CELPIP WRITING SAMPLE TEST

The CELPIP test has 2 writing tasks. Use these writing topics below for your practice. For more practice and powerful tips to ace your CELPIP test, watch our YouTube videos, and you can also purchase a CELPIP writing evaluation service from us to get personalized feedback and corrections.

CELPIP Writing task 1 - Writing an email (27 minutes)

In this task, the topic may ask you to write either a formal or an informal email. Make sure that you use the appropriate language when writing your response. 

CELPIP Writing task 2 - Writing a survey response (26 minutes)

It is possible to write the response in either an email format or an essay format. Both are acceptable. 

The two CELPIP writing tasks carry equal weight, so don't spend all your time practicing only one writing task.

How long should my response be?

The instructions will tell you to write between 150-200 words. However, it is not recommended to write 150 words as the response is often lacking details that are needed to develop the ideas fully. It is generally better to write between around 200 words.

Task 1: Writing an Email

You are making a plan for a summer vacation. You are interested in several tour options you found online while browsing.

Write an email to a travel agency in about 150-200 words.

• Your email should do the following things:
• Tell the travel agency where you want to go
• Describe what you are interested in
• Ask about the cost and payment options

Sample Response

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to inquire about a travel package to Yellowknife in the first or second week of September. My partner and I are particularly interested in experiencing the wonder of the northern lights, and I would like to get more information about the options available for a trip of this nature.

We are thinking of spending 7 days for this trip. I know how much my partner loves outdoor activities, so it would be great if you could recommend at least one outdoor activity for us and tell us what we should bring. Apart from that, we are also interested in learning more about the local history and checking out the culinary scene. Could you share any suggestions you may have with regards to activities that align with our interests?

In addition, we want to explore the city which is why we are considering renting a car for the days we are not going to see the northern lights. I am hoping that you could provide me with the ballpark cost of the trip including the cost of the car rental, as well as the payment options available.

I look forward to hearing from you soon and thank you in advance for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Hari Kumar

(210 words)

Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions

The faculty at your university is considering a new course policy. The faculty is asking students to respond to an opinion survey.

Choose the option that you prefer. Why do you prefer your choice? Explain the reasons for your choice. Write about 150–200 words.

• Students need to take a final exam to pass the course

OR

• Students need to complete a research project to pass the course

Sample Response

I would prefer that students write a final exam instead of completing a final project as a requirement to pass a course. Let me address the two primary reasons.

First, final exams are a more objective measure of students' knowledge. They typically consist of multiple-choice or short-answer questions that are designed to test one's understanding of the course material. This format allows professors to grade students fairly, as it is less susceptible to bias or interpretation than a final project. As a result, it is less likely for students to voice their dissatisfaction because they think that they deserve higher scores.

Secondly, we cannot deny that administering final exams is a more efficient way to evaluate the knowledge of learners. Exams are typically shorter in duration. An exam can be completed in one sitting, unlike school projects which can take weeks or even months to complete. This means that a professor can spend less time on evaluation and more time on other important aspects of learning such as adding additional office hours to answer questions from students.

In summary, final exams are more objective and efficient in assessing students' abilities, which make them a better choice than final projects as a requirement for passing a course.

(206 words)