CELPIP Tips: Writing an Email
The CELPIP General Test’s writing component requires candidates to complete 2 tasks. The time allotted to complete both writing tasks is 53-60 minutes in total. Since both tasks are worth equal weight in terms of scoring, length, and effort, each task should take 27 minutes to complete, and the responses should be about 150-200 words.
Luckily, there are a lot of sample questions and answers on the internet which is a very useful resource for candidates to practice the writing tasks and to see example answers in order to better understand the structure of the email response.
It is important to consider greetings and salutations, such as “To Whom it May Concern” and “Dear Hiring Team,” as well as closing remarks like “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”
A common way to begin an email is with “I am writing to…”
For example,
“I am writing to express my concern about the repairs that were made to my computer by your staff members.”
“I am writing to apologize for my oversight in adding your name to the registration list.”
“I am writing to inquire about your handyman services that were recommended to me by a colleague.”
*Bonus tip: remember the entire test is computer based, so it is essential to brush up on your typing skills and practice typing in English on a keyboard to be prepared for the day of the test.
The first task asks candidates to write an email. See below for tips on how to practice and prepare.
The first step is to carefully read the prompt and understand what you are being asked to write.
You will have to identify the key points and make to cover all of them in your response. It is also a good idea to determine whether your response should be formal or informal in nature.
You may be asked to make an inquiry, a complaint, or an apology, for example, and will have to provide the necessary information and descriptions in writing.
