Texas Civil Service Exam Writing and Grammar 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses a comma correctly with a coordinating conjunction?
- The application was complete, but several documents were missing. (Correct answer)
- The application was complete but, several documents were missing.
- The application was complete but several, documents were missing.
- The application was complete, but, several documents were missing.
Correct answer: The application was complete, but several documents were missing.
A comma is placed before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) joining two independent clauses.
Question 2: Which sentence avoids a comma splice?
- The hearing was postponed, the witness failed to appear.
- The hearing was postponed the witness failed to appear.
- The hearing was postponed because the witness failed to appear. (Correct answer)
- The hearing was postponed, it was because the witness failed to appear.
Correct 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.
Question 3: Select the correct plural form for the word 'memorandum' in a government context.
- Memorandums
- Memoranda (Correct answer)
- Memorandi
- Memorandas
Correct answer: Memoranda
'Memoranda' is the traditional Latin plural of 'memorandum,' widely used in formal government writing.
Question 4: Which option correctly completes the sentence: 'Neither the director nor the managers _____ aware of the budget change.'
- was
- were (Correct answer)
- is
- has been
Correct answer: were
With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it; 'managers' is plural, so 'were' is correct.
Question 5: In government correspondence, what does 'cc:' indicate at the bottom of a letter?
- Confidential copy sent to a listed recipient
- Carbon copy; other parties who received the letter (Correct answer)
- Certification that the content is correct
- Counter-signed by a superior officer
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which sentence demonstrates correct use of a colon?
- The required documents are: a driver's license, proof of residency, and an employment letter.
- Please bring: your ID, paperwork, and the completed form.
- The applicant must submit the following: a completed application, two references, and a résumé. (Correct answer)
- We need: more staff.
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which word is an antonym of 'verbose' as it applies to civil service writing?
- Wordy
- Elaborate
- Concise (Correct answer)
- Redundant
Correct answer: Concise
'Verbose' means using more words than needed; 'concise' means brief and to the point.
Texas Civil Service Exam Writing and Grammar 4
Which sentence uses a comma correctly with a coordinating conjunction?