Grammar and Writing Ability Flashcards
7 cards from real Texas Civil Service Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Grammar and Writing Ability flashcards as text
Which sentence uses the correct verb tense?
Answer: By the time backup arrived, the suspect had already escaped.
The past perfect ('had escaped') is required to show an action completed before another past event.
Identify the misspelled word in the following sentence: 'The liutenant recieved commendation for his exemplary service.'
Answer: Both A and B
Both 'lieutenant' (not 'liutenant') and 'received' (i before e, following 'c' — the exception) are misspelled.
Which sentence best uses transitional language to show contrast?
Answer: The suspect cooperated fully; nevertheless, the investigation stalled.
'Nevertheless' signals contrast between the cooperation and the stalled investigation.
Which word choice is most appropriate for a formal civil service report?
Answer: The officer apprehended the suspect at the intersection of Main and Elm Streets.
'Apprehended' is formal and precise language appropriate for official civil service documentation.
Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?
Answer: The officer documented carefully the bloody evidence in the bag.
Placing 'carefully' between the verb and its direct object creates an awkward, misplaced modifier.
Select the sentence that correctly uses a hyphen.
Answer: Both A and B are correct.
Hyphenate compound modifiers before a noun (well-trained recruits) but not after a linking verb (were well trained).
Which sentence demonstrates correct word division of a complex sentence?
Answer: Although the paperwork was extensive, the officer completed it before the deadline.
A comma is placed after an introductory subordinate clause before the main clause.