CLBA - Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment Interpreting Workplace Memos Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following memo and answer the question below. **MEMORANDUM** **TO:** All Warehouse Staff **FROM:** Janine Dupont, Safety Coordinator **DATE:** March 19, 2026 **SUBJECT:** Mandatory Training: New Pallet Jack Safety Procedures This memo is to inform all warehouse staff of a mandatory safety training session. The session will cover the new operating and safety procedures for the recently acquired electric pallet jacks. Attendance is required for all employees who operate this equipment. The training will be held in the main conference room next Tuesday, March 24, at 9:00 AM. The session will last approximately one hour. Please arrange your schedules accordingly. Failure to attend will result in a temporary suspension of your equipment operating privileges until the training is completed. What is the main purpose of this memo?
- To announce the purchase of new equipment.
- To inform employees about a required training session. (Correct answer)
- To discipline employees who do not follow safety rules.
- To ask for volunteers to test the new pallet jacks.
Correct answer: To inform employees about a required training session.
The memo's subject line is 'Mandatory Training' and the first sentence explicitly states its purpose is to 'inform all warehouse staff of a mandatory safety training session.' The other options are incorrect details or inferences not supported by the text.
Question 2: Read the following memo and answer the question below. **MEMORANDUM** **TO:** All Staff **FROM:** Head Office **DATE:** March 19, 2026 **SUBJECT:** Update to Kitchen & Breakroom Cleanliness Policy This is a reminder that maintaining a clean and tidy shared kitchen space is a responsibility for all employees. Recently, there has been an increase in food items left in the refrigerator for extended periods and unwashed dishes left in the sink. Effective immediately, the following policies will be enforced: - All items in the refrigerator must be labeled with your name and the date. - The refrigerator will be completely emptied every Friday at 4:00 PM. Any unlabeled or expired items will be discarded. - Please wash, dry, and put away your own dishes immediately after use. Your cooperation helps ensure a pleasant and hygienic environment for everyone. Thank you. Based on the memo, what action should an employee take on a Friday afternoon?
- Label their food for the following week.
- Wash all the dishes in the sink, even if they are not theirs.
- Remove their personal food items from the refrigerator before 4:00 PM. (Correct answer)
- Report colleagues who leave the kitchen messy.
Correct answer: Remove their personal food items from the refrigerator before 4:00 PM.
The memo clearly states that the 'refrigerator will be completely emptied every Friday at 4:00 PM.' Therefore, an employee must remove any personal items they wish to keep before that time. The other actions are either not specified or are general rules not specific to Friday afternoon.
Question 3: A manager sends a memo with the subject line 'Q2 Sales Figures and Team Goals.' The memo contains several charts showing sales performance from the last three months and a bulleted list of new targets for the upcoming quarter. Which of the following best describes the function of this memo?
- To announce a change in company policy.
- To schedule a one-on-one meeting with each sales associate.
- To resolve a conflict between team members.
- To communicate performance results and set future objectives. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To communicate performance results and set future objectives.
The subject line and description indicate the memo's purpose is to share past results ('Q2 Sales Figures') and outline new expectations ('Team Goals'). This is a common use for workplace memos: to inform a group about business performance and provide direction.
Question 4: Read the following memo excerpt and answer the question below. **MEMORANDUM** **TO:** Project Team Alpha **FROM:** David Chen, Project Manager **SUBJECT:** Urgent: Revised Project Deadline ...Due to unforeseen delays with our supplier, the final deadline for the project has been moved up. The new submission date is now Friday, April 10th, instead of the previously communicated date of April 17th. All team members must submit their final components by end-of-day on Wednesday, April 8th, to allow for integration and final review... What must an individual on Project Team Alpha do?
- Contact the supplier to resolve the delay.
- Submit their work a week later than originally planned.
- Complete their portion of the project on or before April 8th. (Correct answer)
- Wait for the project manager to re-assign their tasks.
Correct answer: Complete their portion of the project on or before April 8th.
The memo explicitly states, 'All team members must submit their final components by end-of-day on Wednesday, April 8th.' This is a direct instruction to the recipients of the memo. The other options are incorrect interpretations of the text.
Question 5: You receive a memo about a new company-wide recycling program. The memo explains what can be recycled, the locations of the new bins, and the start date. Which of the following is the most likely reason for this memo?
- To introduce a new policy and provide instructions for following it. (Correct answer)
- To request feedback on the company's environmental impact.
- To celebrate the success of the previous recycling program.
- To warn employees about penalties for not recycling.
Correct answer: To introduce a new policy and provide instructions for following it.
Memos are frequently used to communicate new policies, procedures, or official business within an organization. This memo's content (what to do, where to do it, and when to start) directly supports the function of introducing a new policy and instructing staff on how to comply.
Question 6: A memo is being sent to all office staff regarding an upcoming fire drill. To be effective, which of the following pieces of information is most crucial to include?
- The names of the fire wardens for each floor.
- The cost of the new fire alarm system.
- The date and time the fire drill will occur. (Correct answer)
- A history of fire drills at the company.
Correct answer: The date and time the fire drill will occur.
The most critical information for a memo about an event is the logistical detail of when it will happen. While other information might be helpful, the date and time are essential for employees to be prepared. Memos should be direct and provide the necessary details for the intended action or awareness.
CLBA - Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment Interpreting Workplace Memos Questions and Answers
Read the following memo and answer the question below.
**MEMORANDUM**
**TO:** All Warehouse Staff
**FROM:** Janine Dupont, Safety Coordinator
**DATE:** March 19, 2026
**SUBJECT:** Mandatory Training: New Pallet Jack Safety Procedures
This memo is to inform all warehouse staff of a mandatory safety training session.
The session will cover the new operating and safety procedures for the recently acquired electric pallet jacks.
Attendance is required for all employees who operate this equipment.
The training will be held in the main conference room next Tuesday, March 24, at 9:00 AM.
The session will last approximately one hour.
Please arrange your schedules accordingly.
Failure to attend will result in a temporary suspension of your equipment operating privileges until the training is completed.
What is the main purpose of this memo?