PSC SLE English Reading: Words and connectors in context

Every original question, with optional answers, explanations and official references. Open an answer to study, or take the test above for instant feedback.

1. ORIGINAL TEXT — MODEL DROP-OFF The door will remain open (A) ____ teams can drop off their models without waiting. Please (B) ____ fragile models with a small label.

   Which expression states the purpose in blank A of the drop-off text?

   1. even though
   2. after
   3. unless
   4. so that
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: so that

   Keeping the door open serves the purpose of allowing drop-off without waiting. The alternatives indicate concession, later time or an exception.

   Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

   Official reference ↗

2. Which verb fits blank B for fragile models?

   1. rebuild
   2. borrow
   3. mark
   4. hide
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: mark

   A label identifies fragile models so they can be recognized. Hiding, rebuilding or borrowing them is not the purpose of adding a label.

   Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

   Official reference ↗

3. ORIGINAL TEXT — STENCIL LOAN You may borrow the stencil set (A) ____ you return every piece by Friday. If a piece is damaged, please (B) ____ it to the coordinator rather than putting it back unnoticed.

   Which word best completes blank B when a stencil piece is damaged?

   1. conceal
   2. polish
   3. predict
   4. report
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: report

   Report means bring the damage to the coordinator’s attention. The contrast with putting it back unnoticed confirms that the issue should be disclosed.

   Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

   Official reference ↗

4. ORIGINAL TEXT — PAINT CONTAINERS The containers are closed, (A) ____ their labels are still unreadable. We need to (B) ____ the colours before storing them.

   Which word marks the contrast in blank A about the containers?

   1. since
   2. but
   3. so
   4. because
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: but

   The sentence contrasts a completed action with an unresolved label problem. A contrast connector fits, whereas the other choices present a cause or result.

   Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

   Official reference ↗

5. ORIGINAL TEXT — RETURNING MATS The mats were used outdoors and are wet. (A) ____, they must dry before being stored. Please (B) ____ them over the racks provided for that purpose.

   Which verb fits blank B to help the mats dry?

   1. bury
   2. erase
   3. spread
   4. enclose
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: spread

   Spreading mats over the provided racks fits drying them before storage. Enclosing or burying them conflicts with that stated purpose.

   Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

   Official reference ↗

6. ORIGINAL TEXT — STENCIL LOAN You may borrow the stencil set (A) ____ you return every piece by Friday. If a piece is damaged, please (B) ____ it to the coordinator rather than putting it back unnoticed.

   Which expression best completes the borrowing condition in blank A?

   1. provided that
   2. rather than
   3. even though
   4. as soon as
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: provided that

   Provided that states a condition for borrowing: return all pieces by Friday. The alternatives indicate replacement, concession or time rather than this condition.

   Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

   Official reference ↗

7. ORIGINAL TEXT — REUSABLE CUPS The reusable cups have arrived. (A) ____, the washing station is not ready, so please keep the cups in storage for now. We will (B) ____ everyone when the station can be used.

   Which word best completes blank A in the reusable-cup notice?

   1. Previously
   2. Similarly
   3. However
   4. Therefore
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: However

   However introduces a contrast: the cups are available but the washing station is not ready. Therefore would signal an unsupported consequence.

   Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

   Official reference ↗

8. ORIGINAL TEXT — AREA ALLOCATION Each team has received a specific area. (A) ____ starting, check your area letter. If it does not match your sheet, ask the coordinator for a (B) ____.

   Which noun fits blank B when the area letters differ?

   1. clarification
   2. decoration
   3. delivery
   4. reward
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: clarification

   Conflicting area information requires clarification from the coordinator. The other nouns do not resolve which assigned area is correct.

   Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

   Official reference ↗

9. ORIGINAL TEXT — EXHIBIT LABELS Several exhibit labels use unfamiliar abbreviations. (A) ____, some visitors cannot understand the descriptions without help. Please (B) ____ each abbreviation the first time it appears.

   Which word best completes the instruction in blank B?

   1. measure
   2. explain
   3. remove
   4. repeat
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: explain

   Explaining the abbreviation on its first appearance gives readers its meaning. Repeating or measuring it does not solve the stated comprehension problem.

   Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

   Official reference ↗

10. ORIGINAL TEXT — RETURNING MATS The mats were used outdoors and are wet. (A) ____, they must dry before being stored. Please (B) ____ them over the racks provided for that purpose.

    Which expression establishes the consequence in blank A about the mats?

    1. On the contrary
    2. Previously
    3. For example
    4. For that reason
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: For that reason

    The need to dry the mats follows from their being wet. The relationship is a consequence, not a contradiction, an earlier event or an example.

    Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

    Official reference ↗

11. ORIGINAL TEXT — EXHIBIT LABELS Several exhibit labels use unfamiliar abbreviations. (A) ____, some visitors cannot understand the descriptions without help. Please (B) ____ each abbreviation the first time it appears.

    Which expression best links the cause and result in blank A?

    1. Beforehand
    2. For instance
    3. As a result
    4. In contrast
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: As a result

    The unfamiliar abbreviations cause the comprehension difficulty, so as a result fits. The sentence does not introduce a contrast, prior event or example.

    Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

    Official reference ↗

12. ORIGINAL TEXT — FOLDER ACCESS Volunteers may view the folder, (A) ____ they must not change approved documents. Any proposed correction must be sent to the coordinator.

    Which word distinguishes the permission and its limit in blank A?

    1. when
    2. but
    3. therefore
    4. because
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: but

    The second clause limits the permission to view: it does not allow editing approved documents. A contrast connector expresses that distinction.

    Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

    Official reference ↗

13. ORIGINAL TEXT — AREA ALLOCATION Each team has received a specific area. (A) ____ starting, check your area letter. If it does not match your sheet, ask the coordinator for a (B) ____.

    Which word places the check correctly in blank A of the allocation text?

    1. Instead of
    2. Before
    3. Despite
    4. Without
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Before

    The instruction places verification before work begins. The alternatives would express opposition, omission or replacement rather than the required sequence.

    Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

    Official reference ↗

14. ORIGINAL TEXT — PAINT CONTAINERS The containers are closed, (A) ____ their labels are still unreadable. We need to (B) ____ the colours before storing them.

    Which verb fits blank B before the paints are stored?

    1. identify
    2. forget
    3. spill
    4. contradict
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: identify

    Unreadable labels make it necessary to identify the colours. Forgetting, spilling or contradicting them does not resolve that information problem.

    Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

    Official reference ↗

15. ORIGINAL TEXT — REUSABLE CUPS The reusable cups have arrived. (A) ____, the washing station is not ready, so please keep the cups in storage for now. We will (B) ____ everyone when the station can be used.

    Which word best completes blank B about the washing station?

    1. disagree
    2. notify
    3. borrow
    4. replace
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: notify

    Notify means inform someone, which fits telling everyone when the station is usable. The other verbs do not express that communication.

    Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

    Official reference ↗