What are the 2 CELPIP Writing tasks?

The CELPIP Writing section has two tasks: Task 1 is Writing an Email (respond to a situation in about 150 to 200 words), and Task 2 is Responding to Survey Questions (choose an option and justify it with reasons in about 150 to 200 words).

How long is the CELPIP Writing section in 2026?

The CELPIP Writing section runs about 53 to 60 minutes and has two tasks. You get roughly 27 minutes for Task 1 (email) and 26 minutes for Task 2 (responding to survey questions).

How is CELPIP Writing Task 2 scored?

Writing Task 2, Responding to Survey Questions, is evaluated by CELPIP experts on content and coherence, vocabulary, readability and task fulfilment, and reported on the CLB 1 to 12 scale. Our practice tests return expert feedback with model sample answers.

How many CELPIP Writing practice tests are available?

We offer 6 free CELPIP Writing practice tests covering both Task 1 (email) and Task 2 (survey). Each returns expert feedback and model sample answers.

Are the CELPIP Writing practice tests free?

Yes. All 6 CELPIP Writing practice tests are free, with expert feedback on every submission and model sample answers. No credit card is needed to start.

How is CELPIP Writing evaluated on my practice test?

You draft your email and survey response in a timed editor. Submissions are evaluated by CELPIP experts against the official descriptors, with notes on grammar, vocabulary, coherence and task fulfilment, plus model sample answers, usually within 1 to 2 hours.

What word count should I aim for in CELPIP Writing?

Aim for about 150 to 200 words for each of Task 1 and Task 2. Staying in range shows you can develop ideas fully without padding, which supports a higher CLB writing band.

How can I improve my CELPIP Writing score?

Plan before you write, address every bullet point, vary your sentence structure and vocabulary, match tone to the reader, and proofread. Practise both tasks under real timing and review the expert feedback and sample answers.

What is the CELPIP email writing task?

Task 1 gives you a situation and asks you to write an email of about 150 to 200 words with an appropriate greeting, purpose, detail and closing. Tone can be formal or informal depending on the reader.

Are the writing tests updated for the 2026 CELPIP format?

Yes. Every writing test reflects the latest 2026 CELPIP format, timing and the two writing tasks, with the same on-screen editor as the real computer-delivered test.

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6 free writing tests · Updated for the 2026 CELPIP format

CELPIP Writing practice tests

email + survey

53 min

to finish

2 modes

practice/exam

Start test

2026 format spec

The CELPIP Writing section in the 2026 format

The 2026 CELPIP Writing section keeps its two tasks and CLB 1 to 12 scoring. Here is the format at a glance.

Writing tasks: 2 tasks: Task 1, Writing an Email, and Task 2, Responding to Survey Questions
Length per task: About 150 to 200 words for each task, typed in an on-screen editor
Time: About 53 to 60 minutes total, roughly 27 minutes for Task 1 and 26 minutes for Task 2
Format: Fully computer delivered. It is the third section on test day, after Reading
Assessed on: Content and coherence, vocabulary, readability and task fulfilment, by CELPIP experts
Scoring: Reported on the CLB 1 to 12 scale, aligned to the Canadian Language Benchmarks

A deeper breakdown of each writing task is in the sections below.

About the section

About the CELPIP Writing section

The CELPIP Writing section in the 2026 format has two tasks and runs about 53 to 60 minutes. It is the third section on test day, after Reading. Both tasks are typed in an on-screen editor, and both are evaluated by CELPIP experts, not machines.

Task 1, Writing an Email, gives you an everyday situation and asks you to write an email of about 150 to 200 words, choosing an appropriate tone for the reader. Task 2, Responding to Survey Questions, presents a survey with two options, and you pick one and defend it with clear reasons in about 150 to 200 words. Task 2 is one of the most searched parts of the test, so our practice puts extra focus on building a strong, well organised response.

Your writing score is reported on the CLB 1 to 12 scale. Most permanent residence applicants aim for CLB 9 or above. Our 6 free CELPIP Writing practice tests and model samples cover both tasks, return expert feedback usually within 1 to 2 hours, and run in both a relaxed Practice mode and a timed Exam mode.

Writing tasks

The 2 CELPIP Writing tasks

The 2026 CELPIP Writing section tests your writing through two tasks, each evaluated by experts.

Writing an Email

Read a situation and write an email of about 150 to 200 words. You choose the greeting, purpose, supporting detail and closing, and match a formal or informal tone to the reader. Tests task fulfilment, tone and organisation.

Responding to Survey Questions

Read a short survey with two options, choose one, and justify it with clear reasons in about 150 to 200 words. This is CELPIP Writing Task 2, and it rewards a clear position, developed reasons and a logical structure.

How your writing is scored

Experts rate both tasks on content and coherence, vocabulary, readability and task fulfilment, then map the result to a CLB level. Every submission comes back with notes on exactly what to fix.

Model sample answers

Each writing test includes high band model samples for both the email and the survey response, so you can see what a strong CELPIP answer looks like and copy the structure, not the content.

Tips and strategies

CELPIP Writing tips to improve your score

Proven CELPIP writing tips for both the email and the survey task.

Plan before you type

Spend the first 2 to 3 minutes noting your purpose and main points. A quick plan keeps your email or Task 2 response focused and stops you from running out of time or ideas.

Address every point

Task fulfilment is scored directly. Cover every bullet in the email prompt, and in Task 2 give a clear choice plus at least two developed reasons. Missing a point caps your band.

Vary vocabulary and structure

Mix short and longer sentences, use linking words, and avoid repeating the same words. Range in vocabulary and grammar is one of the fastest ways to lift your CLB writing level.

Hit the word count and proofread

Aim for 150 to 200 words per task, then leave a minute to fix spelling, verb tenses and punctuation. Small errors add up. Practise in Exam mode, then review the expert feedback.

Questions