Tips for written exam

[Napoleon]

Hello, I will be taking a written exam within the next month or so.

I generally do well on multiple choice exams, vocabulary and reading comprehension have never given me problems. But I believe this test will be 100% written.

" The written examination will consist of timed written exercises. The topics or content will be revealed at the time of the exam. Tests are graded on content, as well as grammar, syntax, spelling, flow, structure and how well applicants follow instructions. "

Now actual writing and communication has never been a problem for me, but grammar has, I always remember doing poorly in essays back when I was in school.

Any suggestions on how to brush up best for this type of exam?

Thank you

[9mmepiphany]

Now actual writing and communication has never been a problem for me, but grammar has, I always remember doing poorly in essays back when I was in school.

Do you realize that the above sentence is self contradictory?

The way to write correctly is to recognize a correctly structured sentence. The most common error people make, when they write, is writing the way they speak...when they don't speak in complete sentences

The easiest way to accomplish that is to read grammatically correct paragraphs. I would recommend something like Scientific American or National Geographic...maybe even the New York Times

[micro911]

I took the test in 1985 and it was not that difficult as an ESL person.

[gregr]

If the agency you're applying with uses the POST PELLETB Test, THIS may help.

[SansSouci]

Napoleon,

I'll guess that exams are written at a low high school level.

I partied the night before I took mine, never studied, and got either the highest or one of the highest scores.

It's basic, common sense BS. It ain't GMAT or even SAT. If you can't pass it, cop work probably ain't for you.

[9mmepiphany]

I doubt it requires more than a command of 8th grade English...but then the most academic publication in the nation, Scientific American, is only written at the 11th grade level

[Spanky8601]

K.I.S.S. = Keep it Simple Stupid. No long sentences. Concise and logical. Paragraphs are your friend.

[Pandanin]

If the agency you're applying with uses the POST PELLETB Test, THIS may help.

That was fun. I scored 100%.

I also noticed they have a typographical error:


1. Suspect A was in the house longer than Suspect B. Suspect C was the house for less time than Suspect B. Who was in the house the longest?

should be:
1. Suspect A was in the house longer than Suspect B. Suspect C was in the house for less time than Suspect B. Who was in the house the longest? (emphasis added to missing word)

[glock_this]

Do you realize that the above sentence is self contradictory?

The way to write correctly is to recognize a correctly structured sentence. The most common error people make, when they write, is writing the way they speak...when they don't speak in complete sentences

The easiest way to accomplish that is to read grammatically correct paragraphs. I would recommend something like Scientific American or National Geographic...maybe even the New York Times

Ok, so you use "...." and then after the "..." you add no space.

Can something really be "self contradictory"? Isn't it just simply "contradictory"? Are you implying there are other kinds of contradictions and one kind is "self"?

And then you top it off with "maybe even the New York Times" and leave off the critical final period.

Not so sure you should be dispensing critical writing skill advice.

[9mmepiphany]

Ok, so you use "...." and then after the "..." you add no space.

No space is needed either before or after as it joins the two phrases

Can something really be "self contradictory"? Isn't it just simply "contradictory"? Are you implying there are other kinds of contradictions and one kind is "self"?

Yes it can, to reference what the sentence is contradicting.

Another acceptable structure would be "That sentence contradicts itself"

And then you top it off with "maybe even the New York Times" and leave off the critical final period.

You got me on that one

Not so sure you should be dispensing critical writing skill advice.

Maybe not, but I did pass the test to get into the Academy, passed Patrol Training and worked as a FTO.

I also wrote well enough to attain my degree in Organizational Behavior from USF.

[ad40]

The written is very basic and most likely the easiest part of the process. Don't stress.

[brodeweiser]

If its for LASD ill see you there on Tuesday OP.