New Jersey Civil Service Exam Reading Comprehension Analysis 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage reads: 'Statistical correlation does not establish causation. Two variables may move together because both are influenced by a third, unmeasured variable.' A study shows ice cream sales and drowning rates both rise in summer. The best interpretation is:
- Eating ice cream causes drowning.
- Both trends are likely caused by a third factor, such as hot weather. (Correct answer)
- Drowning causes people to eat more ice cream.
- The correlation proves a direct relationship.
Correct answer: Both trends are likely caused by a third factor, such as hot weather.
Hot weather (a third variable) drives both ice cream sales and swimming activity, illustrating the concept in the passage.
Question 2: A civil service manual states: 'A candidate's written test score counts for 70% of the final score, and the oral interview counts for 30%. Candidates must pass both components to be eligible for placement on the hiring list.' A candidate scores 90 on the written test but fails the oral interview. They are:
- Eligible, because their written score is high enough to compensate.
- Ineligible, because both components must be passed. (Correct answer)
- Eligible, with a reduced final score.
- Ineligible only if the oral score is below 50.
Correct answer: Ineligible, because both components must be passed.
The manual requires passing both components; failing the oral interview makes the candidate ineligible regardless of the written score.
Question 3: A paragraph reads: 'The new scheduling software reduced errors by 35% in the pilot office. The agency plans to roll it out system-wide.' A critic argues the rollout is premature. Which fact, if true, would most strengthen the critic's position?
- The pilot office had the highest error rate in the agency.
- The pilot ran for only two weeks in one atypical office. (Correct answer)
- The software cost less than the previous system.
- Other agencies have adopted the same software.
Correct answer: The pilot ran for only two weeks in one atypical office.
A two-week pilot in a single atypical office provides very limited evidence for a system-wide rollout, supporting the critic's concern.
Question 4: A notice states: 'Employees must wear identification badges at all times while on agency premises. Visitors must sign in at the front desk and be escorted by a badged employee at all times.' A visitor is found walking alone in the hallway. Based on the passage, this is:
- Acceptable if the visitor signed in at the front desk.
- A violation of the visitor escort requirement. (Correct answer)
- Acceptable if the visitor has a temporary badge.
- A violation only if they are in a restricted area.
Correct answer: A violation of the visitor escort requirement.
The passage requires visitors to be escorted by a badged employee at all times, so walking alone violates this rule.
Question 5: A passage reads: 'The report recommends three changes: restructuring the intake process, hiring two additional case managers, and upgrading the database software. The agency adopted only the database upgrade.' Which statement is most accurate based on the passage?
- The agency fully implemented the report's recommendations.
- The agency partially implemented the report's recommendations. (Correct answer)
- The agency rejected the report's recommendations.
- The agency is still reviewing the report's recommendations.
Correct answer: The agency partially implemented the report's recommendations.
The agency implemented one of three recommendations, which constitutes partial implementation.
Question 6: A regulation reads: 'No employee shall engage in outside employment that conflicts with their official duties, creates a real or apparent conflict of interest, or impairs their ability to perform their job.' An employee moonlights as a private contractor for a company that bids on agency contracts. This arrangement most likely:
- Is permitted because the work is done outside office hours.
- Creates a conflict of interest prohibited by the regulation. (Correct answer)
- Is permitted if the employee discloses it to their supervisor.
- Is only prohibited if the company wins a contract.
Correct answer: Creates a conflict of interest prohibited by the regulation.
Working for a company that bids on agency contracts creates an apparent conflict of interest, which the regulation explicitly prohibits.
Question 7: A passage states: 'When two equally qualified candidates apply for the same position, preference shall be given to the candidate who is a current employee of the department.' A current department employee and an external applicant receive identical test scores and interview ratings. Who should receive the position?
- The external applicant, to bring in new perspectives.
- The current department employee, per the preference rule. (Correct answer)
- Either candidate at the hiring manager's sole discretion.
- The candidate with more years of total work experience.
Correct answer: The current department employee, per the preference rule.
The passage establishes a clear preference for current department employees when candidates are equally qualified.
New Jersey Civil Service Exam Reading Comprehension Analysis 5
A passage reads: 'Statistical correlation does not establish causation.
Two variables may move together because both are influenced by a third, unmeasured variable.' A study shows ice cream sales and drowning rates both rise in summer.
The best interpretation is: