Common CELPIP errors - Punctuation - Formatting

When I was studying for my CELPIP exam I got material from them. Unfortunately, I can not put the PDF to the public because it has a watermark with my personal email. But I can put you here what it says.

CELPIP's twentieth error as they state:

Correct formatting is essential to clear, well-organized writing. Without proper formatting, ideas may not be adequately separated, which can cause confusion and unnecessary difficulty for the reader.

Proper formatting involves knowing how to position words, sentences, and paragraphs on the page through the correct use of indentation, line spacing, and spacing within and between sentences.

How to Format a Response

Paragraphing

• Paragraphing indicates that the development of one idea is complete and that a new idea or concept will be addressed. Start a new paragraph when introducing a new idea or subject within a response.
• Leave a blank line before starting the next paragraph.

Indentation

• The choice to indent is optional; what is important is that you are consistent. If you indent for one paragraph, you must indent for all of them. Use the tab key to leave a space before starting the first sentence of the new paragraph.

Line Spacing

• Responses should be composed using single line spacing, not double.
• Leave an empty line after an opening salutation and after a closing salutation before adding your name.

Beware

Do not start each sentence on a new line. Follow the rules for correct paragraphing.

Sample Text

To All Staff Members

 

  I am writing today to discuss a problem that has been ongoing for several months and is having a negative effect on the productivity of our office: office hours being used for personal correspondence and socializing.

 

  I believe it is of utmost importance that we solve these issues immediately and propose several possible solutions. First, sales team members will be issued new monthly quotas starting in September. Second, social media sites will be blocked, with the exception of set lunch ad break times.

 

  Thank you all in advance for your cooperation on this issue.

 

The management

Good luck!