Skip to main content

Mavpli

Your MockMaple practice companion

Menu

Writing · W1

CELPIP Writing Task 1: email about a delayed delivery

Write a firm, courteous delivery complaint with a clear sequence of events and a workable request.

By MockMaple · Updated

Try the prompt

Write an email to a furniture store about a desk that did not arrive. Describe the delivery problem, explain its impact and request a solution. Aim for 150–200 words in this exercise.

  • The desk was due on Friday between 9 a.m. and noon.
  • No delivery or update arrived.
  • You can accept delivery on Tuesday after 3 p.m.

Plan your approach

  1. Identify the order and missed delivery window.
  2. Explain the practical impact.
  3. Request a confirmed alternative and a reply.

Complete sample response

Dear Customer Service Team, I am writing about the desk I ordered from your store last week. Delivery was scheduled for Friday between nine and noon, but the desk did not arrive and I received no message explaining the delay. I arranged to work from home that morning so I could accept the delivery. When the driver had still not arrived by noon, I called the store, but the person I spoke to could not confirm a new delivery time. I understand that delays sometimes happen; however, an update would have helped me organise my day. Could you please confirm whether the desk is ready for delivery and arrange a new appointment? I am available on Tuesday after three. If that is not possible, please suggest another specific time rather than an all-day window. I would also appreciate a message if the schedule changes again. Please reply by Monday afternoon so I can make the necessary arrangements. Thank you for looking into this problem. Kind regards, Alex

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

Why these choices work

A response or interpretation to improve

My desk is late. Your service is awful. Bring it immediately and pay me compensation.

Describe what happened before evaluating it

The scheduled window and missing update give the recipient facts to investigate. The example avoids unsupported accusations about staff intentions.

Make the next action concrete

Tuesday after three and a Monday reply deadline make the request actionable. The email does not invent a right to compensation.

Vocabulary in context

delivery window

A period during which a delivery is expected.

Please confirm a two-hour delivery window.

Choose the right alternative: Deadline is the latest acceptable time; a window is a span of time.

Usage note: Use within the delivery window or during the delivery window, not at a delivery window when referring to time.

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. Which detail makes the requested solution practical?
All answers and explanations

Which detail makes the requested solution practical?

Answer: An available time on Tuesday

Evidence: I am available on Tuesday after three.

  • An available time on Tuesday: The store can compare this time with its schedule.
  • A demand for immediate compensation: No compensation demand appears in the model.
  • A claim that every delivery is late: The model describes a single incident.

Try a new situation

Write about a repair appointment that was missed. Explain the impact and offer two suitable times for a replacement appointment.

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

  • Did you cover the problem, impact and request?
  • Can the recipient identify the next action?
  • Is the complaint firm without personal insults?
Apply this in free practice

Keep learning

Browse all four skills