PSC SLE English Reading Practice Test 1

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 BRIEF — FEEDBACK CARD More people returned the new feedback card, although most responses came from visitors who stayed for the full event. People who left early were less likely to receive it. The results therefore tell us more about the views of full-session visitors than about every attendee. At the next event, cards should also be available near the exit throughout the day.

   Why put feedback cards near the exit throughout the day?

   1. To replace written feedback with an attendance count
   2. To give early leavers a better opportunity to respond
   3. To ensure every response praises the event
   4. To stop full-session visitors from giving feedback
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: To give early leavers a better opportunity to respond

   The proposed change addresses access for people leaving earlier. It cannot guarantee a particular opinion or replace responses with attendance data.

   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. ORIGINAL NOTICE — PLANT EXCHANGE The exchange accepts potted plants and rooted cuttings. Each container must show the plant’s name. Loose seeds will be collected at a different event. Drop off plants between 10 and 11 a.m.; exchanging will begin at 11:15.

   What does the 10-to-11 period refer to in the plant notice?

   1. The opening time of the other event
   2. Plant drop-off before exchanging starts
   3. The entire duration of exchanging
   4. Removal of container labels
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Plant drop-off before exchanging starts

   The notice separates drop-off from exchanging, which begins at 11:15. The earlier window is not the duration of the exchange itself.

   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 BRIEF — WORKSHOP ACCESS Online registrations increased after the form was simplified. This does not prove that everyone now finds registration easy. People who leave before submitting are absent from the total. We propose examining those abandoned attempts before drawing conclusions about the process’s accessibility.

   What information is missing from the broader accessibility assessment?

   1. The date of the completed change
   2. The titles of advertised workshops
   3. Attempts abandoned before submission
   4. The number of forms already received
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Attempts abandoned before submission

   The brief identifies people who abandon registration as missing from the submitted-form total. Their experience is relevant to the broader conclusion.

   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 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 ↗

5. ORIGINAL BRIEF — LENDING REVIEW The most frequently borrowed items are not necessarily the first ones we should buy. Some are cheap to repair and available in several copies, while other items are regularly unavailable. The next purchase should consider both demand and availability rather than a single ranking of loans.

   What does the brief recommend for the next purchase?

   1. Exclude every item that is cheap to repair
   2. Ignore items that are regularly unavailable
   3. Consider demand and availability together
   4. Buy only the most frequently borrowed item
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Consider demand and availability together

   The recommendation explicitly combines demand and availability. A single loan ranking misses whether enough usable copies are already available.

   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 BRIEF — SUMMARY LENGTH The longer summary preserves the project history but hides the decision readers need to make. The shorter version makes that decision clear, yet removes a condition that could change it. A useful revision would keep the shorter structure and restore the missing condition in a separate sentence. Length alone is not the measure of a helpful summary.

   What revision does the author favour for the project summary?

   1. Keep the shorter structure and restore the missing condition
   2. Publish the long history without stating a decision
   3. Remove every condition to make the summary shorter
   4. Combine both versions without editing either one
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Keep the shorter structure and restore the missing condition

   The author selects a specific revision that combines a clear structure with the omitted condition. This is not a call to merge the texts in full.

   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 NOTICE — WALKING GROUP The lunchtime walking group meets beside the east gate at 12:10 on Wednesdays. New participants should arrive ten minutes early for a short route briefing. Regular participants can join at the usual time. If the temperature warning remains in effect at 11 a.m., that day’s walk will be cancelled and a notice posted on the group board.

   When should a new participant arrive for the Wednesday route briefing?

   1. At 11 a.m.
   2. At 12:20 p.m.
   3. At noon
   4. At 12:10 p.m.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: At noon

   Ten minutes before the 12:10 meeting time is noon. The 11 a.m. reference concerns the warning check, not participant arrival.

   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 EMAIL — ROUTE SIGNS Hi André, Check the arrows on the outdoor signs, but leave station numbers unchanged. The approved plan already has the correct numbering. Send direction errors to Lila before Tuesday; she will prepare correction stickers. We do not need entirely new signs. Sofia

   Which part of the signs should André check?

   1. Station numbering
   2. The price of complete signs
   3. The participant list
   4. Direction arrows
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Direction arrows

   The task is to check arrows. The message specifically excludes changing station numbers and does not request prices or participant records.

   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 EMAIL — AUDIO WALK CHECK Hi Priya, Please test tracks 2 and 5 on the outdoor audio walk before Thursday’s preview. Track 1 has already been checked, and track 4 is being rewritten. Note any place where the recorded direction does not match the path. You do not need to comment on the music. Send your notes to Ellis rather than the whole project list. Rowan

   Which tracks should Priya test before the preview?

   1. All five tracks
   2. Only track 4
   3. Tracks 2 and 5
   4. Tracks 1 and 4
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Tracks 2 and 5

   The opening request selects tracks 2 and 5. Track 1 is already checked and track 4 is still being rewritten.

   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 — 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 ↗

11. ORIGINAL NOTICE — DEMONSTRATION TOOLS Demonstration tools may be borrowed for Saturday’s session. Write down your name and the tool number before taking one. Models marked with a red dot must stay on site. All other tools must be returned to the counter before 5 p.m.

    What must a borrower do before taking an eligible tool?

    1. Return the tool before the session starts
    2. Record their name and the tool number
    3. Wait for every red-marked model to return
    4. Add a red dot to every model
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Record their name and the tool number

    The notice requires two pieces of information before borrowing: the borrower’s name and the tool number. The return deadline is a later step.

    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 EMAIL — PAPER SAMPLES Hello, We will test two papers for field cards. Use each outdoors during one session, then compare how readable the notes are. Do not judge the colour; it will be the same in the final order. Return the used sheets on Thursday so we can examine the marks together. Nadia

    Which criterion should guide the comparison of the two papers?

    1. The colour difference on delivery
    2. The number of unused sheets
    3. The size of the final order
    4. Readability of notes after outdoor use
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Readability of notes after outdoor use

    The requested comparison is readability after use outdoors. Colour is explicitly excluded because the final order will use the same colour.

    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 EMAIL — SEEDLING TABLE Hello Marco, We have enough seedlings for the Saturday table, but we still need three volunteers for the final hour. Please ask last month’s volunteers first. If the three places are not filled by Wednesday, open the invitation to the rest of the network. There is no need to order more plants. I will send the table layout separately. Amara

    Whom should Marco contact first about the remaining volunteer places?

    1. People who volunteered last month
    2. Everyone in the network at once
    3. The supplier of the extra plants
    4. Only people available before Saturday
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: People who volunteered last month

    Amara gives a clear first step: contact last month’s volunteers. The wider network is a later option if places remain by Wednesday.

    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 — 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 ↗

15. ORIGINAL EMAIL — WELCOME DESK Hello, The welcome desk opens at 8:45. Volunteers assigned to the first slot must check badges at 8:30. Other volunteers should follow their usual schedules. If you cannot attend, notify Yara directly; do not change the shared table yourself. Olivier

    What should a volunteer who cannot attend do?

    1. Delete their name without sending a message
    2. Ask every volunteer to arrive at 8:30
    3. Postpone the desk opening to another day
    4. Notify Yara without changing the table
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Notify Yara without changing the table

    The absence procedure is direct notification to Yara, with an explicit instruction not to edit the table. The other options change arrangements without authorization.

    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 ↗

16. ORIGINAL NOTICE — COMMUNITY DISPLAY The display cases in the north corridor will be cleaned on Tuesday between 8 and 11 a.m. Please remove loose objects from the cases by Monday afternoon. Wall-mounted posters can remain in place. Items left in the cases will be placed in labelled trays at reception, not discarded.

    Where will objects left in the cases be taken?

    1. To a waste container outside the building
    2. To the north corridor’s wall displays
    3. To exhibitors’ homes on Monday
    4. To labelled trays at reception
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: To labelled trays at reception

    The final sentence names labelled reception trays and explicitly says items will not be discarded. No home delivery is offered.

    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 ↗

17. ORIGINAL BRIEF — WORKSHOP ACCESS Online registrations increased after the form was simplified. This does not prove that everyone now finds registration easy. People who leave before submitting are absent from the total. We propose examining those abandoned attempts before drawing conclusions about the process’s accessibility.

    Which statement would go beyond the reported results?

    1. The team proposes examining abandoned attempts
    2. The form is now easy for everyone
    3. Submitted registrations increased
    4. Some attempts do not reach submission
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: The form is now easy for everyone

    A rise in completed registrations cannot establish ease of use for everyone, especially when abandoned attempts are not counted. The other statements are supported.

    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 ↗

18. 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 ↗

19. ORIGINAL NOTICE — PLANT EXCHANGE The exchange accepts potted plants and rooted cuttings. Each container must show the plant’s name. Loose seeds will be collected at a different event. Drop off plants between 10 and 11 a.m.; exchanging will begin at 11:15.

    Which item is reserved for a different event?

    1. Potted plants
    2. Labelled containers
    3. Loose seeds
    4. Rooted cuttings
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Loose seeds

    Loose seeds are explicitly assigned to a different event. Potted plants and rooted cuttings are accepted at this exchange.

    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 ↗

20. 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 ↗