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CBSA OTEE study materials
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CBSA OTEE practice questions

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Question 1Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Travellers arriving at a Canadian port of entry must declare all goods they bring with them. Even gifts and items for personal use count. Failure to declare can lead to seizure and penalties. What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. All goods must be declared at entry Correct answer.
  2. Gifts are exempt from duty and taxes
  3. Penalties apply only to smuggling
  4. Personal items are rarely inspected

Explanation

The passage's central point is the duty to declare every item, including gifts and personal effects; the mention of penalties exists only to reinforce that rule. A main idea must cover the whole passage, not one supporting detail.

Question 2Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

The officer's questions were terse: short, direct, and to the point. As used in the passage, "terse" most nearly means:

  1. Brief Correct answer.
  2. Confusing
  3. Repetitive
  4. Rude

Explanation

The colon introduces a definition in the sentence itself: "short, direct, and to the point" restates the meaning of the word. Context clues after a colon should be used to confirm the meaning rather than guessing from sound.

Question 3Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct.

  1. The number of seizures have increased.
  2. The list of items were long.
  3. Neither the officer nor the travellers were delayed. Correct answer.
  4. Each of the travellers have a passport.

Explanation

With "neither ... nor," the verb agrees with the subject closer to it, which here is the plural "travellers," so "were" is correct. In the other sentences an intervening phrase or an indefinite subject has misled the verb choice.

Question 4Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence uses the comma correctly?

  1. The officer, checked the passport and returned it.
  2. The officer checked the passport, and returned it.
  3. Travellers, must show identification before boarding.
  4. Before boarding, travellers must show identification. Correct answer.

Explanation

An introductory phrase is separated from the main clause by a comma. Commas should not split a subject from its verb or separate two verbs that share one subject.

Question 5Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Every traveller must present a document. ____ must be valid. Which word best fills the blank?

  1. They
  2. It Correct answer.
  3. Them
  4. Their

Explanation

The antecedent is the singular noun "document," which needs a singular subject pronoun in the second sentence. Number and case must both match the noun being replaced.

Question 6Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

The shipment was delayed by weather. ____, the goods arrived before the deadline. Which transition best fills the blank?

  1. Similarly
  2. For example
  3. Nevertheless Correct answer.
  4. Therefore

Explanation

The second sentence contrasts an expected result with what actually happened, so a contrast transition is required. Transition choice depends on the logical relationship between the ideas, not on the topic.

Question 7Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence states a fact rather than an opinion?

  1. Travellers dislike long lineups at airports.
  2. Officers should be friendlier at the border.
  3. The CBSA was created in 2003. Correct answer.
  4. The new inspection process is far too slow.

Explanation

A fact can be verified against records or evidence, while an opinion expresses judgement, preference, or an unsupported generalization. Only the statement about the agency's creation can be checked against a public record.

Question 8Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

The traveller answered every question with a shrug and avoided eye contact. When asked to open the trunk, he paused before complying. What can most reasonably be inferred?

  1. He was late for an appointment
  2. He seemed uneasy Correct answer.
  3. He could not speak English
  4. He had forgotten his passport

Explanation

An inference must rest on details in the text: shrugging, avoiding eye contact, and hesitating all point to discomfort. Anything not supported by those details is speculation.

Question 9Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which version is the most concise without changing the meaning? Original: In the event that a traveller fails to declare goods, penalties may be applied.

  1. Should there be a failure to declare goods by a traveller, penalties may result.
  2. Travellers who fail in the declaration of goods may be subject to penalties.
  3. If a traveller fails to declare goods, penalties may apply. Correct answer.
  4. In the event that a traveller fails to declare goods, penalties may be applied.

Explanation

Concise writing replaces wordy formulas such as "in the event that" and "may be applied" with direct wording while preserving the same meaning. Editing should remove words, not information.

Question 10Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence places the modifier clearly?

  1. Walking through the terminal, the traveller noticed the officer's badge. Correct answer.
  2. Walking through the terminal, the badge caught the traveller's eye.
  3. The badge, walking through the terminal, caught the traveller's eye.
  4. Walking through the terminal, the officer's badge was noticed by the traveller.

Explanation

An introductory participial phrase must describe the subject of the main clause that follows it. Only in this version is the person doing the walking also the subject of the sentence.

Question 11Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

The documents were incomplete. The officer requested additional information. Which sentence best combines the two ideas into one?

  1. The documents were incomplete, but the officer nevertheless requested additional information.
  2. The documents were incomplete, so the officer asked for more information. Correct answer.
  3. Because the documents were incomplete, so the officer requested additional information.
  4. The documents were incomplete, and for that reason the officer requested that additional information be provided.

Explanation

Combining sentences requires a connector that matches the logical relationship: the missing information caused the request, which calls for a cause-and-effect join. The combined sentence must also remain grammatical and free of redundancy.

Question 12Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Do not leave your vehicle until instructed. Keep your documents in hand. Follow the officer's directions at all times. The primary purpose of the passage is to:

  1. To persuade readers to travel to Canada this year
  2. To describe the history of the border agency in detail
  3. To report annual statistics on border traffic volumes
  4. To instruct travellers at a checkpoint Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage consists of imperative commands telling readers what to do, which is the defining feature of instructional writing. Purpose is identified from the verb mood and the effect on the reader, not from the topic alone.

Question 13Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence has a clear pronoun reference?

  1. The officer spoke to the traveller, and it was polite.
  2. The officer spoke politely to the traveller. Correct answer.
  3. Speaking to the traveller, politeness was shown by the officer.
  4. When the officer spoke to the traveller, she was polite.

Explanation

A pronoun must have one obvious antecedent; where two people are mentioned, "she" could refer to either. Rewriting without the ambiguous pronoun removes the confusion entirely.

Question 14Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Fresh produce may be brought into Canada only if it meets import requirements. Many foods are restricted. Declaring food is required, but a declaration does not guarantee the item will be allowed. Items may still be inspected or refused. Which title best fits the passage?

  1. How to Pack Groceries Carefully for a Long Trip
  2. Rules for Bringing Food into Canada Correct answer.
  3. Why Most Travellers Avoid Bringing Fresh Produce
  4. A Short History of Canadian Agriculture and Trade

Explanation

A title must cover everything in the paragraph at the right level of generality. The passage's focus is the conditions and limits that apply to bringing food across the border.

Question 15Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

The new kiosks cut average processing time by about 40 percent at the airport. Travellers who used them reported fewer errors at the counter. The change appears to be working. The tone of the passage is best described as:

  1. Favourable Correct answer.
  2. Sarcastic
  3. Confused
  4. Alarmed

Explanation

Tone is conveyed through evaluative language; positive results and the concluding remark that the change "appears to be working" signal approval. Sarcasm would require an ironic gap between the words and the intended meaning.

Question 16Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Trusted traveller applicants undergo an extensive background check and receive a card. Card holders use dedicated kiosks and answer fewer questions. Anyone who gives false information is removed from the program. Which statement is best supported by the passage?

  1. All travellers will eventually join the trusted traveller program
  2. Kiosks have eliminated the need for border officers at airports
  3. Background checks are performed by officers at the kiosk
  4. Program membership can be revoked for false statements Correct answer.

Explanation

A supported inference stays within what the text states: removal from the program after false information is the passage's own wording. Options that go beyond the text, or contradict it, are not supported.

Question 17Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?

  1. The inspection was thorough; it took nearly an hour. Correct answer.
  2. The traveller was nervous; but she answered every question clearly.
  3. The bag, which was red; contained several undeclared gifts.
  4. The officer asked; three questions and wrote notes in the file.

Explanation

A semicolon joins two independent clauses that are closely related and not already linked by a conjunction. It should never separate a verb from its object or interrupt a dependent structure.

Question 18Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Many travellers assume that a declaration means approval. In practice, a declaration merely begins the assessment process. Officers weigh factors such as origin, value, and risk before deciding. Which sentence best states the main point?

  1. Travellers should avoid declaring gifts whenever possible
  2. Declaring goods is only the first step in a review Correct answer.
  3. The origin of goods is rarely considered by border officers
  4. Studies show that most declarations are approved quickly by officers

Explanation

The main point corrects a misconception: a declaration starts a process rather than deciding an outcome. The remaining sentences must be read as support for that correction, not as the point itself.

Question 19Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

First, declare all goods on your form. Second, keep receipts for any purchases made abroad. Finally, answer the officer's questions truthfully. Which sentence would best serve as a topic sentence if placed first?

  1. Finally, answer the officer's questions truthfully and directly.
  2. A declaration is a legal requirement under Canada's customs law. Correct answer.
  3. Keep receipts for any purchases you made while abroad.
  4. Many travellers complete forms in advance.

Explanation

A topic sentence states the general principle that the details illustrate; here the details are three steps in declaring, so the opening should establish that declaring is required. Sequence words such as "first" and "finally" show that the other sentences belong to the body, not the opening.

Question 20Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

When a traveller refuses to answer, the officer may proceed with procedures that do not depend on consent. The traveller's silence cannot by itself stop the process. Which conclusion follows from the passage?

  1. A traveller's consent is required before any search can occur
  2. Silence is treated as an admission of guilt by officers
  3. Travellers who remain silent are always charged with an offence
  4. Officers may continue some procedures despite silence Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage states directly that procedures not requiring consent may go ahead, so continued action in the face of silence is a valid conclusion. A sound conclusion must be entailed by the premises rather than merely plausible.

Question 21Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence uses "affect" or "effect" correctly?

  1. Travellers were effected by the long delay at the border.
  2. The delay had no affect on the inspection schedule.
  3. The new rule will effect every traveller entering Canada.
  4. The new rule will affect all travellers entering Canada. Correct answer.

Explanation

"Affect" is normally a verb meaning to influence, while "effect" is usually a noun meaning a result and only rarely a verb meaning to bring about. Test the word's role in the sentence before choosing the spelling.

Question 22Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence is written in the clearest active voice?

  1. It was decided by the officer that the file would be referred.
  2. A referral of the file was decided upon by the officer.
  3. The decision was made by the officer to refer the file.
  4. The officer decided to refer the file. Correct answer.

Explanation

Active voice names the actor as the subject and puts the action in a direct verb, which is shorter and easier to follow. Passive constructions bury the actor in a phrase and add auxiliary verbs.

Question 23Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

The kiosk is not a replacement for the officer. Travellers who use it still speak with an officer. The kiosk gathers information; the officer makes the decision. Which detail best supports the idea that kiosks do not replace officers?

  1. Most travellers find the kiosks easy to use
  2. Travellers still speak with an officer Correct answer.
  3. Kiosks are installed at several major airports
  4. Some kiosks accept payment for duties owed

Explanation

A supporting detail must bear directly on the claim being made; continued contact with an officer shows the officer's role remains. Details that are merely about kiosks in general do not support the specific claim.

Question 24Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence is parallel in structure?

  1. The officer checked the passport, reviewing the ticket carefully, and asked questions.
  2. The officer checked the passport and the ticket and asking questions.
  3. The officer checked the passport, reviewed the ticket, and asked questions. Correct answer.
  4. The officer checked the passport, the ticket, and then went on to ask a series of questions.

Explanation

Items in a series should share the same grammatical form; here all three items are past-tense verbs with objects. Mixing a verb, a noun phrase, and a participle breaks the pattern.

Question 25Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Officers may use discretion when deciding whether to issue a warning or a penalty. As used in the sentence, "discretion" most nearly means:

  1. permission from a supervisor
  2. a written record of a decision
  3. judgment in making a choice Correct answer.
  4. a penalty set by regulation

Explanation

Discretion is the ability to choose how to act within the rules, so it refers to judgment in making a choice. The sentence supports this by saying officers decide between a warning and a penalty.

Question 26Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A declaration card records what a traveller is bringing into the country. The officer uses that information to decide whether duties apply. The card is not a receipt and does not by itself approve entry. What is the main point of the passage?

  1. Officers rarely question information written on the card.
  2. The card supports the officer's assessment of goods. Correct answer.
  3. Duties are charged on most goods brought into the country.
  4. Travellers should keep receipts for every purchase made abroad.

Explanation

The passage explains what the card does: it gathers information that the officer uses to assess goods. The other statements are not made anywhere in the passage.

Question 27Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Travellers arriving by air must complete a declaration card before primary inspection. The card asks for the traveller's name, the purpose of the trip, and the value of goods being brought in. Completed cards are reviewed by the first available officer. Which detail is stated in the passage?

  1. The card asks for the value of goods being brought in. Correct answer.
  2. Cards may be completed at a kiosk after inspection.
  3. Officers keep completed cards for one year.
  4. Only air travellers are required to declare goods.

Explanation

The passage lists exactly what the card asks for, including the value of goods. Anything not repeated from the passage cannot be confirmed as a stated detail.

Question 28Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Each of the travellers ______ a valid passport before boarding.

  1. carry
  2. carrying
  3. carries Correct answer.
  4. have carried

Explanation

The subject is "Each," which is singular, so the verb takes the singular form "carries." The phrase "of the travellers" does not change the number of the subject.

Question 29Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

The two travellers could not find ______ luggage on the carousel.

  1. their Correct answer.
  2. they are
  3. there
  4. they're

Explanation

The sentence needs the possessive determiner "their" to show that the luggage belongs to the travellers. "There" indicates place or introduces a clause, and "they're" is a contraction of "they are."

Question 30Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly?

  1. All of the officers' badges were checked at the gate. Correct answer.
  2. All of the officers badges were checked at the gate.
  3. All of the officers's badges were checked at the gate.
  4. All of the officer's badges were checked at the gate.

Explanation

Because several officers own the badges, the possessive follows the plural form: "officers'." An apostrophe after the plural -s marks possession for a plural noun.

Question 31Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which of the following is a complete sentence?

  1. Waiting in the primary inspection line for nearly an hour.
  2. Because the line was long and the booths were busy.
  3. Although the officer reviewed the form twice.
  4. The traveller waited in line for nearly an hour. Correct answer.

Explanation

A complete sentence needs a subject and a finite verb that can stand alone. Only one option supplies both without a subordinating word.

Question 32Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

The traveller kept a receipt for every purchase. ______, the assessment took only a few minutes. Which transition best fills the blank?

  1. Meanwhile
  2. Consequently Correct answer.
  3. Nonetheless
  4. Otherwise

Explanation

Keeping receipts and a quick assessment are linked as cause and result, so a transition showing result fits. The other transitions signal a condition, simultaneous time, or contrast.

Question 33Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence uses the colon correctly?

  1. The officer asked for: a passport, a ticket, and a declaration card.
  2. The officer asked: for a passport, a ticket, and a declaration card.
  3. The officer asked for three documents: a passport, a ticket, and a card. Correct answer.
  4. The officer asked for three things, a passport: a ticket and a card.

Explanation

A colon introduces a list or explanation after an independent clause, and the words before the colon must form a complete sentence. The list then follows the colon.

Question 34Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

  1. The line was long, the officer opened another booth.
  2. The line was long, so the officer opened another booth. Correct answer.
  3. The line was long the officer opened another booth.
  4. The line was long; and the officer opened another booth.

Explanation

Two independent clauses need either a comma plus a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon alone. A comma by itself creates a comma splice.

Question 35Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Travellers who arrive at primary inspection without a completed declaration card are directed to a side counter to finish it before they can proceed. What can be inferred from the passage?

  1. Side counters are used only during the busiest hours.
  2. Declaration cards are optional for most travellers.
  3. An incomplete card delays a traveller's processing. Correct answer.
  4. Officers complete the cards for travellers who ask.

Explanation

The passage says travellers without a completed card must finish it before proceeding, which implies a delay. An inference must follow from the details given.

Question 36Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

This guide explains how to complete the declaration card. It describes each section of the card and gives examples of common errors. The author's main purpose is to:

  1. compare two different border crossings
  2. describe the history of a program
  3. explain how to fill out a form Correct answer.
  4. persuade readers to travel more often

Explanation

The passage describes instructions for completing the card and examples of errors, which is explanatory writing about a form. Persuasion, history, and comparison are not mentioned.

Question 37Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Please ______ that your declaration card is signed before you reach the booth.

  1. assure
  2. ensure Correct answer.
  3. secure
  4. insure

Explanation

"Ensure" means to make certain that something happens, which fits a requirement about signing a card. "Assure" means to reassure a person, "insure" means to protect against loss, and "secure" means to obtain or fasten.

Question 38Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence is most appropriate for an official public notice?

  1. You guys should really bring your passports along.
  2. Hey there, don't forget your passport, okay?
  3. Travellers must present a valid passport. Correct answer.
  4. Bringing a passport would be a pretty good idea.

Explanation

An official notice uses formal, impersonal language and states requirements directly. The other options use conversational words and vague phrasing.

Question 39Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Officers at primary inspection greet travellers and review their documents. They check the declaration card and ask a few questions about the trip. If something seems unusual, the traveller is sent to secondary inspection. The booth is equipped with a camera and a computer terminal. Which sentence least supports the paragraph's focus on what officers do at primary inspection?

  1. The booth is equipped with a camera and a computer terminal. Correct answer.
  2. They check the declaration card and ask a few questions about the trip.
  3. Officers at primary inspection greet travellers and review their documents.
  4. If something seems unusual, the traveller is sent to secondary inspection.

Explanation

The paragraph explains the officers' actions and how travellers move through inspection. A sentence about equipment describes the booth rather than what officers do.

Question 40Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

A traveller may request a review of a penalty within 90 days of receiving the notice. The request must be made in writing and must include the reasons for the review. A decision is usually issued within 30 days. Which sentence best summarizes the passage?

  1. Reviews are decided by the officer who issued the penalty.
  2. Travellers may appeal any penalty at any time of their choosing.
  3. A written, reasoned request must be filed within 90 days. Correct answer.
  4. A penalty notice is valid for 90 days after it is issued.

Explanation

A summary restates the essential points: the written request, the reasons, and the 90-day limit. The other options add details that are absent or contradict the passage.

Question 41Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Original: The officer, who had reviewed the file that had been submitted earlier by the traveller, asked a question about the receipt. Which revision is clearest?

  1. The officer asked a question about the receipt after the file had been submitted and reviewed.
  2. The file was reviewed by the officer, and a question about the receipt was asked.
  3. The officer, having reviewed the file submitted earlier by the traveller, asked about the receipt.
  4. The officer reviewed the file and then asked the traveller about the receipt. Correct answer.

Explanation

Clarity improves when the actions appear in order with clear subjects and verbs. Splitting the stacked relative clauses into two plain actions removes the clutter.

Question 42Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Which sentence maintains consistent verb tense?

  1. The traveller declared the goods, paid the duty, and left the office. Correct answer.
  2. The traveller declared the goods, pays the duty, and left the office.
  3. The traveller declared the goods, paying the duty, and leaves the office.
  4. The traveller declares the goods, paid the duty, and leaves the office.

Explanation

Verbs in a series should use the same tense when the actions occur in the same time frame. Only one option keeps every verb in the simple past.

Question 43Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Before starting work each day, officers sign out a radio, test it, and log the serial number. Radios are returned to the locker at the end of the shift. According to the passage, which step happens immediately after an officer tests the radio?

  1. signing out a radio
  2. logging the serial number Correct answer.
  3. starting the shift
  4. returning the radio to the locker

Explanation

The passage lists the steps in order: sign out, test, log the serial number, and return the radio at the end of the shift. Logging the serial number follows directly after testing.

Question 44Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Officers must apply the same rules to every traveller. At the same time, they may take account of circumstances, such as a first-time error or a documented medical need, when deciding how to proceed. Which statement is best supported by the passage?

  1. Consistency requires that personal circumstances never be considered.
  2. Travellers with medical needs are exempt from all requirements.
  3. Rules apply to all, though circumstances affect how they apply. Correct answer.
  4. Officers may ignore the rules when a traveller explains the situation.

Explanation

The passage states that rules apply to every traveller while allowing circumstances to be weighed. A supported conclusion must combine both ideas rather than drop one.

Question 45Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

The new process was introduced with great confidence. Six months later, the queue at peak hours has not shortened, and the error rate has doubled. The agency now says it will review the process. The tone of the passage is best described as:

  1. enthusiastic
  2. neutral and technical
  3. apologetic
  4. skeptical Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage sets the agency's confident launch against poor results and a promised review, which signals doubt about the process. That contrast produces a skeptical tone.

Question 46Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Officers may examine any goods a traveller brings in. Most examinations are brief, but some require the traveller to wait while records are checked. Officers do not need a warrant to examine luggage at a port of entry. Which statement is an inference rather than a fact stated in the passage?

  1. Officers do not need a warrant to examine luggage.
  2. Some examinations make the traveller wait while records are checked.
  3. Longer waits are caused by the records checks. Correct answer.
  4. Officers may examine any goods a traveller brings in.

Explanation

An inference is a conclusion drawn from details rather than stated directly. The passage links waiting to records checks but never says the checks cause longer waits.

Question 47Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Every traveller who was fined last month had failed to declare food. Therefore, failing to declare food always results in a fine. Which statement best identifies the flaw in the reasoning?

  1. It ignores the cost of the fines collected.
  2. It relies on a sample that includes people who were not travellers.
  3. It confuses a fine with a penalty.
  4. It treats one month's cases as proving a general rule. Correct answer.

Explanation

The argument moves from a limited set of cases to a universal claim, which is an overgeneralization. A conclusion about "always" needs more than one month of examples.

Question 48Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

The policy does not forbid travellers from carrying food, but it does require that any food be declared. Undeclared food may be seized. Which statement is consistent with the passage?

  1. Declared food is never examined by officers.
  2. Carrying food is prohibited in all circumstances.
  3. Any food that is seized must be declared later.
  4. Carrying food is allowed if it is declared. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage does not prohibit carrying food; it requires declaration. Carrying food together with a declaration therefore fits the policy.

Question 49Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Each of the travellers arriving on the afternoon ferry ______ required to present identification at the booth.

  1. is Correct answer.
  2. were
  3. are
  4. have been

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is "each," a singular indefinite pronoun, so it takes a singular verb regardless of the plural noun that follows "of." The sentence is in the present tense, which the singular present form "is" matches.

Question 50Reading Comprehension and Written Communication

Read the following passage. "Secondary inspection is not a penalty. A traveller may be referred because a document needs clarification, because goods require an appraisal, or simply because the primary officer has a question that cannot be settled at the booth. A referral on its own does not mean that the traveller has done anything wrong." Which statement best expresses the main point of the passage?

  1. Primary officers are not permitted to answer questions at the booth.
  2. Secondary inspection always takes longer than primary inspection.
  3. Travellers are sent to secondary inspection only when they have broken a rule.
  4. A referral does not by itself mean the traveller has done wrong. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage develops a single idea: referral is an ordinary step taken for several neutral reasons, not a sanction. The final sentence states that idea directly, and the earlier examples of clarification and appraisal support it.