CELPIP Writing Task 1 Template 2026: Email Structure

A useful CELPIP Writing Task 1 template should help you organize an email quickly without forcing the same memorized sentences into every prompt.

CELPIP-General Writing currently contains two tasks inside a 53-minute component. Task 1 is Writing an Email, and official sample material commonly instructs candidates to write about 150–200 words.

Best template rule: memorize the job of each paragraph, not the exact wording.

Verify the current Writing format on the official CELPIP-General page and review official Level 9 guidance through CELPIP Writing Pro.

The flexible Task 1 email structure

Paragraph 1 — purpose + essential context

Use one or two sentences to make the reason for writing clear.

Examples:

• I am writing to request a change to my current work schedule because my evening course begins next month.
• I am writing to bring a recurring maintenance issue in my apartment to your attention.
• Thank you for organizing last weekend's community event. I am writing to suggest two changes that could make the next event easier for families to attend.

Do not spend a full paragraph thanking the reader if the task is actually a complaint or request.

Paragraph 2 — required point 1 + development

Address the first important instruction and add a reason, example, consequence, or detail.

Useful language:

• The main issue is...
• This has affected me because...
• One reason I am requesting this change is...
• For example...
• As a result...

Paragraph 3 — required points 2 and 3

Continue through the prompt requirements. Make each required idea obvious enough that a reader can see it has been answered.

Useful transitions:

• In addition...
• Another concern is...
• I would also like to point out...
• To resolve this...
• A practical alternative would be...

Final paragraph — request / next step / closing

End with a clear action when the situation needs one.

Examples:

• I would appreciate it if the repair could be scheduled before Friday.
• Please let me know whether the Tuesday shift can be exchanged.
• Thank you for considering these suggestions. I would be happy to provide more details if needed.

Then use an appropriate sign-off such as:

• Kind regards,
• Sincerely,
• Best regards,

Formal vs informal Task 1 tone

The recipient determines the tone.

More formal situations

Examples:

• manager;
• landlord;
• company customer service;
• municipal office;
• event organizer you do not know.

Use polite, direct wording. Avoid slang and overly emotional language.

More familiar situations

If the prompt clearly involves a friend, neighbour you know well, or familiar colleague, the tone can be warmer and less formal.

Task Fulfillment includes matching the audience and situation. Do not force "To Whom It May Concern" into every email.

A 27-minute practice plan

A common official-preparation split gives Task 1 about 27 minutes.

Try:

0:00–2:30 — plan
Identify recipient, purpose, three required points, and tone.

2:30–22:30 — write
Complete the entire email. Do not endlessly rewrite the opening.

22:30–27:00 — review
Check requirements, paragraphing, grammar, repeated vocabulary, punctuation, and word count.

Original Task 1 practice prompt

You recently joined a local fitness centre, but two services advertised when you registered have not been available. Write an email to the manager. In your email:

• explain which services are unavailable;
• describe how this has affected your experience;
• request a reasonable solution.

Original sample response

Dear Manager,

I am writing regarding two services that were included in the membership package I purchased last month. When I registered, the brochure stated that members would have access to both the evening yoga classes and the sauna; however, neither has been available during my first three weeks.

This has been disappointing because I specifically selected your facility for its evening programs. I work until 5:30 p.m., so the yoga class was the main activity I planned to attend during the week. In addition, the sauna has remained closed without any notice explaining when it will reopen.

I would appreciate an updated schedule for both services. If they will remain unavailable for several more weeks, please consider extending my membership by one month or providing a partial credit toward the next renewal.

Thank you for looking into this matter. I look forward to your response.

Kind regards,
Aman

Why this sample is effective

It:

• states the purpose immediately;
• addresses all three prompt requirements;
• gives specific details instead of vague complaints;
• uses an appropriate professional tone;
• makes a realistic request;
• stays organized without sounding like a copied script.

Task 1 template phrases by purpose

Complaint

• I am writing to report...
• I would like to bring ... to your attention.
• Unfortunately, the issue has continued since...

Request

• I am writing to request...
• I would appreciate it if...
• Would it be possible to...?

Suggestion

• I would like to suggest...
• One practical improvement would be...
• This change could help by...

Apology/explanation

• I am writing to explain...
• I apologize for...
• The situation occurred because...

Common template mistakes

Copying a long generic introduction

Your opening should answer the situation, not demonstrate that you memorized formal phrases.

Using the same tone for every recipient

A manager and a close friend should not receive identical wording.

Addressing all bullets in one sentence each

Mentioning a point is not the same as developing it.

Forcing advanced synonyms

Use precise natural language. A strange synonym can make the meaning less clear.

Forgetting the requested action

If the task asks you to request, recommend, explain, or persuade, make that function unmistakable.

Level 9-focused checklist

Before submitting, ask:

Content/Coherence — Did I develop the required ideas with relevant details?
Vocabulary — Are my words specific to the situation?
Readability — Are paragraphs and sentences easy to follow?
Task Fulfillment — Did I answer every instruction in the right tone?

Practice new prompts in CELPIP Writing Practice, then review the broader Task 1 strategy guide and Writing 8→9 plan.