Safety Forces Testing

Police Officer
Multiple-Choice Exam

Preparation Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 2
Journey to Becoming a City of Columbus Police Officer ................................................. 3
Phase I: Multiple-Choice Test (MC)................................................................................. 4
Overview...................................................................................................................... 4
A. Contents & Features ............................................................................................... 5
B. Key to Success........................................................................................................ 9
C. Study Materials ..................................................................................................... 11
D. Sample MC Questions .......................................................................................... 14
E. Answers to Sample Questions .............................................................................. 20
Confidentiality ................................................................................................................ 24

You’re not preparing for a job

You’re preparing for a career!

The City of Columbus Police Officer Multiple-Choice Exam Preparation Guide is created and
published by the City of Columbus. Any updates to the contents shall be made exclusively by the
City. It is intended solely for use for test preparation for the City of Columbus Entry-Level Police
Officer Examination. All versions of the manual, including previously created and those created
in perpetuity, which shall also include any language, tables, and images contained therein, are
created and provided by the City of Columbus and are protected by copyright. Any other
publication, reproduction, electronic storage, transmission, or other use or alteration of the word
descriptions, tables, or numbers in this manual without the express written consent of the City of
Columbus and/or the Civil Service Commission, is prohibited.

page 1
 Introduction
The Columbus Civil Service Commission (CSC) designed this guide to assist you as
you prepare to do your best on the Columbus Police Officer Multiple-Choice Exam. The
Columbus Police Officer exam consists of two phases: the Multiple-Choice (MC) Exam,
and the Situational Response Assessment (SRA). CSC created preparation guides
designed for each phase of the exam. These two exam phases combine as the second
step in the overall Journey to Becoming a City of Columbus Police Officer.

The Journey to Becoming a City of Columbus Police Officer is summarized on page 5.

The remainder of this guide focuses on the Police Officer Multiple-Choice Exam. You
will find explanations of the MC test phase, sample materials, detailed guidance
regarding the right or best response, preparation advice, performance strategies and
what to expect on test day.

When used to the fullest extent, this prep guide will prepare you for the Police Officer
exam. For optimal test results, read this guide thoroughly and use the featured sample
materials as recommended.

The Columbus Police Officer Exam consists of the following phases:

I. Multiple-Choice Exam (MC)

II. Situational Response Assessment (SRA)

The MC Exam is graded on a pass-or-fail basis. If you pass the MC and complete the
SRA, only your SRA score (which may include earned points) determines your final
Police Officer Test score. Additionally, qualifying veterans’ preference points are added
to the scores of those who pass both phases of the Police Officer Test.

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 Journey to Becoming a City of Columbus Police Officer
Complete the following steps to become a City of Columbus Police Officer.

1. Application
✓ Apply to take the Police Officer exam with the City of Columbus.
✓ Meet the minimum qualifications and abbreviated background review standards.

2. Police Officer Test

✓ Take and pass both entry-level Police Officer exam phases:
1) Multiple-Choice and 2) Situational Response Assessment.
✓ Submit your Personal History Statement (PHS) and relevant documents.

3. Eligible List
✓ Pass the background standards review: Pre-Employment Investigation, review of
PHS, criminal and court records and other documentation.
✓ Pass a polygraph examination.
✓ Take the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) entry physical fitness
exam and meet the fitness standards.

4. Referral List
✓ The Department of Public Safety will select who receives a conditional offer of
employment.

5. Conditional Offer
✓ Take the medical and psychological exams, and meet the standards:
Medical exam, stress test, psychological assessments and psychological interview.

6. Final Offer
✓ Complete the hiring paperwork and start the Columbus Police Academy.

7. Training Academy
✓ Complete Columbus Police Academy and meet all OPOTC & Columbus Division of
Police (CPD) training standards.
✓ Take and pass OPOTC exit exam and meet OPOTC final physical fitness standards.

8. Sworn In
✓ Swear in as a law enforcement officer in the State of Ohio.
✓ Participate in field training and complete the one-year probationary period.

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 Phase I: Multiple-Choice Test (MC)

Overview

Purpose. The multiple-choice (MC) exam

is designed to assess the knowledge
needed to be an effective Columbus police
officer. The MC exam tests your ability to
spell, properly use common words in the
English language, comprehend written
text, understand cardinal (north, south,
east, and west) directions and read maps.

Content. The MC test consists of up to 100

test questions distributed across four main sections. Those sections are: (1) Spelling, (2)
Vocabulary, (3) Reading Comprehension, and (4) Map Reading.

Test day. On test day, you will receive a test booklet, a scannable answer sheet, scrap
paper and pencils. You will have two hours to complete the exam.

Scoring. You will mark your answers on a scannable answer sheet. Each correct answer
will be worth one point.

--------------------------------

The remainder of this guide contains the following:

A. Content & Features

B. Key to Success
C. Study Materials (includes the List of Words)

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A. Contents & Features
On Test Day

On test day you will be seated at your own table, where you will be provided 1) one test
booklet, 2) one scannable answer sheet, and 3) scrap paper and pencils. You will have
two hours to complete the MC exam.

The Test Booklet

Each test booklet section contains 1) section headers, 2) instructions, 3) numbered test
questions, and 4) lettered answer options. Each is illustrated in the example below.

section header

instructions

test question

answer options

Scannable Answer Sheet

The MC exam contains up to 100 test questions.

On test day, you will record your answer to each

question on the scannable answer sheet. You
will be instructed on how to complete the top
portion on test day.

Only responses that have been indicated on the

scannable answer sheet will be scored.

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Spelling Section

The spelling section of the MC exam is designed to assess your ability to correctly spell
specific words that are commonly used in the English language.

This section contains two types of questions. The first involves identifying the
word that is spelled correctly. The second involves identifying the word that is spelled
incorrectly.

Each correct spelling MC question involves a sentence completion task. You will be
presented with a sentence that is missing one word and asked to identify, amongst the
answer options, the word that is spelled correctly and that completes the sentence. The
incorrect spelling MC questions do not involve a sentence-completion task. Rather, you
will be presented with a list of words and asked to identify the word spelled incorrectly.

Vocabulary Section

Vocabulary is “the body of words used in a particular language.” The vocabulary section
of the MC exam assesses your knowledge of common words you need to know,
understand and use as a police officer.

The vocabulary section contains two types of questions: the first type involves
identifying the word that is most similar in meaning to a given word, and the second
type involves identifying the word that is most opposite in meaning to a given word.

Reading Comprehension Section

Reading comprehension is “the ability to understand the meaning and application of

specific words and statements.” This section assesses your ability to read, understand
and logically apply information presented in written passages. During Police Officer
training, and while on the job, you will need to be able to read and interpret a wide
range of written materials used to help you serve the community to your greatest
capacity.

This MC section contains three to eight written passages and one or more questions
regarding each passage. Each passage ranges in length from approximately 40 to 1000
words and features people, places and things familiar to the average person. For each
Reading Comprehension question, you are to select the best answer based on the
passage. During the exam, you may review each passage as often as you wish.

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Some of the questions will present a list of statements and ask you to identify which of
those is true (or false) based on the passage you just read. Other questions will present
a word or phrase with a list of definitions and ask you to select the definition that best
matches how that particular word or phrase is used in the passage.

Some passages will include specific words or phrases less known by most test takers.
Those are purposely included in order to assess your ability to figure out what a word or
phrase is intended to mean, based on the context. Those words or phrases, even if not
directly known, can be figured out using other information provided in the passage.

Reading Comprehension Concepts

Reading comprehension involves making inferences and applying definitions.

Inference is “the ability to use previous knowledge, observation and logic to reach a
conclusion.” Inference questions assess your ability to read a written passage and
reach logical conclusions about the information presented in the passage. While a
passage may not state every conclusion you are expected to reach, you can try to
identify those conclusions yourself using information that is already in the passage.

Inference works the same way in our everyday lives; thus, you can use your everyday
life to build your understanding of how to make sound inferences during this test. For
example, when you see a stop sign, you infer (i.e., conclude) that you need to stop. You
are led to that conclusion by previous knowledge (that stop signs indicate where one
must stop) and observation (you see a stop sign).

Application is “the ability to put something into operation,” for example, by applying a
general rule or definition to a specific situation. During the MC exam, application means
figuring out what a specific word means and then putting that meaning to use in a
different situation. Sometimes the meaning of a specific word used in a written passage
is communicated through repeated use or reference to other persons, places and
things. Thus, it may be helpful to reread the passage and search for those cues so you
can understand the intended meaning of the word.

Map Reading Section

This section assesses your knowledge of cardinal directions (north, south, east, and
west), your ability to follow directions and read maps. In this section of the MC test, you
will be presented with several maps and one or more questions about each map.

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 You will need to know
and understand the
directions north, south,
east and west, and be able to
locate each of those on a map.

You will also need to be able to

understand and follow written
instructions that reference north,
south, east and west as related to
a particular map.

The cardinal directions are the

four main points of a compass:
north, south, east, and west,
which are also known by their first
letters: N, S, E, and W. Globally,
the sun rises in the east and sets
in the west.

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B. Key to Success

BEFORE TEST DAY:

1. Use the sample MC test questions provided in this guide. Try answering the
sample questions before you look at the answers. Then, review the answers to see
how you did. Identify where you are strongest and where you may need to improve.
Then, develop a plan for improving and stick to it.

2. Study the list of words provided in this guide. Each test question in the spelling
section and in the vocabulary section of the MC exam contains a word from this list.
The more words you know how to spell and use in context, the better prepared you
will be on test day.

ON TEST DAY:

1. Use your MC Test Booklet properly. Read the instructions, read the entire
question or prompt, and all answer options related to the question before you select
an answer for the question. While you may write on your test booklet (e.g., to underline
specific items, or mark questions you plan to return to later), you must record your
actual answers on the answer sheet. Nothing written in the test booklet will be scored.

2. Use your MC Answer Sheet properly. Once you select an answer to a question, find
the same question number on the answer sheet. Fill in that answer’s lettered circle
with a heavy pencil mark.

• Do not cross out any answers on your answer sheet that you wish to change.
Instead, erase the mark made in the lettered circle for that answer and fill in the
lettered circle for the new answer.

• Do not make unnecessary marks on your answer sheet.

• Mark just one answer for each question. If multiple answers have been filled in for
a particular question, no points will be awarded for that question.

3. Visualize each reading passage. Do not try to memorize the reading passages.
Instead, visualize the individual elements presented in the passage as you read the
passage. Each passage will be about some person(s), place(s), or thing(s). Imagine
yourself in that place, with or as those people, seeing and doing those things.

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 For example, suppose a reading passage describes a person named Eliza saying
green is her favorite color and standing in a room described as blue. Imagine yourself
as Eliza, saying the same thing, standing in the same room, seeing the same color.
Then, suppose you are presented with the following test question:

Eliza is described as standing in a room. What color is that room?

A. green
B. brown
C. blue

If you visualized each detail while you were reading the passage, the answer will likely
come to mind more quickly. However, make sure you verify the answer by reviewing
the passage again before you mark the answer on your answer sheet.

4. Be strategic with your allotted time. Pace yourself so you will have time to go back
and check your work. There are no additional points for finishing early.

• Do not be discouraged if you cannot answer a

question. Skip it and come back to it later. You
TIP: If you opt to
may find clues to the answer in subsequent
temporarily skip one or
questions. more questions, you
can mark them in your
• If you are running out of time, you can always test booklet so you can
guess the answers; there is no penalty for quickly identify them
guessing. when you return to
them later — just make
sure you skip the same
• If time allows after you have answered all of the questions on your
questions, double-check that the answers in your answer sheet too!
test booklet match the answers on your answer
sheet.

• If you finish early, consider waiting to submit your materials until the test is over
because if you raise your hand to indicate that you are ready to submit your
materials and a monitor then collects those materials, you will not be permitted to
view your test booklet or answer sheet again.

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C. Study Materials

The following items have been developed to help you prepare for the MC exam.

• List of words
• 20 sample questions
• Answers to sample questions

5 P’s of Success
List of Words

Proper Preparation
The list of words provides words that will be on the
MC test. Each test question in the spelling section and
Prevents
in the vocabulary section contains at least one word
Poor Performance
from this list.

20 Sample Questions

The series of 20 sample questions includes questions relevant to each section. The series
is designed to look much like the test booklet in that it includes section headers,
instructions, numbered test questions, and lettered answer options.

Answers to Sample Questions

The answers to the sample questions, plus additional guidance, are provided after the
sample questions.

Key to Success

Keywords you will encounter in the Spelling and Vocabulary sections of the
MC test are provided on pages 14 and 15. Studying these words, including the
spelling and proper use of each word, is strongly recommended.

✓ Research how each word is spelled, typically defined, and used in a sentence.
✓ Make your own flash cards. Search online for “How to study effectively with flash cards”
for some useful tips.

Example:
Abbreviate (ab-bre-vi-ate) – shorten (a word, phrase, or text)
To use a shortened form of something, such as a word or phrase, to represent the full
form. New York City = NYC

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List of Words

1. abbreviate 38. challenge 75. descent 112. forcible

2. abet 39. charge 76. described 113. fore
3. abrasion 40. choose 77. destination 114. four
4. absolve 41. chose 78. detain 115. frequency
5. accept 42. circumstance 79. diagnosed 116. guilty
6. accomplice 43. citation 80. diligent 117. habitual
7. accordance 44. cite 81. discreet 118. hear
8. acquired 45. civilian 82. discrepancy 119. heard
9. against 46. close 83. discrete 120. helicopter
10. aggravated 47. clothes 84. discrimination 121. herd
11. aggressor 48. cocaine 85. dispatcher 122. here
12. alcohol 49. collapse 86. disregard 123. heroin
13. alias 50. collision 87. dissent 124. homicide
14. alibi 51. committed 88. distinguished 125. hospital
15. alien 52. compliant 89. disturbance 126. illiterate
16. anonymous 53. comply 90. domestic 127. immediate
17. answered 54. concurrent 91. dual 128. imminent
18. apparent 55. confirmed 92. duel 129. impede
19. appearance 56. conscience 93. ecstasy 130. implicated
20. apprehension 57. conscious 94. elusive 131. incident
21. argument 58. consistent 95. embezzlement 132. incriminate
22. arrangement 59. conspicuous 96. eminent 133. indicator
23. assault 60. coroner 97. encounter 134. individual
24. assure 61. coward 98. enforcement 135. inebriation
25. attendant 62. cowered 99. ensure 136. innocence
26. believe 63. critical 100. epileptic 137. insufficient
27. biased 64. cruiser 101. estranged 138. interfere
28. boarder 65. damaged 102. evidence 139. internet
29. border 66. dangerous 103. except 140. interpreter
30. bureau 67. decent 104. execute 141. interrupted
31. burglary 68. decision 105. exonerate 142. intoxicated
32. buy 69. decrease 106. extremely 143. intravenous
33. by 70. defendant 107. familiar 144. investigation
34. bye 71. defensive 108. fatal 145. irrational
35. cartridge 72. deliberate 109. fatality 146. judgment
36. ceiling 73. delinquent 110. felony 147. juvenile
37. ceremony 74. derelict 111. for 148. knowledgeable

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149. laceration 181. peak 213. sale 245. ticket
150. larceny 182. perishable 214. seizure 246. to
151. latent 183. personnel 215. sell 247. too
152. lenient 184. persuade 216. sense 248. trample
153. liaison 185. piece 217. separate 249. transparent
154. location 186. pique 218. severely 250. transport
155. maneuver 187. plain 219. severity 251. trivial
156. marijuana 188. plaintiff 220. shear 252. typical
157. market 189. possess 221. sheer 253. undercover
158. maximum 190. precinct 222. sight 254. vague
159. meant 191. prepared 223. since 255. vain
160. meddling 192. prevalent 224. site 256. vane
161. mediate 193. primary 225. situation 257. vehicle
162. merit 194. prisoner 226. sobriety 258. vein
163. minimum 195. probation 227. specimen 259. vicinity
164. minority 196. professional 228. spontaneous 260. visible
165. misdemeanor 197. proper 229. statute 261. warrant
166. moderation 198. property 230. subpoena 262. wary
167. mutual 199. prosecution 231. substance 263. weapon
168. necessary 200. psychotic 232. suicide 264. wear
169. negligent 201. pursuit 233. summons 265. weary
170. negotiable 202. quality 234. surplus 266. were
171. observe 203. quantity 235. surveillance 267. we're
172. occasional 204. realized 236. sustain 268. where
173. offender 205. relevant 237. synchronize 269. witnessed
174. omit 206. residence 238. tenants 270. write
175. opportunity 207. resident 239. their 271. your
176. ordinance 208. responsible 240. there 272. you're
177. organized 209. restrained 241. they're 273. ze
178. parallel 210. ricochet 242. thorough 274. zir
179. paramedic 211. right 243. threw
180. peace 212. rite 244. through

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D. Sample MC Questions
SPELLING—CORRECT
Instructions: For each sentence, you are provided words that fit into the blank.
Read each sentence carefully. Indicate which words are correctly spelled within the
context of each sentence.

1. The uncooperative witness was served with a _______.

A. subpeona
B. supeona
C. subpoena

2. There were five suspects in the line-up. The scar on the third suspect’s nose
_______ this suspect from the other suspects.

A. distinguished
B. distinwhished
C. destingished

3. After a stressful year, the teacher longed for a quiet summer _______ the pool.

A. by
B. bye
C. buy

SPELLING—INCORRECT
Instructions: Read each word choice carefully. Indicate which of the words is spelled
incorrectly.

4. A. concealed
B. elliterate
C. guarantee

5. A. straight
B. pursute
C. license

6. A. caliber
B. jeopardize
C. gilty

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 VOCABULARY—SAME

Instructions: Select the word or phrase with the same meaning as the given word.

7. PERIMETER?

A. trail
B. tool
C. edge

VOCABULARY—OPPOSITE

Instructions: Select the word or phrase with the opposite meaning as the given
word.

8. CONTRADICT?

A. agree
B. oppose
C. dictate

READING COMPREHENSION

Instructions: Review each passage then answer each question that follows the
passage, based on information that is presented in the passage.

“Life Without Parents” (Question 9)

Juan was 22 years of age. He was going through the most challenging time of his life.
Juan’s parents recently passed away as a result of a car accident. During the months
that followed their deaths, Juan talked at length to his grandmother. He shared with his
grandmother the grief he feels and the difficulty of adjusting to life without his parents.
Juan received what he believed was excellent counsel. Juan asked his grandmother
how she knew so much. The wise woman said that she suffered some of the same
problems as Juan when she was young, and more, she had learned from them.

9. Which statement best fits the grandmother's philosophy?

A. Stop and notice the simple things.

B. Easy come, easy go.
C. Never look for the flaws in a gift.
D. Experience is the best teacher.

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“Coretta Scott King” (Questions 10 - 13)

In 1948, Coretta Scott King was a young woman hoping to begin a career as an opera
singer. Her mentor, Dr. Anderson, encouraged Coretta to go to New York or Boston to
study music. Even though she didn't have much money, Coretta applied to the New
England Conservatory in Boston and to the Juilliard School in New York. She knew that
her parents would help her, but she wanted to pay for her education herself. Coretta
decided to move to Boston even though she didn't have the money for her tuition at the
New England Conservatory. She hoped to find a job in Boston to pay some of her
expenses. Coretta was determined to make it on her own. With the money she had, she
bought a train ticket to Boston.

When the train stopped in New York, Coretta called home. Her parents had a surprise
for her. They told her that she had received a letter from the Noyes Foundation giving
her a six-hundred-and-fifty-dollar scholarship to help pay for her musical training. Finally,
she was on her way to becoming an opera singer.

10. Which of the following statements is not true about Coretta Scott King's life?

A. She was determined to study music.

B. She was unable to pay for her studies with her savings.
C. She was hopeful that her parents would pay her tuition.
D. She was encouraged by her mentor, Dr. Anderson.

11. In this selection, the word "conservatory" means:

A. very clear about one's direction in life

B. a place for specialized study
C. a place to build a career
D. a student center in Boston

12. In this selection, "tuition" is similar to which of the following payments?

A. buying a ticket to a movie

B. repairing a friend's roof in exchange for their service of repairing your car
C. paying a monthly fee to lease a car
D. paying a skilled computer technician to show how to upgrade your computer

13. Which of the following statements best describes Coretta Scott King’s viewpoint
on the attainment of her goals?

A. It is important to seek other people's advice but not their money.

B. Never trust people who give you money.
C. Accept advice and support as you pursue your dreams.
D. Do not ask too much of others; they may disappoint you.

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“Three Ohioans” (Questions 14 - 17)

The three Ohioans were eager. It’ll be a three-day trip after they get to their destination on
the west coast. They know it’s no fun if they forget a single essential item. The things they
packed were largely determined by necessity. The more they brought, the more they would
need to carry. Among the necessities or near-necessities that each of them packed were
maps, a compass, permits, writing materials, a first aid kit, their wallets with state
identification, credit cards, and emergency medical information, insulated 3-liter hydration
bladders, water purification tablets, an 80-liter backpacks, a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping
pads, reflective blankets, sunscreen, lip balm, hygiene products, sunglasses with straps,
flashlights, storm-proof matches, Swiss Army Knives, duct tape, rope, safety pins, whistle,
mirror, a hat, bandana, undergarments, base layer, middle layers, and waterproof outer
layers, socks, hand and foot warmers, boots, cookware, and a supply of food. Together,
these items weighed between 30 and 40 pounds.

Renaldo Bennett packed extra rations and planned to carry the cooking supplies and tent.
He was especially fond of turkey jerky. Necessities for Renaldo included a camera in a
waterproof bag with extra batteries and memory cards. Tyra Jackson, who wanted to be
ready for anything, carried a bear bell and bear spray. She also packed a shovel and a
hatchet. Every time food or drink is consumed and expelled, digging a hole and burying
the bio is required. Everything they take on the hike, including trash, will need to come
back with them. To safely dip her toes in a stream, she also decided to bring sandals.
When it comes to hiking, Chris Costa is a dilettante. For Chris, an hour-long hike was the
most time ze spent in the woods. Chris didn't know what to expect. From zir experience
with picnics and short hikes, Chris packed extras in case of emergencies, such as aspirin,
toilet paper, sanitizer, alcohol wipes, tweezers, gauze, cotton swabs, bug repellent, and
anti-chafe balm. Chris couldn't resist leaving without bringing a novel to read. They each
planned to bring their cell phones and extra chargers, but they couldn't rely on them.

14. If you were accompanying these people on their trip, and you had run out of your
food, who would probably have extra food?

A. Renaldo Bennett
B. Chris Costa
C. Tyra Jackson

15. Who most likely has the tools to assist in removing a splinter from a finger that gets
infected?

A. Renaldo Bennett
B. Chris Costa
C. Tyra Jackson

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16. Which of the following is probably NOT true according to the passage?

A. It is important to carry along things that make life a little more comfortable.
B. Each person must bring something that protects them from wild animals.
C. The things a person carries can tell you something about who that person is.
D. Each person has a different idea of what necessities are.

17. Based on this passage, the term dilettante most likely means?

A. lacks expert skills

B. is financially dependent
C. prefers feminine attire
D. flaunts successes

MAP READING
Instructions: Choose the best answer to each of the questions in this section based
on the given map. You are permitted to write or mark on the map.

page 18
18. What direction is the intersection of Arc Street and Worf Street from the
intersection of Alan Street and Lisa Street?

A. northeast
B. northwest
C. southeast
D. southwest

19. Which of the following streets is the southernmost street on the map?

A. Filter Street
B. Jamie Street
C. Maggie Street
D. Sid Street

20. You are traveling west on Simpson Street approaching Gilliam Street and need to
take the shortest route to reach W. Mulder Street. Assuming all streets are two-
way streets, what direction would you turn onto Gilliam Street?

A. north
B. south
C. east
D. west

ALL OF OUR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE

IF WE HAVE THE COURAGE TO PURSUE THEM.

WALT DISNEY

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E. Answers to Sample Questions

TIP: Try answering the questions on pages 16 to 21 before you review the
answers and explanations on pages 22 to 25.

SPELLING—CORRECT

1. The answer is “C” because that word is spelled correctly.

2. The answer is “A” because that word is spelled correctly.

3. The answer is “A” because while all three options are spelled correctly, only the word
“by” is the correct word for the context of this particular sentence.

SPELLING—INCORRECT

4. The answer is “B” because that spelling is incorrect; the correct spelling is “illiterate.”

5. The answer is “B” because that spelling is incorrect; the correct spelling is “pursuit.”

6. The answer is “C” because that spelling is incorrect; the correct spelling is “guilty.”

VOCABULARY

7. The answer is “C” because the meaning of “edge” is most similar to the meaning of
“perimeter.” A perimeter is “a line that forms the boundary of an area or object.” A trail is
a “path or line along the ground or surface or behind someone or something.” A tool is a
“device used to carry out a particular function’. An edge is the ‘outside limit of an object,
area or surface.”

8. The answer is “A” because the meaning of “agree” is most opposite to the meaning of
“contradict.” To contradict means “to assert the opposite of a statement or to be in
conflict.” To agree means “to have the same opinion about something or to concur or
consent.” To oppose means “to disapprove of or attempt to prevent or to compete against
someone.” To dictate means “to lay down authoritatively, control decisively.”

page 20
READING COMPREHENSION

9. The correct answer is “D,” Experience is the best teacher.

The grandmother stated that her advice came from suffering Note: Sample
some of the same problems and learning from them. question 9
Statements “A,” “B,” and “C” offer specific solutions that assesses the ability
Juan’s grandmother might tell her grandson; they do not to form an
inference.
relate to an overall philosophy that the grandmother may
have. “A,” stop and notice the simple things, “B,” easy come,
easy go, and “C,” never look for flaws in a gift are specific, and the text does not refer to
nor infer these specific ideas.

10. The answer is “C.” The text states that Coretta did not want
her parents to pay her tuition. It also states that she was so
Note: Sample
determined to study music that she traveled to Boston, even
question 10
assesses the ability though she did not know how to pay for her schooling. We also
to comprehend the know that she was going to have difficulty covering the cost of
intended meaning her schooling. Finally, the second sentence states that she had
of specific a mentor, Dr. Anderson, who encouraged her. Each of these
statements. statements can be verified as true or false, based on the text.
They are part of the facts of the text.

11. The answer is “B.” The numerous references to school, tuition, and becoming an
opera singer all suggest that "conservatory" refers to a place for studying something very
specific, such as music. Thus, answer “A” can be eliminated because a conservatory is a
place, not an attitude or outlook. While her singing career may develop as a result of
receiving specialized training, the purpose of a
conservatory is not to build a career but to train people with Note: Sample
musical talent. Alternative “D” may seem like it could be the question 11 assesses
answer, since it concerns a student structure; however, the ability to
comprehend the
alternative “D” also indicates “Boston.” Since the word
intended meaning of
conservatory is used to refer to a type of place, but does an uncommon word.
not refer to Boston, “D” can be eliminated.

12. The answer is “D.” Tuition is “a sum of money charged for

Note: Sample teaching or instruction.” All four answer options concern
question 12 something of value being given in exchange for something to
assesses the ability be received. However, “D” is the only option that presents
to apply a definition. instruction as the thing that will be received.

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13. The answer is “C.” Coretta Scott King had a mentor, and she took the mentor’s advice,
so it is reasonable to conclude that she accepted advice. It is also reasonable to conclude
that she accepted support because the text says she was on her way to becoming an
opera singer right after it indicates that she received a scholarship; and it never says or
suggests she did not accept the scholarship. Regarding the other answers: there is
nothing in the text to suggest that she did not trust her parents or the Noyes Foundation.
Nor does the text suggest that she was afraid of disappointment. We do not know why
she did not ask her parents for money. There is not enough evidence to conclude that
she was afraid that they would disappoint her—or that she would disappoint them.

14. The answer is “A.” The keyword in this question is

“probably.” Although all three packed food rations, the best Note: Sample
alternative is “A” because Renaldo packed extra rations, like question 14
assesses the ability
turkey jerky. Chris Costa brought extra medical supplies
to form an
eliminating “B.” In addition to food, Tyra Jackson carried extra inference.
supplies to deal with bears and bio waste, eliminating “C.”

15. The best answer is “B.” The keywords in this question are “most likely.” Although all
three will carry a first aid kit, it is unclear what is in the kits. Chris Costa will bring extras
including aspirin, toilet paper, sanitizer, alcohol wipes, tweezers, gauze, and cotton
swabs. The tweezers can be used to remove the splinter, while the other items can be
used on the infection. Renaldo Bennet carries extra food and a camera, eliminating “A”
as the best response. Tyra Jackson packed extra supplies to deal with bears and bio
waste, eliminating “C.”

16. The answer is “B.” The fact that people packed comfort items (a camera, novel, and
sandals) makes “A” true about the passage and therefore eliminates it as an answer. The
things they all packed were not designed to protect from wild animals. Tyra brought
something to protect against bears, but Chris and Renaldo did not—which supports “B”

Tip: The words "no", "not", "none" can easily change the meaning of a question
or statement. If you see those in a question or answer:
Look for patterns. In question 16, options A, C, and D follow a pattern: all three are
true. The remaining option (B) does not follow that pattern because it is false. The
fact that B does not follow the pattern can serve as a clue that it is the correct
answer.
Look for other words that function as absolutes. In question 16, the word “must” is
used in option B to indicate that something is a requirement.

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as the correct answer. It is true that we can tell something about the people from what
they carry (answer “C”). We may conclude that Renaldo is a photographer, Chris likes to
read, and Tyra enjoys the water. The fact that this statement is true eliminates it as an
answer. Finally, “D” is also true. Each of the three had some necessities in common;
however, each had unique items they considered necessities. The question is asking for
what is not true, so this eliminates “D.”

17. The best answer is “A.” The term dilettante is used to describe Chris Costa. The
passage indicates that Chris has limited hiking experience. “For Chris, an hour-long hike
was the most time ze spent in the woods. Chris didn’t know what to expect.” Financial
difficulties and feminine attire were not discussed in the passage making “B,” and “C”
wrong. Further, for “C,” the passage denotes pronouns for Chris as ze and zir, which are
gender-neutral terms. “D” is also wrong. Nothing in the passage indicates this trait. Chris
likes to read novels, which may mean Chris is introverted rather than a person who would
flaunt.

MAP READING

18. The answer is “C.” The intersection of Alan Street and Lisa Street is in the very top
center portion of the map, while the intersection of Arc Street and Worf Street is toward
the top right portion of the map (the northeast portion of the map). The intersection of Arc
Street and Worf Street is further south and further east of the intersection at Alan Street
and Lisa Street.

19. The answer is “C.” Maggie Street is a street that runs east to west, is located toward
the very bottom of the map, and is the southernmost street of the four listed. Filter Street
and Jamie Street both run east to west. Jamie Street is toward the center of the map.
Filter Street and Sid Street are in the top left corner of the map. Sid street runs north to
south but does not extend south past the center of the map.

20. The answer is “B.” Simpson Street runs east and west and is north of W. Mulder
Street, which also runs east and west. Therefore, to take the shortest route from Simpson
Street to W. Mulder Street, you would need to turn south onto Gilliam Street.

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 Confidentiality
All Police Officer Examination content is confidential. Do not share what you see and
hear during each phase of the exam with any other person including other candidates or
others who will or may be considering taking the exam. Sharing confidential test content
with other candidates may give those individuals an advantage—but it could also lower
your position on the eligible list since your position will be based on your score relative
to the scores of all other candidates taking the test.

Additionally, sharing confidential information with any other person including other
candidates may be grounds for disciplinary action, disqualification from the testing
process, loss of your right to the examination or to certification or appointment, and may
result in prosecution.

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