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Written Comprehension and Expression Flashcards

7 cards from real NYC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. A supervisor asks you to draft a memo informing staff that the office will close at 3 PM on Friday due to a building inspection. Which opening sentence is most appropriate?

    Answer: Please be advised that the office will close at 3 PM this Friday for a scheduled building inspection.

    The first option uses professional tone, clear language, and includes all necessary details concisely.

  2. Read the following sentence: 'The report, which was submitted by the analyst who works in the downtown office, contained several errors that required immediate correction.' What is the main subject of this sentence?

    Answer: The report

    The main subject is 'the report' — the clauses beginning with 'which' and 'who' are subordinate modifiers.

  3. Which sentence uses punctuation correctly?

    Answer: The officer filed the report; however, the supervisor rejected it.

    A semicolon before 'however' and a comma after it is the correct punctuation for a conjunctive adverb joining two independent clauses.

  4. A civil service notice states: 'Eligibility for the benefit is contingent upon submission of required documentation no later than the specified deadline.' What does 'contingent upon' mean in this context?

    Answer: Dependent on

    'Contingent upon' means dependent on a condition — the benefit will only be granted if the documentation is submitted on time.

  5. Which of the following correctly uses the word 'its' versus 'it's'?

    Answer: The agency updated its website last week.

    'Its' (no apostrophe) is the possessive pronoun; 'it's' (with apostrophe) is a contraction of 'it is.'

  6. You receive a written complaint containing the sentence: 'Me and my colleague was denied access to the meeting.' How should this be corrected?

    Answer: My colleague and I were denied access to the meeting.

    Use the subject pronoun 'I' (not 'me') and put the other person first; the plural subject requires 'were.'

  7. A passage states: 'Despite the inclement weather, all essential personnel reported to their posts without exception.' Which word is closest in meaning to 'inclement'?

    Answer: Severe

    'Inclement' describes harsh or severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or extreme cold.