DSSAT English Expression and Grammar 3 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses a restrictive clause without commas?

The agent, who filed the report, was commended.
The agent who filed the report was commended. (Correct answer)
The agent; who filed the report, was commended.
The agent — who filed the report — was commended.

Correct answer: The agent who filed the report was commended.

A restrictive clause (essential to identifying the noun) is not set off by commas. It specifies which agent is being discussed.

A restrictive (defining) clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence — it identifies which specific person or thing is being discussed. It is NOT set off by commas. A non-restrictive (non-defining) clause adds extra information about a noun already identified and IS set off by commas. Example of non-restrictive: 'Agent Smith, who filed the report, was commended.' (There is only one Agent Smith.) Example of restrictive: 'The agent who filed the report was commended.' (We don't know which agent without this clause.)

Question 2: What is the correct way to write a possessive for a noun already ending in 's'?

Always add apostrophe-s: 'Thomas's report'
Always add only an apostrophe: 'Thomas' report'
Both forms are acceptable in standard usage; style guides vary (Correct answer)
Possessives of names ending in 's' are formed without any apostrophe

Correct answer: Both forms are acceptable in standard usage; style guides vary

Both 'Thomas's' and 'Thomas'' are acceptable possessive forms for nouns ending in 's'; different style guides (AP, Chicago, APA) prescribe different rules.

The formation of possessives for singular nouns ending in 's' varies by style guide. The Chicago Manual of Style recommends adding 's after the apostrophe (Thomas's). The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook recommends adding only an apostrophe (Thomas'). Government writing may follow either standard depending on the agency's adopted style guide. Both are grammatically acceptable in standard English usage. Knowing this distinction demonstrates awareness of style guide variation in professional writing.

Question 3: In formal report writing, which transition word is most appropriate to introduce a contrasting point?

Furthermore
Consequently
Nevertheless (Correct answer)
Similarly

Correct answer: Nevertheless

'Nevertheless' is a transition that introduces a contrasting or concessive point, meaning 'in spite of that' or 'however.'

Transition words signal the logical relationship between ideas. 'Furthermore' and 'similarly' signal addition or agreement. 'Consequently' signals cause and effect. 'Nevertheless' (synonymous with 'however,' 'nonetheless,' 'yet') signals contrast or concession — it introduces a point that contrasts with or qualifies the preceding statement. In formal report writing, using the correct transition word ensures the reader accurately understands the logical relationship between statements.

Question 4: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Reviewing the evidence carefully, the agent identified a key inconsistency.
After reviewing the evidence carefully, a key inconsistency was identified. (Correct answer)
The agent, after reviewing the evidence carefully, identified a key inconsistency.
Having reviewed the evidence carefully, the agent identified a key inconsistency.

Correct answer: After reviewing the evidence carefully, a key inconsistency was identified.

In Option B, the participial phrase 'after reviewing the evidence carefully' dangles because the subject of the main clause ('a key inconsistency') cannot logically perform the reviewing action.

A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that does not clearly and logically modify the subject of the sentence. In Option B, 'after reviewing the evidence carefully' implies a subject who is doing the reviewing, but the sentence then states 'a key inconsistency was identified' — an inconsistency cannot review evidence. The modifier dangles because no logical subject for the reviewing action appears immediately after the modifying phrase. Options A, C, and D all correctly connect the reviewing action to the agent.

Question 5: Which choice correctly completes the sentence: 'The committee will _____ the proposed security protocol at tomorrow's meeting.'

review (Correct answer)
revue
re-view
re-vue

Correct answer: review

'Review' means to examine or assess something; 'revue' is a type of theatrical entertainment. The correct word here is 'review.'

Word choice errors (also called malapropisms or confused word pairs) are common in written expression tests. 'Review' (verb/noun) means to examine, assess, or look over something again: 'to review a protocol.' 'Revue' is a noun referring to a theatrical variety show. In this context, the committee is assessing a security protocol, so 'review' is the only correct choice. Confusing homophones and near-homophones is a common error in professional writing that can undermine the credibility of reports.

Question 6: What grammatical function does the underlined word serve in this sentence: 'The ambassador quickly reviewed the classified briefing before departing.'

Adjective modifying 'ambassador'
Adverb modifying 'reviewed' (Correct answer)
Predicate adjective following a linking verb
Noun functioning as the subject complement

Correct answer: Adverb modifying 'reviewed'

'Quickly' is an adverb that modifies the verb 'reviewed,' describing how the reviewing was done.

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. In this sentence, 'quickly' answers the question 'how did the ambassador review the briefing?' — making it an adverb modifying the verb 'reviewed.' Understanding the grammatical function of words is tested on the DS Special Agent written examination because it reflects the candidate's ability to communicate with precision and analyze language structure, skills essential for writing accurate investigative reports and diplomatic communications.

DSSAT English Expression and Grammar 3

Which sentence correctly uses a restrictive clause without commas?