As someone who is dedicated to helping others on this leading CELPIP preparation platform, I understand the importance of mastering the email writing task for the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) test. Task 1 of the CELPIP Writing section requires candidates to compose a clear, concise, and well-structured email within 27 minutes, using 150–200 words.
In 2025, the CELPIP test continues to emphasize practical communication skills, with complaint emails remaining a frequent prompt. Below, I provide an updated sample for Task 1 (Sample 403), focusing on expressing dissatisfaction with hotel service quality, incorporating the latest expectations for high-scoring responses based on my expertise in test preparation.
Understanding the Prompt
The 2025 CELPIP Writing Task 1 often involves scenarios requiring candidates to address issues politely yet assertively, such as complaining about poor service. The scoring criteria emphasize Content/Task Fulfillment, Coherence and Organization, Vocabulary, and Grammar and Accuracy. To score a CLB 9 or higher, candidates must address all prompt points, maintain a logical structure, use varied vocabulary, and ensure grammatical precision.
Sample Prompt
Write an email to a hotel manager expressing your dissatisfaction with the quality of service during your recent stay. Include the following points:
- Specific issues encountered during your stay.
- How the issues affected your experience.
- Suggestions for improvements or resolutions.
Sample Response
Dear Hotel Manager,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service quality during my stay at your hotel from July 25–27, 2025.
Several issues marred my experience. Firstly, the room was not adequately cleaned; I noticed dust on the furniture and hair on the bathroom floor. Secondly, the Wi-Fi connection was unreliable, disconnecting frequently despite multiple complaints. Lastly, the front desk staff took over six hours to address my request for additional towels, which was frustrating.
These shortcomings significantly disrupted my stay. The unclean room made me uncomfortable, while the unstable Wi-Fi hindered my ability to work remotely, causing professional delays. The slow response from staff left me feeling undervalued as a guest.
To enhance guest satisfaction, I recommend implementing rigorous housekeeping protocols and regular Wi-Fi maintenance checks. Additionally, training staff to respond promptly to guest requests would improve service quality. A goodwill gesture, such as a partial refund or discount on a future stay, would help restore confidence in your hotel.
Thank you for addressing my concerns. I look forward to a resolution.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Analysis of the Sample
This response adheres to the 2025 CELPIP standards by:
- Addressing All Prompt Points: It details specific issues (cleanliness, Wi-Fi, slow staff response), explains their impact (discomfort, work delays, feeling undervalued), and offers actionable suggestions (housekeeping protocols, Wi-Fi maintenance, staff training).
- Maintaining Coherence: The email follows a clear structure: greeting, purpose, issues, impact, suggestions, resolution request, and closing.
- Using Appropriate Vocabulary: Words like “marred,” “unreliable,” “hindered,” and “goodwill gesture” demonstrate a strong, precise vocabulary suitable for a formal complaint.
- Ensuring Grammatical Accuracy: The response uses varied sentence structures and correct grammar, avoiding common errors like subject-verb agreement or tense inconsistencies.
Expert Tips for 2025 CELPIP Candidates
- Plan Your Response (3–4 Minutes): Outline your email to ensure you cover all prompt points. For example, jot down one sentence per issue, impact, and suggestion to stay organized.
- Use Formal Tone for Complaints: Avoid emotional language (e.g., “I was furious”). Instead, use polite but firm phrases like “I was disappointed” or “this was inconvenient.”
- Incorporate Specific Details: Mention dates, times, or specific incidents (e.g., “July 25–27, 2025” or “six-hour delay”) to make your complaint credible.
- Balance Criticism with Suggestions: High-scoring responses propose solutions, showing problem-solving skills. For instance, suggesting “rigorous housekeeping protocols” is specific and constructive.
- Proofread (2 Minutes): Check for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. Use computer functions like copy-paste to edit efficiently, as the CELPIP test is computer-based.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2025
Based on my experience reviewing thousands of CELPIP responses, candidates often:
- Miss Prompt Points: Failing to address all three points (issues, impact, suggestions) lowers the Content score.
- Overuse Simple Vocabulary: Relying on basic words like “bad” or “nice” instead of “subpar” or “commendable” weakens the response.
- Neglect Tone: Being overly aggressive (e.g., “Your staff was useless”) or too casual (e.g., “Hey, your hotel wasn’t great”) can hurt scores.
- Exceed Word Limit: Responses over 200 words may appear disorganized, as conciseness is valued.
Practice Scenario
To further hone your skills, try this additional prompt:
Write an email to a restaurant manager about a disappointing dining experience. Include: specific problems with the food or service, how they affected your visit, and suggestions for improvement.
Sample Response for Practice:
Dear Restaurant Manager,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with my dining experience at your restaurant on August 1, 2025. The food was served cold, with the pasta dish lacking seasoning. Additionally, our server was inattentive, taking over 20 minutes to bring the bill despite repeated requests. These issues diminished the enjoyment of what I anticipated would be a delightful evening, leaving my family and me disappointed. I suggest retraining staff on timely service and ensuring food is served at the appropriate temperature. A complimentary meal voucher would be a kind gesture to restore our confidence in your establishment.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Mastering CELPIP Writing Task 1 in 2025 requires a strategic approach to structure, tone, and detail. By practicing with prompts like Sample 403 and following the tips above, candidates can achieve high scores. As an expert, I recommend regular practice with varied scenarios, focusing on clarity and professionalism to meet the CELPIP’s rigorous standards.
