Writing Ability Flashcards
7 cards from real NFST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Writing Ability flashcards as text
Which sentence correctly uses a comma after an introductory element?
Answer: After the briefing, the ambassador took questions.
A comma is required after an introductory prepositional or adverbial phrase before the main clause.
Which word correctly completes this sentence: 'The policy will ___ all diplomatic correspondence.'
Answer: affect
'Affect' is a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is typically a noun meaning result.
Which of the following is NOT an example of parallel structure?
Answer: His goals were to negotiate, to mediate, and reaching consensus.
Mixing infinitives ('to negotiate, to mediate') with a gerund ('reaching') breaks parallel structure.
Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe?
Answer: Both A and B are correct.
A singular possessive uses 's (consul's) and a plural possessive uses s' (consuls'), both are correctly formed.
What is the best way to revise a sentence that is overly long and complex?
Answer: Break it into two or more shorter, clearer sentences.
Breaking an overly complex sentence into shorter sentences improves clarity and readability.
Which option is the clearest and most direct phrasing?
Answer: This office thinks changes should be made.
The second option is direct, uses active voice, and eliminates unnecessary hedging or wordiness.
Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?
Answer: Walking to the embassy, the documents were lost.
Documents cannot walk; the participial phrase 'Walking to the embassy' has no logical subject in the main clause.