California State Jobs Exam Written Communication and Grammar 3

Question 1

Which sentence avoids the dangling modifier?

Accepted Answer

Walking through the office, I heard the fire alarm.

Answer

Option B correctly identifies 'I' as the one walking.

Question 2

Best transition: 'The department exceeded targets. _____, staffing remained unchanged.'

Accepted Answer

Nevertheless,

Answer

'Nevertheless' indicates contrast: success despite no additional staff.

Question 3

Which sentence has correct parallel structure?

Accepted Answer

The job requires filing, answering phones, and greeting visitors.

Answer

All items use the same form: gerunds (filing, answering, greeting).

Question 4

Which voice is generally preferred in state business writing?

Accepted Answer

Active, because it is clearer and more direct

Answer

Active voice is preferred for clarity and directness.

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe?

Accepted Answer

The department's policy was updated.

Answer

Singular possessive: one department's policy = department's.

California State Jobs Exam Practice Test