CELPIP Reading Part 1 Practice Test: A Colleague Emailing Another About Organizing a Team-Building Event

Dear James,

I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out because our manager asked me to coordinate a team-building event for our department next month. Since you’ve organized these kinds of activities before, I was hoping to get your input and see if you’d be willing to help me plan this one.

The team has been working hard lately, especially with the recent project deadlines, and I think everyone could use a break to unwind and bond. I’m considering a few options: a half-day outdoor activity like a scavenger hunt in the park, an escape room challenge, or maybe a cooking class. The budget is around $500, which should cover up to 12 people. What do you think would work best for the group? I’d love to hear your thoughts based on past events—did anything stand out as a hit or a miss?

Timing-wise, I’m aiming for a Friday afternoon, since most people are free after 2 p.m. that day. However, I could also make a weekday evening work if that’s better for the majority. Could you let me know what your schedule looks like and if you’d prefer one over the other? Also, do you think we should survey the team beforehand to get their preferences, or just pick something and go with it?

One more thing—I’d like to include a short team meeting at the start of the event to recap our recent successes. It’d only take about 15 minutes, but I’m wondering if that might feel too formal for a fun day. What’s your take on that? Oh, and do we need to book these activities far in advance, or is a week or two enough notice? I’d hate for our top choice to be unavailable.

Looking forward to your advice! I think with your experience, we can make this a really enjoyable day for everyone.

Best regards,

Lina

Dear Lina,

My gratitude for your gracious overture—I’m unequivocally delighted to lend my acumen to this team-building enterprise! Given the relentless exertions our cohort has endured of late, I’m persuaded they’d profoundly relish 7. Choose…a competitive challengea chance to unwind and connectextra time to finish projectsa formal recognition event , a respite well-earned after navigating those formidable deadlines. Reflecting on prior forays, I’d advocate the escape room gambit—it proved an unmitigated triumph last annum, chiefly because 8. Choose…it’s outdoors and relaxingit encourages teamwork and funeveryone loves puzzlesit’s the cheapest option galvanized our esprit de corps with unparalleled zest. For scheduling, Friday afternoons dovetail impeccably with my calendar’s cadence, yet 9. Choose…a morning slotskipping the eventa weekend daya weekday evening might merit a cursory poll to ascertain the collective pulse—our comrades’ inclinations could sway the tide. Regarding your notion of an inaugural briefing, I’d counsel brevity and levity; it’s a sagacious inclusion provided 10. Choose…James leads itit doesn’t overshadow the funit includes a full presentationthe team agrees to it preserves the convivial tenor we aspire to cultivate. On reservations, prudence dictates securing our venue a fortnight hence 11. Choose…popular activitiespark spacesbudget optionscooking classes oft succumbs to burgeoning demand, particularly as Friday slots dwindle with alacrity! I eagerly await your verdict—do apprise me of your determinations anon!

Best regards,

James