June 1, 2019

Study Strategies: Writing

The Writing Component of the CELPIP Test can be the most challenging part of the CELPIP Test for many test takers. To help yourself prepare for the writing tasks of the CELPIP Test, consider using the following study tips:

  • Address all parts of the task:

Follow all instructions and fully develop all parts of the task, supporting your main ideas with relevant details.

  • Practice using a computer:

The CELPIP Test is fully computer-delivered, so ensuring that you are comfortable with a mouse and computer keyboard will help you on the CELPIP Test.

  • Organize your writing:

Structure your sentences and paragraphs in a well-planned framework that helps your ideas and arguments flow in a clear and logical way. Making an outline prior to writing is the best way to make sure that all of your ideas fit well into your piece of writing. Ensure that you use the appropriate transitions and that you use greetings and sign-offs if they are required.

  • Use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures:

Use diverse, rich, and natural vocabulary and ensure that your word choice is appropriate.  Use varied and correct grammatical structures and construct sentences that vary in length and complexity.

  • Pay attention to the word count:

You do have a little bit of room to be under or over the suggested word count limits on the CELPIP Writing Test tasks. However, your final score may suffer if you are significantly over or under the word count limits. Each task on the Writing Test has a word counter underneath so that you can keep track of the length of your response.

  • Manage your time:

Use the first 5 minutes to plan your response to the prompt, and leave 5 to 7 minutes at the end to revise your work and make improvements. The rest of the time should be spent writing the response itself.

  • Reread your responses:

Leave enough time to review your responses. Pay close attention to the types of writing errors you most commonly make. The CELPIP Writing Test does include an automatic spelling checker, but keep in mind that it is sometimes difficult to choose the right word when the spelling checker offers you a choice.

CELPIP
When I took CELPIP, I found it was like speaking English in real life. You speak every day with your boss and with your friends, and the CELPIP Test represents those every-day, real-life language situations.
- Rafaela B., CELPIP Test Taker
CELPIP
I had taken other English language proficiency before, and CELPIP was more relatable to me. All of the questions were situations I was familiar with from daily life, and were like conversations I had experienced personally.
- Chrisna D., CELPIP Test Taker
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