New Jersey Civil Service Written Expression and Grammar Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the following sentence and choose the option that corrects the error in grammar or punctuation. 'The team of analysts, after reviewing all the data, is submitting there recommendation to the board next week.'

Accepted Answer

is submitting its recommendation to the board

Answer

The subject of the sentence is 'team,' which is a singular collective noun. Therefore, it requires a singular verb ('is') and a singular possessive pronoun ('its'). 'There' is an adverb indicating place, and 'their' is a plural possessive pronoun; both are incorrect here.

Question 2

Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

Accepted Answer

Neither the director nor the actors were satisfied with the final scene.

Answer

When 'neither...nor' connects two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it. In this case, 'actors' is plural, so the plural verb 'were' is correct. In the other options: 'Each' is singular and requires 'was'; the phrase 'as well as the employees' is parenthetical, so the verb should agree with 'manager' (singular 'was'); 'A list' is the singular subject and requires 'was'.

Question 3

A new municipal ordinance will ______ the process for obtaining a construction permit, making it more difficult for uncertified contractors. Which word correctly completes the sentence?

Accepted Answer

affect

Answer

'Affect' is a verb meaning 'to influence or produce a change in something.' 'Effect' is usually a noun meaning 'a result or consequence.' In this context, the ordinance will influence or change the process, so the verb 'affect' is the correct choice.

Question 4

An internal memo states: 'To improve office efficiency, all staff should be proficient in using the new software, answering emails promptly, and ______ regular data backups.' Choose the option that maintains parallel structure.

Accepted Answer

performing

Answer

The sentence uses a parallel structure with gerunds (-ing words): 'using,' 'answering,' and therefore requires 'performing' to maintain the pattern. The other options break the parallel structure of the list.

Question 5

Identify the sentence that contains a punctuation error.

Accepted Answer

Although the weather was poor; the event had a surprisingly high turnout.

Answer

A semicolon should be used to connect two closely related independent clauses. However, when a dependent clause (like 'Although the weather was poor') precedes an independent clause, it should be set off by a comma, not a semicolon. The correct punctuation would be a comma.

New Jersey Civil Service Exam Practice Test

New Jersey Civil Service Exam Practice Test

New Jersey Civil Service Written Expression and Grammar Questions and Answers