CELPIP, Writing Task 1: Writing an Email

Complaint About Incorrect Restaurant Bill: sample answer

A model answer to this exam-style CELPIP writing an email question, written to a level 10 target. See the question, the full answer and exactly why it works, then try it yourself.

Practice Writing an Email free Read the answer

Task: Writing an Email
Time: 27 minutes
Answer length: 163 words
Written to: Level 10 target

The question

Situation

You had dinner at a restaurant with friends, but the bill included several items your table did not order.

Task

Write an email to the restaurant owner in about 150-200 words. In your email:

Describe the situation or problem clearly
Explain how it affects you or others
State what action, information, or solution you would like

Sample answer

Linking words are highlighted: they show the structure a rater follows.

Dear Restaurant Owner,

I am writing to ask for your help with a recent problem. I had dinner at a restaurant with friends, but the bill included several items my table did not order. This has been inconvenient because I expected the service to match what was promised.

I have tried to deal with the situation patiently, but it has not yet been resolved. Because of this, I am contacting you directly and asking for the matter to be reviewed. Good communication would make a big difference, especially because I need to know what will happen next.

I would appreciate it if you could review the bill and refund the incorrect charges. I have kept the relevant records and can forward them for your review. Please respond by email within the next few business days so I can plan accordingly.

Thank you for taking the time to look into this. I hope the issue can be resolved quickly and fairly.

Sincerely, Alex Morgan

163 words

Why it works

What you can measure in this answer, and what CELPIP raters mark.

The right length. 163 words: inside the required 150–200, in 6 paragraphs.
Clear links between ideas: “because”. They make the answer easy to follow, which raters reward under coherence.
6 paragraphs, each with its own job, so the reader can follow the answer at a glance.

How CELPIP marks writing an email

Content & CoherenceLevel 1–12
Enough relevant ideas, organised clearly and supported with detail.
VocabularyLevel 1–12
Words chosen precisely and appropriately for the topic.
ReadabilityLevel 1–12
Paragraphing, linking words, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Task FulfillmentLevel 1–12
Answers every part, with the right tone and length.

Writing Task 1: Writing an Email guide Template Tips

Common questions

How many words should a CELPIP Writing Task 1: Writing an Email answer have?

The task asks for 150 to 200 words, written in 27 minutes. This sample is 163 words.

How is CELPIP Writing Task 1: Writing an Email scored?

CELPIP marks it on Content & Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability, Task Fulfillment, each on a Level 1 to 12 scale. Your result for the task comes from these together.

Is this a real CELPIP question?

No. It's an original, exam-style question written to match the official format. Nobody can legally publish real test questions.

Should I memorise this answer?

No. Use it to see the structure, length and linking words that work, then answer in your own words. Memorised answers rarely fit a new question and raters notice.

Where can I practice this question and get a score?

Open it on PrepScroll: record or type your own answer and get an instant estimated score on each CELPIP criterion, with what to fix. It's free to start.

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