Writing clearly isn’t about using fancy words. It’s about building solid sentences that examiners understand at once. These CELPIP Writing Tips will help you tighten grammar, vary structure, and avoid the errors that drag scores down. By the end, you’ll know how to combine accuracy with style—exactly what the Canadian English test rewards.
Why Grammar Matters for High Writing Scores
Grammar and sentence structure account for 35 % of your Writing mark. Examiners scan for:
- Consistent verb tenses
- Correct subject–verb agreement
- Logical sentence variety
Solid mechanics let your ideas shine. Weak mechanics distract examiners and lower coherence. Treat grammar as the frame that carries your message; if the frame bends, the whole essay wobbles.
Essential CELPIP Writing Tips for Strong Sentence Structure
Sentence variety keeps the reader engaged. Follow this three-step plan.
- Start with the core. Write a clear subject + verb sentence first.
- Layer details. Add time phrases, reasons, or contrasts.
- Trim clutter. Delete extra words that don’t move the idea forward.
To practise, download a free CELPIP Writing Practice Test and rewrite one Task 1 letter. Focus on turning long, rambling lines into short, punchy ones.
Quick CELPIP Writing Tips for Word Order
- Place adverbs beside the words they modify: “quickly respond,” not “respond quickly to the email promptly.”
- Keep subjects close to verbs: “The manager, along with two assistants, reviews the data.”
- Put new or surprising information last for emphasis.
Common Grammar Pitfalls and How to Fix Them
Even advanced writers slip on the same banana peels. Catch them early.
| Pitfall | Why It Hurts | Fast Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Run-ons | Confuses ideas | Use a period or coordinating conjunction |
| Comma splices | Merges sentences incorrectly | Replace comma with semicolon |
| Mixed tenses | Breaks timeline logic | Set a dominant tense before drafting |
| Misplaced modifiers | Creates comedy, not clarity | Move modifier next to its noun |
Take a timed CELPIP Practice Test and note which errors pop up. Compare your work to the Government of Canada language test benchmarks (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/language-requirements/language-test-results.html) to see the grammar standards for each level.
Mastering Complex Sentences Without Losing Clarity
Complex sentences show range when used wisely. Follow this pattern:
Independent clause + connector + dependent clause
“I support the bylaw because it will reduce traffic.”
- Use subordinating conjunctions (because, although, while) to link cause and effect.
- Limit each complex sentence to one main idea.
- Alternate simple and complex forms to keep rhythm varied.
After drafting, load your script into CELPIP Mock Exams to rehearse these structures under test-day pressure.
Key Takeaways
- Grammar weighs heavily in CELPIP Writing; ignore it at your peril.
- Begin with clear core sentences, then layer details.
- Watch for run-ons, comma splices, and tense shifts.
- Mix simple and complex sentences for natural flow.
- Practise under timed conditions to cement habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What verb tense should I use in Task 1 letters?
Use present simple for general facts and future forms for requests or plans; keep tense consistent within each paragraph.
Q2: How long should my sentences be?
Aim for 12–18 words. Shorter average length boosts readability and Flesch score.
Q3: Are contractions acceptable?
Yes, if the tone is informal (e.g., emails to friends). Use full forms in formal Task 2 essays.
Q4: How can I check grammar quickly during the test?
Allocate the final two minutes to skim each sentence, looking first at verbs, then punctuation marks.
Conclusion
Strong grammar and varied sentence structure show examiners that you control English rather than the other way around. Apply these tips daily, and you’ll write with clarity, confidence, and the precision CELPIP rewards.