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TCE Everyday Adult Standard Reading & Writing study materials
TCE Everyday Adult Standard Reading & Writing study resources

TCE Everyday Adult Standard Reading & Writing practice questions

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Question 1Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence uses the correct form of the possessive to show that the meeting belongs to the team?

  1. The team meeting's starts at nine.
  2. The teams meeting starts at nine.
  3. The teams' meeting starts at nine.
  4. The team's meeting starts at nine. Correct answer.

Explanation

A singular noun forms its possessive by adding an apostrophe followed by s, so 'team' becomes 'team's'. The apostrophe marks ownership of the meeting by one team. Placing the apostrophe after the s signals a plural owner, which the sentence does not intend.

Question 2Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Read this sentence: 'Before the storm arrived, the crew secured the equipment.' What is the function of the underlined clause 'Before the storm arrived'?

  1. It names the person doing the action.
  2. It states the main action of the sentence.
  3. It describes the equipment in detail.
  4. It tells when the main action happened. Correct answer.

Explanation

A subordinate clause beginning with 'before' establishes the time relationship between two events. It answers the question 'when did the crew secure the equipment?' The main clause carries the primary action, while the opening clause supplies the time frame.

Question 3Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The manager asked that every report ___ submitted by Friday'?

  1. is
  2. be Correct answer.
  3. was
  4. were

Explanation

Verbs such as 'ask', 'request', and 'demand' can introduce a that-clause using the subjunctive mood. In the subjunctive, the base form of the verb is used regardless of the subject, so 'be' is correct. This construction expresses a requirement rather than a past event.

Question 4Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

A notice reads: 'Staff must ensure that all visitors sign in at reception before proceeding to any department.' What does this notice require?

  1. Staff sign the register on behalf of each visitor.
  2. Visitors sign in at reception before going anywhere else. Correct answer.
  3. Visitors should sign in only if a staff member asks.
  4. Visitors may sign in after reaching a department.

Explanation

The phrase 'before proceeding to any department' sets the order of events: registration comes first. The subject of the requirement is the visitor, who must sign in at reception. Reading the sequence correctly shows that no department visit may happen first.

Question 5Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

  1. We ordered paper pens, and folders for the new office.
  2. We ordered paper, pens and folders for the new office. Correct answer.
  3. We ordered, paper, pens and folders for the new office.
  4. We ordered paper, pens, and, folders for the new office.

Explanation

Items in a simple list are separated by commas, with no comma between the final adjective and its noun or after the verb. The version 'paper, pens and folders' follows this pattern cleanly. Extra commas interrupt the flow and separate words that belong together.

Question 6Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence uses 'affect' and 'effect' correctly?

  1. The new policy will effect all staff next month.
  2. The new policy will have a big affect on staff.
  3. The new policy will cause an affect on all staff.
  4. The new policy will affect all staff next month. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Affect' is normally a verb meaning to influence, while 'effect' is normally a noun meaning a result. The sentence needs a verb, so 'affect' is the right choice. The other versions swap the roles or misuse the noun form.

Question 7Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Read this passage: 'The training session was scheduled for two hours. However, the presenter finished in ninety minutes, so attendees had extra time for questions.' What does 'However' signal about the second sentence?

  1. It gives the cause of the first sentence.
  2. It introduces a contrast with the expected duration. Correct answer.
  3. It lists the steps of the training session.
  4. It adds a similar point to the first sentence.

Explanation

'However' is a contrast connector, and here it marks the difference between the planned two hours and the actual ninety minutes. The shorter finish is unexpected given the schedule. Recognising the contrast helps the reader follow the shift in the passage.

Question 8Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?

  1. Walking into the room, the technician switched on the lights. Correct answer.
  2. Walking into the room, the lights were switched on.
  3. Walking into the room, the lights were bright.
  4. Walking into the room, it was time to switch on the lights.

Explanation

An introductory participial phrase must describe the subject of the main clause. Here the technician is the one walking, so the technician must be the subject. Naming the actor directly removes the dangling modifier.

Question 9Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

In a formal email to a client, which closing is most appropriate?

  1. Cheers, Sam
  2. Yours sincerely, Sam Correct answer.
  3. Later, Sam
  4. Catch you soon, Sam

Explanation

Formal correspondence with a client calls for a conventional sign-off such as 'Yours sincerely'. This register shows professional respect and matches the tone of a business relationship. Informal closings belong in casual messages to people you know well.

Question 10Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

  1. The deadline is Friday; and everyone must submit a draft.
  2. The deadline is Friday; because drafts are due.
  3. The deadline is Friday; which everyone knows.
  4. The deadline is Friday; everyone must submit a draft before then. Correct answer.

Explanation

A semicolon joins two independent clauses that are closely related, and both sides here could stand alone as sentences. No conjunction is needed when the semicolon does the joining. Using a conjunction or a subordinate word after the semicolon breaks this pattern.

Question 11Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

A report states: 'Sales rose in every region except the north, where they fell slightly.' What can a reader conclude?

  1. Sales rose everywhere apart from the north. Correct answer.
  2. Sales fell in all regions.
  3. Sales stayed the same in every region.
  4. Sales rose in the north only.

Explanation

The word 'except' excludes one region from the general statement, so the rise applies to all regions other than the north. The clause about the north then supplies the contrasting detail. Careful reading of the exception keeps the conclusion accurate.

Question 12Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

  1. She packed three items, a laptop: a charger and a notebook.
  2. She packed three items; a laptop, a charger and a notebook.
  3. She packed: three items, a laptop and a charger.
  4. She packed three items: a laptop, a charger and a notebook. Correct answer.

Explanation

A colon introduces a list or explanation after a complete clause. In the correct version, 'She packed three items' is a full clause and the colon announces what follows. The colon should not split a verb from its object or interrupt the list itself.

Question 13Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Choose the sentence that expresses the idea most concisely without losing meaning.

  1. The match was cancelled on account of the fact of rain.
  2. Owing to the fact that rain occurred, cancellation happened.
  3. The match was cancelled because it was raining. Correct answer.
  4. Due to the fact that it was raining, the match was cancelled.

Explanation

Concise writing replaces wordy phrases with direct ones, so 'because it was raining' conveys the cause in fewer words. The meaning stays the same while the sentence becomes clearer. Padding phrases such as 'due to the fact that' add length without adding information.

Question 14Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which pronoun correctly completes the sentence: 'Neither the supervisor nor the workers had finished ___ tasks'?

  1. its
  2. their Correct answer.
  3. her
  4. his

Explanation

With 'neither...nor', the verb and pronoun usually agree with the nearer subject, which here is the plural 'workers'. The plural possessive 'their' therefore fits. This rule keeps the pronoun consistent with the closest noun.

Question 15Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

What is the main purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

  1. To state the paragraph's central idea. Correct answer.
  2. To introduce a counterargument.
  3. To summarise the previous paragraph.
  4. To provide a supporting statistic.

Explanation

A topic sentence announces the main idea that the rest of the paragraph develops. Supporting details, examples, and evidence follow it. Readers use it to predict what the paragraph will cover.

Question 16Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence uses the passive voice?

  1. The budget was approved by the committee. Correct answer.
  2. The committee will approve the budget.
  3. The committee is approving the budget.
  4. The committee approved the budget.

Explanation

In the passive voice, the object of the action becomes the subject and the verb uses a form of 'be' plus the past participle. 'The budget was approved' fits that pattern. The other sentences keep the committee as the active subject.

Question 17Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

A job advertisement says: 'Applicants should demonstrate a proven track record in customer service.' What does this phrase ask for?

  1. A willingness to learn customer service.
  2. Evidence of past success in customer service. Correct answer.
  3. An interest in starting a customer service career.
  4. A qualification in customer service theory.

Explanation

A 'proven track record' means documented past achievement rather than potential or intention. The employer wants evidence that the applicant has already succeeded in this area. Qualifications or enthusiasm alone do not satisfy the phrase.

Question 18Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence contains a subject-verb agreement error?

  1. The number of complaints have increased. Correct answer.
  2. Each of the students has a login.
  3. The list of items is on the desk.
  4. Neither answer seems correct.

Explanation

The subject 'number' is singular, so the verb should be 'has increased'. Phrases beginning with 'of' modify the subject but do not change its number. The other sentences correctly match singular subjects with singular verbs.

Question 19Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Read this sentence: 'The proposal, which the board rejected, was revised and resubmitted.' Which part is the non-essential clause?

  1. The proposal
  2. which the board rejected Correct answer.
  3. was revised
  4. and resubmitted

Explanation

A non-essential clause adds extra information and is set off by commas. Here 'which the board rejected' is bracketed by commas and can be removed without destroying the main meaning. The remaining words form the core sentence.

Question 20Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which option best combines these two sentences? 'The file was corrupted. The team lost a day's work.'

  1. The file was corrupted, so the team lost a day's work anyway.
  2. The file was corrupted, but the team lost a day's work.
  3. The file was corrupted, or the team lost a day's work.
  4. Because the file was corrupted, the team lost a day's work. Correct answer.

Explanation

The two events have a cause-and-effect link: the corruption caused the lost work. 'Because' expresses that relationship clearly in one sentence. Choosing the connector that matches the logic keeps the meaning accurate.

Question 21Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

A memo says: 'Please note that the deadline has been brought forward to 12 May.' What does this tell staff?

  1. The deadline remains unchanged.
  2. The deadline has been cancelled.
  3. The deadline has been postponed.
  4. The deadline is now earlier than before. Correct answer.

Explanation

To 'bring forward' a deadline means to move it to an earlier date. Staff should therefore expect less time than originally planned. The phrase does not mean delay or cancellation.

Question 22Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence uses 'its' and 'it's' correctly?

  1. The company updated its policy and its now official.
  2. The company updated its policy and it's now official. Correct answer.
  3. The company updated it's policy and it's now official.
  4. The company updated it's policy and its now official.

Explanation

'Its' is the possessive form, while 'it's' is the contraction of 'it is'. The policy belongs to the company, so 'its policy' is right, and 'it's now official' expands correctly to 'it is now official'. Matching each form to its function solves the sentence.

Question 23Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

A paragraph begins: 'Remote work reduces commuting time. It also lowers office costs. In addition, employees report better focus.' What is the organising pattern of this paragraph?

  1. Comparison of two opposing views
  2. A chronological sequence of events
  3. A problem followed by its solution
  4. A list of related benefits Correct answer.

Explanation

Each sentence adds another advantage of remote work, signalled by 'also' and 'in addition'. The paragraph accumulates supporting points rather than contrasting or sequencing them. Recognising the additive pattern clarifies the writer's purpose.

Question 24Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which word best completes the sentence: 'The instructions were so ___ that no one could follow them'?

  1. brief
  2. simple
  3. vague Correct answer.
  4. clear

Explanation

The result clause 'no one could follow them' signals a negative quality, so the blank needs a word meaning unclear. 'Vague' fits because unclear instructions are hard to follow. The other adjectives describe positive qualities that would make following easier.

Question 25Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

In an argument, what is the role of a counterargument?

  1. It repeats the main claim in different words.
  2. It acknowledges an opposing view and responds to it. Correct answer.
  3. It provides the thesis statement of the essay.
  4. It lists sources used in the research.

Explanation

A counterargument presents an opposing position so the writer can address and refute it. This strengthens the argument by showing the writer has considered other views. It differs from the thesis, which states the writer's own claim.

Question 26Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence uses a comma correctly?

  1. We reviewed the agenda before, the meeting started.
  2. We reviewed the agenda, before the meeting started.
  3. Before the meeting started, we reviewed the agenda. Correct answer.
  4. Before the meeting started we reviewed the agenda.

Explanation

An introductory phrase that comes before the main clause should be separated from it by a comma. Here the introductory element is 'Before the meeting started', so the comma belongs right after it.

Question 27Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The manager asked the team to ___ the new procedure by Friday'?

  1. adopt Correct answer.
  2. admit
  3. adept
  4. adapt

Explanation

'Adopt' means to take up and begin using something such as a procedure. The context of introducing a new procedure by a deadline calls for that meaning.

Question 28Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

What does the prefix 're-' most commonly indicate in a word such as 'rebuild'?

  1. Again or back Correct answer.
  2. Before in time
  3. Against or opposite
  4. Not or without

Explanation

The prefix 're-' generally signals repetition or a return to a previous state, as in 'rebuild' meaning to build again. Recognising this helps readers infer unfamiliar words.

Question 29Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

A workplace notice reads: 'Staff must submit timesheets by 5 pm on the last working day of each month.' What does this require?

  1. Timesheets must be handed in by 5 pm on the final working day of the month. Correct answer.
  2. Timesheets must reach the office before the start of the month.
  3. Timesheets are optional if staff worked fewer hours.
  4. Timesheets must be submitted at any point during the following month.

Explanation

The notice sets a deadline: 5 pm on the last working day of each month. A reader should identify both the action required and the exact cut-off time.

Question 30Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly?

  1. The companies policy requires every employee to sign the form.
  2. The company's policy requires every employees to sign the form.
  3. The company's policy requires every employee to sign the form. Correct answer.
  4. The companys policy requires every employee to sign the form.

Explanation

A singular noun needs an apostrophe before the 's' to show possession, so 'company's policy' is correct. The other versions either drop the apostrophe or misuse it.

Question 31Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence is written in a formal register suitable for a report?

  1. The results were okay, give or take a bit.
  2. The results indicate a moderate improvement overall. Correct answer.
  3. The results were kind of better than we thought.
  4. The results were pretty good overall.

Explanation

Formal writing favours precise, neutral vocabulary and avoids conversational hedges. 'Indicate a moderate improvement' states the finding in measured, professional terms.

Question 32Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which word best completes the sentence: 'The supervisor spoke ___ about the safety breach'?

  1. more serious
  2. serious
  3. seriously Correct answer.
  4. seriousness

Explanation

The verb 'spoke' needs an adverb to describe how the action was done, and 'seriously' is the adverb form. Adjectives and nouns cannot modify a verb in this way.

Question 33Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Read this passage: 'The workshop was advertised as beginner-friendly. Several attendees, however, found the pace too fast and asked for extra support.' What does the passage suggest?

  1. The workshop was cancelled partway through the day.
  2. The workshop's actual difficulty did not fully match its advertising. Correct answer.
  3. The workshop matched its advertised level for all attendees.
  4. Nobody attended the workshop because of the advertising.

Explanation

The contrast word 'however' signals a gap between the advertised level and what attendees experienced. A careful reader uses such signposts to infer the main point.

Question 34Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence best avoids wordiness while keeping the meaning?

  1. Because the server failed, the team could not access the files. Correct answer.
  2. Owing to the circumstance that the server failed, the team could not access the files.
  3. Due to the fact that the server failed, the team could not access the files.
  4. In view of the fact that the server failed, the team could not access the files.

Explanation

'Because' expresses the same causal link as longer phrases such as 'due to the fact that' or 'owing to the circumstance that'. Concise writing replaces padded phrases with a single precise connector.

Question 35Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

A paragraph opens with: 'The new booking system has reduced waiting times. Average queues fell from twenty minutes to eight. Customer complaints dropped by half.' Which sentence would best conclude the paragraph?

  1. The system was expensive to purchase and install.
  2. Queues were measured using a stopwatch.
  3. Some customers still prefer to book by phone.
  4. The system has therefore delivered clear benefits for customers. Correct answer.

Explanation

A concluding sentence should draw together the evidence presented in the paragraph. The statistics all point to improvement, so a summary of the benefits fits the flow.

Question 36Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence correctly uses 'fewer' or 'less'?

  1. We received less applications and fewer paperwork this year.
  2. We received fewer paperwork this year than last year.
  3. We received fewer applications this year than last year. Correct answer.
  4. We received less applications this year than last year.

Explanation

'Fewer' is used with countable plural nouns such as 'applications', while 'less' is used with uncountable nouns such as 'paperwork'. The sentence with 'fewer applications' follows this rule.

Question 37Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence uses a hyphen correctly?

  1. The well-known-author visited our office.
  2. The well known-author visited our office.
  3. The well-known author visited our office. Correct answer.
  4. The well known author visited our office.

Explanation

A compound modifier placed before a noun takes a hyphen to show that the words act as a single unit, as in 'well-known author'. When the phrase follows the noun, the hyphen is usually dropped.

Question 38Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

A message says: 'The venue has changed from the Riverside Hall to the Central Library; please update your calendars.' What is the key action for the reader?

  1. Contact the library to book a room.
  2. Cancel their attendance at the event.
  3. Record the new location in their schedules. Correct answer.
  4. Confirm which hall is larger.

Explanation

The message gives a new location and explicitly asks readers to update their calendars. The key action is therefore to record the change.

Question 39Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence has correct subject-verb agreement?

  1. The list of approved suppliers are posted online.
  2. The list of approved suppliers was posted online. Correct answer.
  3. The list of approved suppliers were posted online.
  4. The list of approved suppliers have been posted online.

Explanation

The subject is 'the list', which is singular, and the phrase 'of approved suppliers' does not change that. A singular verb such as 'was' is therefore required.

Question 40Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence uses the word 'principal' correctly?

  1. The principle reason for the delay was a shortage of staff.
  2. The principal reason for the delay was a shortage of staff, and it was a good principal.
  3. The principal reason for the delay was a shortage of staff, which effected everyone.
  4. The principal reason for the delay was a shortage of staff. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Principal' as an adjective means main or most important, so 'principal reason' is correct. 'Principle' is a noun meaning a rule or belief.

Question 41Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Read this extract: 'Although the survey response rate was low, the findings were consistent with earlier research.' What is the writer's attitude to the findings?

  1. The findings are unrelated to previous studies.
  2. The findings are supported despite a limitation. Correct answer.
  3. The findings prove the survey was well designed.
  4. The findings should be dismissed entirely.

Explanation

The structure 'although... were consistent' concedes a weakness (low response rate) while affirming the findings. The writer treats the results as credible but acknowledges a limitation.

Question 42Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which revision best removes the vague pronoun reference: 'When the manager met the client, she said the contract needed changes'?

  1. When she met the client, the manager said the contract needed changes. Correct answer.
  2. When the manager met the client, the manager said that she said the contract needed changes.
  3. When the manager met the client, the manager said the contract needed changes.
  4. When the manager met the client, they said the contract needed changes.

Explanation

The original 'she' could refer to either the manager or the client. Naming the manager as the subject of the reporting clause removes the ambiguity.

Question 43Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence is punctuated correctly when using quotation marks?

  1. The trainer said "Please review the handbook before the session".
  2. The trainer said, "Please review the handbook before the session." Correct answer.
  3. The trainer said, "Please review the handbook before the session".
  4. The trainer said "Please review the handbook before the session."

Explanation

A comma introduces the quoted speech, and in this style the full stop sits inside the closing quotation mark. Both conventions are applied together in the first option.

Question 44Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

A policy document states: 'Employees may work from home up to two days per week, subject to manager approval.' Which situation complies with the policy?

  1. An employee works from home two days a week after the manager agrees. Correct answer.
  2. An employee works from home every day and informs the manager afterwards.
  3. An employee works from home one day a week but never tells the manager.
  4. An employee works from home three days a week without asking anyone.

Explanation

The policy sets two conditions: a maximum of two days per week and prior manager approval. Only the option that meets both conditions complies.

Question 45Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence best uses parallel structure?

  1. The role involves writing reports, attending meetings, and to train new staff.
  2. The role involves writing reports, to attend meetings, and training new staff.
  3. The role involves writing reports, attending meetings, and training new staff. Correct answer.
  4. The role involves to write reports, attending meetings, and training new staff.

Explanation

Items in a list should share the same grammatical form, here the '-ing' form. The second option keeps all three items as gerund phrases.

Question 46Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Read this passage: 'The council introduced a bike-share scheme in 2020. Within two years, cycling trips in the city centre had risen by 40%. Air quality monitors also recorded lower nitrogen dioxide levels. Critics note that the scheme's running costs remain high.' Which statement best evaluates the passage?

  1. It argues that the scheme should be cancelled immediately.
  2. It claims that air quality worsened after the scheme began.
  3. It provides no evidence for its claims about cycling.
  4. It presents benefits supported by data and acknowledges a drawback. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage reports measured increases in cycling and lower pollution, then adds a critical point about cost. This balanced structure combines evidence of benefits with a recognised drawback.

Question 47Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence most clearly avoids ambiguity in its modifier placement?

  1. The technician replaced the old filter covered in dust quickly.
  2. Covered in dust, the replacement was done by the technician.
  3. Covered in dust, the technician replaced the old filter.
  4. The technician replaced the old filter, which was covered in dust. Correct answer.

Explanation

The modifier 'covered in dust' should sit next to the thing it describes, which is the filter. The relative clause version places it correctly and leaves no doubt about what was dusty.

Question 48Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

A memo says: 'The data are inconclusive; further trials are required before any recommendation can be made.' Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. The data have been shown to be unreliable.
  2. A recommendation has already been approved.
  3. No recommendation should be issued yet. Correct answer.
  4. The trials have been completed successfully.

Explanation

The memo states that further trials are needed before a recommendation can be made, which means none should be issued now. 'Inconclusive' means the evidence does not yet settle the question.

Question 49Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Which sentence uses 'comprise' correctly?

  1. The committee comprises of five members.
  2. The committee is comprised of five members.
  3. The committee comprises five members together.
  4. The committee comprises five members. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Comprise' means to consist of and takes a direct object without 'of'. The correct pattern is 'the whole comprises the parts'.

Question 50Reading, Writing and Communication (in English)

Read this sentence: 'The consultant, having reviewed the figures, recommended that the budget be revised before the next quarter.' Which statement about the sentence is accurate?

  1. The word 'recommended' is in the passive voice.
  2. The clause 'that the budget be revised' is a main clause.
  3. The phrase 'having reviewed the figures' describes the consultant. Correct answer.
  4. The phrase 'having reviewed the figures' describes the budget.

Explanation

The participial phrase at the start of the sentence modifies the subject, 'the consultant', who did the reviewing. The main clause then reports the consultant's recommendation.