The CELI 2 writing section (Scrittura, B1, 60 minutes) often costs marks on formatting and structure, not only grammar. Most lost points come from avoidable errors: wrong register, missing connectors, or ignoring word limits.
As a language coach who has helped hundreds of students prepare for CELI 2, I've noticed that the same errors appear repeatedly. The good news? Once you're aware of these pitfalls, they're relatively easy to fix!
1. Ignoring Word Count Requirements
One of the most frequent mistakes is not meeting the required word count. For CELI 2:
- Short writing task: 30-40 words
- Long writing task: 60-80 words
Tip: Count your words before submitting! Writing too little or too much can cost you valuable points.
2. Forgetting Basic Punctuation Rules
Italian punctuation might seem similar to English, but there are important differences:
- Always capitalize days of the week and months
- Use exclamation marks sparingly
- Remember that question marks go immediately after the last word (no space)
3. Missing Essential Letter Format Elements
In informal letters (a common CELI 2 task), students often forget:
- Opening greeting (Caro/Cara...)
- Date and location at the top
- Closing formula (Un abbraccio, A presto, etc.)
- Signature
4. Poor Time Management
Scrittura is 60 minutes — usually two tasks. Plan your time:
- 5 minutes: Reading and planning
- 15 minutes: Writing first task
- 10 minutes: Writing second task
5. Not Using Simple Connectors
At B1 you need connectors beyond e / ma / perché — e.g. tuttavia, inoltre, quindi, poiché:
- e (and)
- ma (but)
- perché (because)
- quindi (therefore)
- anche (also)
Use these simple words to make your writing flow better!
Conclusion
Practise timed B1 writing tasks on Prep2go — formal email, opinion text, and short narrative under the 60-minute cap. CELI 2 hub →
Source: CVCL - Centro per la Valutazione e le Certificazioni Linguistiche