POST Writing Ability 4

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'affect' vs. 'effect'?

Accepted Answer

The weather affected the visibility at the scene.

Answer

'Affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is typically a noun meaning result.

Question 2

A sergeant reviewing a report finds: 'Me and my partner responded to the call.' What is the error?

Accepted Answer

Wrong pronoun case — should be 'My partner and I'

Answer

When the pronoun is the subject of the sentence, 'I' must be used, not 'me.'

Question 3

Which sentence correctly uses the apostrophe?

Accepted Answer

The officers' reports were filed on time.

Answer

For plural possessives, the apostrophe follows the 's': officers' (belonging to multiple officers).

Question 4

Which transition word best introduces a contrasting idea in a report narrative?

Accepted Answer

However

Answer

'However' signals contrast or contradiction between ideas, making the narrative logical to readers.

Question 5

An officer writes: 'The victim had cuts on their arm that was bleeding.' What should be corrected?

Accepted Answer

'was' should be 'were' to agree with 'cuts'

Answer

'Cuts' is plural, so the verb must be 'were,' not 'was,' to maintain subject-verb agreement.

POST - Peace Officer Standards and Training Practice Test