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.
Read the first 7 Written Comprehension and Expression flashcards as text
Which of the following is an example of an indirect or bureaucratic phrase that should be simplified in official writing?
Answer: In the event that you are unable to attend, please notify your supervisor.
'In the event that' is an unnecessarily wordy way to say 'if,' and plain language guidelines recommend replacing such phrases in official writing.
A paragraph in a report reads: 'Officer Williams responded to the scene. The complainant stated that the window was broken. Glass was observed on the ground.' What element is missing that would improve this report paragraph?
Answer: A transition showing the sequence of events
Adding transitions (such as 'Upon arrival' or 'Subsequently') would clarify the order and relationship of events in the report.
Choose the sentence that uses subject-verb agreement correctly.
Answer: Each of the officers submits a daily report.
'Each' is a singular indefinite pronoun and always takes a singular verb, so 'submits' is correct.
A memo instructs: 'All staff must acknowledge receipt of this policy by signing and returning the attached form within five business days of receipt.' An employee receives the memo on a Tuesday. What is the latest day they may return the form?
Answer: The following Tuesday
Five business days from Tuesday (not counting Tuesday itself as the first day): Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday — the following Tuesday.
Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?
Answer: The supervisor only approved three of the ten requests.
'Only' should be placed immediately before what it modifies — 'only three' — but here it ambiguously modifies 'approved,' suggesting the supervisor did nothing else.
What does the word 'pursuant' mean in the phrase 'pursuant to departmental regulations'?
Answer: In accordance with
'Pursuant to' is a formal legal and administrative term meaning 'in accordance with' or 'as authorized or required by.'
A supervisor's written feedback states: 'Your reports are thorough but prolix.' What should the employee work on improving?
Answer: The length and conciseness of the writing
'Prolix' means excessively long and wordy; the supervisor is saying the reports are thorough but need to be more concise.