What You'll Learn
- Understand Task 1 format, timing, and word count requirements
- Apply the 5-part email structure for clear, organized responses
- Select appropriate tone (formal, semi-formal, informal) based on context
- Identify and address all bullet points in the prompt without omissions
- Allocate 27 minutes effectively across planning, writing, and revision
Writing Task 1 tests your ability to write everyday emails in Canadian workplace and community contexts. You’ll respond to a situation by writing an email that addresses specific requirements.
This task evaluates how well you organize ideas, maintain appropriate tone, and respond completely to all parts of the prompt.
At a Glance
- Time Limit: 27 minutes
- Word Count: 150-200 words
- Format: Email response
- Requirements: 3-4 bullet points
- Scoring: Task Fulfillment, Coherence, Vocabulary, Readability
The 5-Part Email Structure
Every successful Task 1 response follows a clear structure. Master this framework and you’ll never miss essential elements.
1. Greeting
Choose your greeting based on the relationship:
- Formal: “Dear Mr. Smith,” or “Dear Hiring Manager,”
- Semi-formal: “Hello Ms. Johnson,” or “Hi Alex,”
- Informal: “Hey Sarah,” or “Hi there,”
Always use a comma after the greeting in Canadian English.
2. Purpose Statement
Open with one sentence explaining why you’re writing. Get straight to the point.
- “I am writing to express my concern about…”
- “I wanted to follow up on our conversation regarding…”
- “Thank you for your invitation to…“
3. Body Details (2-3 Paragraphs)
This is where you address the bullet points from the prompt. Dedicate one short paragraph to each major point.
Keep paragraphs focused: typically 2-4 sentences each. Use transitions like “Additionally,” “Furthermore,” or “Regarding your question about…” to connect ideas smoothly.
4. Request or Action Item
State clearly what you want the recipient to do or what you’ll do next.
- “Could you please send me confirmation by Friday?”
- “I would appreciate your response at your earliest convenience.”
- “Please let me know if this arrangement works for you.”
5. Closing
End with an appropriate sign-off and your name:
- Formal: “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,”
- Semi-formal: “Best,” or “Kind regards,”
- Informal: “Cheers,” or “Thanks,”
Use a comma after the closing, then write your first name or full name on the next line.
Time Allocation Strategy
Divide your 27 minutes strategically: 3-4 minutes planning and identifying bullet points, 18-19 minutes writing your email, and 4-6 minutes reviewing for completeness, tone consistency, and errors. This prevents rushing and missing requirements.
Selecting the Right Tone
Tone is critical in Task 1. The prompt provides context clues about the relationship and situation.
Formal Tone
Use formal language when writing to:
- Employers or potential employers
- Supervisors and managers
- Government officials or organizations
- Professionals you don’t know personally
- Complaint letters to businesses
Characteristics: Full sentences, polite modals (would, could), no contractions, professional vocabulary.
Semi-Formal Tone
Use semi-formal language for:
- Colleagues or coworkers
- Acquaintances or neighbours
- Community group members
- Service providers you’ve interacted with
Characteristics: Friendly but respectful, occasional contractions acceptable, conversational but professional.
Informal Tone
Use informal language for:
- Close friends
- Family members
- Peers in casual settings
Characteristics: Contractions, casual vocabulary, personal expressions, relaxed structure.
Tone Mismatch Penalty
Using informal language with a supervisor or overly formal language with a friend will reduce your score significantly. Always analyze the relationship described in the prompt before you start writing.
Context Clue: Look for relationship indicators in the prompt. Words like “supervisor,” “manager,” or “potential employer” signal formal tone. Words like “friend” or “close classmate” suggest informal tone.
Common Task 1 Scenarios
Task 1 prompts typically fall into five categories. Recognizing the scenario type helps you structure your response quickly.
1. Complaint or Concern
You’re dissatisfied with a product, service, or situation. State the problem clearly, explain the impact, and request a specific resolution.
2. Request for Information or Action
You need something from the recipient: information, permission, assistance, or a favour. Be specific about what you need and why.
3. Invitation or Proposal
You’re inviting someone to an event or proposing an idea. Provide necessary details (date, time, location) and explain benefits or reasons.
4. Apology or Explanation
You need to apologize for a mistake or explain a situation. Take responsibility, provide context if relevant, and offer a solution.
5. Recommendation or Advice
Someone has asked for your opinion or suggestion. Provide clear reasoning and relevant details to support your recommendation.
Bullet Point Checklist
- Read the prompt twice before starting
- Circle or mentally note each bullet point requirement
- Address bullet points in logical order (not necessarily prompt order)
- Use one paragraph per bullet point for complex requirements
- Review before submitting: did you answer every single point?
Avoiding Missed Requirements
The most common Task 1 mistake is failing to address all bullet points. This severely impacts your content score.
Follow this process:
- Count the bullets: Most prompts have 3-4 requirements.
- Annotate each one: Underline or circle key words in each bullet.
- Plan your paragraphs: Decide which paragraph will address which bullet(s).
- Check as you write: Tick off each bullet mentally as you cover it.
- Final review: Before submitting, reread the prompt and verify every bullet is addressed.
The Two-Sentence Rule
If a bullet point asks for an explanation or details, write at least two sentences addressing it. One sentence is rarely enough to fully satisfy the requirement and demonstrate language proficiency.
Sample Task 1 Prompt and Model Answer
Practice: Writing a Request Email
Scenario: You recently moved to a new apartment in your building. Write an email to your landlord.
Your email should:
- Request permission to paint one room
- Explain why you want to make this change
- Offer to cover the costs yourself
- Ask about any specific requirements or restrictions
Write 150-200 words in approximately 27 minutes.
Show model answer →
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request permission to paint the bedroom in my apartment, Unit 304.
Since moving in last month, I have been settling in nicely. However, the bedroom walls are currently a dark grey colour that makes the room feel quite small and dim. I would like to repaint it in a light beige shade to create a brighter, more comfortable space for rest and relaxation.
I am happy to cover all painting costs myself, including professional labour and high-quality paint. I understand that maintaining the property’s condition is important, and I will ensure the work is done properly.
Could you please let me know if there are any specific paint colours or brands you require, or any other guidelines I should follow? I want to make sure this change complies with the building’s regulations.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Jennifer Park
Word count: 172 words
Analysis: This response addresses all four bullets with appropriate formal tone, clear structure, and polite requests.
Self-Check
- I addressed all 4 bullet points in the prompt
- I used appropriate semi-formal tone throughout
- My email has clear greeting, purpose, body, request, and closing
- I stayed within 150-200 words
- I used complete sentences with varied structure
- I proofread for spelling and grammar errors
5-6 checks = strong CLB 7-9 response
More Sample Tasks
Practice: Writing a Complaint Email
Scenario: You recently made reservations for dinner at a well-known restaurant in town. However, the meal and the service were terrible. The restaurant manager was not available to solve the problem, so you left without a resolution.
Your email should:
- State what problems you had with the food you ordered
- Complain about the service
- Describe how you want the restaurant to resolve the problem to your satisfaction
Write 150-200 words in approximately 27 minutes.
Show model answer →
Dear Restaurant Manager,
I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with the dining experience my husband and I had at your restaurant last Saturday evening. Despite making a reservation well in advance, the evening was extremely disappointing.
Regarding the food, my steak was significantly overcooked despite being ordered medium-rare, and the soup arrived cold. Additionally, the side salad we ordered never appeared, yet we were still charged for it on the bill. The quality of the meal was far below the standard one would expect from your establishment.
The service was equally unacceptable. We waited approximately 40 minutes for our main course, and our waiter was inattentive throughout the evening, rarely checking on our table. When I asked to speak with a manager, I was told no one was available, leaving us with no opportunity to address these issues on the spot.
To resolve this matter, I would like either a full refund for our meal or a complimentary dining experience. I also expect a written apology acknowledging the poor service we received.
I look forward to hearing from you promptly.
Sincerely,
Sarah Mitchell
Word count: 178 words
Analysis: This response uses a formal tone appropriate for a business complaint. Each bullet point is covered in its own paragraph, making the structure clear. The request for resolution is specific (refund or complimentary meal), which demonstrates strong task fulfillment.
Practice: Writing a Neighbour Letter
Scenario: Your new neighbour has been playing loud music late at night for the past two weeks. You have tried knocking on their door once but no one answered.
Your email should:
- Describe the noise problem and when it occurs
- Explain how it affects you and your family
- Suggest a reasonable solution
Write 150-200 words in approximately 27 minutes.
Show model answer →
Hello,
I hope you’re settling into the building well. My name is David Park, and I live in the apartment next to yours, Unit 506. I’m writing because I’d like to discuss something that has been affecting my family over the past couple of weeks.
Since you moved in, we’ve noticed loud music coming from your apartment most evenings, usually after 11 PM on both weeknights and weekends. I understand that everyone enjoys unwinding with music, so I don’t want to seem unreasonable about this.
However, the noise has been making it very difficult for my family to sleep. I’ve been arriving at work exhausted, and my young daughter frequently wakes up upset during the night. I tried knocking on your door last week to chat about it, but unfortunately no one was home.
Would it be possible to lower the volume after 10 PM, or perhaps use headphones for late-night listening? I think that would make a big difference for everyone.
I’d love to find a solution that works for both of us. Thanks so much for understanding.
Best,
David Park
Word count: 174 words
Analysis: This response uses a semi-formal, friendly tone appropriate for a neighbour relationship. The writer is firm about the problem and its impact but avoids being aggressive, which shows strong tone awareness. All three bullet points are addressed clearly, and the suggested solution is specific and reasonable.
Master this structure, practice identifying tone requirements, and always verify you’ve covered every bullet point. With these essentials in place, you’re ready to tackle any Task 1 scenario confidently.