CELPIP Writing Task 1 · Writing an Email · question 8 of 15
Recommending a Coworker
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
Your manager is looking for someone to become the new team lead in your department. You think one of your coworkers would be perfect for the role. Write an email to your manager in about 150-200 words. In your email, do the following:
- Explain how you know this coworker.
- Describe the qualities that make this person suitable for the role.
- Give an example of something this person did well at work.
- Length
- 150–200 words
- Time
- 27 minutes
- Question
- 8 of 15
A simple way to build your answer
- Say clearly in the opening which person you are recommending and for which position.
- Choose qualities that match a team lead's job, such as leadership and communication.
- Tell one short, specific story that proves the qualities you described.
Model answer · CLB 9
193 words · no sign-upDear Mr. Okafor, I understand that you are looking for a new team lead for the customer support department, and I would like to recommend my colleague, Sofia Martins, for the position. I have worked beside Sofia for nearly three years, and for the past year we have shared responsibility for training new staff. In my opinion, Sofia has exactly the qualities a team lead needs. She stays calm under pressure, communicates clearly, and always listens carefully before making a decision. Newer employees often go to her for advice because she explains things patiently and never makes anyone feel foolish for asking a question. She is also very organized and rarely misses a deadline. One example stands out in particular. Last winter, when our booking system failed during the holiday rush, Sofia quickly created a simple spreadsheet so that we could track customer requests by hand. She then divided the calls among the team, and as a result, we did not lose a single booking that week. I am confident that Sofia would be an excellent team lead. Please let me know if you would like any further information. Best regards, Kevin Liu
Why this answer works
- The opening names the candidate and the role and explains the working relationship (three years, shared training duties), answering the first bullet directly.
- The qualities chosen (calm under pressure, clear communication, organisation) fit a team lead, and each is backed by a brief observation.
- The example paragraph tells a clear sequence of events with "when", "then" and "as a result", proving the qualities rather than simply repeating them.
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