Learn

Task 1: the email, step by step

By Michael Ukwuma

Our four block email frame, a 27 minute time plan and a full sample with notes.

Task 1 gives you a situation and usually three things to do. Maybe you must explain a problem, ask for something and suggest a solution. You have 27 minutes and 150 to 200 words.

Here is the frame we use. Four blocks. Every time.

The four block frame

1. Opening: greeting that suits the reader, then one or two sentences that state why you are writing.
2. Block for point 1: one paragraph that covers the first thing the task asks, with a specific detail.
3. Block for point 2 and point 3: one paragraph each, in the same order as the task.
4. Closing: a polite line about what happens next, then a sign off that suits the reader.

Covering the points in the order given makes it easy for the rater to tick each one off. That protects your Task Fulfillment score.

Choose the right tone

• Friend or family: Hi Sam, ... Take care, ... Casual, warm, still no slang.
• Neighbour, colleague or local business: Dear Mr. Chen, or Hello Ms. Ortiz, ... Best regards, ... Polite and friendly.
• Manager, company or official: Dear Hiring Manager, or Dear Customer Service Team, ... Sincerely, ... Polite and direct.

Even when you are complaining, stay calm and respectful. A former CELPIP rater named sarcasm and rudeness as common problems among strong English users.

Your 27 minutes

• Minutes 0 to 5: read the task, underline the points, plan each block in short notes.
• Minutes 5 to 22: write.
• Minutes 22 to 27: check word count, check every point is covered, proofread for your Red List.

Sample task and answer

Task

You recently bought a coffee maker online. When it arrived, it did not work. Write an email to the company. In your email:

1. Describe what you bought and when.

2. Explain the problem.

3. Say what you want the company to do.

Sample answer, about 190 words

Dear Customer Service Team,

I am writing about a coffee maker I ordered from your website. I was disappointed to find that it does not work, and I would like your help to fix this.

On October 12, I bought the BrewMax 300 coffee maker in black, order number 48213. It arrived at my home in Moncton four days later, well packed and on time.

Unfortunately, when I plugged it in, the power light came on but the machine did not heat any water. I tried a different outlet and followed every step in the instruction booklet, but nothing changed. I was hoping to use it for a family breakfast that weekend, so this was frustrating.

I would appreciate it if you could send me a replacement as soon as possible. If a replacement is not available, a full refund to my credit card would be fine. Please also let me know how to return the faulty machine, and whether you will cover the shipping cost.

Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Ada Nwosu

Notice what makes it work. The purpose is clear in the first two lines. Each task point has its own paragraph, in order. There are specific details: a model, a date, an order number, a city, the steps already tried. The tone is firm but polite.

Key points

• Opening with purpose, one block per point, polite closing.
• Match greeting, tone and sign off to the reader.
• Plan 5 minutes, write 17, check 5.