OACP Written Communication and Grammar 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes a 'compound sentence'?
- A sentence with one independent clause and one dependent clause.
- A sentence with two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction or semicolon. (Correct answer)
- A sentence with multiple dependent clauses.
- A sentence that contains a list of items.
Correct answer: A sentence with two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction or semicolon.
A compound sentence combines two or more independent clauses using coordinating conjunctions or semicolons.
Question 2: Which is the correct plural form for use in a police report?
- The witness's gave conflicting accounts.
- The witnesses gave conflicting accounts. (Correct answer)
- The witness' gave conflicting accounts.
- The witnesses' gave conflicting accounts.
Correct answer: The witnesses gave conflicting accounts.
The plural of 'witness' is 'witnesses'; no apostrophe is needed unless possession is being shown.
Question 3: When should a colon be used in a police report?
- Before a list or explanation that follows a complete independent clause. (Correct answer)
- To separate two independent clauses that contrast with each other.
- To join two related sentences without a conjunction.
- After every introductory phrase in a sentence.
Correct answer: Before a list or explanation that follows a complete independent clause.
A colon is properly used after a complete independent clause to introduce a list, quotation, or explanation.
Question 4: Which word choice is most precise in a written police report?
- The subject moved quickly down the alley.
- The subject fled at a rapid pace through the alleyway.
- The subject ran northbound through the alley at approximately 30 km/h. (Correct answer)
- The subject got away fast in the alley.
Correct answer: The subject ran northbound through the alley at approximately 30 km/h.
Precise reports include direction, speed estimates, and specific locations rather than vague descriptors.
Question 5: Which of the following is a coordinating conjunction that can join two independent clauses?
- Although
- Because
- But (Correct answer)
- While
Correct answer: But
Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) join independent clauses; 'but' is one of them.
Question 6: Which sentence correctly uses quotation marks in a police report?
- The witness stated she 'did not see anyone leave the building.'
- The witness stated, "I did not see anyone leave the building." (Correct answer)
- The witness stated: 'I did not see anyone leave the building'.
- The witness stated "she did not see anyone leave the building".
Correct answer: The witness stated, "I did not see anyone leave the building."
Direct quotations use double quotation marks and are introduced with a comma after the attribution phrase.
Question 7: What is the primary reason spelling accuracy is critical in police reports?
- It demonstrates that the officer passed their grammar exam.
- Errors can undermine the report's credibility and cause legal complications. (Correct answer)
- Spelling mistakes slow down the review process for supervisors.
- It ensures the report is longer and more detailed.
Correct answer: Errors can undermine the report's credibility and cause legal complications.
Spelling errors in official reports can be used to challenge an officer's credibility or the report's accuracy in court.
OACP Written Communication and Grammar 5
Which of the following best describes a 'compound sentence'?