Writing · W1

CELPIP Writing Task 1: requesting course information

Ask focused questions about a course while explaining why the answers matter to you.

By MockMaple · Updated September 29, 2026

Try the prompt

You want to join an evening photography course. Email the centre to explain your interest, ask about equipment and scheduling, and request information about registration. Aim for 150–200 words.

You are a beginner with a phone camera.
You work until 5 p.m. on weekdays.
The advertisement does not state equipment requirements or the starting time.

Plan your approach

Introduce your interest and experience.
Connect each question to a practical constraint.
Ask how and when to register.

Complete sample response

Dear Course Coordinator, I saw your advertisement for the evening photography course and would like some more information before registering. I enjoy taking photographs on walks, but I have not had any formal instruction and would appreciate a class suitable for beginners. At present, I use the camera on my phone. Would that be sufficient for the course, or would I need to bring a separate camera? If particular equipment is required, please let me know whether the centre offers any equipment that students can borrow. I also work until five on weekdays, so I would like to confirm the starting time and the days on which classes take place. Could you tell me whether any sessions are held outdoors? This would help me plan my travel and choose appropriate clothing. Finally, please explain how to register and whether there is a registration deadline. I would be grateful for a link to the current course outline as well. Thank you for your assistance. Best regards, Sam

166 words, counting space-separated words including the greeting and sign-off.

Why these choices work

A response or interpretation to improve

Hello. Tell me everything about the course. I need the best class and all the details immediately.

Ask answerable questions

Equipment, start time and registration are separate questions. “Tell me everything” gives the coordinator no useful focus.

Give only relevant context

The phone camera and work schedule explain the questions. Personal history unrelated to attendance would add length without helping the reader.

Vocabulary in context

sufficient

Enough for a particular purpose.

Would a phone camera be sufficient for the course?

Choose the right alternative: Suitable means appropriate; sufficient means enough to meet a requirement.

Usage note: State the purpose: sufficient for the course, not sufficient to the course.

Explore vocabulary, synonyms and idioms

Check your understanding

Choose an answer to see the evidence and an explanation for every option. These checks are not a proficiency score.

1. Why does the writer mention finishing work at five?

To ask for a jobTo explain the question about class timesTo demand a private course

All answers and explanations

Why does the writer mention finishing work at five?

Answer: To explain the question about class times

Evidence: I also work until five on weekdays

To ask for a job: The message concerns attending a course.
To explain the question about class times: The schedule determines whether the writer can attend.
To demand a private course: No private instruction is requested.

Try a new situation

Ask a community centre about a beginner swimming class. Include your availability, one equipment question and a registration question.

Use your own notes or voice recorder, then check your work:

Does each paragraph have a clear purpose?
Have you avoided assuming details missing from the advertisement?
Are your questions specific enough to answer?

Apply this in free practice

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