Writing Task 1: Writing an Email

Not working properly because of a defect in how it was made or put together.

“The kettle I ordered from your website arrived with a faulty switch.”

“A faulty smoke detector in our hallway keeps going off at night.”

Often used: a faulty part · faulty wiring · turn out to be faulty

CELPIP tip: Useful in a complaint to a store or landlord. Say what exactly is faulty and when you noticed it, so the reader can act on it.

Something that interrupts normal activity and stops it from continuing smoothly.

“The construction next door has caused serious disruption to my work-from-home schedule.”

“We are sorry for any disruption the water shut-off may cause.”

Often used: cause disruption · minimize disruption · serious disruption to

CELPIP tip: A precise alternative to "problem" when describing the effect of noise, repairs or cancellations on your daily routine.

Placed before a verb in a request to make it sound polite but firm.

“Kindly confirm the new delivery date by email.”

“Could you kindly remind residents not to leave bikes in the stairwell?”

Often used: kindly confirm · kindly advise · kindly note that

CELPIP tip: It can sound a little cold if overused. One "kindly" in a formal complaint is enough; mix it with "please" and "would you".

To describe the main points of something briefly, without every detail.

“Below, I have outlined the three problems we found after moving in.”

“Could you outline the steps I need to follow to transfer my membership?”

Often used: outline the problem · briefly outline · as outlined above

CELPIP tip: Use it to signal structure in your email, such as "I would like to outline two concerns." It helps the reader follow your paragraphs.

To suggest a plan or idea for someone else to consider and agree to.

“I would like to propose that we move the book club to Thursday evenings.”

“May I propose a meeting next week to discuss the parking arrangement?”

Often used: propose a solution · propose that we · propose an alternative

CELPIP tip: When a prompt asks you to suggest a solution, "propose" gives variety. After "propose that", use the base verb: "propose that he call".

Polite and respectful in a way that shows good manners toward other people.

“Your delivery driver was extremely courteous and even carried the boxes upstairs.”

“I have always tried to be courteous about sharing the driveway.”

Often used: courteous staff · a courteous reply · remain courteous

CELPIP tip: Useful when a prompt asks you to praise an employee. Pair it with one concrete detail so the compliment feels real.

To stop working properly, usually said of a machine or device.

“The laundry room dryer has malfunctioned three times this month.”

“Since the update, my building access card keeps malfunctioning at the side entrance.”

Often used: keep malfunctioning · a malfunctioning appliance · the system malfunctioned

CELPIP tip: Also works as a noun: "a malfunction in the heating system". It gives variety when you would otherwise repeat "is broken".

To continue to exist or happen, especially when it is a problem that should have stopped.

“The smell of smoke in the hallway has persisted despite two earlier complaints.”

“If the noise persists, I will have to contact the property management company.”

Often used: the problem persists · if the issue persists · persistent delays

CELPIP tip: Good for showing that a complaint has a history. Combine it with a time phrase such as "for three weeks" to make the point concrete.

Money paid back to you for something you spent, often money spent on someone else's behalf.

“I have attached the receipt and would like to request reimbursement for the taxi fare.”

“The courier promised full reimbursement for the damaged lamp, but nothing has arrived.”

Often used: request reimbursement · full reimbursement · reimbursement for expenses

CELPIP tip: Use it when you paid for something your employer or a company should cover. If you are simply returning a product, "refund" is usually the better word.

To correct something that is wrong, especially a mistake or a fault someone else is responsible for.

“I trust you will rectify the billing error before my next statement is issued.”

“Please let me know what steps you will take to rectify the situation.”

Often used: rectify the error · rectify the situation · rectify the problem promptly

CELPIP tip: A strong choice in a complaint to a company. Save it for formal emails; with a neighbour or friend, "sort out" or "fix" is more natural.

An opening frame that tells the reader straight away why you are sending the email.

“I am writing to report a leak under the kitchen sink in unit 4B.”

“I am writing to ask whether the community centre still has space in the Saturday pottery class.”

Often used: I am writing to complain about · I am writing to request · I am writing to let you know

CELPIP tip: Put this in your first sentence to a landlord, manager or company so the purpose is clear at once; follow it with a verb that names your goal.

A direct frame for saying sorry for a specific action or situation you caused.

“I apologize for missing Tuesday's team meeting without letting you know.”

“I apologize for the noise from my apartment during the move last weekend.”

Often used: I apologize for any trouble · I sincerely apologize for · I apologize for the delay in replying

CELPIP tip: After "for", use a noun or an -ing verb: "for being late", not "for I was late". Name exactly what went wrong so the apology sounds sincere.

A standard final line showing you expect and hope for a reply.

“Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you.”

“I look forward to hearing from you about the volunteer schedule.”

Often used: I look forward to hearing from you soon · look forward to hearing about

CELPIP tip: Note the -ing form: "to hearing", not "to hear". This is one of the most common grammar slips in formal email closings.

A very polite way to ask someone to do something for you, common in formal emails.

“I would be grateful if you could send a technician before Friday.”

“I would be grateful if you could let me swap my shift with Priya next week.”

Often used: I would be grateful if you could confirm · I would be grateful if you could arrange

CELPIP tip: Follow this frame with the base form of a verb: "could send", not "could sending". It softens a request to a manager without sounding weak.

A polite closing frame inviting the reader to contact you or ask for more information.

“Please do not hesitate to call me if you need photos of the damage.”

“If you have any questions about my availability, please do not hesitate to ask.”

Often used: please do not hesitate to contact me · please do not hesitate to reach out

CELPIP tip: Place it just before your sign-off in a formal email. With friends, "Just let me know" does the same job with less formality.

As soon as the reader is able to; a polite way of asking for quick action.

“Please call me at your earliest convenience to arrange a time for the repair.”

“Kindly return the signed lease at your earliest convenience.”

Often used: reply at your earliest convenience · contact me at your earliest convenience

CELPIP tip: Use it once, near the end of a formal email. In a message to a friend it sounds oddly stiff, so write "when you get a chance" instead.

Describes something offered to keep a good relationship, not because it is strictly owed.

“As a gesture of goodwill, would you consider waiving this month's late fee?”

“The gym offered a free month as a gesture of goodwill after the pool closure.”

Often used: offer something as a gesture of goodwill · a small gesture of goodwill

CELPIP tip: Helpful when you want to suggest compensation without sounding demanding. It keeps a complaint firm but friendly.

Shows that the news or fact you are about to give is disappointing or unwelcome.

“Unfortunately, the dishwasher you installed last month has stopped draining.”

“Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it to your housewarming on Saturday.”

Often used: unfortunately, I am unable to · unfortunately, the problem has

CELPIP tip: A handy way to move from a friendly opening into the problem. Put a comma after it when it starts the sentence.