FSOT English Grammar and Usage Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the following sentence and determine if it contains an error:

Having finished the detailed report, the summary was sent to the department head for immediate review.

Accepted Answer

The sentence contains a dangling modifier.

Answer

The sentence has a subject-verb agreement error.

Answer

The sentence uses the wrong verb tense.

Answer

The sentence is grammatically correct.

Question 2

A Foreign Service Officer is drafting a cable and wants to ensure it is grammatically flawless. Which of the following sentences correctly uses parallel structure?

Accepted Answer

The policy requires that we engage in bilateral talks, that we provide humanitarian aid, and that we monitor the situation closely.

Answer

The diplomat was tasked with analyzing the political situation, the economic instability, and to report on cultural developments.

Answer

The mission's objectives are to strengthen diplomatic ties, promoting economic growth, and the facilitation of cultural exchange.

Answer

Her duties included attending meetings, to write reports, and briefing the ambassador.

Question 3

Select the sentence that correctly uses the subjunctive mood.

Accepted Answer

The committee recommended that the proposal be approved without delay.

Answer

If I was the ambassador, I would have handled the negotiation differently.

Answer

The directive requires that every employee completes the security training by Friday.

Answer

He wishes he was given the overseas assignment to Brussels.

Question 4

The consul met with the citizen _______ the embassy had been trying to contact for several weeks.

Accepted Answer

whom

Answer

who

Answer

whose

Answer

which

Question 5

Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct and most clearly written?

Accepted Answer

The ambassador, along with her senior staff, is attending the international summit.

Answer

The economic data, that was released yesterday, suggests a slowdown in growth.

Answer

Neither the attachés nor the section chief are available for comment at this time.

Answer

Every one of the reports have to be filed before the end of the day.

Question 6

Identify the error in the following sentence:

The new policy is intended to improve inter-agency communication, however, its implementation has been met with unexpected resistance.

Accepted Answer

Comma splice

Answer

Incorrect pronoun usage

Answer

Misplaced modifier

Answer

Incorrect verb tense