New Jersey Civil Service Exam Written Expression and Grammar 4

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Accepted Answer

He submitted the form; however, it was incomplete.

Answer

A semicolon before a conjunctive adverb like 'however' correctly joins two independent clauses.

Question 2

Which sentence demonstrates correct comma usage with a nonrestrictive clause?

Accepted Answer

My supervisor, who has 20 years of experience, reviewed the file.

Answer

Nonrestrictive clauses, which add extra (not essential) information, are set off by commas.

Question 3

Choose the word that best fills the blank: 'The new policy will _____ all previous guidelines.'

Accepted Answer

supersede

Answer

'Supersede' is the correct spelling; there is no word 'supercede,' despite the common misspelling.

Question 4

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Accepted Answer

Between you and me, the project is behind schedule.

Answer

Prepositions like 'between' require object pronouns; 'me' is the object form, not 'I' or 'myself.'

Question 5

Identify the sentence that uses 'its' and 'it's' correctly.

Accepted Answer

The agency updated its procedures last quarter.

Answer

'Its' (no apostrophe) is the possessive pronoun; 'it's' is the contraction of 'it is.'

New Jersey Civil Service Exam Practice Test