Written Expression
Written Expression tests whether you can produce clear, correct standard English in fire-service writing: incident narratives, memos, orders, and report entries. Questions ask you to choose the best sentence, fix grammar or punctuation, combine sentences, and arrange ideas logically.
Core rules
- Make every pronoun point to one clear noun; 'they' with two possible antecedents is a defect.
- Keep subjects and verbs agreeing, especially with collective nouns like 'company' and 'unit.'
- Use parallel structure in lists: 'ventilate, search, and secure'-not 'ventilate, searching, and to secure.'
- Place modifiers next to what they describe; a dangling modifier at the start of a sentence must describe the subject that follows.
- Prefer direct, active wording when it does not hide responsibility.
Worked example
Which sentence is clearest? A) Upon entering the apartment, smoke was seen by the firefighter. B) Entering the apartment, the firefighter saw smoke. C) The firefighter saw smoke upon entering the apartment. D) Smoke was seen upon entering the apartment by the firefighter.
Best: C. A and D begin with a modifying phrase that does not logically attach to the subject ('smoke' did not enter the apartment). B is grammatical but less direct; C places the actor first and removes the ambiguity about who entered.
Traps
- Fixing a comma splice with another comma instead of a semicolon, period, or conjunction.
- Choosing a longer answer that sounds formal but is wordy or passive.
- Missing a fragment that lacks a main verb.
- Treating 'best' as merely 'grammatically possible'; clarity and logic also count.