CLBPT - Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Writing for Communication 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You want to request a day off work next week. Which email opening is most appropriate for a professional workplace?
- Hi! I need Thursday off, okay?
- Dear Mr. Singh, I am writing to request a personal day on Thursday, July 31. (Correct answer)
- To Whom It May Concern, I want Thursday off work next week.
- Hey, can I take Thursday off? Let me know ASAP.
Correct answer: Dear Mr. Singh, I am writing to request a personal day on Thursday, July 31.
A professional leave request should use a formal greeting with the recipient's name, a clear statement of purpose, and specific details such as the date. Option B follows all these conventions.
Question 2: You receive a notice that your rent will increase next month. You want to write to your landlord to ask for more time to prepare. Which sentence best begins your message?
- I am writing to respectfully request an additional 30 days before the rent increase takes effect. (Correct answer)
- The rent increase is too high and I think it is unfair.
- Why are you raising the rent so fast? This is not okay.
- I got your letter about rent and I need more time.
Correct answer: I am writing to respectfully request an additional 30 days before the rent increase takes effect.
A formal request to a landlord should be polite, specific about what is being asked, and use courteous language. Option A clearly states the request and uses respectful phrasing.
Question 3: You are writing a formal complaint letter to a store about a defective product. What should you include in the body of the letter?
- A description of the problem, the purchase date, and what resolution you expect (Correct answer)
- Your feelings about how disappointed you are, written in capital letters for emphasis
- A list of all the other bad experiences you have had with similar stores
- Only your contact information so they can call you back
Correct answer: A description of the problem, the purchase date, and what resolution you expect
An effective complaint letter states the specific problem, provides relevant details such as the purchase date, and clearly requests a resolution. This gives the reader the information needed to respond appropriately.
Question 4: Your neighbour has been playing loud music late at night. You decide to write them a note. Which tone is most appropriate?
- Threatening — warn them you will call the police immediately if it happens again
- Aggressive — tell them they are inconsiderate and selfish
- Polite and direct — explain the problem and ask them to keep noise down after 10 p.m. (Correct answer)
- Vague — mention that some people find noise annoying without saying it is about them
Correct answer: Polite and direct — explain the problem and ask them to keep noise down after 10 p.m.
A neighbourly note should be polite and direct, clearly stating the issue and the specific change you are requesting. This approach is more likely to resolve the problem while maintaining a positive relationship.
Question 5: You are filling out a written form to register your child in an after-school program. The form asks for 'emergency contact information.' What should you write?
- Your child's favourite teacher's name
- The name, relationship, and phone number of a person who can be reached if you are unavailable (Correct answer)
- Your own name and address repeated from the top of the form
- A brief note explaining that you are always available and do not need an emergency contact
Correct answer: The name, relationship, and phone number of a person who can be reached if you are unavailable
Emergency contact information must include identifying details — name, how they are related to the child, and a reliable phone number — so that program staff can reach someone quickly if needed.
Question 6: You want to write a short message to confirm a dentist appointment scheduled for next Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Which message is most effective?
- Hi, I am writing to confirm my appointment on Tuesday, July 29 at 2:00 p.m. Please let me know if anything changes. Thank you. (Correct answer)
- Yes I will be there, see you then!
- I got the reminder. I will try to make it if nothing comes up.
- Dear Dentist, I am confirming that I received your message and I plan to attend the appointment which you scheduled for me last week on Tuesday in the afternoon.
Correct answer: Hi, I am writing to confirm my appointment on Tuesday, July 29 at 2:00 p.m. Please let me know if anything changes. Thank you.
A confirmation message should be brief, include the specific date and time, and invite the recipient to contact you if needed. Option A covers all these points concisely and professionally.
CLBPT - Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Writing for Communication 1
You want to request a day off work next week.
Which email opening is most appropriate for a professional workplace?