Written Comprehension and Expression Flashcards
7 cards from real NYC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Written Comprehension and Expression flashcards as text
Which sentence most clearly and concisely conveys the intended meaning?
Answer: The project missed the deadline because of insufficient staffing.
The second option conveys the same information in the fewest, clearest words without redundancy or awkward phrasing.
Read this instruction: 'Employees must complete Form A prior to submitting Form B, unless Form C has already been approved, in which case Form B may be submitted directly.' An employee has an approved Form C. What should they do?
Answer: Submit Form B directly without completing Form A first.
The exception clause states that an approved Form C allows Form B to be submitted directly, bypassing the requirement for Form A.
Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?
Answer: Walking through the lobby, the security alarm suddenly went off.
In option C, the alarm cannot be 'walking through the lobby' — the modifier is left without a logical subject to modify.
A report includes: 'The suspect fled northbound on Broadway before turning eastbound on 42nd Street, where he was apprehended.' Which word best replaces 'apprehended' for a general public notice?
Answer: Caught
'Caught' is the plainest, most universally understood term for a general public audience, while the others may be technical or alarming.
Choose the correctly spelled word to complete the sentence: 'The manager gave her ________ approval for the project.'
Answer: explicit
'Explicit' is the correct spelling, meaning clearly and directly stated, leaving no room for confusion.
What is the purpose of the topic sentence in a formal paragraph?
Answer: To introduce and state the main idea of the paragraph
The topic sentence introduces the main idea of the paragraph and signals to the reader what the paragraph will discuss.
A civil service regulation reads: 'No employee shall engage in any outside employment that is incompatible with the proper discharge of official duties.' An employee wants to do freelance work unrelated to their government job on weekends. Based on this regulation, what must they consider?
Answer: Whether the outside work interferes with their official duties
The regulation prohibits only outside employment that is 'incompatible with the proper discharge of official duties,' making interference the key consideration.