POST Writing Ability 5

Question 1

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Accepted Answer

I only saw the suspect leave through the front door.

Answer

'Only' should be placed immediately before the word it modifies; 'I saw only the suspect leave' is clearer.

Question 2

An officer must choose between 'ensure,' 'insure,' and 'assure.' Which sentence uses the correct word?

Accepted Answer

The sergeant assured the victim that help was coming.

Answer

'Assure' means to give confidence to a person; 'ensure' means to make certain; 'insure' relates to financial coverage.

Question 3

Which of the following sentences uses correct capitalization?

Accepted Answer

Officer Smith responded to the call on Tuesday.

Answer

Proper nouns (names, specific days) must be capitalized; common nouns and lowercase words must not be.

Question 4

A report states: 'The witness said the suspect was tall, had dark hair and, wore a blue hoodie.' What is the punctuation error?

Accepted Answer

Extra comma before 'wore'

Answer

There should be no comma between 'and' and 'wore' when listing items in a simple series.

Question 5

Which sentence is written in the most appropriate tone for an official police report?

Accepted Answer

Subject fled on foot upon observing this officer.

Answer

Reports require formal, third-person or professional first-person language free of slang.

POST - Peace Officer Standards and Training Practice Test