CELPIP® Writing Task 1 sample: Disputing a Painting Deduction
Writing an Email · 27 minutes · 150–200 words · Published
Original practice questions in CELPIP® task formats, created independently by CELPIP Study.
Practice question
You recently moved out of a rented apartment in Airdrie, and your landlord, Stefan, has emailed a proposed $180 deposit deduction for repainting scuffed hallway walls. Your signed move-in report records the same marks, and you also have dated photos. Stefan wants your approval by Friday. You need your full deposit for a new apartment before Monday.
Write an email to your former landlord, Stefan.
- Challenge the proposed deduction using your move-in evidence.
- Explain why you need the deposit returned promptly.
- Request a review and confirmation of the repayment date.
Model answers
Level 7 sample answer
174 words
Dear Stefan,
I am writing about the $180 painting deduction you proposed after I moved out of your Airdrie apartment. The hallway marks were already there when I moved in. They are listed in our signed move-in report, and my dated photos shows the same marks.
You have asked me to approve the deduction by Friday, but I do not agree with it. I need my full deposit for my new apartment before Monday. If part of the money is kept for painting, I will have less available for that payment. Also, I need to know when the money will arrive so I can plan properly.
Please look at the report and photos again and remove the proposed charge. I can send you the photos so you can compare them with the report. Could you also give me a clear date for returning the full deposit? Please reply me before Friday so we can settle this before the weekend.
Thank you for checking the information and helping to finish the move-out arrangements.
Sincerely,
Fiona
Why this answer is at level 7
This level 7 example covers the dispute, supporting evidence, urgency, and requested response in a clear sequence. Compared with the higher-level examples, its wording is simpler, its explanation repeats some ideas, and grammatical errors reduce accuracy.
If part of the money is kept for painting, I will have less available for that payment.
— Content/Coherence: The consequence is relevant but largely repeats the stated need for the full deposit. The higher-level examples explain more precisely how a deduction and an uncertain repayment date create separate problems.Please look at the report and photos again and remove the proposed charge.
— Vocabulary: The request is understandable and specific, but “look at” is basic wording for a formal dispute. The higher-level examples use more precise language for reviewing evidence and connecting the marks to the tenancy.They are listed in our signed move-in report, and my dated photos shows the same marks.
— Readability: The evidence is easy to follow, but “photos shows” contains a subject–verb agreement error. The higher-level examples present the same supporting evidence with accurate grammar and more controlled phrasing.Could you also give me a clear date for returning the full deposit?
— Task Fulfillment: This directly requests a repayment date and specifies the full deposit. The strongest example goes further by asking for a firm date that explicitly allows the tenant to meet the Monday deadline.
Level 9 sample answer
177 words
Dear Stefan,
I am writing to dispute the proposed $180 deduction for repainting the hallway of the Airdrie apartment I recently vacated. The scuff marks were present when I moved in, as recorded in our signed move-in report. My dated photographs also show those same marks.
You have requested my approval by Friday. However, I need the full deposit for my new apartment before Monday, so both the deduction and uncertainty about repayment create a practical problem. Without confirmation of the amount and transfer date, I cannot confidently arrange the payment for my new home.
Please review the signed report alongside my photographs and reconsider the painting charge. I can forward the images for comparison so we can clear this up promptly. Once you have completed the review, please confirm that the deduction will be removed and specify when the full deposit will be returned. This would help me plan the payment.
I would appreciate a written response before Friday so that we can resolve the issue and complete the move-out arrangements before the weekend.
Sincerely,
Fiona
Why this answer is at level 9
This level 9 example presents a well-organized, grammatically controlled dispute with appropriate formal vocabulary and clear requests. Compared with the level 11 example, it repeats the payment-planning point and explains the connection between the evidence and responsibility less fully.
This would help me plan the payment.
— Content/Coherence: This sentence repeats the earlier explanation about arranging payment without adding much. The level 11 example gives each part a clearer purpose by distinguishing the financial shortfall from the difficulty of coordinating repayment.Please review the signed report alongside my photographs and reconsider the painting charge.
— Vocabulary: “Review,” “alongside,” and “reconsider” suit a formal request and describe the comparison clearly. The level 11 example adds more precise language about whether the painting cost should be attributed to the tenancy.Without confirmation of the amount and transfer date, I cannot confidently arrange the payment for my new home.
— Readability: The introductory phrase establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship, and the sentence is grammatically accurate. The level 11 example expresses the practical consequences more distinctly through a balanced contrast between a shortfall and scheduling difficulty.please confirm that the deduction will be removed and specify when the full deposit will be returned.
— Task Fulfillment: The requested outcome and repayment information are explicit. The level 11 example strengthens this request by specifying a firm repayment date that enables the tenant to meet the stated deadline.
Level 11 sample answer
182 words
Dear Stefan,
I am requesting a review of the proposed $180 deduction for repainting the hallway in the Airdrie apartment I recently vacated. The scuffs identified in your email correspond to those documented in our signed move-in report; dated photographs provide an additional record of their earlier condition. On that evidence, I do not believe the painting cost should be attributed to my tenancy.
The timing also matters. Although you have requested approval by Friday, I need the full deposit for my new apartment before Monday. A deduction for pre-existing marks would leave a shortfall, while an unspecified repayment date would make it difficult to coordinate the payment.
Could you compare the report with my photographs and withdraw the proposed charge if, as the records indicate, the marks are unchanged? I can forward the images to make that review straightforward. Please then confirm both the amount being returned and a firm repayment date that allows me to meet that deadline.
I would appreciate your written confirmation before Friday so that we can close out the tenancy with a clear record.
Sincerely,
Fiona
Why this answer is at level 11
This level 11 example builds a precise argument from the move-in evidence, explains the separate financial and timing consequences, and requests a practical resolution. Its varied sentence structures and measured formal language keep the challenge firm, courteous, and easy to follow.
On that evidence, I do not believe the painting cost should be attributed to my tenancy.
— Content/Coherence: This explicitly connects the documented earlier condition to the argument against the deduction. It develops the reasoning beyond simply stating that the report and photographs show the marks.A deduction for pre-existing marks would leave a shortfall
— Vocabulary: “Pre-existing” identifies why the charge is disputed, while “shortfall” precisely names the financial consequence. Both expressions add meaning without making the formal email unnecessarily complicated.Could you compare the report with my photographs and withdraw the proposed charge if, as the records indicate, the marks are unchanged?
— Readability: The sentence combines a polite request, a proposed resolution, and a carefully qualified condition. The embedded phrase remains controlled and readable while showing confidence in the evidence.Please then confirm both the amount being returned and a firm repayment date that allows me to meet that deadline.
— Task Fulfillment: This requests both essential repayment details and connects the date directly to the new-apartment deadline. Together with the request for written confirmation before Friday, it gives Stefan a clear and actionable response to provide.
What moves an answer from 7 to 9 to 11
These are model answers written to show each level. The labels are practice estimates, not examiner scores.
Cover each email bullet with relevant detail, explain its effect on the reader and make a workable request. Keep a consistent register, with an opening, connected paragraphs and an appropriate closing.
- Content/Coherence: Level 7 models communicate the main ideas; level 9 models develop relevant details with clear connections; level 11 models sustain precise, well-integrated development.
- Vocabulary: Compare adequate everyday wording with more varied, accurate choices at level 9 and flexible, precise expression at level 11.
- Readability: Look for increasingly controlled grammar, sentence variety, punctuation and paragraphing. Complexity helps when it keeps the message easy to read.
- Task Fulfillment: Compare how fully the response addresses the request, develops enough relevant detail and maintains an appropriate tone for the audience within the task limits.
Assess the criteria together. A longer answer or rarer words alone do not establish a higher level.
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