CLBPT Writing for Communication 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two related independent clauses?
- She finished the report on time; her manager was very pleased. (Correct answer)
- She finished the report on time; and her manager was very pleased.
- She finished the report; on time, her manager was very pleased.
- She; finished the report on time, her manager was very pleased.
Correct answer: She finished the report on time; her manager was very pleased.
A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction; adding 'and' after it is incorrect.
Question 2: When responding to a job posting, which document format is most appropriate for listing your work history?
- A chronological résumé listing positions from most recent to oldest (Correct answer)
- An informal letter describing your personality and interests
- A numbered list of every task you have ever performed at any job
- A paragraph-style biography written in the third person
Correct answer: A chronological résumé listing positions from most recent to oldest
A chronological résumé is the standard format expected by Canadian employers and organizes experience clearly.
Question 3: Which sentence avoids gender-biased language?
- Each employee should submit their timesheet by Friday. (Correct answer)
- Each employee should submit his timesheet by Friday.
- Each employee should submit his or her timesheet by Friday.
- All employee should submit timesheets by Friday.
Correct answer: Each employee should submit their timesheet by Friday.
Using the singular 'their' is now widely accepted as a gender-neutral pronoun and avoids excluding anyone.
Question 4: You need to write a short note to a colleague asking them to cover your shift. Which tone is most appropriate?
- Friendly but clear, explaining the reason and expressing appreciation (Correct answer)
- Highly formal, as if writing to a government official
- Demanding and direct, stating only that they must cover your shift
- Casual slang with emojis to keep it light
Correct answer: Friendly but clear, explaining the reason and expressing appreciation
A message to a colleague should be warm and considerate while still being clear about the request and showing appreciation.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a compound sentence?
- I applied for the job, and I got an interview. (Correct answer)
- I applied for the job.
- After applying for the job, I felt hopeful.
- Applying for the job was a great decision.
Correct answer: I applied for the job, and I got an interview.
A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as 'and.'
Question 6: In an email with a formal tone, which subject line is most appropriate for requesting a meeting?
- Meeting Request: Q3 Budget Review – August 20 (Correct answer)
- Hey, can we meet?
- URGENT!!! Need to talk ASAP
- Meeting
Correct answer: Meeting Request: Q3 Budget Review – August 20
An effective subject line is specific, identifies the purpose and relevant details, and avoids vague or alarmist language.
Question 7: Which sentence is an example of parallel structure?
- She likes reading, writing, and editing documents. (Correct answer)
- She likes to read, writing, and to edit documents.
- She likes reading, to write, and editing documents.
- She likes read, write, and to edit documents.
Correct answer: She likes reading, writing, and editing documents.
Parallel structure requires that items in a list use the same grammatical form; here, all three are gerunds (-ing form).
CLBPT Writing for Communication 5
Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two related independent clauses?