CTB - Clerical Test Battery Grammar and Proofreading Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following sentences contains a grammatical error known as a comma splice?

Accepted Answer

The new software was installed yesterday, however, employees will need training to use it effectively.

Answer

Because the new software was installed yesterday, employees will need training to use it effectively.

Answer

The new software was installed yesterday; however, employees will need training to use it effectively.

Answer

The new software was installed yesterday, so employees will need training to use it effectively.

Question 2

A clerk is drafting an email about company policy. Which sentence correctly uses the words 'principal' or 'principle'?

Accepted Answer

Our company follows a strict principle of customer confidentiality.

Answer

The principal reason for the policy change is to improve data security.

Answer

Adherence to this new principle is mandatory for all staff members.

Answer

The policy is based on the principle that client data must be protected.

Question 3

Read the following sentence and identify the grammatical error: 'The file cabinet, along with the boxes of old records, need to be moved to the storage room.'

Accepted Answer

The verb 'need' should be 'needs'.

Answer

The comma after 'records' should be a semicolon.

Answer

The word 'along' should be 'and'.

Answer

There is no error in the sentence.

Question 4

Which of the following sentences uses apostrophes correctly in all instances?

Accepted Answer

It's the clerk's responsibility to manage the department's incoming mail.

Answer

Its up to the managers' to approve their teams' leave requests.

Answer

Its' time to review the two departments' quarterly reports.

Answer

The IT departments' main goal is to ensure all employees' computers are secure.

Question 5

A clerk is proofreading a memo and finds the following sentence. Which choice best corrects the misplaced modifier? 'The clerk filed the report in the cabinet that was completed yesterday.'

Accepted Answer

The clerk filed the report that was completed yesterday in the cabinet.

Answer

In the cabinet, the clerk filed the report that was completed yesterday.

Answer

The clerk, who completed it yesterday, filed the report in the cabinet.

Answer

The sentence is correct as written.

Question 6

An office manager is creating a list of duties for a new administrative assistant. Which list demonstrates correct parallel structure?

Accepted Answer

Your responsibilities include filing documents, managing schedules, and greeting clients.

Answer

Daily tasks include answering the phone, data entry, and to sort the mail.

Answer

You will be responsible for filing documents, managing schedules, and client greetings.

Answer

Job duties are: answering phones, schedule meetings, and distribute mail.