PSC SLE English Writing 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. Complete: The clerk decided ____ until the attachment arrived.

   1. waiting
   2. waited
   3. waits
   4. to wait
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: to wait

   Decide takes a to-infinitive in this construction. To wait expresses the chosen action.

   Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

   Official reference ↗

2. Fictional workplace note — original exercise. [1] The clerk [2] did not received [3] the booking request [4] before noon.

   Which part of the room-booking message needs a correction?

   1. [1] The clerk
   2. [2] did not received
   3. [3] the booking request
   4. [4] before noon.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: [2] did not received

   Correction: “did not receive”. After did not, use the base verb receive rather than the past form received.

   Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

   Official reference ↗

3. Complete: The forms, together with the cover letter, ____ on the top shelf.

   1. is
   2. am
   3. are
   4. be
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: are

   Together with adds a parenthetical modifier; it does not make forms singular. The main plural subject takes are.

   Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

   Official reference ↗

4. Fictional workplace note — original exercise. [1] The revised schedule [2] have been posted [3] near reception [4] for all visitors.

   Find the faulty segment in the schedule-change notice.

   1. [1] The revised schedule
   2. [2] have been posted
   3. [3] near reception
   4. [4] for all visitors.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: [2] have been posted

   Correction: “has been posted”. The head schedule is singular, so the present-perfect auxiliary must be has.

   Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

   Official reference ↗

5. Complete: A delay in delivery could ____ the launch date.

   1. affect
   2. effect
   3. effects
   4. affects
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: affect

   The base verb affect means influence and follows could. Effect as a verb means bring about, which does not express the stated influence on an existing date.

   Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

   Official reference ↗

6. Complete: Each of the new badges ____ a unique number.

   1. have
   2. has
   3. are
   4. were
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: has

   Each is the singular head of the subject. The intervening plural badges does not change the required has.

   Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

   Official reference ↗

7. Complete: The staff avoided ____ the same data twice.

   1. enter
   2. entered
   3. entering
   4. to enter
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: entering

   Avoid is followed by an -ing complement. Entering names the action being avoided.

   Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

   Official reference ↗

8. Fictional workplace note — original exercise. [1] We look forward [2] to announce [3] the final dates [4] after approval.

   Select the faulty wording in this announcement draft.

   1. [1] We look forward
   2. [2] to announce
   3. [3] the final dates
   4. [4] after approval.
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: [2] to announce

   Correction: “to announcing”. In look forward to, to is a preposition followed by the -ing form announcing.

   Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

   Official reference ↗

9. Complete: The analyst made us ____ the totals again.

   1. to review
   2. review
   3. reviewing
   4. reviewed
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: review

   Active make plus an object takes a bare infinitive: made us review. The object us does not add to before the following verb.

   Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

   Official reference ↗

10. Complete: Please file the records in accordance ____ the retention schedule.

    1. with
    2. to
    3. at
    4. from
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: with

    The fixed expression is in accordance with. The preposition with connects the action to the applicable schedule.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

11. Complete: The closure was caused solely by the snowstorm. The meeting was postponed ____ that storm.

    1. because of
    2. although
    3. rather than
    4. in spite of
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: because of

    Because of introduces the stated cause followed by a noun phrase. The preceding sentence explicitly identifies the storm as the cause.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

12. Complete: The details in the message ____ incorrect.

    1. are
    2. is
    3. am
    4. be
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: are

    The plural head details controls agreement, even though message is singular. The finite present form is are.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

13. Complete: We look forward to ____ your revised proposal.

    1. receive
    2. received
    3. receiving
    4. receives
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: receiving

    In look forward to, to is a preposition. A verb used after it takes the -ing form receiving.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

14. Complete: Your report is longer than ____.

    1. mine
    2. my
    3. me
    4. myself
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: mine

    Mine replaces my report and makes the comparison between reports. The other choices do not represent that possessive noun phrase.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

15. Complete: The interview starts ____ nine o’clock tomorrow morning.

    1. on
    2. in
    3. by
    4. at
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: at

    At marks the exact starting time. By would indicate a deadline rather than the time at which the interview starts.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

16. Complete: The guideline rests on the ____ of equal access.

    1. principal
    2. principally
    3. principle
    4. principals
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: principle

    Principle names a rule or underlying idea. Principal usually names a leader or means main, neither of which fits this noun phrase.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

17. Complete: Please send the updated files to Léa and ____.

    1. I
    2. me
    3. my
    4. mine
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: me

    The pronoun is an object of the preposition to. The coordinated phrase takes the object form me.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

18. Complete: The supplier has changed ____ delivery schedule.

    1. it’s
    2. itself
    3. it
    4. its
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: its

    Its is the possessive determiner before delivery schedule. It’s means it is or it has and cannot fill this position.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

19. Complete: She suggested ____ the first paragraph for clarity.

    1. revise
    2. revising
    3. revised
    4. to revise
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: revising

    Suggest can take an -ing complement directly. Revising fits this structure; suggest to revise is not the required construction.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

20. Complete: The list of attendees ____ on the reception desk.

    1. are
    2. is
    3. am
    4. be
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: is

    The subject head is singular list, not plural attendees inside the prepositional phrase. Use is.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

21. Complete: Two members of the panel ____ already signed the summary.

    1. have
    2. has
    3. is
    4. was
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: have

    Two members is plural, so the present-perfect auxiliary must be have. The singular panel does not control the verb.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

22. Complete: Please confirm ____ the visitor has arrived; a yes-or-no answer is sufficient.

    1. weather
    2. whose
    3. whom
    4. whether
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: whether

    Whether introduces the indirect yes-or-no question. Weather refers to atmospheric conditions and is not a conjunction.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

23. Fictional workplace note — original exercise. [1] The supplier [2] has changed [3] it’s contact address [4] for future invoices.

    Check the supplier’s update and choose the segment to repair.

    1. [1] The supplier
    2. [2] has changed
    3. [3] it’s contact address
    4. [4] for future invoices.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: [3] it’s contact address

    Correction: “its contact address”. Its is possessive; it’s is a contraction of it is or it has and cannot determine contact address.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

24. Complete: If I had known about the delay, I would have ____ the visitors.

    1. called
    2. call
    3. calling
    4. calls
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: called

    Would have requires a past participle, here called. It describes the unreal past response to the earlier condition.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

25. Complete: Mira and ____ will present the findings tomorrow.

    1. me
    2. my
    3. I
    4. mine
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: I

    The pronoun is part of the subject of will present. The subject form I is required in that coordinated subject.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

26. Complete: Everyone ____ needs assistance can contact reception.

    1. whose
    2. who
    3. whom
    4. which
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: who

    Who is the subject of needs and refers to people. Whom would be an object form rather than the subject needed here.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

27. Complete: At noon yesterday, Mira was ____ the visitor list.

    1. review
    2. reviews
    3. reviewed
    4. reviewing
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: reviewing

    Was plus the -ing form expresses an action in progress at the stated past time. Reviewing completes the past progressive.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

28. Fictional workplace note — original exercise. [1] The room reminder [2] is displayed [3] in accordance to [4] the approved plan.

    In this room reminder, which numbered part is faulty?

    1. [1] The room reminder
    2. [2] is displayed
    3. [3] in accordance to
    4. [4] the approved plan.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: [3] in accordance to

    Correction: “in accordance with”. The established construction is in accordance with, not in accordance to.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

29. Complete: This is ____ the review panel recommended.

    1. whose
    2. who
    3. what
    4. where
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: what

    What means the thing that and supplies the object of recommended within the clause. It fits the complete phrase this is what.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

30. Complete: One of the labels ____ missing from the package.

    1. is
    2. are
    3. am
    4. be
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: is

    One is the singular head. Of the labels identifies the group from which that one label comes, but does not change agreement.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

31. Complete: Several employees are interested ____ attending the workshop.

    1. at
    2. for
    3. in
    4. from
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: in

    Interested in is followed by the activity attending. The other prepositions do not complete this expression here.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

32. Fictional workplace note — original exercise. [1] The folders [2] that we need [3] is stored [4] in the locked cabinet.

    One segment in this storage note needs correction. Which one?

    1. [1] The folders
    2. [2] that we need
    3. [3] is stored
    4. [4] in the locked cabinet.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: [3] is stored

    Correction: “are stored”. The plural main subject folders requires are, regardless of the relative clause between subject and verb.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

33. Complete: The coordinator asked Karim and me to introduce ____.

    1. myself
    2. ourselves
    3. himself
    4. themselves
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: ourselves

    Karim and me form a group including the speaker. Ourselves is the reflexive pronoun matching that first-person plural group.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

34. Fictional workplace note — original exercise. [1] One of the files [2] are missing [3] from the tray [4] beside the scanner.

    Identify the segment that makes the missing-file note ungrammatical.

    1. [1] One of the files
    2. [2] are missing
    3. [3] from the tray
    4. [4] beside the scanner.
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: [2] are missing

    Correction: “is missing”. One is the singular subject head, even though files is plural inside the following phrase.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗

35. Complete: The two colleagues who prepared the slides ____ waiting upstairs.

    1. is
    2. are
    3. am
    4. be
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: are

    The relative clause identifies the colleagues. The main subject remains plural, so the main verb is are.

    Based on: Original independent grammar exercise; the reference is for further grammar study, not the source of this sentence or an official PSC answer.

    Official reference ↗