Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Writing for Communication 1 Flashcards

You want to request a day off work next week. Which email opening is most appropriate for a professional workplace?

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.

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?

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.

You are writing a formal complaint letter to a store about a defective product. What should you include in the body of the letter?

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.

Your neighbour has been playing loud music late at night. You decide to write them a note. Which tone is most appropriate?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.