CELPIP Writing Templates: Task 1 Email & Task 2 Survey Structure
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.
- 1.Structure your Task 1 email as greeting, purpose, three required details, and a polite closing to fit the 27-minute limit.
- 2.Keep both Task 1 and Task 2 responses between 150 and 200 words, since word count is judged under Task Fulfillment.
- 3.For Task 2, pick one side of the survey question immediately and spend the rest of your 26 minutes justifying that single choice.
- 4.Match your email's tone to the recipient — semi-formal for most Task 1 prompts, since it is neither a friend nor a government official.
- 5.Score-check your draft against all four official criteria — Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfillment — not just grammar.
- 6.Practise with a simple plan-write-proofread split (roughly 5/17/5 minutes) so you never run out of time before finishing a paragraph.
A CELPIP writing template is a reusable paragraph structure for the two scored writing tasks — an email (Task 1) and a survey response (Task 2) — built around what CELPIP's official scoring dimensions reward. Below are ready-to-use skeletons for both tasks, plus the timing and word-count rules straight from CELPIP's own test materials.
CELPIP Writing Task Basics (Official Numbers)
The Writing test has two tasks, each with a fixed timer that moves you forward automatically. Task 1 gives you 27 minutes to write 150–200 words, an email about an everyday matter where you're usually asked to do around three things, in a tone that is neither too formal nor too informal. It is not an email to a friend or family member, but also not to a member of the government, and Task 2 gives you 26 minutes to write 150–200 words responding to an opinion survey, choosing between two options and explaining why one is better, with no need to use email format.
Task 1 Template: The Email
Use this four-part skeleton for almost any email prompt:
- Greeting + purpose — Open with "Dear [Name/Title]," then state why you're writing in one sentence.
- Background — One or two sentences giving context (what happened, when, where).
- Body: the three required points — Most prompts ask you to cover three specific items (a complaint, a request, a suggestion, etc.). Give each its own short paragraph or clearly separated sentence.
- Closing — A polite request or expectation, then a sign-off ("Sincerely," or "Best regards," depending on tone).
Example skeleton in action (heating complaint to a property manager):
- Greeting: "Dear Ms. Chen,"
- Purpose: "I am writing to report a heating problem in my unit."
- Point 1: describe the issue
- Point 2: explain the impact
- Point 3: request a repair timeline
- Closing: "I would appreciate a quick response. Sincerely, [Name]"
Task 2 Template: The Survey Response
Task 2 rewards a clear, committed stance more than balanced discussion:
- State your choice immediately — "I believe Option A is the better choice because..."
- Reason 1 + example — One concrete, personal or realistic example.
- Reason 2 + example — A second, different reason with its own example.
- Brief conclusion — Restate your choice in different words.
Don't hedge between both options — pick one in your first sentence and build the rest of the response around defending it.
Match the Template to the Four Scoring Dimensions
Both tasks are marked on the same four dimensions, so your template should touch each one:
- Content/Coherence — logical order, clear topic sentences
- Vocabulary — varied word choice, avoid repeating the same verb or adjective
- Readability — clean paragraph breaks, correct grammar and punctuation
- Task Fulfillment — answering every part of the prompt, including all three required points in Task 1
Timing: How to Fit the Template Into the Clock
A workable split for Task 1's 27 minutes is roughly 5 minutes planning, 17 minutes writing, and 5 minutes proofreading; Task 2's 26 minutes follows the same pattern with slightly less writing time. Sticking to a template means you spend planning time filling in the skeleton with prompt-specific details rather than deciding on structure from scratch under pressure.
Celpip.me's practice library includes writing tasks across CLB levels so you can drill these templates against real prompt styles before test day.
FAQ
How many words should a CELPIP Writing response be? Both Task 1 and Task 2 ask for 150–200 words. Staying inside that range protects your Task Fulfillment score.
How much time do I get for each writing task? Task 1 gives you 27 minutes to complete, and Task 2 gives you 26 minutes to complete.
Should my Task 1 email be formal or informal? Formality should be neither too formal nor too informal — it's not an email to a friend or family member, but also not to a member of the government. Aim for a professional-but-approachable middle tone.
Sources
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The right words lift your score. Study task-specific CELPIP word lists with definitions, examples and exam tips.
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