Planning, Writing and Checking: Time Management in CELPIP Writing
By Rita · Writing · Published · 5 min read
CELPIP Writing gives you 27 minutes for the email and 26 minutes for the survey response. That is enough time for 150–200 words, but only if you split it sensibly. Most timing problems come from two habits: starting to type without a plan, and writing until the last second with no time to check. This post gives a simple plan for each task and shows what to do in each phase.
How much time you get, and how it works
Each task has its own timer and moves on automatically when time runs out. You cannot save time from Task 1 for Task 2, and you cannot go back. A word counter is shown, and there is basic cut, copy and paste, but no spell checker.
| Task | Time | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1: Writing an Email | 27 minutes | 150–200 words |
| Task 2: Responding to Survey Questions | 26 minutes | 150–200 words |
If you do have spare minutes in a task, spend them on a second careful read of that answer.
A minute-by-minute plan for Task 1
| Minutes | Phase | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Read and plan | Identify the reader and tone, note the three points, jot one or two details for each. |
| 4–22 | Write | Greeting, opening line, one paragraph per point, closing line and sign-off. |
| 22–27 | Check | Confirm all three points are covered, check the word count, proofread for grammar and spelling. |
A minute-by-minute plan for Task 2
| Minutes | Phase | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Read, choose and plan | Read both options, list quick reasons for each, choose the side with stronger reasons, note an example for each. |
| 4–21 | Write | Clear choice in the first sentence, two or three developed reasons, a short response to the other option, conclusion. |
| 21–26 | Check | Make sure your choice is clear and consistent, check the word count, proofread. |
Choosing quickly matters most here. If you are still deciding between options after four minutes, pick the one with more reasons on your notes and start writing.
Planning: what to note in three or four minutes
A plan is not a draft. You only need a few words per paragraph, typed at the top of the answer box or kept in your head. Here is an original CELPass example plan for an email to a landlord about a broken dishwasher:
- Tone: formal (landlord). Dear Mr. Novak / Sincerely
- Point 1, describe problem: dishwasher leaking since Sunday, water on floor
- Point 2, how it affects you: washing by hand, worried about floor damage
- Point 3, request: repair person this week, available after 5 p.m.
If you type the plan into the answer box, delete it as you write each paragraph. Do not leave notes in your final answer: they count towards the word count and confuse the reader.
Writing: keep moving
Once the plan is ready, write steadily from start to finish. Stopping to perfect each sentence is the most common reason people run out of time.
- If you cannot think of the right word, use a simpler one and keep going. You can improve it while checking.
- Do not rewrite your opening three times. A plain, clear first sentence is enough.
- Glance at the timer after each paragraph. Halfway through the writing phase, you should be about halfway through your paragraphs.
- Write the closing before you go back to improve anything. A finished answer beats a polished but incomplete one.
Checking: what to look for in the last few minutes
Checking is where you recover marks that you already earned but lost to small errors. Do it in order of importance:
- Task Fulfillment: are all three email points covered, or is your survey choice clear from the first sentence?
- Word count: are you between 150 and 200 words? If not, add a detail or cut a repeated sentence.
- Tone: does every sentence suit the reader, including the greeting and sign-off?
- Grammar: verb tenses, articles and run-on sentences.
- Spelling and typos, because there is no spell checker.
If time is running out
With about three minutes left and the answer unfinished, change your priorities. A complete answer with all points covered is worth more than extra detail in one paragraph.
- Missing an email point? Write one or two clear sentences for it now.
- No conclusion in Task 2? Add one sentence restating your choice.
- No sign-off in Task 1? Add a closing line and your name.
- Only then fix the most obvious spelling or grammar errors you can see.
Typing speed and the test screen
CELPIP Writing is typed, so your typing speed is part of your time management. If you type slowly, the writing phase takes longer and the checking phase gets squeezed.
- Practise on a full keyboard, not a phone, so your speed in practice matches the test.
- Turn off autocorrect and spell check in the editor you practise with. The test has no spell checker, and practice should show you your real spelling.
- Use cut and paste to move a sentence rather than retyping it.
- Do not spend checking time on formatting. Clear paragraphs separated by a blank line are all you need.
If typing is clearly slowing you down, a few minutes of typing practice a day for a couple of weeks can free up time on test day. Short, plain sentences are also faster to type and easier to check.
How to practise your timing
Timing improves only with timed practice. Write each practice answer with a real 27- or 26-minute timer, note how long each phase took, and adjust. After a handful of answers, most people find a rhythm that leaves time to check.
CELPass runs Writing tasks with the real timers in the question bank and full mock tests, and scores each answer on the four CELPIP dimensions so you can see whether rushing is costing you marks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use leftover time from Writing Task 1 for Task 2?
No. Each task has its own timer. Use any spare minutes in a task to check that task's answer.
Should I write a draft and then rewrite it?
No. There is not enough time to write twice. Make a short plan, write once, and use the last few minutes to check and correct.
Keep reading
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.