CLBA - Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment Responding to Spoken Instructions Questions and Answers

Question 1

A supervisor tells an employee: "First, please take these boxes to the mailroom. After that, come back to my desk for your next task." What is the most effective immediate response to confirm understanding?

Accepted Answer

Repeating the instructions back: "Okay, boxes to the mailroom first, then back to your desk."

Answer

Repeating or paraphrasing instructions is a key active listening strategy. It confirms to the speaker that the listener has heard and understood both parts of the instruction correctly, which helps prevent errors.

Question 2

You are on a phone call receiving technical support. The agent gives you a series of 5 steps to fix an issue with your computer, but they are speaking very quickly. Which of the following is the most appropriate and effective request?

Accepted Answer

"Could you please repeat that more slowly? I want to make sure I follow the steps correctly."

Answer

This response is polite, clearly states the problem (speed of speech), and provides a cooperative reason for the request ('to follow the steps correctly'). This approach is constructive and more likely to result in successful communication.

Question 3

A team leader gives the following verbal instruction for a new task: "I need everyone to review the client feedback from the last month, identify the top three complaints, and then brainstorm at least five potential solutions for our meeting this afternoon." What is a critical error an employee might make if they only heard the first part of the instruction?

Accepted Answer

Only identifying the top three complaints without brainstorming solutions.

Answer

The instruction contains three distinct steps in a sequence. Failing to hear or remember the final two steps (identifying complaints and brainstorming solutions) would result in an incomplete task and being unprepared for the afternoon meeting.

Question 4

You receive a voicemail from a clinic: "This is a reminder for your appointment tomorrow at 10:30 AM with Dr. Smith. Please use the west entrance as the main lobby is closed for cleaning, and remember to bring your health card." What action is required based on these instructions?

Accepted Answer

Entering the clinic through the west entrance.

Answer

The message gives a specific, actionable instruction about how to enter the building, which is a deviation from the normal routine. Following this part of the instruction is essential for a smooth arrival.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a key difference in following spoken instructions between a person at CLB Stage I (Benchmarks 1-4) and a person at CLB Stage II (Benchmarks 5-8)?

Accepted Answer

A person at Stage I typically needs instructions to be simple and related to immediate needs, often with gestures, while a person at Stage II can follow more complex, multi-step instructions on a wider range of topics.

Answer

The Canadian Language Benchmarks describe a progression of ability. At Stage I (specifically CLB 3-4), a learner can follow simple, predictable directions. At Stage II (specifically CLB 7), a learner can follow longer, more complex, and less predictable instructions that may involve multiple steps and unfamiliar topics.

CLBA - Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment Practice Test

CLBA - Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment Practice Test

CLBA - Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment Responding to Spoken Instructions Questions and Answers