Spoke 7 · Writing Task 1
CELPIP Writing Task 1: 10 Sample Emails
Last updated: June 2026
Ten complete Task 1 email responses covering the most common CELPIP scenarios: complaints, requests, apologies, inquiries, follow-ups, and more. Each sample addresses all 3 bullet points and includes an analysis of what scores well.
Part of the CELPIP Writing Module: Complete Guide.
Complaint to landlord — heating failure
Prompt
Your apartment's heating system stopped working three days ago during winter. Write an email to your landlord.
Bullet points to address:
- •Describe the problem and how long it has lasted
- •Explain how the situation has affected you
- •Request specific action within a clear timeframe
Sample response
Subject: Urgent: Heating System Failure in Unit 4B
Dear Mr. Chen,
I am writing to bring to your urgent attention a heating failure in my apartment (Unit 4B) that has persisted for the past three days. The heating system stopped functioning completely on Monday evening and has not operated since.
This situation has significantly disrupted my household. With overnight temperatures dropping below -12°C, my young daughter and I have been unable to sleep comfortably and have had to rely on electric space heaters, resulting in considerably higher hydro costs. My daughter has since developed a cold.
I would respectfully request that a licensed technician inspect and repair the heating system no later than tomorrow, Thursday, December 14. If same-day repair is not feasible, I would appreciate the provision of temporary heating equipment at no cost to our unit until the issue is resolved.
I look forward to your prompt response and appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.
Regards, Sarah Thompson
Why this scores well
All 3 bullets addressed sequentially. Specific detail (unit number, temperature, timeframe) raises Task Response score. Vocabulary choices: 'persisted', 'operational', 'respectfully request', 'feasible'. Register is formal-professional throughout.
Request to manager — schedule change
Prompt
You need to temporarily change your work schedule for personal reasons. Write an email to your manager.
Bullet points to address:
- •Explain the reason for the schedule change
- •Propose a specific alternative schedule
- •Offer to compensate for any missed responsibilities
Sample response
Subject: Request for Temporary Schedule Adjustment — Two Weeks
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request a temporary adjustment to my work schedule for the two-week period beginning Monday, January 8. My mother is recovering from surgery and requires assistance at home during daytime hours.
I would like to propose shifting my hours from the standard 9:00 AM–5:00 PM to 6:00 AM–2:00 PM for this period. This revised schedule would allow me to fulfil my morning responsibilities before attending to my family obligations in the afternoon.
I understand this arrangement may require some coordination, and I am fully prepared to address any resulting gaps. I will complete any pending reports in the evenings and am happy to arrange coverage with a colleague for any afternoon meetings I would otherwise miss.
Thank you for your understanding. I would welcome a brief conversation at your convenience to discuss this further.
Best regards, James Osei
Why this scores well
Opens with context before the request — a natural email rhythm. The proposed schedule is specific (not vague like 'earlier hours'). Compensation offer is concrete: evenings + colleague coverage. 'Fulfil' uses Canadian/British spelling.
Apology to team leader — missed deadline
Prompt
You missed an important project deadline that affected your team. Write an email to your team leader.
Bullet points to address:
- •Apologize and explain what happened
- •Acknowledge the impact on the project
- •Propose a concrete plan to prevent recurrence
Sample response
Subject: Apology for Delayed Submission — Q3 Analysis Report
Dear Mr. Park,
I am writing to sincerely apologize for failing to submit the Q3 Analysis Report by the agreed deadline of Friday, November 10. The delay occurred due to a miscommunication regarding the data source — I received confirmation of the updated figures on Thursday afternoon, which left insufficient time to revise the report before the submission window closed.
I fully understand that this delay had a direct impact on the team's presentation preparation and I take complete responsibility for not escalating the data issue earlier when I first identified it on Wednesday.
To ensure this does not recur, I have implemented a personal project tracking system that includes a 48-hour alert for all deliverables. I will also proactively communicate any data-related blockers as soon as they arise, rather than attempting to resolve them independently. The completed report will be submitted by end of day today.
Sincerely, Amelia Nakamura
Why this scores well
Strong opening apology + specific cause (not vague 'personal reasons'). Impact acknowledgement is direct without over-explaining. Prevention plan is specific and actionable — this scores highly on Task Response and Coherence. No contractions throughout.
Inquiry to community centre — membership
Prompt
You are interested in joining a local community centre. Write an email to the centre.
Bullet points to address:
- •Ask about membership types and fees
- •Inquire about the facilities and programs available
- •Ask about how to register
Sample response
Subject: Membership Inquiry — Riverside Community Centre
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to inquire about membership opportunities at the Riverside Community Centre. My family and I recently relocated to the neighbourhood and are interested in becoming members.
Could you please provide information regarding the available membership categories — for example, individual, family, or senior memberships — along with the associated fees and any current promotions? I would also appreciate details about the facilities and programs offered, particularly any fitness classes, swimming pool access, and children's programs that may be available.
Additionally, I would like to know the process for registering as a new member. Specifically, I would like to understand whether registration must be completed in person or whether it can be done online, and what documentation, if any, is required.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to receiving your response.
Sincerely, David Mensah
Why this scores well
Uses 'To Whom It May Concern' correctly when no recipient name is given. Each bullet point is given its own sentence or question, making the email easy to respond to. 'Additionally' and 'Specifically' are effective cohesion markers. Formal register consistent throughout.
Follow-up after job interview
Prompt
You recently attended a job interview and want to follow up. Write an email to the hiring manager.
Bullet points to address:
- •Thank the interviewer for their time
- •Restate your interest in the position
- •Ask about the timeline for the hiring decision
Sample response
Subject: Follow-Up: Marketing Coordinator Interview — November 15
Dear Ms. Williams,
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me on Tuesday, November 15 to discuss the Marketing Coordinator position at Clearpath Communications. I genuinely appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the role and the team's current priorities.
Our conversation confirmed my strong interest in joining Clearpath. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to the digital content strategy initiatives you described, and I believe my background in data-driven campaign management aligns well with the goals your team is working toward.
I understand that you are reviewing multiple candidates, and I wanted to kindly inquire whether you have an anticipated timeline for the hiring decision. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information to support your decision.
Kind regards, Priya Sharma
Why this scores well
Opens with gratitude (bullet 1) immediately. 'Confirmed my strong interest' satisfies bullet 2 while sounding natural rather than formulaic. The timeline inquiry (bullet 3) uses 'kindly inquire' — appropriately deferential. 'Kind regards' is a professional but warm close.
Complaint to online retailer — wrong order
Prompt
You received the wrong item from an online retailer. Write an email to their customer service department.
Bullet points to address:
- •Describe your order and what you received instead
- •Explain how this has inconvenienced you
- •Request a specific resolution with a timeframe
Sample response
Subject: Incorrect Item Received — Order #CA-884721
Dear Customer Service Team,
I am writing to report a fulfilment error with my recent order (#CA-884721, placed on December 2). I ordered a 12-inch stainless steel chef's knife from the Harvest Pro collection; however, the package I received contained a 6-inch paring knife of a different brand entirely.
This error has caused considerable inconvenience, as the knife was intended as a gift for an event this weekend. I am now required to seek an alternative gift on short notice, which involves additional time and expense on my part.
I would appreciate it if you could arrange for the correct item to be delivered via expedited shipping within two business days, along with a prepaid return label for the incorrect item. Should the correct product be unavailable, I would request a full refund to my original payment method.
Regards, Thomas Beaumont
Why this scores well
Specific order details strengthen Task Response — vague complaints score lower. Impact (bullet 2) is concrete: event deadline, additional expense. Resolution (bullet 3) offers two options with a conditional — this shows clear writing and scored well on Coherence.
Noise complaint to neighbour
Prompt
Loud noise from your neighbour's apartment late at night has been disrupting your sleep. Write an email to your neighbour.
Bullet points to address:
- •Describe the problem politely
- •Explain how it has affected you
- •Suggest a reasonable and specific solution
Sample response
Subject: Noise from Unit 6A — A Friendly Request
Dear Neighbour,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing as a resident of Unit 6B to mention something that has been affecting me recently. Over the past two weeks, I have noticed loud music and occasional shouting coming from your apartment between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM on weekday evenings.
I completely understand that everyone has the right to enjoy their home, and I apologize if this note comes as a surprise. However, the late-night noise has significantly disrupted my sleep, and as I work early morning shifts, I have found it increasingly difficult to function at work during the day.
Would you be willing to keep the volume to a quieter level after 10:00 PM on weekdays? I would be happy to discuss a solution that works for both of us. I truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Warm regards, Maria Santos
Why this scores well
Tone is politely assertive — not aggressive, not weak. The apology ('I apologize if this comes as a surprise') shows social awareness and raises the Coherence score by acknowledging the reader's perspective. The proposed solution is specific and reasonable.
Notification to team — meeting reschedule
Prompt
An important team meeting needs to be rescheduled. Write an email to your team.
Bullet points to address:
- •Explain why the meeting needs to be rescheduled
- •Propose two alternative meeting times
- •Ask team members to confirm their availability
Sample response
Subject: Rescheduled: Project Kickoff Meeting — Please Confirm Availability
Dear Team,
I am writing to inform you that the Project Kickoff Meeting originally scheduled for this Thursday at 2:00 PM will need to be rescheduled. The venue has unfortunately become unavailable due to a building maintenance issue that was identified this morning, and we have been unable to secure an alternative room for Thursday afternoon.
I would like to propose two alternative times for your consideration: Tuesday, December 19 at 10:00 AM, or Wednesday, December 20 at 3:00 PM. Both slots are available in the main boardroom and would allow us to proceed with the full agenda as planned.
Could each of you please reply to this email by end of day tomorrow with your availability for these dates? I will confirm the new meeting time once I have heard from everyone. I apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause.
Best regards, Chris Patel
Why this scores well
Written in a team-notification register — slightly less formal than an email to a superior. Two specific alternatives are given (not vague 'sometime next week'). The response deadline ('end of day tomorrow') is a professional touch that adds specificity to bullet 3.
HR inquiry — parental leave policy
Prompt
You are expecting a new baby and want to learn about your company's parental leave policy. Write an email to HR.
Bullet points to address:
- •Explain the reason for your inquiry
- •Ask specific questions about the policy
- •Request written documentation or a meeting
Sample response
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Parental Leave Policy
Dear HR Department,
I am writing to inquire about the company's parental leave policy. My partner and I are expecting our first child in April 2025, and I would like to understand the full scope of the support available to me as an employee.
Specifically, I would appreciate information on the following: the duration of paid and unpaid parental leave I am entitled to, the process for applying and the required notice period, whether there is a top-up arrangement to supplement government employment insurance benefits, and whether flexible return-to-work options — such as a phased return schedule — are available.
If the policy details are documented in an employee handbook or HR portal, I would be grateful if you could direct me to the relevant section. Alternatively, I would welcome a brief meeting at your convenience to discuss this in person.
Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, Fatima Al-Hassan
Why this scores well
Structured inquiry using a bulleted list within the email body — an advanced technique that improves readability and scores well on Coherence. All three bullets are addressed. 'Specifically, I would appreciate information on:' is a professional transition that introduces the questions naturally.
Volunteer offer for neighbourhood event
Prompt
Your community is organizing a neighbourhood cleanup and you want to participate. Write an email to the event organizer.
Bullet points to address:
- •Express your interest in volunteering
- •Ask about the schedule and what volunteers should bring
- •Offer specific skills or resources you can contribute
Sample response
Subject: Volunteering for the Westdale Neighbourhood Cleanup
Dear Event Organizer,
I am writing to express my interest in volunteering for the upcoming Westdale Neighbourhood Cleanup on Saturday, April 6. I have been a resident of the neighbourhood for three years and am genuinely committed to helping maintain our community spaces.
Could you please provide details regarding the schedule for the day, specifically the start and end times, the designated meeting location, and whether volunteers are expected to bring their own supplies such as gloves or garbage bags, or if these will be provided?
In terms of what I can contribute, I have a pickup truck available and would be happy to assist with transporting collected waste to the disposal site. I also have experience organizing volunteer groups from a previous role with a community association and would be glad to assist with coordination if additional support is needed.
Looking forward to hearing from you. Warm regards, Kevin Tremblay
Why this scores well
Enthusiastic but professional tone — appropriate for a community event. Bullet 2 (schedule/supplies) is addressed with specific sub-questions. Bullet 3 (skills/resources) goes beyond the minimum: two distinct offers (truck, coordination experience). The specificity raises both Task Response and Lexical Resource scores.
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32 complete, annotated writing samples at CELPIP 10–12 level. Task 1 emails and Task 2 survey responses — the fastest way to see what a top-scoring answer looks like and internalize the pattern.
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