7 Key Strategies for the Writing Component of your CELPIP Test

We know that for some test takers, making sure their written English skills measure up to their speaking, reading, and listening skills can be a challenge.

By following these key strategies, you’ll build confidence in your writing and feel prepared for the writing tasks on your upcoming test!

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1. Carefully read the entire prompt and address it throughout your response.

To make sure you are answering all parts of the writing question, follow all of the provided instructions. This means taking the time to develop your answer and consider all of the supporting information you want to include to help build your response. As you develop your response, be sure that you are continuing to address the question, and keep all of your supporting details relevant to the task at hand.

2. Type on a keyboard for practice.

Remember when you are preparing for your test that the CELPIP is delivered entirely on a computer, so all written responses will be typed with a keyboard. Make sure you are comfortable writing with a keyboard, and practice using it as often as you can, even if you are used to writing with a pen and paper. Keeping a diary on your laptop and writing emails to your friends and family are a couple of ways to keep your typing skills and confidence fresh.

Preparation Resources for CELPIP

3. Organize your writing.

Building sentences and paragraphs that are well-planned will help your ideas and arguments flow in a logical and clear way. Taking some time at the beginning of your writing task to make an outline will help you fit all of your ideas and supporting details into your response. As well, remember to use greetings, transitions, and sign-offs as required to keep your response appropriate and suited to the prompt.

4. Change up your grammar and vocabulary.

When writing your response, make sure to use a diverse and natural range of vocabulary. Demonstrating the size of your vocabulary is important but is equal to the appropriateness of those words used. In addition, support your wide range of vocabulary with varied grammatical structures. Use sentences of different lengths and complexity to establish your proficiency, and to demonstrate your command of your writing skills.

5. Keep an eye on your word count.

The word count limits provided for your written responses do include some room, and you do not have to match the number of words exactly, but try to adhere to that number as much as possible. Failing to meet the word count, or going over it significantly, could impact your score. A word counter is provided for the written response sections so that you can easily keep track of the number of words in your response.

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6. Be mindful of your time.

Using the first few minutes of your written response time to prepare an outline and leaving additional time at the end of your response to re-read and revise your work are helpful ways to use your provided time.

7. Give your writing a review.

Planning your time carefully and giving yourself a few additional minutes to review your response will help you to improve your response. Take time to look for errors that you commonly make in your writing. While the writing component of the CELPIP Test includes a spellcheck feature, consider using the right word for your response when the spellchecker identifies an error.

Preparation Resources for CELPIP