CELPIP Writing Task 1: Writing an Email

CELPIP Writing Task 1 Sample Answer: Coffee Catch-Up

By Rita

You’re emailing your old classmate, Jordan, to schedule a coffee catch-up next week.

Time

27 minutes

Length

150–200 words

Tone

Formal or semi-formal, depending on the reader

The question

You’re emailing your old classmate, Jordan, to schedule a coffee catch-up next week.

Required Points:

-Propose two possible dates/times

-Suggest a café location

-Mention topics you’d like to chat about (e.g. career updates)

-Ask Jordan to choose or propose alternatives

Excellent answer: around CLB 11–12

Dear Jordan, I trust you’re doing great. I’d love to reconnect over coffee at Beans & Brews next week. Would you be available on Tuesday, July 1 at 10:00 AM or Thursday, July 3 at 2:00 PM? I’m keen to hear about your recent move into finance and share how my freelance ventures are going. If those slots don’t fit your schedule, feel free to propose an alternative time or spot. Looking forward to a good chat! Warm regards, [Your Name]

81 words

Good answer: around CLB 7–8

Dear Jordan, I hope you’re doing well. It’d be great to catch up over coffee at Beans & Brews next week—would Tuesday at 10:00 AM or Thursday at 2:00 PM suit you? I’d love to hear about your new role at the firm and share updates on my own projects. If neither works, please suggest another time or location. Looking forward to reconnecting! Best, [Your Name]

66 words

Basic answer: around CLB 4–5

Dear Jordan, Want to catch up over coffee next week? How about Tuesday at 10 AM or Thursday at 2 PM at Beans & Brews? We can talk about work and life. Let me know which works or if another time is better. Cheers, [Your Name]

46 words

The CLBs are estimates of the level each sample was written at, not official CELPIP scores. How we estimate CLB