CELPIP Writing Sample Answers

Content / Coherence

Did you fully address every bullet point, with ideas that connect logically and flow in order?

Vocabulary

Range and precision of word choice — and using it accurately, not just using "big" words.

Readability

Grammar, sentence variety, paragraphing and punctuation that make the response easy to read.

Task Fulfillment

The right tone and format for the situation, within the 150–200 word range.

The prompt · Broken Elevator Issue

You recently moved to a new apartment building in Toronto. The building has many great amenities, but the elevator has been broken for two weeks. This is causing problems for you and other residents. Write an email to your building manager in about 150–200 words. Your email should: • Describe how the broken elevator is affecting you and other residents • Explain why this problem needs to be fixed quickly • Ask for information about when the elevator will be repaired

Tone: Semi-formal

Dear Manager, I am writing about the elevator problem in our building. The elevator is broken for two weeks now. This is very bad for me and other people who live here. I live on the 8th floor and it is very hard to walk up every day. I have heavy groceries and it is difficult. My neighbor is old and she cannot walk up the stairs easily. Some people have small children and baby strollers. This problem is very important to fix fast. People are getting tired and some cannot use the stairs. It is not good for emergency too. Can you please tell me when the elevator will work again? We need to know because this is making our life difficult. Thank you for your help. Best regards, Alex Smith

Why this is CLB 5-6: All three points are covered and the tone is right — but short, repetitive sentences ("is broken for two weeks now"), basic vocabulary, and small grammar slips keep it at a basic band.

Dear Building Manager, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention the ongoing issue with our building's elevator, which has been out of service for approximately two weeks. This situation is significantly impacting residents' daily lives. As someone living on the eighth floor, I find it extremely challenging to carry groceries and other heavy items up the stairs. Several elderly residents are struggling with the climb, and parents with young children and strollers are facing considerable difficulties. The situation has become particularly concerning for residents with mobility issues. Given the inconvenience and potential safety concerns, I believe this matter requires urgent attention. The building has many residents on higher floors who depend on elevator access for their daily activities and well-being. Could you please provide us with an update on the repair timeline? Residents would greatly appreciate knowing when we can expect the elevator to be operational again. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, Alex Smith

Why this is CLB 7-8: Clear paragraphing, smoother linking ("Given the inconvenience…"), and more precise vocabulary ("out of service", "mobility issues") lift this to a solid intermediate band.

Dear Building Manager, I trust this message finds you well. I am writing to address a pressing concern regarding the elevator malfunction that has persisted for the past two weeks, significantly disrupting the daily routines of our building's residents. The impact on our community has been substantial and multifaceted. As a resident on the eighth floor, I can attest to the considerable physical strain of navigating multiple flights of stairs while carrying groceries, packages, and other necessities. More concerning, however, is the effect on our more vulnerable residents. Several elderly tenants have expressed genuine hardship in accessing their homes, while families with young children and strollers face daily struggles that compromise both convenience and safety. Additionally, residents with temporary or permanent mobility limitations are effectively trapped or forced into potentially dangerous situations. Given these circumstances, I believe immediate action is imperative. Beyond the obvious inconvenience, this situation raises legitimate safety concerns and may potentially violate accessibility standards that our building should maintain. Would you be able to provide residents with a detailed timeline for repairs, including any interim solutions you might be considering? Transparent communication regarding this matter would be greatly appreciated by the entire building community. Thank you for your anticipated prompt response. Respectfully, Alex Smith

Why this is CLB 9-10: Varied, precise language ("multifaceted", "imperative"), present-perfect tense and hedging, plus an extra developed idea (accessibility standards + asking for interim solutions) push it to the top band.

The prompt · Library Renovation Options

Your local library is planning to renovate its main floor. The city council wants to know how residents would prefer the space to be used. Choose the option you prefer and explain your reasons in about 150–200 words. Option A: Expand the book collection with more shelves and quiet reading areas. Option B: Create a community space with meeting rooms and computer labs.

Tone: Choose one option and justify it

I prefer Option A because books are important. Libraries should have many books for people to read. I like to read quiet and books help me learn new things. When I go to library, I want to find good books. More shelves means more books for everyone. Reading areas are good because some people don't have quiet place at home. My family is noisy so I go library to read. Books are cheaper than buying them. I can borrow free books and return them. Community space is okay but libraries are for books first. People can meet other places but books are special in library. Reading helps children do better in school. My children love story time at library. More books will help them learn English better. I think books are most important thing for library to have. This is why I choose Option A.

Why this is CLB 5-6: A clear opinion with reasons — but repetitive "books are important" phrasing, basic connectors, and article errors ("quiet place") cap it at a basic band.

I would choose Option A because libraries serve a unique role as repositories of knowledge and peaceful learning environments. Expanding the book collection would benefit our community in several important ways. First, having more books available means greater access to diverse topics and genres, which supports lifelong learning for all age groups. As someone who visits the library weekly, I've noticed that popular books often have long waiting lists. Additional shelves would help address this issue. Second, quiet reading areas are essential in our increasingly noisy world. Many people, including students and remote workers, rely on libraries as peaceful spaces for concentration. My neighbor, who works from home, often studies at the library because her apartment is too distracting. While community meeting spaces have value, other venues in our city already serve this purpose, such as community centers and coffee shops. However, libraries uniquely provide free access to books and quiet study environments. Preserving and expanding these core functions should be our priority for the renovation.

Why this is CLB 7-8: A structured argument ("First… Second…"), concrete personal examples, and a brief nod to the other option show good intermediate control.

I strongly support Option A, as expanding the book collection and creating additional quiet reading areas aligns with the fundamental mission of libraries while addressing critical community needs. Libraries have historically served as democratic institutions providing equitable access to knowledge, and this renovation should reinforce rather than dilute that purpose. From a practical standpoint, our growing population has increasingly strained the current collection. During my frequent visits, I've observed families leaving empty-handed because desired materials were unavailable or reserved. Expanding the collection would directly address these accessibility issues. Furthermore, quiet reading areas are invaluable in our digital age, where finding peaceful environments for deep reading and contemplation has become increasingly challenging. As a parent, I've witnessed how these spaces foster my children's love of reading and improve their academic performance. While community meeting spaces have merit, numerous alternative venues already exist throughout our city, including recreation centers, schools, and coffee shops. However, the library's unique combination of extensive book collections and tranquil reading environments cannot be replicated elsewhere. Preserving and enhancing these distinctive features through Option A ensures our library continues serving its essential role as a sanctuary for learning.

Why this is CLB 9-10: Sophisticated framing ("democratic institutions", "equitable access"), a counter-argument that is raised and rebutted, and tight cohesion throughout mark the top band.