CELPIP Writing: Complete Guide to Email Greetings

 CELPIP Writing: Complete Guide to Email Greetings

Why Greetings Matter

The greeting is the first thing the examiner sees. A strong greeting immediately establishes the correct tone.

Many CLB 6 writers focus only on grammar. CLB 12 writers focus on appropriateness, naturalness, and Canadian workplace communication style.

A greeting should match:

The relationship

The purpose

The level of formality

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KNOWN PERSON

The recipient's name is provided in the task.

Examples:

Manager John Smith

Professor Lee

Neighbor Sarah

Coworker Mike

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CLB 6 Greetings

These are correct and safe.

Dear Mr. Smith,

Dear Ms. Lee,

Dear John,

Dear Sarah,

Why CLB 6?

These greetings are grammatically correct but somewhat basic and repetitive.

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CLB 12 Greetings

These sound more natural and context-appropriate.

Formal

Hello Mr. Smith,

Hello Ms. Lee,

Good morning Mr. Smith,

Good afternoon Ms. Lee,

Semi-formal

Hello John,

Hello Sarah,

Hi John,

Hi Sarah,

Example

❌ Dear John,

✅ Hello John,

Both are correct, but "Hello John" is more common in modern Canadian workplace emails.

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UNKNOWN PERSON

The recipient's name is NOT provided.

Examples:

Customer service representative

Hiring manager

University office

Property manager

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CLB 6 Greetings

Dear Sir or Madam,

To Whom It May Concern,

Why CLB 6?

Correct but generic.

These do not show awareness of the actual audience.

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CLB 12 Greetings

Formal Unknown

Hello,

Dear Hiring Manager,

Dear Customer Service Team,

Dear Property Manager,

Dear Admissions Office,

Dear Human Resources Team,

Why CLB 12?

Specific greetings sound more professional and natural.

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What Canadians Actually Use Most

Formal Known

Most common in CELPIP:

Dear Mr. Smith,

Dear Ms. Lee,

Hello Mr. Smith,

Hello Ms. Lee,

Use for:

Managers

Professors

Landlords

Government officials

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Formal Unknown

Most common in CELPIP:

Hello,

Dear Hiring Manager,

Dear Customer Service Team,

Dear Property Manager,

Dear Admissions Office,

Use when the person's name is unknown.

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Semi-Formal

Most common in workplaces:

Hello John,

Hello Sarah,

Hi John,

Hi Sarah,

Use for:

Colleagues

Team members

People you know

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Informal

Only when the relationship is close.

Hi John!

Hey John!

Hi Sarah!

Hey Sarah!

Greetings to Avoid

These sound outdated, overly formal, or unnatural.

❌ Respected Sir

❌ Respected Madam

❌ Dear Respected Sir

❌ Honorable Manager

❌ Dear Esteemed Sir

❌ Hi Dear

❌ Dear Sir/Madam

❌ Respected Mr. Smith

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Quick Greeting Formula

Name Given?

YES →

Use:

Dear Mr. Smith,

Hello Mr. Smith,

Hello John,

NO →

Use:

Hello,

Dear Hiring Manager,

Dear Customer Service Team,

Dear Property Manager,

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Sample Openings

Complaint Email

Hello Property Manager,

I am writing to report a persistent noise issue coming from the apartment above mine.

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Job Application

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am interested in applying for the Customer Service Representative position advertised on your website.

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Customer Service Email

Dear Customer Service Team,

I recently purchased a laptop from your store and would like assistance regarding a warranty issue.

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Professor

Hello Professor Lee,

I hope you're doing well. I'm writing regarding tomorrow's assignment deadline.

CLB 12 Greeting Checklist

Before writing your email, ask:

✅ Do I know the recipient's name?

✅ Is the greeting appropriate for the relationship?

✅ Is the tone consistent with the task?

✅ Am I using a natural Canadian greeting?

✅ Can I replace a generic greeting with a specific one?

If all five answers are "Yes," your greeting is likely operating at a CLB 12 level.