Texas Civil Service Exam Grammar and Writing Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?
- The officer filed the report; and submitted it to the supervisor.
- The report was thorough; it covered every incident detail. (Correct answer)
- She arrived early; but left before the briefing ended.
- He completed training; however took a vacation afterward.
Correct answer: The report was thorough; it covered every incident detail.
A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
Question 2: Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.
- The list of violations were reviewed by the committee.
- Neither the captain nor the officers was available.
- Each of the employees is required to attend the training. (Correct answer)
- The team of investigators have submitted their findings.
Correct answer: Each of the employees is required to attend the training.
Indefinite pronouns like 'each' always take a singular verb.
Question 3: Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'The department must ______ its records annually.'
- altar
- alter (Correct answer)
- alters
- altared
Correct answer: alter
'Alter' means to change, while 'altar' is a noun referring to a raised platform used in ceremonies.
Question 4: Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?
- Running to the scene, the fire was already spreading.
- While reviewing the file, the error was noticed by the clerk.
- After completing the form, the officer submitted it promptly. (Correct answer)
- Having finished the shift, the station was locked up.
Correct answer: After completing the form, the officer submitted it promptly.
The subject 'the officer' correctly performs the action described in the introductory phrase.
Question 5: Which option correctly uses a comma after an introductory clause?
- Before the shift ended the supervisor reviewed all reports.
- Before the shift ended, the supervisor reviewed all reports. (Correct answer)
- Before the shift ended; the supervisor reviewed all reports.
- Before, the shift ended the supervisor reviewed all reports.
Correct answer: Before the shift ended, the supervisor reviewed all reports.
A comma is placed after an introductory dependent clause before the main clause.
Question 6: Select the correctly punctuated sentence.
- The suspects, three men and one woman were apprehended.
- The suspects three men and one woman, were apprehended.
- The suspects, three men and one woman, were apprehended. (Correct answer)
- The suspects three, men and one woman were apprehended.
Correct answer: The suspects, three men and one woman, were apprehended.
An appositive phrase that renames the noun must be set off by commas on both sides.
Question 7: Which sentence is written in the active voice?
- The warrant was issued by the judge.
- The evidence was collected by the forensic team.
- The detective interviewed three witnesses. (Correct answer)
- Statements were recorded by the officer.
Correct answer: The detective interviewed three witnesses.
In active voice, the subject ('the detective') performs the action directly.
Texas Civil Service Exam Grammar and Writing Skills 2
Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?