New Jersey Civil Service Exam Written Expression and Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses the correct pronoun case?
- The report was submitted by she and I.
- The report was submitted by her and me. (Correct answer)
- The report was submitted by her and I.
- The report was submitted by she and me.
Correct answer: The report was submitted by her and me.
After a preposition like 'by,' objective pronouns (her, me) must be used, not nominative (she, I).
Question 2: A government memo states: 'All employees whom are absent must notify HR.' What is the error?
- 'absent' should be 'absented'
- 'notify' should be 'notified'
- 'whom' should be 'who' (Correct answer)
- 'must' should be 'shall'
Correct answer: 'whom' should be 'who'
'Who' is correct here because it serves as the subject of 'are absent,' requiring nominative case.
Question 3: Which option correctly uses a semicolon?
- Submit the form; before the deadline.
- Submit the form before; the deadline.
- The deadline passed; therefore, the form was rejected. (Correct answer)
- The deadline; passed and the form was rejected.
Correct answer: The deadline passed; therefore, the form was rejected.
A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, especially when a conjunctive adverb like 'therefore' follows.
Question 4: What does 'passive voice' mean in writing?
- The subject performs the action.
- The action is performed upon the subject. (Correct answer)
- The sentence contains no verb.
- The sentence uses future tense.
Correct answer: The action is performed upon the subject.
In passive voice, the subject receives the action rather than performing it (e.g., 'The report was written by the clerk').
Question 5: Which sentence is the most concise?
- Due to the fact that it was raining, we stayed inside.
- Because it rained, we stayed inside. (Correct answer)
- On account of the rainfall that occurred, we remained indoors.
- We stayed inside due to the raining weather conditions.
Correct answer: Because it rained, we stayed inside.
'Because it rained, we stayed inside' conveys the same meaning in the fewest words without wordiness.
Question 6: A civil service letter ends: 'Please do not hesitate to contact I if you have questions.' What should be corrected?
- 'hesitate' should be 'hesitated'
- 'contact' should be 'contacts'
- 'I' should be 'me' (Correct answer)
- 'questions' should be 'question'
Correct answer: 'I' should be 'me'
After the verb 'contact,' the objective pronoun 'me' must be used, not the nominative 'I.'
Question 7: Which transition word best signals a contrast between two ideas?
- Furthermore
- Consequently
- Nevertheless (Correct answer)
- Similarly
Correct answer: Nevertheless
'Nevertheless' signals a contrast or concession, indicating that the second idea is surprising given the first.
New Jersey Civil Service Exam Written Expression and Communication 2
Which sentence uses the correct pronoun case?