What are the two CELPIP writing tasks and the word count for each?

Task 1 is writing an email and Task 2 is responding to survey questions — each 150–200 words.

What must Task 1 (the email) include to score well?

All the points asked, an appropriate greeting/purpose/body/close, and a tone matched to the reader.

What do you do in Task 2 (the survey)?

Choose one option and justify it in 150–200 words with clear reasons and examples, often noting why not the alternative.

Why aim for 150–200 words rather than writing much more?

Too short looks underdeveloped; too long risks more errors and running out of time.

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CELPIP Writing: The Email & the Survey

CELPIP's two writing tasks — an email and a survey response, 150–200 words each — and the structure that scores well.

The big picture

CELPIP Writing (2 tasks)
- Task 1: Email — Write an email for a real situation (150–200 words)
- Task 2: Survey — Choose an option & justify it (150–200 words)
- Purpose + tone — Match the situation and the reader
- Rated by humans — At least 3 certified raters

Task 1 — Writing an Email

You're given a situation and write an email of 150–200 words. Cover all the points asked, use an appropriate greeting, purpose, body and close, and match the tone to the reader (formal to a manager, friendly to a friend). Addressing every required point is essential.

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Real example: If the task says explain the problem, say what you want, and suggest a time, your email must do all three — missing one point costs marks even if the writing is fluent.

🧠 Memory hook: Greeting → purpose → all the points → close. Match the tone to the reader.

Task 2 — Responding to Survey Questions

You read a survey with options, choose one, and write 150–200 words justifying your choice (and often why not the other). It's a mini opinion piece: state your choice, give clear reasons with examples, and stay on topic.

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Real example: Survey: should a community centre add a gym or a library? Pick one, give two concrete reasons (health, cost, who benefits), and briefly note why the other is weaker — a tidy, reasoned response.

🧠 Memory hook: Pick an option, give 2 reasons + examples, note why not the other. Stay in 150–200 words.

Correct, organised, on-topic

Human raters reward clear organisation, correct grammar and vocabulary, and fully addressing the task over fancy language. Use paragraphs, connect ideas with simple linkers, and leave time to reread for errors.

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Real example: Two short, well-organised paragraphs with correct grammar beat one long paragraph with impressive but error-filled sentences — clarity and completeness win.

🧠 Memory hook: Organised + correct + complete beats fancy. Paragraphs, linkers, then proofread.

Mind the word count and the clock

Aim for 150–200 words per task — too short looks underdeveloped, too long risks errors and running out of time. Plan for ~30 seconds to outline, write, and save a minute to check spelling and grammar.

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Real example: Finish with a minute left? Reread for subject-verb agreement, articles and spelling — the exact slips human raters notice.

🧠 Memory hook: 150–200 words. Quick outline, write, then a final grammar/spelling check.

Frequently asked questions

What are the two CELPIP writing tasks and the word count for each?: Task 1 is writing an email and Task 2 is responding to survey questions — each 150–200 words.
What must Task 1 (the email) include to score well?: All the points asked, an appropriate greeting/purpose/body/close, and a tone matched to the reader.
What do you do in Task 2 (the survey)?: Choose one option and justify it in 150–200 words with clear reasons and examples, often noting why not the alternative.
What do the human raters reward most?: Clear organisation, correct grammar and vocabulary, and fully addressing the task — over fancy language.
Why aim for 150–200 words rather than writing much more?: Too short looks underdeveloped; too long risks more errors and running out of time.

Keep going — free practice

🎯 Free CELPIP mock test 📚 More CELPIP Smart Notes 📚 All Smart Notes