CELPIP Writing — Overview, Scoring, Strategies, and How to Improve
(with PrepAmigo + AI Scoring)
1) What the CELPIP Writing Test Looks Like
CELPIP Writing has two tasks in 53 minutes:
Task 1 · Email 27 minutes 150–200 words neutral‑polite tone
Task 2 · Survey Response 26 minutes 150–200 words pick ONE option & justify
Interface notes
- Background info on the left; task instructions on the right.
- Built‑in word count and spellcheck—still proofread manually.
- Task 1 expects an email format and a neutral/approachable register; Task 2 is not an email—state a clear position and argue for it. [CELPIP ref. 1]
2) How Your Writing Is Scored (What Raters Look For)
| Criterion | What it means | High‑score signals |
|---|---|---|
| Content / Coherence | Quality, amount, and organization of ideas with supporting detail. | Clear stance/purpose; two+ developed points; logical order; smooth linking. |
| Vocabulary | Range, precision, and appropriateness of word choice. | Specific nouns/verbs; useful collocations; minimal repetition; accurate use. |
| Readability | Paragraphing, flow, grammar/sentence control, spelling/punctuation. | Varied sentence types; correct mechanics; clean formatting. |
| Task Fulfillment | Relevance, completeness, tone/register, word count. | Every instruction addressed; proper tone; 150–200 words; clear close. |
Both tasks are scored by trained raters and combined into one Writing level (1–12). Review official descriptors + samples to see band differences. [CELPIP refs. 3]
3) Smart Time Plans You Can Copy
| Task 1 · Email (27 minutes) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 4–5 min | Plan | List bullets → purpose line → 2–3 details/examples. |
| 18–20 min | Write | 3–4 paragraphs; linkers; concrete info. |
| 2–3 min | Review | Tone, bullets covered, word count, errors. |
| Task 2 · Survey (26 minutes) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 4–5 min | Plan | Choose ONE option; 2 reasons + mini‑example each. |
| 18–20 min | Write | Position → Reason 1 → Reason 2 → short Conclusion. |
| 2–3 min | Review | Stance clarity, connectors, 150–200 words, grammar. |
CELPIP Writing Pro materials recommend planning first, then leaving time to check. [CELPIP ref. 2]
4) Task 1: Writing an Email — What Works
Purpose & tone
- Usually asks you to do about three things (explain, request, provide details).
- Use a polite, natural register (neither chatty nor ultra‑formal).
- A clean 3–4‑paragraph layout boosts readability.
High‑scoring moves
- Open with the purpose in one sentence.
- Develop two or three concrete points (dates, locations, brief examples).
- Use linkers: because, as a result, in addition.
- Close with a clear request/next step and courteous sign‑off.
Mini template
Greeting,
One-sentence purpose.
Paragraph 1: Point A (+ details/examples).
Paragraph 2: Point B (+ details/examples).
Closing: specific ask + thanks.
Sign-off,
Name
5) Task 2: Responding to a Survey — What Works
Purpose & stance
- Choose ONE option and defend it (not an email format).
- Simple structure: Position → Two developed reasons → Brief conclusion.
- 150–200 words → prefer depth over a list of thin points.
High‑scoring moves
- Make reasons specific & practical (cost, safety, outcomes, community impact).
- Use varied syntax and vocabulary (e.g., drawbacks, trade‑offs, long‑term benefit).
- If mentioning the other option, do it to contrast, not to sit on the fence.
See official guidance on stance and development. [CELPIP ref. 3]
Mini template
Position: I support Option A because...
Reason 1: state → explain → concrete example.
Reason 2: state → explain → concrete example.
Conclusion: restate choice + key benefit.
6) Answering Strategies That Raise Scores (Both Tasks)
Cover every instruction first
Copy the right‑panel bullets into your plan and tick them off. This protects Task Fulfillment and coherence.
Planned paragraphs
Clear topic sentences, focused development, and smooth connectors. Avoid one long wall of text.
Precise vocabulary
Swap generic words (good, bad, thing) for specific, context‑fit terms (e.g., implement, accommodate, prioritize).
Clean, varied grammar
Mix sentence types without overcomplicating. Fix agreement/tense errors that break meaning.
Respect time & word window
Use the counters, but still proofread: articles, prepositions, repetitions, punctuation.
7) Common Pitfalls (and Quick Fixes)
| Pitfall | Impact | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| Missing a bullet | Task Fulfillment loss | Plan with a bullet‑to‑sentence map. |
| Wrong tone in Task 1 | Register penalty | Neutral‑polite phrasing; courteous open/close. |
| No clear stance in Task 2 | Unclear purpose | State option in sentence one; echo it in the final line. |
| One long paragraph | Readability drop | Use 3–4 paragraphs, each with one job. |
| Under/over word count | Task Fulfillment risk | Aim for ~170–190 words; trim fillers or add a concise example. |
8) A Simple Improvement Plan (2–3 Weeks)
Week 1 — Foundation
- Study the four rubric categories + two annotated samples.
- Rewrite an old email using the rubric as a checklist.
Week 2 — Task patterns
- Alternate Email ↔ Survey daily.
- 5 min plan · 15–18 min write · 2–3 min proofread.
- Track: bullet coverage + 150–200 band. [CELPIP ref. 2]
Week 3 — Refine & simulate
- Do full sets (53 minutes).
- Diagnose weak category (e.g., vocabulary range, paragraphing, tone) and target it.
- Repeat with new prompts; compare to descriptors. [CELPIP ref. 1]
9) How PrepAmigo Helps (with AI Scoring)
Targeted practice + realistic timing. Writing Dojo drills for Email & Survey with official time splits and a large prompt bank build speed and structure that transfer to test day.
AI scoring with instant, category‑level feedback. After you submit, the AI mirrors the CELPIP rubric—flagging Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, and Task Fulfillment—and returns immediate scores and comments (e.g., “tone too informal,” “reason under‑developed,” “paragraphing unclear”).
Model answers & side‑by‑side compare. View high‑band samples and an overlay showing how they satisfy bullets, paragraphing, and word count—then revise your draft.
Progress analytics. Track trends by category (e.g., Vocabulary ↑, Readability ↔) and get nudges toward the next micro‑skill (precise verbs, tighter topic sentences).
10) Quick Checklists You Can Use Today
Before you write (1 min)
- What are the bullets?
- What’s my purpose/stance?
- Which two examples will I use?
While you write
- One idea per paragraph; explicit connectors.
- Concrete nouns/verbs; register fit (polite, natural).
Before you submit (90 sec)
- Word count 150–200?
- Every bullet addressed?
- Paragraphs clear & logical?
- Articles/prepositions okay? Typos fixed?
- Task 1: clear request · Task 2: restated choice?
References (official details)
Use this guide as your baseline, then practice inside PrepAmigo’s Writing Dojo with AI scoring to turn strategies into consistent, rubric‑friendly 150–200‑word responses.