New Jersey Civil Service Exam Written Expression and Communication 5

Question 1

A government form instructs: 'Attach any relevant document's.' What is the error?

Accepted Answer

The apostrophe in 'document's' is incorrect.

Answer

'Documents' is simply a plural noun here and requires no apostrophe; apostrophes show possession, not plurality.

Question 2

Which tone is most appropriate for an official civil service complaint response?

Accepted Answer

Formal, respectful, and objective

Answer

Official correspondence requires a formal, respectful, and objective tone to maintain professionalism and credibility.

Question 3

Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

Accepted Answer

We need the following items: a pen, paper, and a folder.

Answer

A colon correctly introduces a list after a complete independent clause; the clause before the colon must be grammatically complete.

Question 4

An officer writes: 'Between you and I, the report was inaccurate.' What should be corrected?

Accepted Answer

'I' should be 'me'

Answer

'Between' is a preposition requiring the objective case; the correct form is 'between you and me.'

Question 5

Which option is an example of a run-on sentence?

Accepted Answer

The applicant arrived late the office was already closed.

Answer

'The applicant arrived late the office was already closed' fuses two independent clauses without proper punctuation or a conjunction.

New Jersey Civil Service Exam Practice Test