NFST Writing and Grammar Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are writing a narrative for an incident report. Which of the following sentences is the MOST clear and concise for an official document?
- When we got to the house, we could see a bunch of smoke that was coming out of a window on the second floor.
- Upon arrival, heavy smoke was observed venting from a second-story window on the Alpha side. (Correct answer)
- The structure presented with a significant smoke condition which was emanating from a second-floor window aperture.
- There was a lot of smoke visible, and we saw it pouring out of the upstairs front window of the residence.
Correct answer: Upon arrival, heavy smoke was observed venting from a second-story window on the Alpha side.
This sentence is the most professional and efficient. It uses standard, precise terminology ('venting', 'Alpha side'), avoids conversational language, and clearly states the observation without unnecessary words.
Question 2: Which of the following sentences contains a spelling error?
- The lieutenant directed all personnel to the staging area.
- A self-contained breathing apparatus is essential equipment.
- The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical.
- The new engine has a seperate pump panel for foam operations. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The new engine has a seperate pump panel for foam operations.
The word 'seperate' is misspelled in this sentence. The correct spelling is 'separate'. Misspellings in official reports can reduce credibility.
Question 3: Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
- The rescue tools include a spreader a cutter, and a ram.
- Key priorities are life safety, incident stabilization and property conservation.
- The engine carries supply hose, attack hose, and various nozzles. (Correct answer)
- The captain requested, a ladder truck an ambulance and a police unit.
Correct answer: The engine carries supply hose, attack hose, and various nozzles.
When listing three or more items in a series, commas should be used to separate each item for clarity. This sentence correctly places commas after 'supply hose' and 'attack hose' to separate the items in the list.
Question 4: Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?
- The captain, as well as the firefighters, is responsible for checking the equipment. (Correct answer)
- Each of the fire hydrants were inspected for damage.
- The crew of the first-due engine are first to enter the building.
- There is several ladders on the side of the truck.
Correct answer: The captain, as well as the firefighters, is responsible for checking the equipment.
The subject of the sentence is 'The captain,' which is singular. The intervening phrase 'as well as the firefighters' does not change the subject. Therefore, the singular verb 'is' is correct.
Question 5: You are completing an incident report about a small fire in a trash can that was put out by a citizen with a fire extinguisher before your unit arrived. Which term most accurately describes the fire's condition when you arrived?
- Incipient
- Smoldering
- Extinguished (Correct answer)
- Controlled
Correct answer: Extinguished
The term 'extinguished' means the fire is completely out. Since the fire was put out before arrival, this is the most accurate and precise term to use in a report. 'Incipient' refers to the initial stage, 'smoldering' means burning without flame, and 'controlled' means the fire's spread has been stopped but it is not yet out.
Question 6: Which of the following is a complete and grammatically correct sentence, free of fragments or run-on errors?
- After the crew forced the door and entered the building.
- The fire was knocked down quickly, the crew began overhaul operations.
- Ventilation of the structure was ordered by the incident commander. (Correct answer)
- Because the water supply was delayed by a frozen hydrant.
Correct answer: Ventilation of the structure was ordered by the incident commander.
This is a complete sentence because it has a subject ('Ventilation of the structure') and a verb ('was ordered') and expresses a complete thought. Option A and D are sentence fragments (dependent clauses), and Option B is a run-on sentence (a comma splice).
NFST Writing and Grammar Questions and Answers
You are writing a narrative for an incident report.
Which of the following sentences is the MOST clear and concise for an official document?