NFST Writing Ability 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses a comma after an introductory element?
- After the briefing the ambassador took questions.
- After the briefing, the ambassador took questions. (Correct answer)
- After the briefing the ambassador, took questions.
- After, the briefing the ambassador took questions.
Correct answer: After the briefing, the ambassador took questions.
A comma is required after an introductory prepositional or adverbial phrase before the main clause.
Question 2: Which word correctly completes this sentence: 'The policy will ___ all diplomatic correspondence.'
- effect
- affect (Correct answer)
- affect's
- effecting
Correct answer: affect
'Affect' is a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is typically a noun meaning result.
Question 3: Which of the following is NOT an example of parallel structure?
- She drafted the memo, revised the cable, and submitted the report.
- The team researched, analyzed, and presented the findings.
- His goals were to negotiate, to mediate, and reaching consensus. (Correct answer)
- The officer reviewed, approved, and forwarded the document.
Correct answer: His goals were to negotiate, to mediate, and reaching consensus.
Mixing infinitives ('to negotiate, to mediate') with a gerund ('reaching') breaks parallel structure.
Question 4: Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe?
- The consul's report was submitted on time.
- The consuls' reports were submitted on time.
- Both A and B are correct. (Correct answer)
- The consuls report was submitted on time.
Correct answer: Both A and B are correct.
A singular possessive uses 's (consul's) and a plural possessive uses s' (consuls'), both are correctly formed.
Question 5: What is the best way to revise a sentence that is overly long and complex?
- Add more transitional words to link all clauses.
- Break it into two or more shorter, clearer sentences. (Correct answer)
- Replace all verbs with nouns to increase formality.
- Move the main clause to the end of the sentence.
Correct answer: Break it into two or more shorter, clearer sentences.
Breaking an overly complex sentence into shorter sentences improves clarity and readability.
Question 6: Which option is the clearest and most direct phrasing?
- It is the opinion of this office that changes should be made.
- This office thinks changes should be made. (Correct answer)
- Changes are believed to be necessary by this office.
- In the considered view of this office, alterations may be warranted.
Correct answer: This office thinks changes should be made.
The second option is direct, uses active voice, and eliminates unnecessary hedging or wordiness.
Question 7: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?
- Walking to the embassy, the officer reviewed her notes.
- After reviewing her notes, the officer entered the embassy.
- Walking to the embassy, the documents were lost. (Correct answer)
- Having read the briefing, the diplomat felt prepared.
Correct answer: Walking to the embassy, the documents were lost.
Documents cannot walk; the participial phrase 'Walking to the embassy' has no logical subject in the main clause.
NFST Writing Ability 3
Which sentence correctly uses a comma after an introductory element?