CELPIP Writing Course · Lesson 1 of 9
How CELPIP Writing Is Scored
By CELPass Editorial Team · 2 min read · Updated
CELPIP Writing has two tasks and four scoring dimensions. Knowing what each dimension rewards tells you where to spend your 53 minutes.
The two tasks
| Task | What you write | Time | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | An email about a situation, covering three bullet points | 27 minutes | 150–200 words |
| 2 | A survey response: choose Option A or B and explain why | 26 minutes | 150–200 words |
You type your answers. There is a word counter and basic cut, copy and paste, but no spell checker. Each task has its own timer and moves on automatically when time runs out.
The four dimensions
- Content/Coherence: relevant, developed ideas in a logical order, with clear paragraphs.
- Vocabulary: precise, varied words that fit the topic and the reader.
- Readability: grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence variety that make the text easy to read.
- Task Fulfillment: every part of the prompt answered, the right tone and format, and an appropriate length.
Both tasks together produce one Writing level from M to 12, matching the same CLB level.
Where most marks are lost
The single most common loss is a missed bullet point in Task 1: if the prompt asks for three things and you answer two, Task Fulfillment suffers no matter how good the English is. The next most common is a text that is correct but plain: short, similar sentences and everyday words. The lessons that follow deal with both.
Key points
- Task 1 email, 27 minutes; Task 2 survey, 26 minutes; 150–200 words each.
- No spell checker, so leave time to check.
- Answer every bullet point: Task Fulfillment depends on it.
Exercise
Which dimension does each problem affect most?
- Your email answers two of the three bullet points.
- Every sentence starts with "I" and is under 10 words.
- You write "Hey buddy!" in a complaint to a company.
- Your survey response gives reasons for both options and never chooses.
Show answers
- Task Fulfillment
- Readability (little sentence variety)
- Task Fulfillment (wrong tone for the reader)
- Task Fulfillment and Content/Coherence (no clear position)
Practise with free questions
Free questions in the CELPIP format, with answers and no account needed. Try a few now, while the lesson is fresh.
All lessons in this course
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.