CLBPT Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You need to write an email to your child's teacher explaining a two-day absence. Which opening is most appropriate?
- Hey, my kid was sick so they missed school.
- Dear Ms. Thompson, I am writing to inform you that my son, Ahmed, was absent on Monday and Tuesday due to illness. (Correct answer)
- To Whom It May Concern, I demand an explanation for my child's absence being recorded.
- Hi there! Just wanted to let you know Ahmed wasn't at school. No biggie!
Correct answer: Dear Ms. Thompson, I am writing to inform you that my son, Ahmed, was absent on Monday and Tuesday due to illness.
This opening uses a proper greeting, clearly states the purpose, identifies the child, specifies the dates, and provides the reason.
Writing to a teacher requires a semi-formal register. The greeting should use the teacher's title and name. The message should identify the child, state the dates, and provide a reason.
Question 2: Which sentence is grammatically correct and appropriate for a formal letter?
- Me and my family is wanting to apply for the program.
- My family and I would like to apply for the program. (Correct answer)
- My family and me wants to be applying for the program.
- Me and the family wanna apply to that program.
Correct answer: My family and I would like to apply for the program.
'My family and I' is the correct subject form, 'would like to apply' uses appropriate formal language.
In formal writing, 'My family and I' is correct because 'I' is the subject pronoun. 'Would like to apply' is polite and formal. 'Me and my family' uses the object pronoun as subject. 'Wanna' is informal slang.
Question 3: You are writing a complaint letter about a defective product. Which approach is most effective?
- Your store sells garbage products and I will never shop here again!
- I purchased a toaster (Model XR-200) on March 3rd, and it stopped working after one week. I would like a replacement or refund as per your return policy. (Correct answer)
- The toaster doesn't work. Fix it.
- I think maybe the toaster might possibly have some kind of issue.
Correct answer: I purchased a toaster (Model XR-200) on March 3rd, and it stopped working after one week. I would like a replacement or refund as per your return policy.
This approach is factual, includes specific details, and makes a clear request while remaining professional.
Effective complaint writing requires specific details (product model, purchase date), a clear description of the problem, and a reasonable request. Option A is aggressive. Option C lacks detail. Option D is too tentative.
Question 4: Which transition word best connects these sentences? 'The new policy improves workplace safety. _____, it reduces insurance costs.'
- But
- Furthermore (Correct answer)
- However
- Although
Correct answer: Furthermore
'Furthermore' adds supporting information, connecting two positive outcomes.
'Furthermore' indicates the second point adds to the first. Both sentences describe benefits, so an additive transition is needed. 'But,' 'however,' and 'although' signal contrast, which is inappropriate here.
Question 5: You need to write a note to your neighbour about their dog barking at night. Which version is most likely to produce a positive outcome?
- Your dog barks all night. Do something about it or I'll call bylaw.
- Hi, I've noticed your dog has been barking at night recently. I understand dogs can be anxious, but the noise has been affecting my sleep. Could we discuss a solution? (Correct answer)
- STOP YOUR DOG FROM BARKING!!!
- I don't want to bother you but your dog kind of barks sometimes I guess.
Correct answer: Hi, I've noticed your dog has been barking at night recently. I understand dogs can be anxious, but the noise has been affecting my sleep. Could we discuss a solution?
This version acknowledges the situation empathetically, explains the impact, and invites collaborative problem-solving.
Effective interpersonal writing in Canadian culture balances directness with politeness. Option B acknowledges the behaviour without attacking the owner, shows empathy, states the impact clearly, and proposes collaborative resolution.
Question 6: Which closing is most appropriate for a cover letter?
- Later, Ahmed
- Yours truly, Ahmed Patel
- Sincerely, Ahmed Patel (Correct answer)
- XOXO, Ahmed
Correct answer: Sincerely, Ahmed Patel
'Sincerely' is the standard professional closing for a cover letter.
'Sincerely' is the most widely accepted standard closing for professional correspondence in Canada. 'Later' is extremely informal. 'XOXO' is completely inappropriate for professional contexts.
CLBPT Writing 2
You need to write an email to your child's teacher explaining a two-day absence.
Which opening is most appropriate?