What You'll Learn
- Identify and correct the 10 most common CELPIP Writing errors
- Apply quick grammar rules to fix articles, prepositions, and agreement errors
- Recognize structural and tone mistakes that lower your score
- Use a pre-submission checklist to catch errors before submitting
At a Glance
- Top Errors: 10 mistakes to avoid
- Goal: Reduce repeat mistakes
- Score Impact: Stronger consistency
- Review Time: 3-5 min before submit
Examiners see the same errors repeatedly. Fixing these top 10 mistakes helps you improve clarity, consistency, and overall scoring outcomes without changing your core ideas.
Each error below includes a broken example, the correction, and a quick rule you can apply under timed conditions.
Top 10 CELPIP Writing Errors
1. Article Errors (a/an/the)
Error: “I am writing to complain about issue with order.”
Fix: “I am writing to complain about an issue with the order.”
Quick Rule: Use a/an for first mention (countable, general). Use the for specific or second mention. Drop articles for plural generalities (“Orders arrive quickly”).
Article Trap
Canadian English follows British conventions more than American. “I went to the hospital” (specific visit) vs. “I’m in hospital” (British, general state). On CELPIP, always use “the hospital” for clarity.
2. Preposition Mistakes
Error: “I am interested on this position.”
Fix: “I am interested in this position.”
Quick Rule: Memorize fixed collocations. Common pairs:
- interested in, responsible for, depend on
- apply for (a job), apply to (a company)
- complain about, apologize for, thank for
Preposition Shortcut: If unsure, check the verb + preposition pattern. “Agree on a plan” (neutral object) vs. “agree with a person” (human object).
3. Subject-Verb Agreement
Error: “The list of problems are long.”
Fix: “The list of problems is long.”
Quick Rule: Find the true subject (here: “list,” not “problems”). Ignore prepositional phrases. Singular subject = singular verb.
Error: “Everyone have their own opinion.”
Fix: “Everyone has their own opinion.”
Quick Rule: Indefinite pronouns (everyone, someone, anybody) take singular verbs in Canadian English.
4. Run-On Sentences
Error: “I received the package it was damaged I want a refund.”
Fix: “I received the package. It was damaged, so I want a refund.”
Quick Rule: One idea per sentence. Connect related ideas with conjunctions (and, but, so) or semicolons. Never jam three clauses together without punctuation.
Pro Tip
Read your sentence aloud in your head. If you run out of breath, it’s too long. Split it.
5. Missing Bullet Points from Prompt
Missing a bullet point is one of the most costly errors in CELPIP Writing. Here is a concrete example:
Prompt: You ordered a laptop online, but it arrived two weeks late and the screen was cracked. Write an email to the company’s customer service department. Your email should:
- Explain the problem with your order
- Describe how this has affected you
- Request compensation or a resolution
Incomplete response (missing bullet 3):
“Dear Customer Service, I am writing regarding my recent order #4521. The laptop I ordered arrived two weeks past the expected delivery date, and when I opened the box, I discovered the screen was cracked. This delay caused significant inconvenience as I needed the laptop for a work presentation, and I had to borrow one from a colleague at short notice. The damaged screen makes the device completely unusable. I hope you can look into this matter. Sincerely, Raj Patel”
The writer explained the problem and described the impact but never requested compensation or a resolution. No mention of a refund, replacement, or any specific next step.
What’s missing — add this paragraph to address bullet 3:
“I would like to request either a full refund or an immediate replacement with a functioning laptop. Given the two-week delay and the damage, I believe a partial discount on my next purchase would also be appropriate. Please let me know which option is available and the expected timeline.”
Quick Rule: The prompt is your checklist. Missing even one bullet can drop your score by a full CLB level (Completeness criterion).
High-Risk Error
If you skip a bullet point entirely, your Task Fulfillment score usually drops, even when grammar is strong. Treat every bullet as required.
6. Wrong Tone/Register
Error (Task 1 – Email): “Hey, your service sucks. Fix it ASAP or else.”
Fix: “I am writing to express concern about the service I received. I would appreciate a prompt resolution.”
Quick Rule: Task 1 = polite-professional. Even complaints need courtesy. Avoid slang, contractions in formal emails, and aggressive language.
Error (Task 2 – Survey): “I humbly beseech you to consider my perspective.”
Fix: “I believe this option is better because…”
Quick Rule: Task 2 = clear and direct. Don’t over-formalize. Use “I think,” “In my opinion,” “This is better because.”
7. Repetitive Vocabulary
Error: “The problem is a big problem, and this problem needs a solution because the problem started last week and the problem is getting worse.”
Fix: “The issue is significant, and this situation requires a prompt solution because the disruption began last week and the inconvenience is only getting worse.”
Notice how the fix uses connectors (and, because) to build complex sentences while swapping in synonyms. This demonstrates both sentence variety and vocabulary range.
Another example:
Error: “The noise is bad. The noise happens every night. The noise affects my sleep and the noise makes me tired at work.”
Fix: “The disturbance is considerable, and it occurs every night. This constant disruption affects my sleep quality, which in turn leaves me exhausted at work.”
Quick Rule: Use synonyms and vary your sentence structure. For common words:
- problem → issue, situation, concern, difficulty, disruption
- good → beneficial, effective, valuable, positive, worthwhile
- bad → problematic, concerning, detrimental, unfavourable, inadequate
- important → crucial, significant, essential, key, vital
Pro Tip
Keep a short synonym list on your scratch paper during the test: problem/issue, important/key, good/positive, bad/negative. Swap in alternatives as you write.
8. Weak Opening Sentences
Error: “I am writing this email.”
Fix: “I am writing to request information about your refund policy.”
Quick Rule: Your first sentence must state purpose. Don’t waste words on “I am writing this email.” The examiner knows it’s an email.
Task 1: “I am writing to [complain/request/inquire/suggest]…”
Task 2: “I believe [Option A/B] is better because…”
Strong Opening Formula: Action + Reason. “I am writing to request a refund due to a defective product.”
9. No Conclusion or Abrupt Ending
Error: “That is my opinion.” [End of response]
This gives the examiner nothing. It signals that you ran out of ideas, not that you completed the task.
Task 2 example — Survey about community investment:
Weak ending: “So that is why I think the sports centre is good. That is my opinion.”
Strong ending: “For these reasons, I believe investing in a community sports centre would deliver the greatest benefit to local residents. It promotes both physical health and neighbourhood connections, making it the clear choice for our growing community.”
Task 1 example — Email to a manager:
Weak ending: “Please fix it. Thanks.”
Strong ending: “I would appreciate a response by the end of this week with an update on the timeline. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Quick Rule: Always close with:
- Task 1: “I look forward to your response” / “Thank you for your attention to this matter”
- Task 2: Restate your preference + summarize the main benefit
Don’t just stop. Signal the end with purpose.
10. Word Count Too Short
Error: 120 words for Task 1 (target: 150-200).
Example — Too short (118 words):
“Dear Mr. Lee, I am writing about the parking situation. The lot is always full. I can never find a space. This is frustrating. Other residents feel the same way. We need more spaces. Maybe you could add more spots. Thank you. Best regards, Anna”
This response touches the topic but never develops any point. Each idea gets one sentence with no supporting detail.
Expanded version (174 words) — same ideas, properly developed:
“Dear Mr. Lee, I am writing to bring to your attention an ongoing issue with the parking facilities in our building. For the past three months, the parking lot has been consistently full by 7:30 AM, leaving many residents, including myself, unable to find a space. As a result, I have been forced to park on the street two blocks away, which is particularly inconvenient during the winter months. I have spoken with several neighbours on floors 8 and 12, and they share the same frustration. I would like to suggest two possible solutions: designating reserved spots for each unit, or converting the unused storage area on the ground level into additional parking spaces. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this at the next residents’ meeting. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Best regards, Anna Kowalski”
Fix: Expand each bullet point. Add a supporting detail, a specific example, or an additional sentence explaining the impact.
Quick Rule: Aim for 150-200 words for both Task 1 and Task 2. Short responses are often underdeveloped. If you finish early, add one relevant detail per paragraph.
Word Count Penalty
Below 150 words, responses are often judged as underdeveloped and can score lower for task completion and clarity.
Spot the Errors: Full Email Review
Now that you know all 10 errors, test yourself with a complete email. Can you find the mistakes before reading the corrected version?
Spot the Errors: Full Email Review
Scenario: Your child’s school has changed its pickup policy. Write an email to the principal expressing your concern.
Dear Principal Thompson,
I am writing this email to tell you about new pickup policy at Lincoln Elementary. My husband and I are concerned that change will affect on our schedule. We both work full-time and we finish at 4:30 PM but the new policy requires parents to arrive by 3:15 PM this is very difficult for working families.
I would like to suggest that school considers extending the pickup window to 4:00 PM. This would give parents more time and reduce a stress for everyone involved.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Maria Chen
Show corrected version with explanations →
Dear Principal Thompson,
I am writing to express my concern about the new pickup policy at Lincoln Elementary. My husband and I are concerned that this change will affect our schedule. We both work full-time and finish at 4:30 PM, but the new policy requires parents to arrive by 3:15 PM**.** This is very difficult for working families.
I would like to suggest that the school consider extending the pickup window to 4:00 PM. This would give parents more time and reduce stress for everyone involved.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Maria Chen
Errors fixed:
- Missing article (Error #1): “about new pickup policy” changed to “about the new pickup policy”
- Wrong preposition (Error #2): “affect on our schedule” changed to “affect our schedule” (no preposition needed)
- Run-on sentence (Error #4): “by 3:15 PM this is very difficult” changed to “by 3:15 PM. This is very difficult”
- Weak opening (Error #10): “I am writing this email to tell you” changed to “I am writing to express my concern”
Spot the Errors: Survey Response Review
Now try the same exercise with a Task 2 survey response. Different format, same error types.
Spot the Errors: Survey Response Review
Survey Question: Your city is considering two options for improving the downtown area. Option A: Build a new public park with walking trails. Option B: Renovate the existing community centre with modern facilities. Which do you prefer?
I think that the city should renovate the community centre. This is a good option because it is good for the community and it would be good for everyone.
First, the community centre is important place for residents. Many people use the centre for activities and programs. The centre has been in bad condition for years and the centre needs new equipment and the centre also needs better lighting and the centre parking lot should be repaved.
Second, a renovated centre would attract more visitors. More visitors means more revenue for local businesses. My friend started going to fitness classes at a community centre in Vancouver and she lost weight.
That is my opinion.
Show corrected version with explanations →
I believe the city should invest in renovating the community centre. This option would deliver meaningful benefits to residents of all ages and strengthen our neighbourhood as a whole.
First, the community centre is an essential gathering place for residents. Many families rely on its programs, from youth sports leagues to seniors’ wellness classes. However, the facility has been in deteriorating condition for years. Upgrading the equipment, improving the lighting, and repaving the parking lot would make the space significantly more functional and welcoming.
Second, a modernized centre would attract more visitors and boost local economic activity. Increased foot traffic benefits surrounding restaurants and shops. For example, my friend started attending fitness classes at a renovated community centre in Vancouver and noticed how the improved facilities drew families from across the city.
For these reasons, I strongly support the community centre renovation. It would enhance daily life for current residents while positioning our downtown as a more vibrant destination.
Errors fixed:
- Repetitive vocabulary (Error 7): “good” appeared three times in the opening. Replaced with “meaningful benefits” and “strengthen our neighbourhood.”
- Run-on sentence (Error 4): “the centre needs new equipment and the centre also needs better lighting and the centre parking lot should be repaved” — four clauses jammed together. Split and combined properly with a single “and.”
- Missing article (Error 1): “is important place” changed to “is an essential gathering place.”
- Abrupt ending (Error 9): “That is my opinion” replaced with a proper conclusion restating the preference and summarizing benefits.
Pre-Submission Error Checklist
Use the final 3-5 minutes to scan for these errors:
Final Review Checklist
- Articles: Check every noun. Does it need a/an/the?
- Prepositions: Verify fixed collocations (interested in, responsible for)
- Subject-verb agreement: Singular subject = singular verb
- Run-ons: One idea per sentence. Punctuation between clauses.
- Bullet points: Every prompt item addressed?
- Tone: Polite-professional (Task 1), clear-direct (Task 2)
- Vocabulary: No word repeated 3+ times. Use synonyms.
- Opening: States purpose clearly in first sentence
- Conclusion: Closing sentence included
- Word count: 150-200 (Task 1), 150-200 (Task 2)
Pro Tip
Practice this checklist on every mock test. After a few rounds, it becomes automatic and helps you catch common issues quickly.
Fix these 10 errors consistently, and your writing will become clearer, more complete, and more reliable under test conditions.