Writing Guide
CELPIP Writing Task 1: Complaint Email Template (CLB 9 Sample)
Last updated: June 2026
By Mark Wilson · Updated June 2026
Quick summary
Task 1 asks you to write an email in 27 minutes. Complaint prompts are the most common type. This template works for neighbour complaints, service complaints, product complaints, and workplace complaints — the structure is the same across all of them.
Why complaint emails appear so often in Task 1
CELPIP Writing Task 1 gives you a situation and asks you to write a 150–200 word email. The prompt specifies a recipient, a purpose, and three bullet points you must address. Complaint prompts appear in roughly 40% of test administrations because they naturally test a range of functions: stating a problem, explaining impact, and making a specific request — all of which require different vocabulary and tone to score CLB 9.
The 5-part complaint email template
Every complaint email in CELPIP Task 1 should follow this structure, regardless of the specific prompt:
Subject line
Be specific. Not 'Complaint' but 'Complaint Regarding Noise Disturbance — Unit 4B'. Scorers read this first.
Salutation + purpose (1–2 sentences)
Dear [Name/Title], I am writing to bring to your attention [brief issue]. Keep this to one sentence.
Problem description (2–3 sentences)
Explain what happened, when it happened, and why it is a problem. This is where Content marks come from.
Three bullet point requests
Address each bullet point from the prompt in order. One sentence per point is enough — do not skip any.
Closing
I look forward to your prompt response. / I trust this matter will be resolved at your earliest convenience. Then: Regards, [Your name].
Full CLB 9 sample answer
Prompt: You recently had a problem with a noisy neighbour in your apartment building. Write an email to your building manager. In your email: (1) describe the problem, (2) explain how it has affected you, (3) ask the manager to take action.
Sample answer — CLB 9 level
Subject: Ongoing Noise Disturbance from Unit 4B — Request for Immediate Action
Dear Mr. Hargreaves,
I am writing to formally bring to your attention a persistent noise problem originating from the unit directly above mine, apartment 4B.
For the past three weeks, I have been disturbed by loud music and heavy footsteps between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. on most weeknights. As a result, I have been unable to sleep adequately, which has begun to affect my performance at work and my overall health. Despite speaking to the tenant directly on two occasions, the disturbance has continued without improvement.
I would appreciate it if you could speak with the occupants of unit 4B about adhering to the building's quiet hours policy. I also request that the relevant sections of the tenancy agreement be formally communicated to them in writing. Finally, if the issue persists, I would ask that you consider the appropriate next steps outlined in the building's noise complaint procedure.
I trust this matter will be resolved promptly. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Regards,
Jamie Chen
Word count: 192 words — within the 150–200 target range.
Why this scores CLB 9
- Content (40%): All three bullet points are addressed clearly and in order. The problem, its impact, and the specific requests are all present.
- Vocabulary (25%): Formal register throughout. Words like "persistent", "originating", "adhering", "tenancy agreement", and "adequately" signal range without being over-elaborate.
- Organisation (20%): One idea per paragraph. Opening states purpose; middle explains problem and impact; closing makes requests; sign-off is appropriate.
- Grammar (15%): Complex sentences used correctly. Passive voice used appropriately ("be formally communicated"). No run-ons or fragments.
Common mistakes on complaint emails
- Skipping a bullet point. Missing one point costs marks in the Content category (the highest-weighted dimension). Always address all three, even briefly.
- Being too informal. Using contractions ("I can't sleep") or casual phrases ("This is really annoying") lowers your Vocabulary score for register.
- Repeating the same sentence structure. Three consecutive sentences starting with "I" signals low grammatical range to scorers.
- Writing under 150 words. Short responses typically underdevelop the Content dimension. Aim for 170–190 words.
- Spending more than 27 minutes. Task 1 has a hard time limit. If you are not finished, write the closing paragraph first — scorers need to see a complete email.
Complaint prompts you should practise
These are commonly tested complaint scenarios:
- A product you ordered arrived damaged (email to the company)
- A service appointment was missed without notice (email to a manager)
- Construction noise is affecting your home office (email to a contractor)
- A hotel room did not match the booking description (email to guest services)
- A coworker's behaviour is affecting your work (email to HR)
The structure above applies to all of them. Practise adapting it for different levels of formality (neighbour vs. HR vs. company) — CELPIP scorers look for register awareness.