CELPIP Writing Task 1 · informal email

Email to a friend saying you cannot attend her wedding

A close friend from your home country has invited you to her wedding next month. You cannot go. Write an email to your friend.

Write an email of about 150–200 words in which you do the following:

Congratulate your friend and say how you feel about the news
Explain why you cannot attend
Suggest another way to celebrate or be part of the day

Your response

27:00

0 words · target 150–200

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Write at least 50 words first.

Tips for this prompt

Start with warm congratulations and a shared memory before giving the bad news.
Give a real, specific reason so your friend knows you tried.
Suggest something concrete, such as watching by video call, sending a message or celebrating together later.

Sample responses

Try the task first, then compare. Levels are our estimates, not official CELPIP scores.

Sample at about CLB 7154 words

Hi Leila,

Congratulations!! I was so happy when I got your invitation. You and Sam are very good together, I always knew you will marry him!

I am really sorry but I can't come to your wedding. The flight tickets are very expensive in this time and also I just started a new job, so my manager don't let me take holidays now. I tried to find a cheaper ticket but it was not possible. I was very sad when I knew this, because I really wanted to see you in your wedding dress.

But I want to be part of your special day. Maybe somebody can send me some photos and videos? I will also send you a gift.

When I visit home next year, we must to celebrate together. I will invite you and Sam for dinner.

I miss you so much. Say hello to your family for me.

Love you, Tomas

Why about CLB 7: Warm and complete, but each point is short and general. Errors such as "I always knew you will marry him", "in this time", "my manager don't let me", "when I knew this" and "must to celebrate" are noticeable.

Sample at about CLB 9166 words

Hi Leila,

Congratulations! I was so happy to get your wedding invitation. I remember when you first told me about Sam, and I could tell how much you liked him. I am really happy for both of you.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to come to the wedding. I started a new job in September, and I am not allowed to take any vacation until I finish my three-month probation period. Also, flights from Toronto to Lisbon are very expensive in this time of year. I really tried to find a way, so I am very disappointed that I will miss it.

Even though I can't be there, I would love to be part of your day somehow. Maybe someone could video call me during the ceremony so I can watch it. I will also send you a gift.

When I come home next summer, let's celebrate together, just the two of us.

I miss you a lot. Give my love to your family!

Love, Tomas

Why about CLB 9: Warm, natural and well organized. The ideas for taking part are brief and general; "in this time of year" should be "at this time of year".

Sample at about CLB 11187 words

Dear Leila,

Your invitation arrived this morning and I actually squealed in the post office! I still remember you phoning me after your first date with Sam, trying to sound casual and failing completely. I'm so happy the two of you found each other.

That's why it breaks my heart to tell you I won't be able to make it to Lisbon. I only started at the engineering firm in September, and new employees can't take leave until their probation ends in December. I even asked whether I could make up the days later, but my manager couldn't bend the rules.

Still, I refuse to miss the whole thing. Could your brother set up a video call during the vows? I'd happily stay up until 4 a.m. Toronto time to watch you walk down the aisle. I'm also recording a short video message full of our school memories, embarrassing ones included, which you're welcome to play at the reception if it's not too much.

And when I'm home next July, the first dinner is on me, somewhere by the river like old times.

All my love, Tomas

Why about CLB 11: Affectionate, vivid and specific, with creative ways to share the day. "If it's not too much" is a little unclear; "if it's not too embarrassing" would be more precise.

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