Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Grammar and Sentence Completion 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'The findings ______ that further action is needed.'
- indicate (Correct answer)
- indicates
- indicated that
- is indicating
Correct answer: indicate
'The findings' is a plural subject, so it takes the plural verb 'indicate' (no 's'). 'Indicates' would be singular.
Question 2: Choose the correct sentence:
- The data show a significant increase in productivity. (Correct answer)
- The data shows a significant increase in productivity.
- The datas show a significant increase.
- The data are showing a significant increase.
Correct answer: The data show a significant increase in productivity.
'Data' is the plural of 'datum.' In formal usage, 'data show' (plural verb) is grammatically correct.
Question 3: Select the correct word: 'She was ______ by her colleagues for her contribution.'
- commended (Correct answer)
- commanded
- commented
- recommended
Correct answer: commended
'Commended' means to be formally praised. 'Commanded' means ordered. 'Commented' means remarked on. 'Commended' fits the context of recognition.
Question 4: Which sentence is grammatically correct?
- Having reviewed the evidence, the panel reached a verdict. (Correct answer)
- Having reviewed the evidence, a verdict was reached by the panel.
- Having reviewed the evidence, it reached a verdict.
- Having reviewed the evidence, the verdict was reached.
Correct answer: Having reviewed the evidence, the panel reached a verdict.
The participial phrase 'Having reviewed the evidence' must be followed by the subject who did the reviewing. Only option A correctly matches the panel to the action.
Question 5: Choose the correct option: 'The report was well-written, ______ it contained some errors.'
- although (Correct answer)
- therefore
- furthermore
- consequently
Correct answer: although
'Although' introduces a contrast — the report was well-written despite containing errors. The other words indicate consequence or addition, not contrast.
Question 6: Which word correctly fills the blank? 'The manager asked that all queries ______ directed to HR.'
- be (Correct answer)
- are
- were
- have been
Correct answer: be
After 'asked that', the subjunctive base form 'be' is required. This is a formal instruction using the subjunctive mood.
Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Grammar and Sentence Completion 3
Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'The findings ______ that further action is needed.'