New Jersey Civil Service Exam Reading Comprehension Analysis 5

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:

Accepted Answer

Both trends are likely caused by a third factor, such as hot weather.

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Ineligible, because both components must be passed.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The pilot ran for only two weeks in one atypical office.

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

A violation of the visitor escort requirement.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The agency partially implemented the report's recommendations.

Answer

The agency implemented one of three recommendations, which constitutes partial implementation.

New Jersey Civil Service Exam Practice Test

New Jersey Civil Service Exam Practice Test

New Jersey Civil Service Exam Reading Comprehension Analysis 5