Useful Phrases and Linking Words for CELPIP Writing
By Rita · Writing · Published · 5 min read
A small set of reliable phrases can make both CELPIP Writing tasks faster to write and easier to read. The goal is not to memorise impressive expressions, but to have natural ways to open, link ideas, make requests and give opinions, so your attention can go to the content. Use these as building blocks, not as a script.
Why linking words and phrases matter
Raters score CELPIP Writing on Content/Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability and Task Fulfillment. Linking words help two of these directly: they make the logic of your answer easy to follow (Content/Coherence) and they connect sentences smoothly (Readability).
Good phrases also save time. If you already know how you will open a formal email or introduce your second reason, you do not spend minutes deciding on the test.
Opening and closing an email (Task 1)
| Purpose | Formal or semi-formal | Informal |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | Dear Ms. Wong, / Dear Hiring Committee, | Hi Sam, / Hey Lucy, |
| Why you are writing | I am writing to request... / I am writing regarding... | I just wanted to let you know... / Guess what? |
| Referring to earlier contact | Further to our conversation on Monday,... | Thanks for your message yesterday! |
| Closing line | I look forward to hearing from you. / Thank you for your time. | Let me know what you think. / Can't wait to see you! |
| Sign-off | Sincerely, / Kind regards, | Take care, / Talk soon, |
Making requests and suggestions
Many Task 1 prompts end with a bullet like "say what you would like them to do". A polite, specific request is one of the clearest ways to show control of tone.
- Formal: "I would appreciate it if you could...", "Would it be possible to...?", "I would be grateful if you could arrange..."
- Semi-formal: "Could you please let me know...", "I was wondering if we could..."
- Informal: "Do you think you could...?", "How about we...?", "Why don't you...?"
- Offering help: "I would be happy to...", "If it helps, I could...", "Let me know if there is anything I can do."
Original CELPass example: "I would appreciate it if you could replace the damaged table by the end of the month, as we are hosting family that weekend." The request says what, when and why.
Giving your opinion (Task 2)
The survey task needs a clear choice in the first sentence and a confident tone throughout. Vary how you introduce your view, rather than repeating "I think" five times.
- Stating your choice: "I believe the city should choose Option B.", "In my view, Option A is the better choice.", "I would strongly recommend Option A."
- Giving a reason: "The main reason is that...", "This matters because...", "Another advantage is that..."
- Adding an example: "For instance,...", "For example, in my neighbourhood...", "To give one example,..."
- Showing a result: "As a result,...", "This would mean that...", "so residents could..."
- Concluding: "For these reasons,...", "Overall,...", "All things considered,..."
Linking words grouped by purpose
Learn a few linking words for each job rather than a long list. Using the right one for the logic matters more than using a rare one.
| Purpose | Linking words |
|---|---|
| Adding | also, in addition, moreover, as well as, furthermore |
| Contrasting | however, although, while, on the other hand, even so |
| Giving a reason | because, since, as, due to |
| Showing a result | so, therefore, as a result, which means that |
| Giving an example | for example, for instance, such as |
| Ordering | first, second, finally, to begin with |
| Concluding | for these reasons, overall, in short |
Watch the grammar of each one. "Because" and "although" join two clauses in one sentence. "However" and "therefore" usually start a new sentence and take a comma: "The park is popular. However, it is only busy in summer." "Due to" is followed by a noun, not a clause: "due to the cost", not "due to it costs too much".
Acknowledging the other side
In Task 2, a short concession before your conclusion shows balanced thinking. These phrases set it up and return to your position:
- "I understand that... However,..."
- "Admittedly,... Even so,..."
- "While Option A would..., Option B would..."
- "Some people may argue that... but..."
Original CELPass example: "While a new skating rink would attract visitors in winter, a community garden would be used by local families from spring to fall."
Phrases for explaining a problem or a feeling
Task 1 often asks you to explain a problem, describe how a situation affects you, or express a feeling such as disappointment or gratitude. Precise phrases here help both Vocabulary and Task Fulfillment.
| Purpose | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Describing a problem | Unfortunately,... / The issue is that... / Since last week,... / This has happened several times. |
| Explaining the effect | As a result, I have had to... / This means that... / It has made it difficult to... |
| Showing disappointment politely | I was disappointed to find that... / I was surprised that... / This was not what I expected. |
| Thanking | I really appreciate your help with... / Thank you for taking the time to... / It meant a lot that you... |
| Apologising | I apologise for... / I am sorry that I could not... / I hope this has not caused too much trouble. |
Original CELPass example: "Unfortunately, the elevator in our building has been out of service since Monday. As a result, my elderly mother, who lives with us, has not been able to leave the apartment." Two phrases, one clear problem and one concrete effect.
How not to overuse phrases
Phrases help only when they fit. Raters notice memorised language that does not match the content, and it can make your answer sound less natural.
- Do not start every sentence with a linking word. Two or three per paragraph is plenty.
- Avoid idioms you are not sure about. "It's a piece of cake" in a complaint email sounds odd.
- Avoid long, empty openers such as "In today's modern world, it is a well-known fact that...".
- Vary your choices: First, Second, Finally is fine once; do not repeat "Moreover" in every paragraph.
- Keep tone consistent: "Furthermore" sits awkwardly in a chatty email to your cousin.
Frequently asked questions
Do advanced words raise my CELPIP Writing score?
Only when they are used accurately and fit the context. Raters reward precise, natural word choice, not rare words used awkwardly.
Should I memorise a full template for CELPIP Writing?
Memorise a structure and a few phrases, not whole paragraphs. Every prompt is different, and memorised text that does not fit the task can hurt Task Fulfillment.
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CELPass is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with Paragon Testing Enterprises. CELPIP is a trademark of Paragon Testing Enterprises. Check the official CELPIP website and IRCC for current test rules and requirements.