CELPIP Gym
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Writing

Plan first, then type

An email and a survey answer, 150 to 200 words each. Learn the plan that covers the task before you polish a word.

2 lessons, 11 minutes of reading

Start lesson 1Hacks for the section

Where the marks are

2 tasks, 53 minutes

The lessons

  1. One point, one paragraph, one detailTask 1, writing an email, 5 minThe prompt gives you three things the email must do. Give each its own paragraph and one fact only you could know, set the tone in the first line, and the email answers the task before you polish a word.1Plan three slots, then fill them2Set the tone dial before you type3Upgrade the plain lines4Lines to borrow
  2. Pick the side you can argue fastestTask 2, survey questions, 6 minMarks go when you pick the side you believe and then find you've nothing to say about it. Weigh both options for one minute, commit to the one you can prove, and the rest of the 26 minutes already has a plan.1Choose in sixty seconds, by reasons not beliefs2Both reasons in the first paragraph3Reason, example, result4Give the other side one sentence5Lines to borrow

The night before

Every lesson's card on one sheet. Read it once the evening before, and leave it at home.

One point, one paragraph, one detail

  1. Three slots and three facts before you type.
  2. Set the tone in the greeting, and keep it to the sign-off.
  3. Last five minutes: three points ticked, 150 to 200 words, one read for slips.

Pick the side you can argue fastest

  1. One minute: weigh both sides. A reason counts only if you can picture it.
  2. Your choice and both reasons in the first sentence.
  3. Reason, example, result, twice. One sentence for the other side.

Hacks for the whole section

Small things that hold in both tasks. None takes practice, only remembering.

  • ScreenThe counter is under the box

    It counts for you, so never count by hand. Glance at it after each paragraph.

  • ScreenThe spell-checker offers choices

    It flags a word and suggests others. Use it in your last five minutes, and read what you're accepting: it will hand you the wrong real word as readily as the right one.

  • MarksA little over is fine, a lot isn't

    Your score can suffer when you're well outside 150 to 200. Far over, cut a sentence. Far under, add a detail to your thinnest point.

  • PadPlan on paper, not in the box

    Notes typed into the answer get forgotten there, and counted. Keep the box for the answer.

  • ClockWhen the time ends, the screen moves on

    It doesn't wait for a sentence. Have your last line and your sign-off written before the final minute, not in it.

  • The dayA standard English keyboard

    The test uses a QWERTY one. If yours at home is laid out differently, do your practice on one like it.