How to Prepare for Writing Section in CELPIP

Introduction

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program or CELPIP is and Canadian English proficiency exam that is taken by the candidates who want to apply for residency in Canada. Those who are looking for citizenship take CELPIP LS. The test is the same as CELPIP general but with only two categories Listening and Speaking. What exactly is Canadian English? In general, Canadian English is very similar to American English with some differences in spelling. The pronunciation is almost identical, and there are not a lot of lexical differences either(Writing Section). The alternative to this test is IELTS but that is more expensive than CELPIP.

There are two types of CELPIP Exam:

• Common Test: Writing, listening, speaking and reading
• Only writing and speaking

Each category in the test is for almost one hour except Speaking which is for 20 minutes and the CELPIP test is fully computer-delivered. The highest score for CELPIP is 12. Today we will highlight about the writing exam and it’s preparation tactics for CELPIP(Writing Section). The written exam is computer-based, so it will help you to check your word count and the time left before the exam ends

There are two writing exams:

• Email writing
• Survey question

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Email Writing

For writing an email, 27 minutes are given and the word limit is 150-200 words. Here are some tips to score well in email writing

• While giving a writing exam, always divide your allotted time for reading the exam question, brainstorming the ideas, writing the exam, and at last, proofreading the email before final submission.
• The content of the email should have a logical and continuous flow. Do not break the flow abruptly or leave the sentence in mid. CELPIP is another study abroad exam like TOEFL and IELTS.
• To score better, write short and subtle sentences instead of complex and compound sentences. As examiners avoid reading long sentences.

During the exam be cautious about the use of tenses and the right form of the verb as grammar is the real deal-breaker or maker.

Division of Paragraphs

In the email, 4-5 short paragraphs would be enough but should be related to the given topic. While writing, keep checking the count of words, do not overdo the limit as your marks may get deducted.

• For the first paragraph write greetings
• In the second paragraph write about the purpose of writing the email, this is the main body which could be stretched to the third paragraph.
• The fourth paragraph is for writing the final conclusion of the main body.
• At last, write salutation, name, and designation if needed.
• You can remember this technique by a trick of PREP Technique which stands for point, reason, example, point again.
• Polish your email by using relevant vocabulary in the context of the given question in the exam. Avoid using unnecessary words or the big words you don’t know the meaning of.
• Write your email according to the format and stick to it throughout while writing. For example- greetings and salutations should be on the left-hand side.
• To avoid any error in the email, proofread it for any error before final submission. Proofreading may only take up to 2 minutes.

Responding to Survey Question

• For the survey question, 26 minutes will be given and the word limit is 150-200 words.
• In the survey questions, a situation will be given, you have to choose the option as your answer and then explain it for choosing it.
• Format for survey question could be a letter or essay writing and it is easier to write, as you just have to add your opinions on the given question and explain it.
• Divide your content into 4-5 paragraphs each with at least 40-50 words.
• While writing the survey question, prepare your arguments (at least two arguments in support or motion of the given question), conclude them, and at the end summarize them.

Points to Remember

• Do not just throw words around, it may cause more harm than doing any good to you
• Keep track of word count and time. Writing more words than the limit may disqualify your CELPIP application.
• Along with correct grammar, never forget to use the right punctuation in your writing exam.
• Use subordinating and transition connector words like however, so, and, such as, etc to keep the sentences well connected and to maintain a flow.
• First thing first, know the difference between formal and informal writing. Informal writing includes- contractions, greetings, partial sentences, and slang terms. Do not use these while writing a formal letter/essay/email(Writing Section).