Free OFAI Writing and Grammar Ability Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct and most clearly written.
- The senior firefighter, along with the two new recruits, are checking the truck's equipment.
- The senior firefighter, along with the two new recruits, is checking the truck's equipment. (Correct answer)
- The senior firefighter are checking the truck's equipment, along with the two new recruits.
- Along with the two new recruits, the truck's equipment is being checked by the senior firefighter.
Correct answer: The senior firefighter, along with the two new recruits, is checking the truck's equipment.
The subject of the sentence is 'The senior firefighter,' which is singular. The phrase 'along with the two new recruits' is a prepositional phrase that does not change the number of the subject. Therefore, the singular verb 'is' must be used to agree with the singular subject.
Question 2: Which of the following sentences uses punctuation correctly?
- We completed the training exercise, then we returned to the station.
- We completed the training exercise then we returned to the station.
- We completed the training exercise; then, we returned to the station. (Correct answer)
- We completed the training exercise, then, we returned to the station.
Correct answer: We completed the training exercise; then, we returned to the station.
This sentence connects two independent clauses ('We completed the training exercise' and 'then we returned to the station'). A comma alone is not strong enough to join them, which creates a comma splice. A semicolon is the correct punctuation to join two closely related independent clauses. The comma after 'then' is also appropriate as it follows a conjunctive adverb.
Question 3: The smoke from the fire had a significant ________ on visibility, making the search for victims more difficult.
- affect
- effects
- effect (Correct answer)
- affects
Correct answer: effect
'Effect' is the correct choice because it is a noun meaning 'a result' or 'an influence.' The smoke is the cause, and the result (or effect) is reduced visibility. 'Affect' is typically used as a verb meaning 'to impact or change.'
Question 4: The fire chief gave the commendations to Captain Evans and ________.
- I
- myself
- they
- me (Correct answer)
Correct answer: me
The pronoun in this sentence is the object of the preposition 'to'. Therefore, the objective case pronoun 'me' is correct. A simple way to check is to remove 'Captain Evans and' from the sentence; it would read 'The fire chief gave the commendations to me,' which is clearly correct, whereas '...to I' is incorrect.
Question 5: Identify the misspelled word in the following sentence: 'It is imperitive that all personnel wear the proper protective equiptment before entering a hazardous environment.'
- imperitive
- personnel
- equiptment (Correct answer)
- hazardous
Correct answer: equiptment
The correct spelling of the word is 'equipment'. 'Equiptment' is a common misspelling. 'Imperative', 'personnel', and 'hazardous' are all spelled correctly.
Question 6: Which sentence provides the clearest and most professional instruction in a fire department memo?
- It is required that you should complete your annual SCBA fit-test by the end of next month for sure.
- Make sure your annual SCBA fit-test is done by the end of next month.
- Annual SCBA fit-tests need to be done, and you must do yours by the end of next month.
- All personnel must complete their annual SCBA fit-test by the end of next month. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All personnel must complete their annual SCBA fit-test by the end of next month.
This sentence is the most clear, concise, and professional. It uses the active voice ('personnel must complete'), clearly states the requirement, identifies who it applies to ('All personnel'), and provides a specific deadline. The other options are wordy, use less formal language, or are written in a less direct passive voice.
Free OFAI Writing and Grammar Ability Questions and Answers
Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct and most clearly written.