The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Programme (CELPIP) is one of the language tests accepted by IRCC for immigration to Canada. The CELPIP–General test checks your skills in four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
To achieve a good overall score, you must perform well in each section. That’s why proper preparation for every part—especially writing—is essential. In this article, we will focus on how to practice for the CELPIP Writing Test.
The CELPIP Writing Test takes 50–55 minutes to complete. It includes two tasks:
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Writing an Email
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Responding to a Survey Question
Each task must be completed in 150–200 words. On the screen, the instructions and scenario appear on one side, while the writing space appears on the other.
You must write your answer within the given time. Once the time is over, the system automatically moves to the next task. Time management is very important to score well.
Task 1: Writing an Email
In this task, you must write an email to the correct person based on the situation given. You will have 27 minutes to complete the task.
Try your best to stay within the 150–200 word limit. Do not exceed it, as it may affect your score. Keep your writing clear, organized, and easy to follow.
Before you start typing, take a few seconds to plan your ideas. This helps you avoid confusion and keeps your email structured. Make sure each paragraph contains only one main idea.
Use correct grammar, proper punctuation, and a polite tone. Working on your vocabulary before the test can also help you express your ideas more effectively.
Below is an example of a CELPIP Email Writing task.
Responding to a survey is the second task in the CELPIP Writing test. For this part, you need to write a response to a survey question. The survey may come from a government body, a community group, a school, a non-profit organisation, or even the town mayor.
You will be given two choices, and you must pick one based on your personal opinion. After choosing an option, you need to explain your reasons clearly and convincingly.
Just like the email task, your answer should be between 150 and 200 words. You will have 26 minutes to complete this task, so good time management is important.
Before writing, try to organise your thoughts. Write down your choice and list two or three strong reasons to support it. Make sure your points are clear and connected.
Avoid repeating the same ideas. Instead, use simple and meaningful words that readers use in daily conversations. Choose language that matches the topic of the survey.
Writing Tips for CELPIP
Now that you understand the writing tasks, here are some helpful tips to score higher and improve your practice.
The CELPIP test is completely computer-based, so practising on a computer is essential. Many candidates type slowly, and this reduces the time available to plan and check their answers. Improving your typing speed will help you use the given time effectively.
You must also learn how to use basic editing tools such as copy, cut, and paste. These features will help you rearrange your ideas during the test.
The CELPIP writing screen includes a spell-checker and a word counter. Practise using these tools so you feel comfortable on test day.
Prepare for the exam early. Take mock tests and get your writing evaluated by professionals. This will help you understand the test format and improve your performance.
A strong vocabulary plays a big role in getting a good score. Learn new words and practise using them in sentences. Since CELPIP assesses your English ability, rich vocabulary will give you an advantage.
The more you practise writing, the more you will notice your grammar errors. Working on your grammar before the test is extremely important. Incorrect grammar can lower your CELPIP level significantly.
When writing an email, make sure you understand the difference between formal and informal tone. Choose your words based on the situation.
Always write in short paragraphs. Use separate paragraphs for the introduction, details, and conclusion. This makes your writing cleaner and easier to read.
Keep one idea per paragraph. This helps make your content clear and well-organised.
Stick to the time and word limits for every task. Completing your response within the limits shows good control and planning.
Before submitting your answer, take a moment to proofread. Correct any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.
Summary
The CELPIP writing section has two tasks: writing an email and responding to a survey.
Both tasks have specific time and word limits.
You must write 150–200 words for each task.
Improve your vocabulary and grammar for better results.
Practise on a computer to get comfortable with the test format.
