CELPIP Writing Task 1: Email Samples with Answers & Templates

CELPIP Writing Task 1 tests your ability to write clear, effective emails in Canadian workplace and social contexts.

You have 27 minutes to write a 150-200 word email responding to a given situation. The task can be formal (to a manager, company, or official) or informal (to a friend, colleague, or family member).

This guide provides complete email samples with model answers at different CLB levels, proven templates for both formal and informal styles, and strategies that help thousands of test-takers achieve CLB 9+ scores. Whether you need strong writing scores for Express Entry or other immigration programs, mastering Task 1 email writing is essential.

Task 1 Quick Facts

• Time limit: 27 minutes

• Word limit: 150-200 words (aim for 170-190)

• Task type: Email writing (formal OR informal)

• Weight: 50% of your total writing score

Task 1 presents a scenario requiring you to write an email. You must address the situation appropriately, using the correct tone (formal or informal) and covering all required points in the prompt.

What the Prompt Looks Like

Every Task 1 prompt includes three key elements:

Example Prompt Structure:

Situation: Description of the scenario you're responding to

Recipient: Who you're writing to (determines tone)

Required Points: 2-3 specific things you must address

Formal vs Informal: How to Identify

Formal Emails

Writing to: managers, companies, officials, landlords, businesses

Use: Full sentences, professional vocabulary, no contractions

Informal Emails

Writing to: friends, family, close colleagues, neighbours

Use: Conversational tone, contractions allowed, personal expressions

Formal Email Prompts

Sample 1: Complaint to Building Management

You live in an apartment building and there has been excessive noise from construction work starting at 6 AM every day for the past two weeks. Write an email to the building manager. In your email:

• Describe the problem you are experiencing

• Explain how this is affecting you

• Request a specific solution

Sample 2: Request to Employer

You need to take two weeks off work next month for a family emergency. Write an email to your supervisor. In your email:

• Explain why you need the time off

• Propose how your work will be covered

• Offer to help with the transition

Sample 3: Application Follow-up

You applied for a position at a company two weeks ago but have not heard back. Write an email to the hiring manager. In your email:

• Remind them of your application

• Reaffirm your interest in the position

• Request an update on the hiring process

Informal Email Prompts

Sample 4: Invitation to a Friend

You are planning a surprise birthday party for a mutual friend. Write an email to another friend inviting them. In your email:

• Explain the occasion and why it's a surprise

• Provide details about the party (date, time, location)

• Ask them to bring something or help with preparations

Sample 5: Thanking a Neighbour

Your neighbour looked after your pets while you were on vacation. Write an email to thank them. In your email:

• Express your gratitude

• Mention specific things they did that you appreciated

• Offer to return the favour

Sample 6: Recommendation Request

You want a friend who works at a company you're applying to for advice. Write an email to your friend. In your email:

• Explain your situation and interest in the company

• Ask for their honest opinion about working there

• Request any application tips they might have

Formal Email Sample: Complaint to Building Management

Prompt: You live in an apartment building and there has been excessive noise from construction work starting at 6 AM every day for the past two weeks. Write an email to the building manager describing the problem, explaining how it affects you, and requesting a solution.

Informal Email Sample: Invitation to a Friend

Prompt: You are planning a surprise birthday party for a mutual friend named Sarah. Write an email to another friend inviting them, explaining the occasion, providing party details, and asking them to help.

Additional Model Answer: Request to Employer

Prompt: You need to take two weeks off work next month for a family emergency. Write an email to your supervisor explaining the situation, proposing coverage, and offering to help.

Model Answer (CLB 9) - 176 words

Subject: Request for Emergency Leave - February 10-24

Dear Ms. Patterson,

I am writing to request two weeks of leave from February 10th to 24th due to an unexpected family emergency. My father has been hospitalized in Vancouver and requires surgery, and I need to be there to support my family during his recovery.

I understand this request comes at short notice, and I want to assure you that I have considered how my responsibilities can be covered. I have already spoken with David Chen, who has kindly agreed to handle my ongoing projects. I will also prepare comprehensive handover notes for any pending tasks.

Additionally, I am happy to complete any urgent work before my departure and remain available via email for critical questions during my absence.

I truly appreciate your understanding during this difficult time and am committed to ensuring minimal disruption to our team's operations.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Robert Kim

Formal Email Template

Structure (170-190 words total)

Subject Line: Clear, specific topic (5-10 words)

Salutation: "Dear Mr./Ms. [Name]," or "Dear [Title],"

Paragraph 1 (30-40 words): State purpose clearly
"I am writing to [inform/request/inquire about]..."

Paragraph 2 (50-60 words): Address Point 1 with details
Provide context, explain situation, give specifics

Paragraph 3 (50-60 words): Address Points 2 & 3
Explain impact, propose solution, make request

Paragraph 4 (20-30 words): Polite closing
"I appreciate your attention..." / "Thank you for considering..."

Sign-off: "Sincerely," / "Best regards," + Your name

Informal Email Template

Structure (170-190 words total)

Subject Line: Casual, can be creative (3-8 words)

Greeting: "Hey [Name]!" / "Hi [Name],"

Opening (20-30 words): Friendly start
"Hope you're doing well!" / "How have you been?"

Body (100-120 words): Address all required points
Use conversational paragraphs, natural flow

Closing (20-30 words): Friendly wrap-up with action
"Let me know what you think!" / "Can't wait to hear from you!"

Sign-off: "Cheers," / "Talk soon," / "Take care," + Your name

Time Allocation

Planning Phase Checklist

Before writing, confirm these four things:

• Tone identified: Is this formal (professional) or informal (friendly)?

• Recipient clear: Who am I writing to? (affects salutation and closing)

• All points noted: What 3 things must I address?

• Key ideas ready: What specific details will I include?

This 3-4 minute investment prevents tone mismatches and ensures complete task fulfillment.

Word Count Guidelines

• Minimum target: 160 words

• Optimal range: 170-190 words

• Maximum safe: 210 words

Important: The subject line and your name in the sign-off typically don't count toward your word limit. Focus on the email body content.

Word Distribution by Section

Common Word Count Mistakes

• Over-explaining one point: Don't spend 100 words on Point 1 and only 20 on Point 3

• Padding with filler: Avoid phrases like "I am writing this email to tell you that..."

• Cutting the closing: A proper closing is essential for email format—don't sacrifice it

• Repeating the prompt: Don't waste words restating what the prompt said

Formal vs Informal Comparison

Same Idea, Different Tones

Formal Version

"I would like to request your assistance with this matter at your earliest convenience."

Informal Version

"Could you help me out with this when you get a chance?"

Formal Version

"I regret to inform you that I will be unable to attend the scheduled meeting."

Informal Version

"Sorry, I won't be able to make it to the meeting!"

Formal Version

"Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information."

Informal Version

"Let me know if you need anything else!"

Tone & Format Errors

Mistake 1: Wrong Tone

Writing "Dear Sir" to a friend or "Hey!" to your manager. Always check who you're writing to before starting.

Mistake 2: Missing Subject Line

Every email needs a subject line. Make it specific: "Request for Leave - March 10-15" not just "Request"

Mistake 3: No Proper Sign-off

Ending abruptly without "Sincerely," or "Cheers," and your name makes the email feel incomplete.

Content Errors

Mistake 4: Missing Required Points

If the prompt has three bullet points, you MUST address all three. Skipping one guarantees a lower score.

Mistake 5: Vague Details

"The noise happens sometimes" vs "The construction noise starts at 6 AM daily." Specific details demonstrate CLB 9+ competence.

Mistake 6: Inconsistent Tone

Starting formal ("Dear Mr. Smith") then switching to casual ("anyway, gotta go!"). Maintain your chosen tone throughout.

Language Errors

• Contractions in formal emails: Use "cannot" not "can't" when writing to employers or officials

• Overly stiff informal emails: "I am writing to inform you" sounds wrong to a friend

• Missing transitions: Each paragraph should connect logically to the next

• Repetitive vocabulary: Don't use "good" five times—vary with "excellent," "positive," "beneficial"

Subject Line Excellence

Your subject line sets the first impression. Compare these:

CLB 7:"Problem"CLB 9:"Urgent: Construction Noise Complaint - Building C"CLB 7:"Party"CLB 9:"Sarah's Surprise 30th - You're Invited!"

Vocabulary Enhancement

Canadian Context Integration

Using Canadian references shows language competence in local contexts:

• Reference Canadian cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary)

• Mention Canadian workplace norms (statutory holidays, benefits)

• Use Canadian spelling (colour, centre, honour)

• Reference local businesses or landmarks when appropriate

Sentence Variety

Mix different sentence structures for CLB 9+:

• Simple: "The construction starts at 6 AM."

• Compound: "The noise is disruptive, and it has affected my work significantly."

• Complex: "Although I understand renovations are necessary, the early start time has severely impacted my sleep schedule."

Formal Email Practice

1. Complaint to Store: You purchased a laptop online that arrived damaged. Write to customer service describing the problem, explaining how it has affected you, and requesting a resolution.

2. Request to HR: You want to work remotely two days per week. Write to your HR department explaining your reasons, proposing a schedule, and addressing potential concerns.

3. Inquiry to School: You want to enrol your child in a local school. Write to the administration asking about admission requirements, available programs, and the next steps.

4. Complaint to City: The streetlights in your neighbourhood have been broken for weeks. Write to municipal services describing the situation, explaining safety concerns, and requesting action.

Informal Email Practice

1. Catching Up: You haven't seen a close friend in months. Write to them suggesting you meet up, proposing activities, and asking about their life.

2. Borrowing Request: You need to borrow your friend's car for a weekend trip. Write explaining why you need it, when you'd return it, and offering something in return.

3. Apology Email: You forgot a friend's important event. Write apologizing sincerely, explaining what happened, and suggesting how to make it up to them.

4. Recommendation: A friend is moving to your city and needs apartment-hunting advice. Write sharing your neighbourhood recommendations, tips for searching, and an offer to help.

Key insight: Task fulfillment and tone appropriateness carry significant weight. An email with perfect grammar but wrong tone (formal when it should be informal) will score lower than one with minor grammar errors but perfect tone.

Start with the template structures provided in this guide. Practice both formal and informal emails—you will not know which type appears on test day until you see it.

Focus first on task fulfillment and tone. Address every required point completely, and maintain consistent tone throughout. These two factors often determine whether you score CLB 7 or CLB 9.

As you progress, develop vocabulary appropriate for each tone. Study the model answers to understand how CLB 9+ writers express ideas differently than CLB 7 writers.

Your Next Step

Choose one formal and one informal practice prompt from this guide. Write both emails, timing yourself for 27 minutes each. Compare your responses to the model answers for structure, tone, and vocabulary. This single practice session will reveal exactly where you need to focus your preparation.