details you may need to investigate.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Daniel Smith