CELPIP Writing: tasks, scoring and how to improve
The CELPIP Writing test has two tasks completed in about 53–60 minutes: an email and a response to a survey. You type both answers (roughly 150–200 words each) and are scored on official criteria that map straight to your CLB level. Here is exactly what each task asks, how raters score you, and the strategies that lift your band.
The two CELPIP Writing tasks
Write a 150–200 word email for a given situation (a request, complaint, apology or arrangement) in about 27 minutes. Tone and purpose matter as much as grammar.
Read a short scenario and survey, choose an option, and justify it in 150–200 words in about 26 minutes. You are graded on how clearly you argue, not which option you pick.
How CELPIP Writing is scored
Each task is rated on four criteria — Content & Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfilment — then combined into a CELPIP level from 3 to 12 (equal to your CLB). Raters reward clear organisation, a tone that fits the situation, and precise word choice. A grammatically perfect answer that ignores the prompt or uses the wrong tone will still score low, so always answer exactly what is asked.
Strategies that raise your score
Spend the first two minutes planning: note your purpose, your main points, and your closing. Open by stating why you are writing, use one paragraph per idea, and connect ideas with linking words so your writing flows. Hit the word count — too short looks underdeveloped, too long invites errors. Save two minutes at the end to fix spelling, verb tenses and articles.
Common mistakes to avoid
The biggest score-killers are getting the tone wrong (too casual in a formal email, or stiff in a friendly one), drifting off the prompt, and weak paragraphing that buries your point. Repetitive vocabulary and run-on sentences also pull down Vocabulary and Readability. Practising against model answers at CLB 7, 9 and 11 trains your eye to see the difference.
Free Writing practice with answers
A complete worked example for every writing task — the prompt, every question with its answer, and why the other options fail. No account needed.
30 prompts · worked example with answers
30 prompts · worked example with answers
Free CELPIP Writing lessons
Go deeper with our free, in-depth writing lessons — each with strategies and CLB-level sample answers:
Master the CELPIP email: 27 minutes, 150–200 words, and the 3 bullet points you must cover. Includes CLB 7, 9 and 11 sample answers.
See a full CELPIP Writing Task 2 sample response, the official time and word limits, and a paragraph plan you can copy for your own survey answer.
Official-style templates for CELPIP Writing Task 1 (email) and Task 2 (survey response), matched to the four scored dimensions, with timing and word-count rules from celpip.ca.
CELPIP CLB 9 Writing means your email and survey responses score a 9 on both tasks, judged holistically by trained raters. Here's what raters look for and how to prepare.
Learn what "AI-scored" CELPIP practice actually checks, how it compares to the official free sample test, and how to use it to target the four Writing rating dimensions before test day.
Learn how CELPIP actually scores your Task 1 email, where to find official practice materials, and how to self-check your draft against the four rating criteria before test day.
Practical, test-maker-backed tips for scoring CLB 9 on CELPIP Writing, covering the Email and Survey Response tasks, timing, word count, and the four scoring criteria.
See a full 150–200 word sample answer for CELPIP Writing Task 2 (Responding to Survey Questions), plus the exact structure, timing, and wording that raters reward.
The opinion task: 26 minutes, 150–200 words. Pick ONE option and defend it with reasons and examples. Includes CLB 7, 9 and 11 sample answers.
Learn the four CELPIP Writing scoring criteria and the most common errors that lower scores, so you can write smarter emails and survey responses.
Learn how to use cohesive devices accurately in CELPIP Writing Task 1 and Task 2 so your ideas connect smoothly and your coherence score rises.
Learn how to match your tone to the reader in CELPIP Writing Task 1 and Task 2, so your email and survey response sound natural, appropriate, and score higher.
Know your target score
CELPIP Writing is reported as a level from 3 to 12, which equals your CLB. See how scores convert on the CELPIP score chart, see what real practice answers score, or set a goal with the CLB calculator. New to the test? Start with the full CELPIP test format.
Other CELPIP skills
Frequently asked questions
How many tasks are in CELPIP Writing?
Two: Task 1 is an email and Task 2 is a response to survey questions. You have about 53–60 minutes for both and write roughly 150–200 words each.
How is CELPIP Writing scored?
On four criteria — Content & Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability and Task Fulfilment — which combine into a CELPIP/CLB level from 3 to 12.
What is a good CELPIP Writing score?
CLB 9 (CELPIP 9) is a strong score that maximises Express Entry points; CLB 7 is the usual minimum for skilled-worker eligibility.
How long should my CELPIP email be?
Aim for 150–200 words. Answers that are far shorter look underdeveloped, while very long answers tend to introduce more errors.
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