CFPT English Expression and Grammar 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence demonstrates correct use of the past perfect tense?
- By the time the envoy arrived, the meeting ended.
- By the time the envoy arrived, the meeting had ended. (Correct answer)
- By the time the envoy arrived, the meeting has ended.
- By the time the envoy arrived, the meeting was ending.
Correct answer: By the time the envoy arrived, the meeting had ended.
The past perfect ('had ended') shows that one past action was completed before another past action occurred.
Question 2: Choose the sentence that correctly uses 'among' vs. 'between.'
- The disagreement was between the three delegations at the table.
- The disagreement was among the three delegations at the table. (Correct answer)
- The disagreement was between each of the three delegations.
- The disagreement was among the two lead negotiators.
Correct answer: The disagreement was among the three delegations at the table.
'Among' is used for three or more parties, while 'between' is used for exactly two.
Question 3: Identify the sentence that uses transitional language most effectively for a formal report.
- Anyway, the application was denied for lack of documentation.
- But the application was denied because of insufficient documentation.
- Nevertheless, the application was denied due to insufficient documentation. (Correct answer)
- Also the application was denied for not enough documentation.
Correct answer: Nevertheless, the application was denied due to insufficient documentation.
'Nevertheless' is a formal transitional word that signals contrast, and the sentence uses precise vocabulary appropriate for official writing.
Question 4: Select the sentence with the correct use of a hyphen in a compound modifier.
- The well known diplomat gave a speech at the conference.
- The well-known diplomat gave a speech at the conference. (Correct answer)
- The diplomat, who is well-known, gave a speech at the conference.
- The diplomat gave a well known speech at the conference.
Correct answer: The well-known diplomat gave a speech at the conference.
Compound modifiers before a noun are hyphenated ('well-known diplomat'), but not when they follow the noun ('is well known').
Question 5: Which sentence avoids a split infinitive in formal writing?
- The officer was asked to carefully review the application.
- The officer was asked to review the application carefully. (Correct answer)
- The officer was asked to, carefully, review the application.
- The officer was asked carefully to reviewing the application.
Correct answer: The officer was asked to review the application carefully.
Placing the adverb after the infinitive ('to review') avoids splitting 'to' from 'review,' which is preferred in formal contexts.
Question 6: Which sentence correctly uses 'that' versus 'which' in a restrictive clause?
- The form, that must be notarized, should be submitted by Friday.
- The form which must be notarized should be submitted by Friday.
- The form that must be notarized should be submitted by Friday. (Correct answer)
- The form, which must be notarized should be submitted by Friday.
Correct answer: The form that must be notarized should be submitted by Friday.
Restrictive clauses use 'that' without commas because they identify which specific item is being discussed and are essential to the meaning.
Question 7: Which option best improves the vague pronoun reference in: 'When the ambassador met with the minister, he stated that he would reconsider the agreement'?
- When the ambassador met with the minister, they stated they would reconsider the agreement.
- The ambassador stated during his meeting with the minister that the minister would reconsider the agreement.
- During the meeting, the ambassador stated that the minister would reconsider the agreement. (Correct answer)
- When they met, he stated that he would reconsider the agreement.
Correct answer: During the meeting, the ambassador stated that the minister would reconsider the agreement.
Option C eliminates the ambiguous 'he/he' by naming both parties' roles and actions clearly without vague pronouns.
CFPT English Expression and Grammar 5
Which sentence demonstrates correct use of the past perfect tense?