CELPIP Writing Task 1 - The 5-Paragraph Email Formula That Gets CLB 7

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.

1. Using the same vocabulary repeatedly. Don't write "good" five times. Use: excellent, beneficial, wonderful, outstanding, remarkable. Vocabulary variety is scored.

1. No paragraph structure. Writing one giant block of text kills Readability. Use clear paragraphs with visible breaks between them.