CELPIP Writing Tips by Scoring Criterion
Improve your CELPIP® writing by developing relevant ideas, choosing precise vocabulary, making sentences easy to read and answering the whole task in an appropriate tone. These tips follow the four writing criteria and show original weak-versus-better sentence examples.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP scoring criteria and level descriptions · Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP Writing Pro study pack
Apply these tips in a free writing taskContent/Coherence: show why a detail matters
Weak: The room was bad and the class was difficult.
Better: The room echoed so loudly that I could not hear the instructor's safety instructions.
Connect the problem to its consequence. In a survey response, connect your preference to a concrete benefit before introducing another reason.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP scoring criteria and level descriptions
Vocabulary: choose the word that names the problem
Weak: Please do something about the thing near the door.
Better: Please replace the loose handrail beside the entrance.
Prefer a precise noun and verb over a vague phrase. A familiar word used accurately is more useful than an elaborate word that changes the meaning.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP scoring criteria and level descriptions
Readability: give each sentence a clear job
Weak: The heater stopped I called reception they did not answer.
Better: When the heater stopped, I called reception. However, nobody answered.
Separate events, mark their relationship and check sentence boundaries. Group related details into paragraphs so the reader can follow the request.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP scoring criteria and level descriptions
Task Fulfillment: match the reader and make the request usable
Weak: Fix this immediately because I am angry.
Better: Could you arrange a repair before the next class? The entrance needs to be safe for everyone.
Check every requested point, your purpose and your tone. For a survey, state the option you prefer and explain why it suits the situation.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP scoring criteria and level descriptions
A writing tip for the final review
Read once for the message: does the reader know what happened and what you want? Then read for sentence boundaries, agreement and word choice. Keep the requested length of about 150–200 words in mind while planning, rather than padding the answer at the end.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP Writing Pro study pack · Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP scoring criteria and level descriptions
Try an original task on this page
Original fictional practice scenario. Any prices, quantities and events below belong to the scenario.
You serve on a volunteer advisory group at a community centre in Vernon. The program manager, Manpreet, proposes a $75 refundable deposit for borrowing sports equipment because the centre cannot afford to replace missing items. Several residents have told you they would be unable to pay the deposit, even temporarily. Manpreet wants your feedback by Friday before deciding whether to introduce the policy.
Write an email to the community centre's program manager, Manpreet.
- Explain your concerns about the proposed deposit.
- Discuss the possible effects on residents and the centre.
- Recommend safeguards that protect equipment while keeping borrowing affordable.
Draft your response below. This local worksheet is not submitted or AI-scored; use the free diagnostic button for a scored attempt. Text remains on this page and is not saved.
Word count: 0
Self-check: identify the reader, cover the requested points, explain the impact and make the request clear.
Compare the original estimated level-9 model
Dear Manpreet,
Thank you for inviting feedback by Friday on the sports equipment deposit. I understand the need to protect the centre's limited resources, but I am concerned about the proposed $75 requirement.
Several residents have explained that they could not afford to leave that amount with the centre, even temporarily. For them, a refundable deposit would still be a barrier. They might miss opportunities to exercise or join activities simply because they cannot spare the cash. At the same time, equipment losses would reduce what the centre can offer everyone, so doing nothing is hardly a workable answer.
Could we introduce a borrowing agreement with clear return dates, verified contact details, and reminders? Residents could borrow one item at a time, with further borrowing paused whenever something is overdue. These steps would encourage responsibility without tying up money that people need for everyday expenses.
A short trial would let us see whether this approach keeps losses manageable before considering a deposit. Please include this option in your review.
Sincerely,
Colton
The label illustrates an estimated practice level. Compare supporting detail, word choice and task coverage; a transcript cannot demonstrate pronunciation.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP Writing Pro study pack
Related resources and task guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the CELPIP writing criteria?
The criteria are Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability and Task Fulfillment.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP scoring criteria and level descriptions
Should I use difficult words to get a higher level?
Choose words that express your meaning accurately and suit the reader. Vocabulary assessment considers precision and appropriateness as well as range.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP scoring criteria and level descriptions
How can I make an email request clearer?
Explain the problem, show its effect and state a practical action the reader can take. Check that the tone suits your relationship with the reader.
Do these tips guarantee a level 9?
No. These are practice suggestions. A level depends on the complete response across the assessment criteria.
Checked 2026-10-22 — CELPIP scoring criteria and level descriptions