The volunteer schedule
A community center posts this notice for volunteers:
«Volunteers must arrive by 8:30 a.m. to set up the rooms. Those who have not completed the safety briefing may not handle the kitchen equipment, although they can still help with registration and the book table. Shifts last three hours; anyone staying for a second shift should take a 30-minute break. Please sign the sheet at the entrance before starting.»
Ana arrives at 8:45, has completed the briefing, and wants to work two consecutive shifts. Bruno arrives at 8:20, has not done the briefing, and wants to help in the kitchen only. Carla arrives at 8:30, has done the briefing, and plans one shift at the book table.
1. For each volunteer, state whether the notice allows the plan as described, and why.
Read the worked answer
Ana: Late (8:45 > 8:30), so she does not meet the arrival rule; her two-shift plan is allowed only with a 30-minute break. She may handle kitchen equipment because she completed the briefing, but the lateness is a separate problem she should resolve with the coordinator.
Bruno: On time and eligible for a break-free single shift, but not allowed to work in the kitchen, since he has not completed the briefing. He can be redirected to registration or the book table.
Carla: Fully compliant: arrives exactly at 8:30 (the deadline is «by», so on time), has the briefing, and her book-table plan is permitted. She must sign the sheet before starting.
2. Write a short English reply (3–4 sentences) to Bruno explaining the rule politely and offering an alternative.
Read the worked answer
«Hi Bruno, thanks for arriving early - we really appreciate it. Because you haven't done the safety briefing yet, our rules don't allow you to use the kitchen equipment today. You're very welcome to help at the registration desk or the book table, and we can schedule the briefing so you can join the kitchen team next time.»
The reply uses a softener («thanks… we really appreciate it»), states the rule impersonally («our rules don't allow»), and closes with a concrete alternative plus a future option, which keeps the tone helpful rather than punitive.