CELPIP Writing Task 1 Complaint Email: A CLB 9+ Template

Nothing is more frustrating than a low score on an “easy” task. For CELPIP Writing Task 1, the complaint email is a common prompt where test-takers lose points.

Why? They fail to balance a firm, formal tone with a clear request. Or worse, they forget to include all three bullet points from the prompt.

This guide provides a clear structure and a high-scoring template for any CELPIP Writing Task 1 complaint email.

What the Raters Are Looking For

For any CELPIP Writing Task 1 complaint email, the raters are grading you on four things:

1. Task Fulfillment: Did you include all three bullet points from the prompt?
2. Tone: Did you sound professional and polite, not angry or rude? (This is a huge one.)
3. Readability: Is your email easy to read? (Correct paragraph breaks, good transition words).
4. Vocabulary: Did you use strong, precise words?

The biggest mistake is focusing too much on vocabulary and forgetting “Task Fulfillment.” If you miss a bullet point, you cannot get a high score.

The 4-Part Structure for a Perfect Complaint Email

You have 27 minutes. Don’t just start writing. Use the first 2-3 minutes to plan. Follow this simple, 4-paragraph structure to ensure you hit every point.

• Paragraph 1: The Opener (Context & Purpose)
  • Start with a formal greeting (e.g., “Dear Sir or Madam,” or “Dear M. Jones,”).
  • State why you are writing. Be direct.
• Paragraph 2: The First Problem (Bullet Point 1)
  • Address the first bullet point from the prompt.
  • Provide one or two specific details.
• Paragraph 3: The Second Problem (Bullet Point 2)
  • Address the second bullet point.
  • Explain the impact this problem had on you.
• Paragraph 4: The Solution (Bullet Point 3)
  • Address the final bullet point, which is always your requested solution.
  • State clearly what you expect (e.g., a refund, a replacement, a repair).
  • End with a formal closing (e.g., “I look forward to your response,” or “Thank you for your attention to this matter,”).

Sample CELPIP Writing Task 1 Complaint Email Template

Let’s use a common prompt:

You recently bought a new kitchen appliance (e.g., a coffee maker) from a website. When it arrived, it was not working correctly.

Write an email to the company’s customer service (150-200 words):

• Explain when you bought it and what the item is.
• Describe the problem with the appliance.
• State what you want the company to do.

CLB 9+ Sample Answer

Dear Customer Service Team,

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a “QuickBrew 5000” coffee maker I purchased from your website (order #A45-882) on October 28, 2025. I have been a loyal customer for several years, but this recent experience has been very disappointing.

The primary issue is that the appliance does not function as advertised. According to the product description, the “one-touch” espresso function is supposed to produce a hot, 2oz shot. Unfortunately, the machine only produces lukewarm water, and the brewing cycle stops after five seconds. Furthermore, the unit arrived with a large, visible crack in the side of the water reservoir.

This has been a significant inconvenience, as I am now without a coffee maker and have received a damaged, non-functional item.

To resolve this, I request that you arrange for a pre-paid shipping label so I can return the defective unit. I would like a full replacement sent to my address on file. If a replacement is not possible, I ask for a full refund of $149.99 to my original payment method.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

Ted J.

The Missing Piece of Any Template

Using this template is a great start. But a template only gives you the structure. It doesn’t tell you if your grammar is correct, if your vocabulary is strong, or if your tone is right.

A template is a map, but you’re still driving the car.

This is why mastering the core task is so critical. The CELPIP Writing Task 1 complaint email is just one of many types of emails you could be asked to write. To see how to adapt this for other prompts (like asking for information or making a request), you must review the core strategies in our Ultimate Study Guide for CELPIP Writing Task 1: Writing an Email.

A Template Can’t Give You Feedback. An AI Coach Can.

Here’s the truth: you can use a perfect template and still get a CLB 7.

Why? Because you might be making small, repeated errors in grammar, word choice, or punctuation that you don’t even know you’re making.

You don’t need another template. You need instant, expert feedback.

This is the exact problem Exam Hero was built to solve. Our Smart AI Coach acts like your personal CELPIP rater.

• Practice with Our Template: Use the structure you just learned and write your own complaint email in our app.
• Get Instant Feedback: Within seconds, our AI will score your email. It won’t just give you a number; it will tell you exactly what to fix—from “Task Fulfillment” to “Vocabulary” and “Readability.”

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