CELPIP Writing Tips: How to Score 9+ in Task 1 and Task 2

CELPIP Writing is one of the fastest sections to improve, if you practice the right way.

To score 9+, you don’t need “fancy” words or perfect grammar. You need four things working together:

Clear structure
Correct tone
Controlled word count
Strong support (examples + reasons)

This guide gives you practical tips you can apply immediately to Task 1 (Email) and Task 2 (Survey Response).

Quick Answer: What Improves Your Writing Score the Fastest?

If you only do five things, do these:

Follow every bullet point in order (don’t skip, don’t rearrange randomly).
Stay inside the word range (use the word counter).
Start with a purpose sentence (Task 1) / a clear choice sentence (Task 2).
Give 2 strong reasons + 1 specific example per reason (especially Task 2).
Leave 3 minutes to proofread (fix easy mistakes = easy points).

CELPIP Writing Format in 53 Minutes

Task 1: Write an Email

Time: 27 minutes
Length: usually 150–200 words
Goal: write a realistic email with the correct tone, format, and all required details.

Task 2: Respond to a Survey Question

Time: 26 minutes
Length: usually 150–200 words
Goal: choose ONE option and persuade an anonymous audience with clear reasons and examples.

Important: Both tasks matter. A strong Task 1 won’t “save” a weak Task 2 (and vice versa).

How CELPIP Writing Is Scored (What 9+ Responses Do Differently)

CELPIP raters score your writing using four criteria. To hit 9+, you need to show strength in all four, not just one.

1) Content / Coherence

Clear main idea
Logical paragraphing
Supporting details that make your points believable

2) Vocabulary

Variety without sounding unnatural
Precise word choice (“effective” instead of “good”, “resolve” instead of “fix”)

3) Readability

Easy to read (not exhausting)
Accurate grammar and punctuation
Sentence variety (simple + compound + complex)

4) Task Fulfillment

You answered every instruction
Appropriate tone (formal / neutral / informal)
Correct email format (Task 1)
Word count is under control

The #1 Rule: Control Your Word Count

Many test takers lose points by writing too much or too little.

Your safest target

Aim for 170–195 words for both tasks (comfortable buffer without rushing)

How to control length

Use a 2–3 paragraph plan (not 5+ paragraphs)
Avoid long “backstory”
Keep examples specific but short
Replace wordy phrases:
- “Due to the fact that” → “Because”
- “In my personal opinion” → “I believe”

The 5–18–3 Time Plan (Simple and Repeatable)

A 9+ response is usually the result of good planning,not fast typing.

Minute 0–5: Plan

Write quick notes:

Who is the audience?
What are the bullet points?
What 2 main ideas will I use?
What 1–2 examples can support them?

Minute 6–23: Write

Stick to your outline. Don’t improvise a new direction mid-way.

Minute 24–27 (or last 3 minutes): Proofread

Fix your “high-impact” mistakes:

missing bullet point
wrong tone
repeated words
verb tense shifts
punctuation/capital letters
unclear sentence meaning

Task 1 (Email): The High-Scoring Structure You Can Reuse Every Time

Task 1 Email Template (Exam-Safe)

Use this structure for almost any email:

Subject: Clear + specific (e.g., “Request for Schedule Change” / “Issue with Heating in Unit 304”)

Greeting:

Formal: “Dear Manager,” / “Dear Sir or Madam,”
Neutral: “Dear [Name],”
Informal: “Hi [Name],”

Paragraph 1 (Purpose + Context):

Why you’re writing
Basic situation (1–2 lines)

Paragraph 2 (Details + Bullet Points):

Address bullet points clearly
Add 1–2 realistic details (dates, times, locations)

Paragraph 3 (Request + Next Steps):

What you want them to do
Polite closing line

Sign-off:

Formal: “Sincerely,” / “Best regards,”
Informal: “Thanks,” / “Best,”

Tone Guide (This Alone Can Boost Your Score)

Writing to a boss/manager/government office

Polite, respectful, direct
Avoid slang
Avoid emotional language like “This is ridiculous!!!”

Writing to a friend

Friendly, natural
Contractions are okay (“I’m”, “can’t”)
Still keep paragraphs and clarity

Writing a complaint

Be firm but calm
Focus on facts + impact + request
Don’t threaten or insult

Task 1: Common Mistakes That Keep People Under 9

Missing one bullet point
Weak purpose sentence (“I am writing this email” with no real purpose)
Wrong tone (too casual or too aggressive)
No subject line, no sign-off, messy formatting
Too much story, not enough action/request

Task 2 (Survey): The “Pick One Side” Strategy for 9+

Task 2 rewards clarity. If you sound unsure, your score usually drops.

Task 2 Survey Template (9+ Friendly)

Introduction (2–3 sentences):

Choose Option A or B clearly
Give your main reason in one line

Body Paragraph 1: Reason #1 + Example

Explain the benefit
Add a practical example (workplace/community/personal experience)

Body Paragraph 2: Reason #2 + Example

Another strong reason
Another example or real-world impact

Optional 1–2 Sentences: Counterpoint

Mention the other option briefly
Explain why your choice is still better

Conclusion (1–2 sentences):

Restate your choice confidently
End with a positive recommendation

What “Strong Support” Looks Like (Easy Upgrade)

Instead of vague lines like:

“It is good for the community.”

Write:

“It would reduce commute time for employees, which improves punctuality and reduces stress,especially for parents managing school drop-offs.”

Rule of thumb: One reason = one practical outcome + one example.

Task 2 Mistakes That Hurt Scores

Not choosing an option clearly
Writing like an academic essay (too abstract, too general)
Using bullet points instead of paragraphs
Repeating the prompt language without rephrasing
Giving many small reasons instead of two strong reasons

How to Move from Level 6 → 8 → 10 (What Actually Changes)

If you feel “stuck,” it’s usually because your writing is correct but basic.

Level 6

Clear but simple
Limited vocabulary
Basic organization
Some errors distract the reader

Level 8

Clear main idea + relevant supporting details
More variety in sentences
Better transitions between ideas
Tone is mostly appropriate

Level 10

Ideas are detailed, persuasive, and consistently relevant
Vocabulary is precise and natural (not forced)
Sentence variety feels effortless
Organization flows smoothly with strong transitions

Your best upgrade moves:

Add 1 specific example per reason
Replace repeated words (good/bad/nice) with precise alternatives
Add 2–3 strong transitions per response
Use 2–3 complex sentences safely (not everywhere)

Vocabulary Upgrades (Helpful, Not Overly Fancy)

Better Alternatives to “We Should”

Use 2–3 per response (don’t spam them):

“It is essential that we…”
“We need to…”
“It is advisable to…”
“We ought to…”
“It is imperative that we…”

Transitions That Make Writing Feel Organized

Addition: “Additionally,” “Furthermore,” “In addition,”
Contrast: “However,” “That said,” “On the other hand,”
Result: “As a result,” “Therefore,” “This means that…”
Example: “For instance,” “For example,”

Polite Request Language (Task 1 Gold)

“I would appreciate it if you could…”
“Could you please confirm…”
“I kindly request…”
“I would be grateful if this could be resolved by…”

3-Minute Proofreading Checklist (Do This Every Time)

Before you submit, ask:

Did I answer every bullet point (Task 1)?
Did I clearly choose one option only (Task 2)?
Is my tone correct for the audience?
Did I repeat the same word 4+ times? (Replace 1–2 repeats)
Any obvious grammar issues?
- verb tense consistency
- missing articles (a/the)
- punctuation and capital letters
Am I within the word range?

Final Test-Day Checklist (Save This)

✅ Clear purpose/choice in the first lines
✅ 2–3 paragraphs with clean formatting
✅ 2 strong reasons + examples
✅ Tone matches audience
✅ Word count under control
✅ 3 minutes proofreading

Ready to Improve Faster?

If you want structured practice with instant feedback (especially for Task 1 and Task 2), our platform helps you train like test day-timed prompts, scoring-focused coaching, and repeatable templates.

Check out our prep platform

FAQs

How many words should I write for CELPIP Writing?

A safe target is usually around 170–195 words, so you have enough detail without risking a word-count problem.

Can I go over 200 words?

Small variation is usually safer than writing far over. Use the word counter and aim to stay within the recommended range.

What is the best structure for Task 1?

Subject + greeting + purpose sentence + 2–3 short paragraphs + polite closing + sign-off.

How do I make Task 2 more persuasive?

Pick one option clearly, give two strong reasons, and add one specific example per reason.

What’s the fastest way to go from 6/7 to 9+?

Improve organization + add specific examples + upgrade repeated vocabulary + proofread consistently.