NYC Civil Service Written Expression and Grammar Questions and Answers

Question 1

Choose the version of the sentence that is grammatically correct and most clearly written.

Accepted Answer

Each of the proposed city ordinances, which address issues from zoning to public health, is controversial.

Answer

Each of the proposed city ordinances, which address issues from zoning to public health, are controversial.

Answer

Each of the proposed city ordinances, which address issues from zoning to public health, have been controversial.

Answer

Each of the proposed city ordinances, addressing issues from zoning to public health, were controversial.

Question 2

A city inspector is writing a report. Which of the following sentences uses correct parallel structure?

Accepted Answer

The new policy requires employees to attend a safety seminar, complete a follow-up quiz, and submit a signed acknowledgment form.

Answer

The new policy requires employees to attend a safety seminar, completing a follow-up quiz, and that they submit a signed acknowledgment form.

Answer

The new policy requires employees to attend a safety seminar, to complete a follow-up quiz, and submitting a signed acknowledgment form.

Answer

The new policy requires employees attending a safety seminar, completing a follow-up quiz, and submitting a signed acknowledgment form.

Question 3

Read the following sentence and determine if there is a grammatical error in the underlined portions.

'The director gave the new assignment to my colleague and I (A) because the project required (B) someone with our (C) specific set of skills (D).'

Accepted Answer

A

Answer

B

Answer

C

Answer

D

Question 4

Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?

Accepted Answer

The sanitation department purchased new trucks; however, they will not be in service until next month.

Answer

The sanitation department purchased new trucks, however, they will not be in service until next month.

Answer

The sanitation department purchased new trucks, however they will not be in service until next month.

Answer

The sanitation department purchased new trucks; however they will not be in service until next month.

Question 5

Which of the following sentences is the clearest and most logical combination of the ideas below?

'The city is launching a new recycling program. It aims to reduce landfill waste. The program will begin on June 1st.'

Accepted Answer

To reduce landfill waste, the city is launching a new recycling program, which will begin on June 1st.

Answer

The city is launching a new recycling program to reduce landfill waste, it will begin on June 1st.

Answer

Beginning June 1st and aiming to reduce landfill waste, the city is launching a new recycling program.

Answer

The city's new recycling program will begin on June 1st, and it aims to reduce landfill waste and is launching.

Question 6

Which of the following sentences contains a dangling or misplaced modifier?

Accepted Answer

To apply for the permit, a completed form must be submitted by the applicant.

Answer

After reviewing the budget, the committee chairperson called for a vote.

Answer

The documents, which were stored in the city archive, were retrieved for the audit.

Answer

The mayor spoke to the reporters who had gathered in the press room.