CLBA CLBA - Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment Grammar and Vocabulary in Context Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In CLBA oral tasks, which modal verb best expresses a polite suggestion?
- You must call the office.
- You should call the office. (Correct answer)
- You can call the office.
- You will call the office.
Correct answer: You should call the office.
'Should' conveys a polite recommendation without the obligation implied by 'must.'
Question 2: Which sentence correctly uses the present perfect tense in a CLBA context?
- I have lived in Canada since five years.
- I have lived in Canada for five years. (Correct answer)
- I lived in Canada since five years.
- I am living in Canada since five years.
Correct answer: I have lived in Canada for five years.
'For' is used with a duration of time, while 'since' is used with a specific starting point.
Question 3: A CLB 5 candidate is asked to describe a graph. Which phrase is most appropriate?
- The numbers go up a lot.
- There is an increase.
- The data shows a significant increase in sales. (Correct answer)
- Sales go bigger and bigger.
Correct answer: The data shows a significant increase in sales.
Formal, descriptive language with specific nouns and precise vocabulary is expected at CLB 5 and above.
Question 4: Which relative clause is grammatically correct for a CLBA writing task?
- The employee which called is waiting.
- The employee who called is waiting. (Correct answer)
- The employee whom called is waiting.
- The employee what called is waiting.
Correct answer: The employee who called is waiting.
'Who' is the correct relative pronoun for referring to people as the subject of a relative clause.
Question 5: Which vocabulary word best fits the blank in a formal CLBA letter: 'We regret to __ that your application was unsuccessful'?
- tell
- say
- inform (Correct answer)
- speak
Correct answer: inform
'Inform' is the formal register equivalent of 'tell' and is standard in professional correspondence.
Question 6: Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier — a common error assessed in CLBA writing tasks?
- Walking to work, the rain started.
- Walking to work, she got caught in the rain. (Correct answer)
- Walking to work, rain fell suddenly.
- While walking to work, the rain began.
Correct answer: Walking to work, she got caught in the rain.
The participial phrase 'walking to work' must logically refer to the subject 'she,' not to 'rain.'
In CLBA oral tasks, which modal verb best expresses a polite suggestion?