CELPIP Writing Task 1: Writing an Email

CELPIP Writing Task 1 Sample Answer: Grocery Run Help

By Rita

You need a favor from your roommate, Taylor, to pick up groceries on their way home today.

Time

27 minutes

Length

150–200 words

Tone

Formal or semi-formal, depending on the reader

The question

You need a favor from your roommate, Taylor, to pick up groceries on their way home today.

Required Points:

-List the items you need

-Mention store location

-Offer to reimburse or repay

-Give a reasonable deadline

Excellent answer: around CLB 11–12

Dear Taylor, I hope your day’s going well. I’m tied up at work and was wondering if you could help by picking up a few essentials from SunMart (5th & Pine) on your way home. I need: a gallon of low-fat milk, one dozen free-range eggs, a loaf of whole-wheat bread, and a pack of corn tortillas. The store closes at 8:00 PM, so any time before then would be perfect. I’ll have cash waiting or can transfer the cost to you right away. Thanks in advance for your help—I owe you one! Warmly, [Your Name]

96 words

Good answer: around CLB 7–8

Dear Taylor, Hope you’re having a good day. Could you please swing by SunMart on 5th & Pine and pick up the following: one gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, a loaf of whole-wheat bread, and a pack of tortillas? I’m running late at work and won’t make it before the store closes at 8:00 PM. I’ll reimburse you immediately when you get home. Let me know if that works. Thanks so much! Best, [Your Name]

76 words

Basic answer: around CLB 4–5

Dear Taylor, I’m out of milk, eggs, and bread. Can you stop by the corner grocery store (SunMart) on your way home? I’ll pay you back in cash. Could you get them before 7 PM? Thanks a lot! Cheers, [Your Name]

41 words

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