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CELPIP Writing Task 1: Writing an Email

CELPIP Writing Task 1 Sample Answer: Complaint About Late Delivery

By Rita

You ordered a gift online, but it arrived several days late, missing an important occasion. Write an email to the online retailer’s customer service to complain.

Time
27 minutes
Length
150–200 words
Tone
Formal or semi-formal, depending on the reader

The question

You ordered a gift online, but it arrived several days late, missing an important occasion. Write an email to the online retailer’s customer service to complain.

Required Points:

-Mention what you ordered and when it was supposed to arrive.

-Describe the delay and the retailer’s communication.

-Explain how the delay impacted you.

-Request a resolution (e.g., refund or discount).

Write about 150-200 words.

Excellent answer: around CLB 11–12

Dear Customer Service Team, I am compelled to address a concerning issue with an order placed on May 15, 2025, for a necklace intended as a birthday gift, promised for delivery by May 25. Regrettably, it arrived on May 30 without any prior notification of the delay. This oversight prevented me from presenting the gift at a significant celebration, resulting in considerable disappointment and embarrassment. I urge you to issue a full refund or offer a meaningful discount on a future order to rectify this matter. Please advise on your course of action promptly. Best regards, [Your Name]

98 words

Good answer: around CLB 7–8

Dear Customer Service Team, I am writing to express my disappointment with a necklace I ordered on May 15, 2025, which was promised for delivery by May 25. Unfortunately, it arrived on May 30, with no prior communication about the delay. This caused significant distress, as I was unable to present the gift at a loved one’s birthday celebration, leading to embarrassment. I request a full refund or a substantial discount on a future purchase to address this inconvenience. Please confirm how you will resolve this. Sincerely, [Your Name]

89 words

Basic answer: around CLB 4–5

Dear Customer Service, I ordered a birthday gift, a necklace, from your website on May 15, 2025. It was supposed to arrive by May 25, but it came on May 30. I got no updates about the delay, which was frustrating. The late delivery meant I couldn’t give the gift at the birthday party, and I felt embarrassed. Please give me a refund or a discount on my next order. Thank you, [Your Name]

74 words

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

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