CELPIP Writing Course · Lesson 3 of 9
Task 1: How to Structure the Email
By CELPass Editorial Team · 2 min read · Updated
The email task always gives you a situation and three bullet points. The easiest way to cover them all is one paragraph per bullet, between a clear opening and closing.
The five-part email
- Greeting: Dear Mr. Lee, / Hi Maria,
- Purpose (1–2 sentences): why you are writing.
- Three body paragraphs: one for each bullet point, in the same order as the prompt.
- Closing line: what happens next or a thank you.
- Sign-off: Sincerely / Best regards / Take care, + your name.
Developing each bullet
Each body paragraph needs two or three sentences: the main point, then a detail or reason. "The noise has been affecting my sleep" is a point; "The music often continues past midnight, and I start work at 6 a.m." is the detail that makes it convincing.
Original CELPass example of a body paragraph: "Unfortunately, this has made my Saturdays much more difficult. I now have to drive to a laundromat three kilometres away, which costs me about $25 a week and takes most of the morning."
Openings and closings that fit
| Formal | Informal | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | I am writing regarding… | I just wanted to let you know… |
| Request | I would appreciate it if you could… | Could you possibly…? |
| Closing line | I look forward to your reply. | Let me know what you think! |
| Sign-off | Sincerely, / Kind regards, | Take care, / Talk soon, |
Key points
- Greeting, purpose, one paragraph per bullet, closing line, sign-off.
- Each bullet: point plus a specific detail.
- Openings and closings must match the tone.
Exercise
Write a purpose sentence for each situation.
- Formal: asking your city council to add a crosswalk near a school.
- Informal: telling a friend you can't attend their wedding.
- Semi-formal: asking a colleague to swap shifts.
Show answers
- "I am writing to request a pedestrian crosswalk on Elm Street near Riverside Elementary School."
- "I've got some bad news, and I wanted you to hear it from me first."
- "I was wondering if you might be able to swap shifts with me next Friday."
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
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