New Jersey Civil Service Exam Written Expression and Communication 2

Question 1

Which sentence uses the correct pronoun case?

Accepted Answer

The report was submitted by her and me.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

'whom' should be 'who'

Answer

'Who' is correct here because it serves as the subject of 'are absent,' requiring nominative case.

Question 3

Which option correctly uses a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

The deadline passed; therefore, the form was rejected.

Answer

A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, especially when a conjunctive adverb like 'therefore' follows.

Question 4

What does 'passive voice' mean in writing?

Accepted Answer

The action is performed upon the subject.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Because it rained, we stayed inside.

Answer

'Because it rained, we stayed inside' conveys the same meaning in the fewest words without wordiness.

New Jersey Civil Service Exam Practice Test