How CELPIP Writing is scored

CELPIP-General Writing has two tasks, each worth an equal share of your Writing score. You get roughly 53–60 minutes total. Both tasks are marked on four dimensions: Content & Coherence (did you cover every required point clearly?), Vocabulary (range and precision), Readability (organization, linking, paragraphing), and Task Fulfillment (tone and completeness). Aim for 150–200 words per task.

The single biggest score-killer is not grammar — it's missing a required bullet point. Read the prompt twice and make sure every instruction is answered before you polish wording. New to the exam? Start with What is CELPIP?

Task 1 — Writing an Email (CLB 9 sample)

Prompt: A coworker covered your shift last week while you were sick. Write an email to them (150–180 words) that thanks them, briefly explains what happened, and offers to return the favour.
Sample: CLB 9
Dear Priya, I'm writing to thank you sincerely for covering my Thursday evening shift last week. I came down with a bad flu the night before and could barely stand, so I really wasn't in any state to run the floor. Knowing you stepped in at such short notice took a huge weight off my mind, and I'm told the shift went smoothly thanks to you. I know Thursdays are usually your day off, so I don't take the favour lightly. I'd genuinely like to return it. If you ever need someone to swap a shift — or if you'd like a hand during the busy holiday weekends coming up — please just let me know and I'll make it work. Thanks again for being so generous with your time. I owe you a coffee at the very least. Warm regards, Sam
  • All three points covered: thanks, a clear explanation, and a concrete offer to reciprocate.
  • Natural, appropriate tone: warm but professional — right for a coworker.
  • Varied structure & precise vocabulary: "at such short notice," "took a weight off my mind," "don't take the favour lightly."
  • Clean paragraphing with a greeting, body, and sign-off — easy to read.

The same task at CLB 5–6 — and why it scores lower

Sample: CLB 5–6
Hi Priya, Thank you for you help last week. I was very sick and I can not come to work so you did my shift. I am very happy for that and say thank you very much. It is very kind from you. If you need I can do your shift also one day. Just tell me when. Thank you again. Sam
  • Recurring grammar errors: "thank you for you help," "I can not come," "very kind from you" — small but repeated, they cap the band.
  • Too short and thin: under 60 words; the explanation and the offer are barely developed.
  • Basic vocabulary: "very happy," "very kind," "very much" — no range.
  • Covers the points, so it isn't a fail — but recurring errors + limited development is textbook 5–6, not 7+.

Task 2 — Responding to a Survey (CLB 9 sample)

Prompt: Your city is considering closing one downtown street to cars on weekends to create a pedestrian plaza. A survey asks residents to choose: (A) support the closure, or (B) keep the street open to traffic. Choose one option and explain your reasons (150–200 words).
Sample: CLB 9
I strongly support closing Main Street to cars on weekends to create a pedestrian plaza (Option A). First, a car-free plaza would make the downtown far safer and more welcoming for families. Right now, weekend traffic makes it stressful to walk with young children or shop with a stroller, and a pedestrian-only space would remove that risk entirely. Second, local businesses stand to benefit. Cities that have tried similar closures often report higher foot traffic, because people linger, sit at patios, and browse rather than rushing past in cars. More time on the street usually means more money spent in shops and cafés. I understand the concern that drivers will lose a route, but the closure is only on weekends, and there are two parallel streets that can easily absorb the traffic. The trade-off — a small detour in exchange for a lively, safe public space — seems well worth it. For these reasons, I believe the pedestrian plaza would make our downtown healthier, more prosperous, and more enjoyable for everyone.
  • Clear position stated up front and restated at the end — easy for a rater to follow.
  • Two developed reasons with real support, not just assertions ("higher foot traffic, because people linger…").
  • Acknowledges the other side ("I understand the concern…") then rebuts it — a strong-band move.
  • Cohesion: "First… Second… For these reasons" guides the reader; vocabulary is precise ("absorb the traffic," "linger," "prosperous").

A repeatable structure for both tasks

You don't need a new plan for every prompt. These templates fit almost any CELPIP writing task:

  • Task 1 (email): greeting → reason you're writing → point 1 → point 2 → point 3 (each prompt bullet becomes a short paragraph or a clear sentence) → friendly close.
  • Task 2 (survey): state your choice → reason 1 with support → reason 2 with support → acknowledge & rebut the other side → restate your choice.

Then spend your last 3–4 minutes proofreading for the errors that most often repeat: subject–verb agreement, articles (a/the), and verb tense.

Get your own writing graded — free

Our free demo exam includes a real writing task. Type your answer and our Gradient Engine grades it against a CELPIP-style rubric, telling you your estimated band and exactly what to fix. No sign-up, one sitting, all four skills.

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