CELPIP Writing Task 1 Vocabulary: Openers, Phrases & Sign-Offs
Vocabulary is one of four scoring dimensions on the CELPIP Writing Test. Get it wrong and your score caps at Level 7, no matter how clean your grammar is. So what does Level 9+ vocabulary actually look like?
This is the working toolkit, pulled from the official Prometric Level 9 and Level 12 sample emails. Openers, purpose statements, collocations, sign-offs. Use what fits your prompt.
One thing first: the test rewards precise word choice, not fancy word choice. 'Huge fan' beats 'ardent admirer' every time.
How to Open: Greetings by Formality
Match the greeting to the relationship. Get this wrong and the rater flags your tone.
The Task 1 prompt always names the recipient. Read that line first. The relationship dictates everything else.
Three formality registers
Most prompts fit one of three buckets. Pick the matching greeting and the email tone follows.
| Register | When it fits | Greeting |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | Manager you don't know, an author, an institution, a complaint | Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name], |
| Semi-formal | A coworker, a teacher, someone you've met but don't know well | Hello [First Name], / Dear [First Name], |
| Informal | A friend, a close coworker, a family member | Hi [First Name], / Hey [First Name], |
Skip 'To Whom It May Concern' on CELPIP. After the greeting, one rapport line is optional: 'I hope you're well' or 'Thanks for your message.'
How to State Your Purpose
The purpose statement is the second line of your email. State why you're writing in one sentence.
State your purpose in one direct sentence. Don't bury it. The Prometric guide is explicit: state your purpose clearly at the beginning of the response, and end with a concluding statement.
| Email goal | Formal opening | Casual opening |
|---|---|---|
| Invitation | I am writing to invite you to... | I'd love to invite you to... |
| Request | I am writing to request... | I wanted to ask if... |
| Complaint | I am writing to express my concern about... | I'm reaching out about... |
| Follow-up | I am writing in response to... | Quick follow-up on... |
The formal column is built on one stem: 'I am writing to...' Use it as a safe default. The casual openers vary more, but all state intent up front.
Don't Echo the Prompt
Raters look for paraphrasing as evidence of strong vocabulary. If the prompt says 'the new cafeteria menu,' your email should call it 'the recent menu changes' or 'the updated lunch options.' Reusing the exact phrase drops you a level in the Vocabulary dimension.
Vocabulary That Earns Level 9+
The biggest jump from Level 7 to Level 9+ is precision. Specific beats general every time.
Below are real collocations pulled from the official Level 9 and Level 12 sample responses. Notice the pattern. Specific verbs and natural phrasing. No thesaurus words.
Praising someone's work
'I really like your books' becomes 'huge fan of your work'
'They listen well' becomes 'hang on to every word'
'They laughed a lot' becomes 'delirious with laughter' or 'chuckling on the floor'
Inviting and requesting
'Can you come?' becomes 'Would you be interested in such an opportunity?'
'Please come visit' becomes 'It would be an honour to host you'
'to give them ideas' becomes 'as inspiration to them'
Closing and asking for a reply
'Tell me what you think' becomes 'Let me know your thoughts'
'Hope you reply soon' becomes 'I look forward to hearing from you'
'It would help us' becomes 'Your presence would motivate and guide us greatly'
The strong versions sound natural. Read them aloud. If a phrase sounds stiff, swap it.
How to Close the Email
Two parts to the close. A final-sentence transition, then your sign-off.
End with a final-sentence transition, then your sign-off, then your name. The Prometric guide is firm: don't drop the sign-off.
Final-sentence templates
Formal: 'I look forward to hearing from you.' / 'Thank you for your time.'
Semi-formal: 'Let me know what you think.' / 'Looking forward to your reply.'
Casual: 'Talk soon.'
Sign-offs by formality
| Register | Sign-offs (pick one) |
|---|---|
| Formal | Sincerely, / Yours sincerely, / Kind regards, / Best regards, |
| Semi-formal | Best, / Regards, / All the best, |
| Informal | Cheers, / Take care, / Talk soon, |
Skip emoji and abbreviations like XOXO or LOL. Your name on the next line. Done.
CELPIP Writing Task 1: Email Samples
See this vocabulary used in real Level 9-12 sample emails with annotated breakdowns.
CELPIP Writing Tips: Strategies for All Tasks
Broader Task 1 and Task 2 strategy: planning, structure, time management, and proofreading.
Practice: Writing
Apply what you just learned with targeted questions
Quick Practice Set
2 questions • 53 minutes
CELPIP Task 1 Vocabulary: Common Questions
Quick answers about word choice, formality, and tone on the email task.
Strong vocabulary alone won't get you to 9. Weak vocabulary will keep you at 7. Treat this as a reference, not a script. If a phrase sounds like a textbook, swap it.