Frontline National Test Written Communication and Grammar 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses 'affect' versus 'effect'?
- The new policy will effect how officers write reports.
- The new policy will affect how officers write reports. (Correct answer)
- The affect of the policy was immediate.
- The new rule effected everyone on the team.
Correct answer: The new policy will affect how officers write reports.
'Affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is typically a noun meaning result.
Question 2: In written communication, what does 'clarity' refer to?
- Using as many details as possible
- Writing that is easy to understand without ambiguity (Correct answer)
- Formatting documents with headers and bullets
- Using formal vocabulary throughout
Correct answer: Writing that is easy to understand without ambiguity
Clarity means the writing is straightforward and unambiguous, allowing the reader to understand the message easily.
Question 3: Which sentence is grammatically correct?
- Between you and I, the report was incomplete.
- Neither the officers nor the sergeant were informed.
- Me and the lieutenant reviewed the case file.
- Between you and me, the report was incomplete. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Between you and me, the report was incomplete.
'Between you and me' is correct because 'me' is the object of the preposition 'between,' not a subject pronoun.
Question 4: Which is the best example of a clear, direct subject line for a professional email?
- Hello
- Important
- Follow-Up on Monday's Training Schedule Change (Correct answer)
- Please Read
Correct answer: Follow-Up on Monday's Training Schedule Change
A specific subject line tells the reader exactly what the email is about before they open it.
Question 5: What is the correct plural form of 'criterion'?
- Criterions
- Criterias
- Criterion
- Criteria (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Criteria
'Criteria' is the correct plural of 'criterion,' following its Latin origin.
Question 6: Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?
- The detective carefully reviewed the evidence.
- She only worked the night shift on Fridays.
- I almost drove my car to the station every day. (Correct answer)
- The supervisor quickly approved the request.
Correct answer: I almost drove my car to the station every day.
'Almost' modifies 'drove' but should modify 'every day' — the intended meaning is that it happened nearly every day, not that driving was nearly attempted.
Question 7: Which option best defines 'coherence' in writing?
- Using technical terms accurately
- Making every sentence as short as possible
- Ensuring ideas flow logically and are easy to follow (Correct answer)
- Avoiding the use of pronouns
Correct answer: Ensuring ideas flow logically and are easy to follow
Coherence means the text flows logically from one idea to the next, making it easy for readers to follow.
Which sentence correctly uses 'affect' versus 'effect'?