CELPIP Writing Task 1 · Writing an Email · question 1 of 15
Broken Streetlight on Our Street
A CELPIP Writing Task 1 practice question (Writing an Email), with a model answer below. No sign-up needed. Read the task, then write 150–200 words in 27 minutes, as you would on the test.
The task
For about three weeks, a streetlight near your home has not been working. The area is now very dark at night, and some residents have had problems walking there. Write an email to the city's Public Works Department in about 150-200 words. In your email, do the following:
- Describe where the streetlight is and what is wrong with it.
- Explain why this is a safety concern for residents.
- Ask the city to take specific action.
- Length
- 150–200 words
- Time
- 27 minutes
- Question
- 1 of 15
A simple way to build your answer
- Give an exact location (street, house number, landmark) so the city can find the light.
- Support the safety point with one or two real examples, not general worries.
- End with a clear, polite request and a way to follow up.
Model answer · CLB 9
191 words · no sign-upDear Public Works Department, I am writing to report a streetlight that has not been working for about three weeks. The light is on the east side of Maple Crescent, directly in front of house number 42, close to the entrance of Linden Park. At first it flickered on and off, but since early this month it has stayed completely dark. This is a real safety concern for the residents of our street. Many families walk their dogs in the evening, and children from the nearby school cut through the park on their way home. Because the sidewalk there is uneven, an elderly neighbour tripped and hurt her wrist last week. In addition, several people have told me they no longer feel comfortable walking alone after sunset. I would therefore ask the city to send a crew to repair or replace the light as soon as possible. If the work cannot be done within the next two weeks, could a temporary light be installed in the meantime? I would also appreciate a reference number so that I can follow up. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Daniel Ferreira
Why this answer works
- The first paragraph pins down the location precisely (east side of Maple Crescent, house 42, near Linden Park) and describes how the fault developed.
- The safety bullet is supported with concrete evidence, including a neighbour who tripped and hurt her wrist, rather than vague concern.
- The request is specific and realistic (repair, a temporary light, a reference number) and is written in a consistently formal, polite register.
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