CELPIP Writing Task 1 · Writing an Email · question 6 of 15
Proposing a Community Garden
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
There is an empty lot near your home that belongs to the city. It has not been used for years, and you think it could become a community garden for local residents. Write an email to your city councillor in about 150-200 words. In your email, do the following:
- Describe the lot and its current condition.
- Explain how a community garden would benefit the neighbourhood.
- Suggest how residents could help with the project.
- Length
- 150–200 words
- Time
- 27 minutes
- Question
- 6 of 15
A simple way to build your answer
- Introduce yourself as a local resident and say exactly where the lot is.
- Give two or three different benefits, each with a short reason.
- Show that the idea is realistic by explaining what residents will do and what the city would need to provide.
Model answer · CLB 9
192 words · no sign-upDear Councillor Mitchell, I am a resident of the Riverside neighbourhood, and I am writing to suggest a new use for the empty city lot at the corner of Elm Street and Third Avenue. The lot has been vacant for at least four years. It is currently covered in tall weeds and broken glass, and people often leave old furniture and garbage there. I believe this space would make an excellent community garden. Many people in our area live in apartments and have no yard, so raised garden beds would let families grow their own vegetables and save money on groceries. A garden would also give seniors and newcomers a friendly place to meet their neighbours. Finally, a well-kept green space would make the corner safer and more attractive. Residents are ready to help make this happen. More than thirty neighbours have already signed a petition, and several of us would volunteer to clean up the lot, build the beds and organize a watering schedule. The city would mainly need to provide a water connection and some soil. I would welcome the chance to discuss this idea with you. Respectfully, Thomas O'Neill
Why this answer works
- The lot is described vividly and precisely (corner of Elm and Third, vacant four years, weeds, glass and dumped furniture), fully covering the first bullet.
- The benefits paragraph is clearly sequenced with "also" and "Finally", and each benefit is linked to a specific group of residents.
- The writer makes the proposal credible with a petition of thirty neighbours and a short list of what the city would supply, in a respectful register suitable for an elected official.
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