CELPIP Writing Samples
CELPIP Writing Sample Questions With Answers
Writing Task 1 and Task 2 prompts with ready-to-study answers, reusable phrases, paragraph plans, and common mistakes to avoid.
Phrase tableParagraph plansCommon mistakesTwo examples
Exam day rule
Clear structure beats complicated language.
Use short paragraphs, specific details, and one obvious purpose. That makes your answer easier to grade.
Task 1
Email format, greeting, clear request, closing.
Task 2
Opinion format, no greeting, no signature.
Writing an Email
All required points covered?Subject: [topic]Dates, times, numbersOne clear request3 or 4 paragraphs150-200 wordsTime limit 27 min Friendly to a friend Formal to a manager, landlord, or company
Responding to Survey Questions
No greeting or signatureChoose an optionAnswer both questions2 strong reasons1 concrete example3 or 4 paragraphs150-200 wordsTime limit 26 min
Simple structure
A simple plan you can follow
Use these paragraph plans when you practice. They keep your writing clear, organized, and easy to grade.
Writing Task 1
Plan for Writing an Email
- Paragraph 1: Greeting and one clear purpose sentence.
- Paragraph 2: Cover every required point with dates, times, numbers, names, and location.
- Paragraph 3: Make one clear request and say what happens next.
- Closing: Thank you, sign off, and your name.
Writing Task 2
Plan for Responding to Survey Questions
- Paragraph 1: Choose an option and briefly preview your reasons.
- Paragraph 2: Reason 1 with explanation and one concrete detail.
- Paragraph 3: Reason 2 with explanation. Answer the second question or add a practical suggestion if asked.
- Conclusion: One short final sentence. No greeting or signature.
Examples
Two examples you can study
These are short, clean examples. Use them to memorize the structure, then swap in the details from your task.
Writing Task 1
Example for Writing an Email
Task
You live in an apartment building. Your neighbor has been playing loud music late at night. Write an email to the building manager.
- Explain what is happening.
- Include unit numbers plus dates and times.
- Ask for action and one clear next step.
- Mention when you are available to talk.
Example response
Subject: Noise complaint: Unit 12C (late-night music)
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I live in Unit 12B, and I am writing to report a repeated noise problem in our building. For the past two weeks, my neighbor in Unit 12C has been playing loud music late at night, usually between 11:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Last Friday and Saturday the volume was so high that my children could not sleep.
I spoke to my neighbor politely on January 6 and January 10, but the issue continues. Our building quiet hours begin at 10:00 p.m., so this has become very stressful for my family.
Could you please contact the tenant in Unit 12C and remind them of the rules? If the problem continues, I would appreciate a written warning or any other steps you recommend. I can provide the exact dates and times if needed. Please let me know by Friday if you can speak with them, as the noise is most frequent on weekends.
I am available to talk after 5:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Maria Dela Cruz
- Specific details make it believable: units, times, and dates.
- Clear request and next step keep the email actionable.
Writing Task 2
Example for Responding to Survey Questions
Task
You received a survey from your local community center about programs.
Question 1Which option do you prefer?
- Option A: Add more weekend programs
- Option B: Extend weekday evening hours
Question 2What is one program you would like them to add?
Example response
I support Option B (extend weekday evening hours) because it would make the community centre usable for working residents and would spread demand more evenly across the week.
First, most people cannot arrive before 6 p.m. after commuting and family responsibilities. If the gym stayed open until 9 p.m., I could work out after work instead of paying for a private studio, and parents could bring teens for a late class. Even a three-month pilot, with staff shifts adjusted rather than overtime, would show whether the extra hours are worth the cost. Option A (more weekend programs) helps families, but weekends are already busy.
Second, I would add adult English conversation classes to support newcomers and build community connections. For example, a weekly Tuesday evening session could cover practical topics such as health appointments, school emails, and workplace small talk. To keep it affordable, the centre could limit groups to 10 to 12 people, use a simple sign-up form, and invite trained volunteers to facilitate.
Overall, longer weekday hours plus one conversation program is a realistic upgrade that benefits more residents without major expenses.
- The response clearly chooses one option and supports it.
- It answers both survey questions without using email formatting.
Writing Task 1
Writing an Email
Cover every point and make a clear request.
Writing Task 2
Responding to Survey Questions
Choose an answer, explain reasons, and give examples.
Greeting
Writing Task 1
- Hi [First Name],
- Hello [First Name],
- Dear Mr. [Last Name],
- Dear Ms. [Last Name],
- Dear Sir or Madam,
Writing Task 2
- Begin with a clear opinion statement.
- Use a neutral, professional tone.
Opening line
Writing Task 1
- I hope you are doing well.
- I am writing regarding [topic].
- I am contacting you about [topic].
- I would like to request [action].
Writing Task 2
- In my opinion, Option B is the better choice because [reason].
- Overall, I prefer Option A since [reason].
- I would choose Option B mainly because [reason].
- I strongly support Option A due to [reason].
Main purpose sentence
Writing Task 1
- The purpose of this email is to [request/report].
- I am writing to ask about [topic].
- I am writing to explain [situation].
- I am writing to apologize for [issue].
Writing Task 2
- I support [Option A or Option B] because it is [reason 1] and [reason 2].
- I prefer [Option A or Option B] since it will [benefit] and [benefit].
- This option is more practical because [reason 1]. In addition, [reason 2].
- While the other option has benefits, I would still choose [Option A or Option B] because [reason].
Request and next step
Writing Task 1
- Could you please [action]?
- Would you be able to [action]?
- I would appreciate it if you could [action].
- Please let me know [details].
Writing Task 2
- Overall, I recommend Option B.
- For these reasons, I support Option A.
- This choice is more practical for most people.
- It is the better long-term solution.
Details and support
Writing Task 1
- Specifically, [details].
- The issue occurred on [date] at approximately [time].
- For your reference, the reference number or order number is [#].
- As a result, [impact].
Writing Task 2
- The main reason is [reason].
- For example, [example].
- This option would be better because [reason].
- From a practical standpoint, [reason].
Polite tone
Writing Task 1
- Thank you for your understanding.
- I apologize for any inconvenience caused.
- I appreciate your time and help.
- Thank you for your assistance.
Writing Task 2
- I understand that some people may worry that [concern].
- However, this concern can be addressed by [solution].
- A reasonable compromise would be [compromise].
- To keep costs reasonable, [solution].
Closing and next step
Writing Task 1
- Thank you for your time and assistance.
- I look forward to your response.
- Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
- Please let me know if you require any additional information.
Writing Task 2
- Overall, I believe this is the best option.
- In short, this choice offers the strongest benefits.
- For these reasons, I would choose Option B.
- Therefore, I recommend moving forward with this approach.
Sign off
Writing Task 1
- Best regards,
- Sincerely,
- Kind regards,
- [Your Name]
Writing Task 2
- No sign-off needed.
- No name needed.
- Do not write "Sincerely,".
- End with one short concluding sentence.
Mistakes that lower your score
Task 1 mistakes to avoid
- Missing a required point. This immediately lowers your score.
- Wrong tone for the reader. Do not sound casual when writing to a manager, landlord, or company.
- No clear request or next step.
- Vague details. Add dates, times, numbers, names, and locations.
Task 2 mistakes to avoid
- Writing it like an email. Do not use Subject, Dear, or Sincerely.
- Answering only one question. You must answer both.
- No clear choice. Avoid "maybe both" or "it depends" unless you still choose one option.
- Weak support. Give 2 or 3 reasons and at least one concrete example.
- One long paragraph. Use 3 or 4 short paragraphs.
Marathons
Keep improving after this lesson
10-day challenges with short daily practice sessions.
Listening Marathon
Boost Your Listening Score in 10 Days
Join the Listening Marathon and see real improvement. Audio practice, key vocabulary, and quizzes that help you build accuracy.
- 15-20 minutes a day
- Track progress day by day
- CELPIP 9 level practice
✓ Included in all plans at no extra cost
Reading Marathon
Boost Your Reading Score in 10 Days
Stuck at 6 in Reading? It's probably vocabulary. Join our marathon and fix it with timed practice and focused review.
- 12-minute timed practice per day
- Key vocabulary after each task
- CLB 7-9 level questions
✓ Included in all plans at no extra cost