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Common Recruitment Examination

Question Types and Sample Questions of Use of English

I.

Comprehension (10 questions)

This section aims to test candidates' ability to comprehend a written text. A prose passage of non-technical background is cited. Candidates are required to exercise skills in deciding on the gist, identifying main points, drawing inferences, distinguishing facts from opinion, interpreting figurative language, etc.

II.

Error Identification (10 questions)

Knowledge on use of the language is tested through identification of language errors which may be lexical, grammatical or stylistic.

Example :

The sentence below may contain a language error. Identify the part (underlined and lettered) that contains the error or choose 'E No error' where the sentence does not contain an error.

Irrespective for the outcome of the probe, the whole sorry affair has already cast a shadow over this man's hitherto unblemished record as a loyal servant to his country.

A
Irrespective for
B
sorry
C
cast
D
hitherto
E
No error


Answer : A

III.

Sentence Completion (10 questions)

In this section, candidates are required to fill in the blanks with the best options given. The questions focus on grammatical use.

Example :

Complete the following sentence by choosing the best answer from the options given.

This market research company claims to predict in advance ________ by conducting exit polls of selected voters.

A
the results of an election will be
B
the results will be of an election
C
what results will be of an election
D
what the results of an election will be
E
what will the results of an election be


Answer : D

IV.

Paragraph Improvement (10 questions)

In this section, two draft passages are cited. For each passage, questions are set to test candidates' skills in improving the draft. The focus of the questions is on writing skills, not power of understanding.

Examples :

The sentences below are parts of the early draft of two passages, some parts of which may have to be rewritten. Read the passages and choose the best answer to the question.

1. Which of the following versions of sentence (8) provides the best link between sentences (7) and (9), reproduced below?

(7) It may be that a few of the products we have described are not available in some countries. (8) But it is possible to place an order via the Internet. (9) They will be dealt with promptly and efficiently.

A
Furthermore, it is possible to order via the Internet.
B
The Internet can be used in such circumstances.
C
Orders can, however, be placed via the Internet.
D
Sentence (8) as it is now. No change needed.


Answer : C


2. Which of the following is the best revision of sentence (3), reproduced below?

(3) Mistakenly believing that smoking is a sign of maturity those in authority must act today to protect our citizens of tomorrow.

A
It is a mistake to believe that smoking is a sign of maturity. Those in authority must act today to protect our citizens of tomorrow.
B
It is a mistake to believe that smoking is a sign of maturity, those in authority must act today to protect our citizens of tomorrow.
C
Mistaken in their belief that smoking is a sign of maturity those in authority must act today to protect our citizens of tomorrow.
D
Those in authority should act today. Our citizens of today are mistakenly believing that smoking is a sign of maturity. They must be protected


Answer : A