NYC Civil Service Written Comprehension and Expression Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:
'The Department of Sanitation's new composting initiative requires residents to separate food scraps into designated brown bins. This program aims to reduce landfill waste by converting organic material into nutrient-rich soil. While the program is mandatory, the department has stated that a six-month grace period will be in effect, during which non-compliance will result in warnings rather than fines. The goal is to educate the public on the long-term environmental benefits, which include decreased greenhouse gas emissions and improved soil health for city parks.'
What is the primary purpose of this passage?
- To argue against the implementation of the composting program.
- To detail the penalties for not composting.
- To inform residents about a new city-wide sanitation program and its objectives. (Correct answer)
- To provide a scientific analysis of the composting process.
Correct answer: To inform residents about a new city-wide sanitation program and its objectives.
The passage's main focus is to introduce and explain the new composting initiative. It covers what the program is, its goals (reducing waste, environmental benefits), and how it will be implemented (grace period). The other options are too narrow or incorrect.
Question 2: Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct and most clearly written.
- The report was submitted by the manager which was comprehensive.
- Being comprehensive, the manager submitted the report.
- The manager submitted the report, it was comprehensive.
- The manager submitted a comprehensive report. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The manager submitted a comprehensive report.
This sentence is the most direct and clear. Option A has a misplaced modifier ('which' seems to modify 'manager'). Option B is awkward and implies the manager was comprehensive. Option C is a comma splice, an incorrect joining of two independent clauses.
Question 3: A city employee is writing an email to a resident about a delayed service request. Which of the following sentences is the most professional and appropriate way to express the delay?
- We're running behind and we'll get to your request whenever we can.
- Due to unforeseen circumstances, there has been a delay in processing your request; we anticipate a resolution within 5-7 business days. (Correct answer)
- You'll have to wait because we have a major backlog of service requests right now.
- It's not our fault, but your service request is delayed because of issues with other departments.
Correct answer: Due to unforeseen circumstances, there has been a delay in processing your request; we anticipate a resolution within 5-7 business days.
This option is the most professional. It acknowledges the delay, provides a reason without being overly specific or blaming others, and gives a clear timeframe for resolution, which manages expectations effectively.
Question 4: Read the sentences below and determine the most logical order.
1. The new software system is designed to streamline the permit application process.
2. Consequently, applicants can expect a significant reduction in waiting times.
3. This efficiency is achieved by automating data entry and verification.
4. Previously, this process involved manual review, which was often time-consuming.
- 2, 1, 4, 3
- 4, 1, 3, 2 (Correct answer)
- 1, 4, 2, 3
- 3, 2, 1, 4
Correct answer: 4, 1, 3, 2
The most logical flow is: state the old problem (4), introduce the new solution (1), explain how the solution works (3), and then state the positive result (2). This creates a clear cause-and-effect narrative.
Question 5: Which of the following words means 'to make a situation worse'?
- Ameliorate
- Alleviate
- Exacerbate (Correct answer)
- Mitigate
Correct answer: Exacerbate
'Exacerbate' means to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. 'Ameliorate', 'alleviate', and 'mitigate' are all antonyms, meaning to make something better or less severe.
Question 6: A notice posted in a government building reads: 'All visitors must present a valid form of photo identification to the security officer _______ entering the facility.' Which word best completes the sentence?
- prior to (Correct answer)
- subsequently
- during
- after
Correct answer: prior to
'Prior to' means before. The sentence requires visitors to show ID before they can enter. 'Subsequently', 'during', and 'after' do not fit the logical sequence of actions required for entry.
