CELPIP Writing EMAIL FORMULA

🔹 UNIVERSAL WRITING CELPIP EMAIL FORMULA

Think of it like a 5-step communication flow:

G – Greeting

O – Opening purpose

D – Details (2–3 clear points)

A – Action / request / solution

C – Closing

👉 Easy memory: G-O-D-A-C

🔹 STEP 1 — G (Greeting)

Match tone correctly. This already affects your score.

Formal

“Dear Sir/Madam,”

Semi-formal

“Dear Mr. Smith,”

Informal

“Hi John,”

❌ Common mistake: mixing tone

(“Hi Sir” = wrong)

🔹 STEP 2 — O (Opening Purpose)

Goal: Say why you are writing in ONE clear sentence.

Good phrases:

• “I am writing to inform you that…”

• “I am writing regarding…”

• “I would like to bring to your attention that…”

Example

I am writing to inform you about an issue I experienced at your store yesterday.

👉 No story. Straight to purpose.

🔹 STEP 3 — D (Details)

This is where students lose marks.

Rule:

Give 2–3 clear points, each logically connected.

Example:

Firstly, the product I purchased was damaged when I opened the package.

Secondly, the staff member I spoke to was unable to provide a proper solution.

Finally, I was asked to return another day, which was inconvenient.

👉 Notice:

• Clear sequencing

• No confusion

• No long messy sentences

🔹 STEP 4 — A (Action / Request / Solution)

You MUST tell the reader what you want.

Example:

I would appreciate it if you could either replace the product or provide a full refund.

OR

I suggest improving customer service training to avoid similar issues in the future.

👉 This is where CLB 10+ answers stand out.

🔹 STEP 5 — C (Closing)

Keep it clean and professional.

Formal

“I look forward to your response.”

Semi-formal

“Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Informal

“Let me know what you think!”

Ending:

Yours Sincerely,

[Your Name]

🔹 FULL BAND 11 SAMPLE (USING GODAC)

Question

You bought a product that was damaged. Write an email to the store manager.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to inform you about an issue I experienced with a product I recently purchased from your store.

Firstly, the item was already damaged when I opened the package at home. Secondly, when I visited the store to report the issue, the staff member was unable to provide a proper solution. Finally, I was asked to return on another day, which was quite inconvenient.

I would appreciate it if you could arrange a replacement or provide a full refund for the product. Additionally, I suggest reviewing your quality checks to prevent similar issues in the future.

I look forward to your response.

Yours Sincerely,

Sam Curren 

🔹 WHY THIS GETS CLB 10–12

Not because of difficult words

But because of:

• clear purpose

• logical flow

• correct tone

• direct request

• no confusion

🔹 TEMPLATE 1 — FORMAL EMAIL (Complaint / Request)

Structure

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to inform you about [issue].

Firstly, [problem 1]. Secondly, [problem 2].

I would appreciate it if you could [request/solution].

I look forward to your response.

Yours Sincerely,

[Your Name]

🔹 TEMPLATE 2 — SEMI-FORMAL EMAIL (Work / Manager / Teacher)

Structure

Dear Mr./Ms. [Name],

I hope you are doing well. I am writing regarding [situation].

One concern is that [issue]. Additionally, [second point].

I would like to request [solution].

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

🔹 TEMPLATE 3 — INFORMAL EMAIL (Friend)

Structure

Hi [Name],

Hope you’re doing great! I just wanted to talk about [topic].

One thing is that [point 1]. Also, [point 2].

I think you should [suggestion/advice].

Let me know what you think!

Take care,

[Your Name]