Free USPS Error Detection Test Character Transposition Errors Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When comparing an original address to one entered into a system, which of the following pairs BEST demonstrates a numeric transposition error in the street number?
- Original: 8291 OAK CANYON RD, System: 8921 OAK CANYON RD
- Original: 4405 PINE ST, System: 4045 PINE ST
- Original: 1370 ELM AVE, System: 1730 ELM AVE
- Original: 6519 MAPLE DR, System: 6591 MAPLE DR (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Original: 6519 MAPLE DR, System: 6591 MAPLE DR
A transposition error occurs when two adjacent characters are swapped. In the correct answer, the '1' and '9' in the street number '6519' have been swapped to '6591'. The other options show different types of errors, such as multiple errors or non-adjacent character swaps.
Question 2: A data entry operator is tasked with keying in addresses from handwritten forms. Which of the following entered ZIP codes is most likely the result of a character transposition error from the original '80218-3456'?
- 80128-3456
- 80218-3546 (Correct answer)
- 80228-3456
- 80218-3465
Correct answer: 80218-3546
A transposition error involves swapping two adjacent characters. In this case, the '5' and '4' in the ZIP+4 code '3456' were swapped to become '3546'. The other options represent substitution errors or non-adjacent transpositions.
Question 3: During a quality check, you are comparing two lines of data. Which statement accurately identifies the error type between the Correct and Incorrect strings? Correct: 4713-B NW 16TH PL Incorrect: 4173-B NW 16TH PL
- A substitution error in the street number.
- A transposition error in the street number. (Correct answer)
- A transposition error in the street name.
- An omission error in the apartment number.
Correct answer: A transposition error in the street number.
The error is a transposition because the adjacent digits '7' and '1' in the street number '4713' have been swapped to '4173'. All other parts of the address line are identical.
Question 4: An automated sorting machine flags an address for manual review. The system-read address is '9821 S MAIN ST' but the database suggests a potential match to '8921 S MAIN ST'. What specific type of error has most likely occurred?
- Character Omission
- Character Substitution
- Character Transposition (Correct answer)
- Phonetic Error
Correct answer: Character Transposition
The error is a character transposition because the first two adjacent digits, '9' and '8', have been swapped. This is a common type of data entry error that automated address validation systems are designed to catch.
Question 5: Which of the following scenarios describes a classic character transposition error that could delay mail processing?
- An operator types '105 OAK ST' instead of '10S OAK ST'.
- An operator types '2345 ELM DR' instead of '2345 ELM AVE'.
- An operator types 'PO BOX 789' instead of 'PO BOX 78'.
- An operator types '921 N PINE ST' instead of '291 N PINE ST'. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: An operator types '921 N PINE ST' instead of '291 N PINE ST'.
This is a classic transposition error where the adjacent digits '9' and '2' at the beginning of the street number have been swapped. The other options describe a substitution ('S' for '5'), an incorrect street suffix, and an insertion error.
Question 6: You are comparing a scanned address with the original document. At which character position does the first transposition error begin in Line B when compared to Line A? Line A: 53891-6770 CHAMBERS RD Line B: 53819-6770 CHAMBERS RD
- Position 2
- Position 4 (Correct answer)
- Position 5
- Position 9
Correct answer: Position 4
The error begins at the 4th character position. In Line A, the 4th character is '9' and the 5th is '1'. In Line B, these two adjacent characters are transposed, so the 4th character is '1' and the 5th is '9'. Therefore, the error starts at position 4.
When comparing an original address to one entered into a system, which of the following pairs BEST demonstrates a numeric transposition error in the street number?