PSC SLE English Reading Practice Test 2

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 NOTICE — SUPPLY DELIVERY For Thursday’s delivery, carts will enter through Door B. Door A will remain open to pedestrians. Between 1 and 2 p.m., keep the striped area in front of Door B clear. Bicycles may remain in the outdoor racks.

   Which entrance will carts use for Thursday’s delivery?

   1. Door B
   2. Door A
   3. The bicycle-rack passage
   4. The indoor pedestrian area
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Door B

   The first instruction assigns Door B to carts. Door A remains the pedestrian entrance; the bicycle racks are not a delivery entrance.

   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 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

   What will Lila do after receiving the errors?

   1. Change every station number
   2. Request a new registration list
   3. Prepare correction stickers
   4. Order complete replacement signs
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Prepare correction stickers

   Lila is assigned the correction stickers. The final sentence explains that complete replacement signs are not needed.

   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 — 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 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 ↗

4. ORIGINAL NOTICE — LENDING SHELF The shared lending shelf is moving from Room 18 to the lobby on Friday. Borrowed books may still be returned to Room 18 until Thursday evening. From Friday onward, use the return box beside the new shelf. Please do not leave returns at the security desk; its staff do not manage the lending collection.

   Why does the notice mention the security desk?

   1. To announce that it will supervise the collection
   2. To ask its staff to move the shelf on Thursday
   3. To identify the location of the old lending shelf
   4. To explain that it does not handle book returns
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: To explain that it does not handle book returns

   The desk is mentioned to prevent misplaced returns: security staff do not manage the collection. The move is not assigned to them.

   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 — 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 ↗

6. 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 ↗

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.

   What condition will cause the Wednesday walk to be cancelled?

   1. A message being posted by a regular participant
   2. A temperature warning still in effect at 11 a.m.
   3. Any new participant arriving before noon
   4. A route briefing lasting more than ten minutes
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: A temperature warning still in effect at 11 a.m.

   The notice ties cancellation to a warning remaining active at 11 a.m. It does not make cancellation depend on attendance or the briefing’s duration.

   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 BRIEF — POSTER SIZE The large poster is visible from a distance but blocks some information at reception. The small poster keeps the counter clear but cannot be read from the entrance. Before printing more, we suggest moving the small poster to a more visible position and observing requests for directions.

   What action is proposed before another print run?

   1. Remove all information from the reception counter
   2. Conclude that size has no importance
   3. Test a different position for the small poster
   4. Immediately print only the large posters
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: Test a different position for the small poster

   The proposal is to change placement and observe before printing. It seeks evidence for a next decision rather than immediately selecting a new print quantity.

   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 — 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 ↗

10. 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 does the final sentence suggest about a helpful summary?

    1. The shortest possible text is automatically the most helpful
    2. Project history must always occupy most of the summary
    3. A decision should be omitted whenever a condition exists
    4. Its usefulness depends on relevant content as well as length
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Its usefulness depends on relevant content as well as length

    The two examples show that either too much history or a missing condition can obscure the decision. Shortness alone does not establish usefulness.

    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 BRIEF — QUIETER EQUIPMENT A short trial found that the new floor-cleaning machine was quieter, but operators needed more time to prepare it. The trial covered only the small meeting wing. We recommend a longer trial in the large hall before replacing the existing equipment. Lower noise is useful, yet preparation time may offset that benefit on larger jobs.

    Why might the lower noise not be a sufficient reason to buy the machine?

    1. The trial proved that the machine cannot clean any floor
    2. Operators refused to work in the small meeting wing
    3. The large hall already has no noise at all
    4. Extra preparation time could reduce its overall benefit
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Extra preparation time could reduce its overall benefit

    The brief weighs lower noise against longer preparation. It identifies a possible trade-off, not proof that the machine cannot clean or that staff refused it.

    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 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 “not necessarily” indicate in this brief?

    1. Repairs are prohibited for every item
    2. Loan frequency does not decide the purchase by itself
    3. Borrowed items will never be purchased again
    4. Loan counts have no relevance at all
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Loan frequency does not decide the purchase by itself

    The phrase limits the inference from frequency to purchase priority. It does not make frequency irrelevant or prohibit buying popular items.

    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 — SESSION LIST Hi Zoé, The attached table lists confirmed sessions. Grey rows are still under discussion and must not appear in the public announcement. For today, check only that each confirmed session has a location. If one is missing, flag the row without choosing a location yourself. Hugo

    What should Zoé do if a confirmed session has no location?

    1. Flag the row without choosing a location
    2. Assign the largest room immediately
    3. Publish the session as a grey row
    4. Delete the session without notifying anyone
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Flag the row without choosing a location

    Hugo asks her to identify missing locations, not resolve them herself. Assigning, publishing or deleting a session exceeds the requested check.

    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 NOTICE — LENDING SHELF The shared lending shelf is moving from Room 18 to the lobby on Friday. Borrowed books may still be returned to Room 18 until Thursday evening. From Friday onward, use the return box beside the new shelf. Please do not leave returns at the security desk; its staff do not manage the lending collection.

    Where should a borrowed book be returned on Friday?

    1. In the box beside the lobby shelf
    2. At the security desk in the lobby
    3. On the old shelf in Room 18
    4. With a member of the security staff
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: In the box beside the lobby shelf

    From Friday, returns go into the box next to the relocated shelf. The notice explicitly rules out leaving them with security.

    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 NOTICE — ROUTE REHEARSAL The route rehearsal starts at 9 a.m. in the hall. Only facilitators should arrive at 8:30 to set up markers. Observers are asked to note unclear sections without interrupting the first rehearsal. A discussion will follow at 10 a.m.

    How should observers respond to an unclear section?

    1. Interrupt the rehearsal immediately
    2. Move the markers before the end
    3. Leave the route without taking notes
    4. Note it for the discussion afterward
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Note it for the discussion afterward

    Observers should record unclear points without interrupting the first run. The later discussion provides a chance to raise them.

    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 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 ↗

17. ORIGINAL EMAIL — WORKSHOP CAPTIONS Dear June, Thank you for sending the workshop captions. Before uploading them, please correct the spelling of the two speakers’ names using the attached list. Keep the time codes unchanged; they were checked yesterday. Once the names are corrected, send the file to Ben for approval. Upload it only after he has approved it. Tessa

    What must occur before the corrected captions are uploaded?

    1. Tessa must upload an uncorrected version
    2. Ben must approve the corrected file
    3. June must change every time code
    4. The speakers must prepare a new name list
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Ben must approve the corrected file

    Correcting the names is followed by Ben’s approval, and uploading is allowed only after that approval. A correction alone is not sufficient.

    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 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

    What should happen if places remain unfilled on Wednesday?

    1. Order additional seedlings immediately
    2. Cancel the table’s final hour
    3. Wait until Saturday to contact anyone
    4. Extend the invitation to the wider network
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: Extend the invitation to the wider network

    The conditional instruction is to broaden the invitation. The email says plants are sufficient and does not propose cancelling the table.

    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 BRIEF — NOISE MEASUREMENT Measurements were taken on a day when the neighbouring room was empty. They show that the equipment is quiet under those conditions, but not what users would hear during a simultaneous activity. A second measurement on an ordinary day would help interpret the first result.

    How far should the first noise result be generalized?

    1. To every simultaneous activity in the two rooms
    2. To every room in every building in the network
    3. Only to days when the equipment is switched off
    4. To the particular conditions under which it was measured
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: To the particular conditions under which it was measured

    The author explicitly restricts the result to the measured conditions. It does not establish performance during other activity or in other buildings.

    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 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

    Why should participants return the used sheets?

    1. To replace outdoor testing with indoor testing
    2. To request a new colour
    3. To examine the resulting marks together
    4. To sell them in the final order
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: To examine the resulting marks together

    The sheets provide evidence for the joint review of the marks. They are not being returned for sale or to change the test location.

    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 ↗