The clock ends the task
You cannot trade a strong first paragraph for more time at the end. The writing part gives you 53 minutes for two tasks, and the clock keeps moving while you reread.
That is why a finished answer with a small error beats a perfect sentence you never reach. The marker can only read what is on the screen.
What the last five minutes should do
Use the last five minutes to check coverage instead of adding a new idea. Read each required point in the prompt, then find the sentence that answers it.
Then check the verbs and the word count. A missing third point costs more than a comma in the wrong place.
The task 1 guide suggests leaving five to six minutes for this check. That time is part of the plan instead of a bonus.
A plan that leaves a finished answer
For Task 1, spend three to four minutes reading and planning, about 17 minutes writing, and five minutes checking.
For Task 2, use the 26-minute plan in the survey guide. Choose your side early, then give two reasons with a result for each.
Suppose you have five minutes left in Task 1 and you have covered two of three points. Write the third point in one clear sentence, then go back to check. A short third paragraph is better than no third point.
What to do in the final minute
Finish the sentence you are in. A complete short sentence reads better than a clause that stops mid-thought.
Then look at the greeting and the closing if the task is an email. A missing closing is quick to fix and easy to spot.
Practise the cutoff with the writing timer before test day. Set the same limit, write one answer, and stop when it rings. The practice page has a task you can use for that run. After a timed attempt, put your result into the CLB calculator so you know whether writing is the skill to fix.
Questions about the cutoff
How long is the CELPIP writing part?
The writing part runs 53 minutes for both tasks. Plan 27 minutes for the email and 26 for the survey, and keep the last few minutes of each for checking.
Should I write faster or plan less?
Plan less detail but cover every point. A few notes for each required point keeps the answer complete when the clock gets tight.
What if I miss a required point?
Add it in one sentence if you still have time. One clear sentence covers more than a long paragraph that never gets written.
Timing pages to check
Last reviewed 2 November 2026
Write one answer against the clock
Set the timer, finish every required point, and stop when the time ends.
Start a timed task