CELPIP Practice

CELPIP Writing Samples

CELPIP Writing samples with answers

Study two original CELPIP Writing sample answers: an email for Task 1 and a survey response for Task 2. Each includes the prompt, a complete response and notes on the four writing dimensions. These are illustrative study models, not examiner-rated answers or a promise of a particular score. No account is needed to read them.

Try two free questions per task

Task 1: Writing an Email

Original sample168 words · 27 minutes

The prompt

You recently moved into an apartment building where the only elevator has been out of service for two weeks. Write an email of about 150-200 words to the building manager, Mr. Thompson.

  • Explain the problems the broken elevator is causing.
  • Ask when it will be repaired.
  • Suggest a temporary solution for affected residents.

Sample answer

Dear Mr. Thompson, I am writing to raise an urgent concern about the elevator at 45 Maple Street, which has now been out of service for two weeks. The prolonged outage is creating real hardship for residents. I live on the seventh floor, and carrying groceries up the stairs each day has become exhausting. More importantly, several elderly neighbours and a family with a young child are effectively trapped on the upper floors, and I worry about their safety in an emergency. Could you please let me know when the elevator is expected to be repaired, and whether the delay is due to parts or contractor availability? A clear timeline would help all of us plan. In the meantime, I would suggest arranging temporary assistance for residents with mobility issues, such as a volunteer schedule to help carry deliveries. Even a notice in the lobby explaining the situation would reassure everyone. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your reply. Sincerely, Priya Sharma

What to learn from this answer

Content/Coherence

Opens with a clear purpose, then gives one focused paragraph per required point (impact, timeline request, suggestion). The reader never has to guess what is being asked.

Vocabulary

Precise, natural word choices ("prolonged outage," "effectively trapped," "contractor availability") instead of repeating "broken" and "problem."

Readability

Varied sentence structures, strong control of grammar and punctuation, and clean paragraphing. Errors are essentially absent.

Task Fulfillment

Every required point is fully addressed, the tone is polite but appropriately firm for a formal complaint, and the length sits squarely in the 150-200 word range.

What a weaker draft might miss: A less developed draft may cover the points, but rely on shorter, simpler sentences, more repetition of basic words, a few grammar or article errors, and thinner development - for example, just naming the problem instead of explaining who it affects and why.

Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions

Original sample171 words · 26 minutes

The prompt

Your city is deciding how to use a vacant downtown lot and has asked residents for their opinion. Choose the option you prefer and explain your reasons in about 150-200 words.

  • Option A: build a public park with green space and playgrounds.
  • Option B: build a parking garage to ease downtown congestion.

Sample answer

I strongly support Option A, turning the vacant downtown lot into a public park, and I believe it would benefit the city far more than another parking garage. First, green space is something our downtown badly lacks. Office workers and residents currently have nowhere pleasant to spend a break or take their children after school. A park with open lawns and playgrounds would give thousands of people a place to relax, exercise, and connect with neighbours, which is exactly what a healthy city core needs. Second, while congestion is a genuine problem, adding parking rarely solves it. New spaces usually just encourage more people to drive downtown and fill up within a year. Investing in green space instead makes the area more attractive and supports walking, cycling, and transit. Finally, a park is a long-term investment in residents' quality of life and mental health, whereas a concrete garage benefits only those who already own cars. For these reasons, I firmly believe Option A is the better choice for our downtown's future.

What to learn from this answer

Content/Coherence

A clear thesis up front, then three distinct, well-developed reasons signposted with "First / Second / Finally," and a decisive conclusion. The argument builds instead of listing.

Vocabulary

Persuasive, precise language ("healthy city core," "long-term investment," "supports walking, cycling, and transit") with no filler or repetition.

Readability

Complex sentences handled with ease, accurate mechanics, and smooth transitions between paragraphs.

Task Fulfillment

Commits clearly to one option, addresses the trade-off with the other, uses a confident persuasive tone, and stays in range.

What a weaker draft might miss: A less developed response may pick a side and give reasons, but lean on general statements ("parks are good for people") without developing them, repeat simple linking words, and make occasional errors that distract from the argument.

How to use these writing samples

For more survey examples, study three CELPIP Writing Task 2 samples with explained answers, including two responses that defend opposite choices in the same survey.

  1. Read the prompt first and make your own plan before looking at the answer. For the email, check all three requests. For the survey, choose an option and give reasons.
  2. Compare the sample with your plan. Notice how each detail serves a purpose. Learn the structure without memorizing sentences that may not fit another question.
  3. Write your response under the practice timer. Aim for about 150–200 words and leave time to check clarity, tone and grammar.
  4. Review one dimension at a time. Add a missing explanation, replace a vague word or fix a confusing sentence. Rewrite the paragraph before trying a new prompt.

Continue with the free writing course or the free prep pack. Our examples and explanations are by CELPIP Practice. Reviewed September 10, 2026 against the official test format and Writing performance standards.

Now write your own

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FAQ

CELPIP Writing samples, answered

What are the two CELPIP Writing tasks?

CELPIP-General Writing has two tasks. Task 1 is Writing an Email (about 27 minutes), where you respond to a situation in a 150-200 word email. Task 2 is Responding to Survey Questions (about 26 minutes), where you choose one of two options and argue for it in 150-200 words.

How is CELPIP Writing scored?

Each task is scored on four dimensions: Content/Coherence (are your ideas clear and developed?), Vocabulary (are your words precise and varied?), Readability (grammar, mechanics, and sentence variety), and Task Fulfillment (did you cover every point in the right tone and length?). The sample notes explain these dimensions; the examples have not received official CELPIP scores.

Are these real CELPIP writing prompts?

These are original prompts and model answers written to match the official CELPIP task types, timing, and band descriptors. We do not republish Paragon's official prompts. They illustrate structure, tone and idea development. They are not official test questions or examiner-rated answers.

How can I get my own CELPIP writing scored?

Try two free questions per task. New accounts receive one welcome AI feedback result in total, shared across speaking and writing. It includes an estimated CELPIP level, feedback and a model answer. Premium includes additional questions, full mock tests and unlimited AI feedback. AI estimates are not official scores.