What Is Task 1?
Task 1 gives you a scenario and asks you to write an email (sometimes a letter) in about 27 minutes. You must address 3–4 bullet points provided in the prompt. Target length: 150–200 words.
The email is scored on 4 dimensions: Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfillment. Your CLB level equals the lowest of these four scores — so you need ALL of them at CLB 7 level.
The Plug-and-Play Template
Use this 5-paragraph structure for every Task 1 email:
Paragraph 1 — Opening (2 sentences): "Dear [Name], I am writing to [purpose of email]. I wanted to [brief context]."
Paragraph 2 — Bullet Point 1 (3–4 sentences): Address the first requirement. Give a detail or example.
Paragraph 3 — Bullet Point 2 (3–4 sentences): Address the second requirement. Use a connector like "In addition" or "Furthermore."
Paragraph 4 — Bullet Point 3 (3–4 sentences): Address the third requirement. Use "Moreover" or "Another important point is."
Paragraph 5 — Closing (2 sentences): "I would greatly appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon."
This template alone gets you to CLB 7 if your vocabulary and grammar are adequate.
10 Connectors That Boost Your Score Instantly
Memorize these — use at least 5 in every email:
1. Furthermore — adds information: "Furthermore, I would like to request..." 2. In addition — same as furthermore: "In addition, the schedule needs to change." 3. However — shows contrast: "However, I understand there may be limitations." 4. Therefore — shows result: "Therefore, I kindly request an extension." 5. Moreover — adds emphasis: "Moreover, this issue has affected other members." 6. As a result — cause and effect: "As a result, we were unable to attend." 7. On the other hand — contrast: "On the other hand, there are some benefits." 8. For instance — gives an example: "For instance, the noise level was unacceptable." 9. In conclusion — wraps up: "In conclusion, I hope this matter can be resolved." 10. I would appreciate it if — polite request: "I would appreciate it if you could look into this."
Using these connectors signals to evaluators that you can organize ideas — a core CLB 7 requirement.
Time Management
27 minutes for Task 1. Budget like this:
- Minutes 1–3: Read the prompt. Identify the bullet points. Decide your approach. - Minutes 3–20: Write the email using the template. One paragraph per bullet point. - Minutes 20–27: Review for grammar errors, add connectors if missing, check word count.
Common mistake: Spending 20 minutes writing and 0 minutes reviewing. Those last 7 minutes of review catch spelling errors, missing bullet points, and grammar mistakes that drop you below CLB 7.
The 3 Deadly Mistakes
These three errors keep writers at CLB 6 instead of 7:
1. Not addressing all bullet points. If the prompt has 4 bullets and you only cover 3, Task Fulfillment drops. Cover EVERY bullet, even if briefly.
2. Using the same vocabulary repeatedly. Don't write "good" five times. Use: excellent, beneficial, wonderful, outstanding, remarkable. Vocabulary variety is scored.
3. No paragraph structure. Writing one giant block of text kills Readability. Use clear paragraphs with visible breaks between them.