CELPIP Writing Task 1 Guide 2026 | Best CELPIP Book in Canada

 

CELPIP Writing Task 1: Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Score High in Canada

If you are planning to take the CELPIP exam in Canada, mastering CELPIP Writing Task 1 is absolutely essential. Many candidates lose valuable marks not because of poor English, but because they do not follow the correct structure, tone, or task requirements.

In this detailed guide, you will learn how to attempt CELPIP Writing Task 1 in the best possible way, common mistakes to avoid, and expert strategies that Canadian test-takers use to score high. This blog is especially useful if you are preparing for PR, citizenship, or work permit applications in Canada.

What Is CELPIP Writing Task 1?

CELPIP Writing Task 1 is called “Writing an Email”.

Key facts:

• Time limit: 27 minutes
• Word limit: 150–200 words
• Purpose: Write a formal, semi-formal, or informal email based on a situation
• Audience: A person, company, manager, neighbour, or friend

You are given:

• A situation
• The reason for writing
• 3 bullet points that must be addressed

Missing even one bullet point can significantly reduce your score.

Why Most Candidates Lose Marks in Task 1

Here are the most common problems seen by examiners:

• Not covering all bullet points
• Using the wrong tone (too informal or too formal)
• Poor paragraphing
• Weak opening and closing lines
• Grammar mistakes under time pressure
• Writing too few or too many words

This is exactly why structured preparation and ready-to-use templates are so important.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Attempt CELPIP Writing Task 1

Step 1: Read the Question Carefully (2 Minutes)

Before writing anything, read the prompt twice and identify:

• Who you are writing to
• Why you are writing
• What tone is required (formal / semi-formal / informal)
• The three bullet points

👉 Tip: Mentally number the bullet points as 1, 2, 3. You must respond to each one clearly.

Step 2: Decide the Correct Tone

Tone is heavily evaluated in CELPIP.

Situation	Tone
Manager / Company / Official	Formal
Landlord / Neighbour	Semi-formal
Friend / Family	Informal

Using the wrong tone can drop your band score even if grammar is good.

Step 3: Use a Clear Email Structure

A high-scoring email always follows this format:

1. Greeting
2. Opening paragraph (purpose of writing)
3. Body paragraph 1 (Bullet point 1)
4. Body paragraph 2 (Bullet point 2)
5. Body paragraph 3 (Bullet point 3)
6. Closing sentence
7. Sign-off

This structure improves coherence and task achievement, two key CELPIP marking criteria.

Ideal Paragraph Breakdown

1. Greeting (1 line)

Examples:

• Dear Sir or Madam,
• Dear Mr. Thompson,
• Hi Alex,

Match the greeting to the tone.

2. Opening Paragraph (2–3 lines)

Clearly state why you are writing.

Example:

I am writing to inform you about an issue I recently faced regarding my apartment parking space.

This shows clarity and purpose.

3. Body Paragraphs (Main Content)

Each bullet point = one short paragraph.

Do not mix bullet points in one paragraph.

Example:

• Paragraph 1 → Explain the situation
• Paragraph 2 → Give details or problems
• Paragraph 3 → Request action or suggest a solution

This makes your writing easy to follow for the examiner.

4. Closing Paragraph (1–2 lines)

Polite and clear closing.

Examples:

• I would appreciate your prompt response.
• Thank you for your time and consideration.

5. Sign-Off

• Formal: Yours sincerely, / Kind regards,
• Informal: Best regards, / Take care,

Word Count Strategy

• Target 165–180 words
• Do NOT exceed 200 words
• Do NOT write less than 150 words

Writing too much increases grammar mistakes.

Grammar and Vocabulary Tips for Higher Scores

To score well in Lexical Resource and Grammar:

• Use polite modal verbs: would, could, might
• Use linking words: Furthermore, However, Therefore
• Avoid slang in formal emails
• Keep sentences clear, not overly complex

Quality matters more than showing off difficult words.

Practice With Realistic Tests (Very Important)

Many students practise random questions online that do not match the real CELPIP exam difficulty. This is why using a Canada-focused CELPIP book is crucial.

One newly launched and highly practical option on Amazon.ca includes:

• 2 full-length CELPIP practice tests
• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking
• Detailed strategies for all CELPIP modules
• Ready-to-use templates for Writing Task 1 & 2
• Speaking templates for all question types
• High-scoring tips and tricks used by successful candidates in Canada

👉 You can check the book here:
https://a.co/d/0icIdx9K

This kind of structured material saves time and helps you practise under real exam conditions.

Final Tips From CELPIP Trainers

• Always answer all three bullet points
• Keep tone consistent from start to end
• Leave 2 minutes to quickly check grammar
• Practise with full-length tests, not isolated questions
• Memorise flexible templates, not fixed answers

With the right strategy and the right practice material, CELPIP Writing Task 1 can become one of your strongest sections.

Conclusion

CELPIP Writing Task 1 is not about creativity—it is about clarity, structure, and tone. If you follow a step-by-step approach, practise with authentic tests, and use proven templates, scoring high becomes completely achievable.

For candidates in Canada aiming for PR, work permits, or citizenship, investing time in proper CELPIP preparation can make all the difference.