Writing and Grammar 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 Writing and Grammar flashcards as text
Which sentence uses a comma correctly with a coordinating conjunction?
Answer: The application was complete, but several documents were missing.
A comma is placed before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) joining two independent clauses.
Which sentence avoids a comma splice?
Answer: The hearing was postponed because the witness failed to appear.
A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma; adding a subordinating conjunction like 'because' corrects it.
Select the correct plural form for the word 'memorandum' in a government context.
Answer: Memoranda
'Memoranda' is the traditional Latin plural of 'memorandum,' widely used in formal government writing.
Which option correctly completes the sentence: 'Neither the director nor the managers _____ aware of the budget change.'
Answer: were
With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it; 'managers' is plural, so 'were' is correct.
In government correspondence, what does 'cc:' indicate at the bottom of a letter?
Answer: Carbon copy; other parties who received the letter
'cc:' stands for 'carbon copy' and lists additional recipients who received a copy of the correspondence.
Which sentence demonstrates correct use of a colon?
Answer: The applicant must submit the following: a completed application, two references, and a résumé.
A colon after a complete independent clause correctly introduces a list; the other options insert a colon after an incomplete clause.
Which word is an antonym of 'verbose' as it applies to civil service writing?
Answer: Concise
'Verbose' means using more words than needed; 'concise' means brief and to the point.