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Reading · R1

CELPIP-style Reading: volunteer orientation instructions

Follow registration instructions and distinguish an optional preparation step from a requirement.

By MockMaple · Updated

Try the prompt

Read the fictional volunteer coordinator’s message and identify what a new volunteer must do.

  • All dates and arrangements belong to this fictional exercise.
  • Pay attention to must, may and only.

Plan your approach

  1. Locate the required actions.
  2. Separate optional preparation from conditions of attendance.
  3. Identify which exception needs further contact.

Read the source

Hello new volunteers, Our next orientation is on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Room 4 of the community centre. Please use the side entrance because the main doors will close at 5:30. You must reply by Monday evening to reserve a place; filling in the volunteer interest form last month did not register you for this session. You may read the welcome booklet beforehand, but this is optional. We will explain the essential procedures during the session. Please bring photo identification so reception staff can issue a temporary building pass. No special clothing or equipment is needed for orientation. The session finishes at 7:30. We will discuss available roles, but attending orientation does not guarantee your preferred shift. Shift assignments are made after we review everyone’s availability. If you cannot attend, email me rather than sending someone in your place. I can tell you about the next session once its date is confirmed. Please do not arrive on a different evening without an appointment. Thank you, Rina, Volunteer Coordinator

Why these choices work

A response or interpretation to improve

The interest form guarantees a place and a preferred shift. Reading the booklet is required, and a friend can attend instead.

Separate stages of the process

An interest form, orientation reservation and shift assignment are three different stages. Completing one does not automatically complete the others.

Respect obligation words

Must introduces the reply requirement, while may and optional describe the booklet. Changing those words would change the instructions.

Vocabulary in context

availability

The times when a person can participate or work.

Shift assignments depend on everyone’s availability.

Choose the right alternative: Ability concerns what you can do; availability concerns whether or when you can take part.

Usage note: State availability for shifts or availability on weekdays; it does not mean skill level.

Explore vocabulary, synonyms and idioms

Check your understanding

Choose an answer to see the evidence and an explanation for every option. These checks are not a proficiency score.

1. What reserves a place at orientation?
2. Which item is optional?
3. What should someone unable to attend do?
All answers and explanations

What reserves a place at orientation?

Answer: A reply by Monday evening

Evidence: You must reply by Monday evening to reserve a place

  • The earlier interest form: The message says the form did not register attendance.
  • A reply by Monday evening: The reply is required to reserve a place.
  • Reading the booklet: Reading is optional.

Which item is optional?

Answer: Reading the welcome booklet in advance

Evidence: You may read the welcome booklet beforehand, but this is optional.

  • Photo identification: Identification is requested for the building pass.
  • Using the side entrance: The main doors will be closed.
  • Reading the welcome booklet in advance: The message explicitly labels this optional.

What should someone unable to attend do?

Answer: Email the coordinator

Evidence: If you cannot attend, email me rather than sending someone in your place.

  • Send a substitute: The coordinator asks volunteers not to send someone else.
  • Arrive on another evening: An appointment is required.
  • Email the coordinator: The coordinator can explain the next session once confirmed.

Try a new situation

Create a checklist of required actions and a separate list of optional actions. Include one detail that is still unconfirmed.

Use your own notes or voice recorder, then check your work:

  • Did you distinguish interest from registration?
  • Did you retain the difference between optional and required?
  • Have you avoided turning attendance into a guaranteed shift?
Apply this in free practice

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