FSOT English

Directions: For each item in this section, select the one sentence (of the four options listed) that best meets the requirements of standard written English.

As President Santos will attest, the Demining Initiative is a humanitarian necessity; it is also a boost to peace in Colombia..

Directions: For each item in this section, select the one sentence (of the four options listed) that best meets the requirements of standard written English.

The Office of Marine Conservation is a part of the State Department that formulates policy on living marine life..

Directions: For each item in this section, select the one sentence (of the four options listed) that best meets the requirements of standard written English.

Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have long believed that the disease was waterborne..

Directions: For each item in this section, select the one sentence (of the four options listed) that best meets the requirements of standard written English.

Powell's term, however, was soon dominated by the challenges the Bush Administration faced after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks..

Subject-Verb Agreement

The verb must agree with the subject in number (singular/plural).

• Singular subjects → singular verbs: “Each of the students is prepared.”

• Plural subjects → plural verbs: “The students are ready.”

• Special case: Neither…nor / Either…or → verb agrees with the closest subject:

  “Neither the teacher nor the students are/was late.” (Correct: was if closest subject is singular.)

Subjunctive Mood

Used for hypotheticals, wishes, demands, or suggestions.

• Hypothetical: “If I were president, I would reform education.”

• Demand/Suggestion: “The teacher demands that each student submit the assignment on time.”

Comma Splice ;

Error when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without conjunction or semicolon.

• incorrect: “It’s raining outside, we will hold the picnic.”

• Correct: “It’s raining outside; we will hold the picnic.“ or “It’s raining outside, but we will hold the picnic.”

Colon vs Comma

• Colon: Introduces a list, explanation, or quotation. “She has three pets: a dog, a cat, and a parrot.”

• Comma: Separates elements within a sentence, introductory phrases, appositives.

Colon introduces; comma separates/clarifies.

“Quotation Marks”

In American English, commas and periods go inside quotation marks.

• Correct: He said, “I will attend the meeting.”

• Incorrect: He said, “I will attend the meeting”, and left.

Oxford Comma, ….

Optional comma before the last item in a list to avoid ambiguity.

• Example without: “I like my parents, Lady Gaga and Humpty Dumpty.” (Could imply parents = Lady Gaga & Humpty Dumpty)

• Example with Oxford comma: “I like my parents, Lady Gaga, and Humpty Dumpty.”

Ameliorate

To improve or make less severe. Often used in formal writing or diplomacy.

• Example: “The diplomat’s speech was meant to ameliorate tensions.”

Intransigent

Refusing to compromise; uncompromising, stubborn.

• Example: “The senator remained intransigent on immigration reform.”

Sentence: “Neither the manager nor the employees ____ willing to work overtime.”

Are

Sentence: “The project is due tomorrow, everyone is stressed about finishing it.”

The project is due tomorrow; everyone is stressed about finishing it.

Sentence: “The committee took extraordinary measures to ____ tensions between the rival departments.”

ameliorate

Sentence: “It is essential that each student ____ the final draft by Friday.”

submit

Active vs. Passive Voice

Definition: Active voice occurs when the subject performs the action; passive voice occurs when the subject receives the action. FSOT questions often test clarity and conciseness.

Example:

• Active: The committee approved the new policy.

• Passive: The new policy was approved by the committee.
  Point: Active voice is generally clearer and more direct.

Modifiers (Dangling & Misplaced)

Definition: A modifier must clearly and logically refer to the word it modifies. Dangling/misplaced modifiers create confusion.

Example:

• Incorrect: Running quickly, the finish line was crossed by Tom.

• Correct: Running quickly, Tom crossed the finish line.
  Point: The subject performing the action should immediately follow the modifier.

Parallel Structure

Definition: Items in a series or list must follow the same grammatical form.

Example:

• Incorrect: She likes hiking, to swim, and biking.

• Correct: She likes hiking, swimming, and biking.
  Point: Maintain consistent grammatical patterns.

Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive Clauses

Definition: Restrictive clauses limit the meaning of a noun; nonrestrictive clauses add non-essential information and are set off by commas. Example:

• Restrictive: The students who studied hardest passed the exam.

• Nonrestrictive: The students, who studied hardest, passed the exam.
  Point: Commas indicate non-essential information.

Colon Usage

Definition: A colon introduces a list, explanation, or quotation after a complete sentence.

Example:

• Correct: She brought three items: a pen, a notebook, and a calculator.
  Point: The clause before the colon must be a complete sentence.

Semicolon Usage

Definition: A semicolon links two independent clauses without a conjunction or separates complex list items.

Example:

• Independent clauses: I have a meeting tomorrow; I cannot attend lunch.

• Complex list: The meeting includes John, the manager; Lisa, the analyst; and Mike, the intern.
  Point: Use semicolons to clarify relationships between clauses or items.

Subjunctive Mood (Advanced Context)

Definition: Expresses wishes, hypothetical situations, demands, or recommendations. Often requires “were” instead of “was.”

Example:

• Correct: If I were president, I would change the policy.

• Correct: The professor suggested that he study harder.
  Point: Subjunctive expresses non-factual or recommended actions.

Commonly Confused Words (Affect vs. Effect)

Definition: “Affect” is usually a verb (to influence); “effect” is usually a noun (result).

Example:

• Correct: The new policy will affect trade negotiations.

• Correct: The effect of the policy was immediate.
  Point: Identify part of speech to choose correctly.

Idiomatic Expressions

Definition: Phrases whose meanings cannot be deduced from literal meanings. FSOs must recognize correct usage.

Example:

• Correct: He is on the fence about supporting the new law.

• Incorrect: He is on the chair about supporting the new law.
  Point: Correct idioms convey intended meaning and tone.

Dangling Participles (Advanced)

Definition: Participles must refer clearly to a subject in the sentence.

Example:

• Incorrect: Walking down the street, the flowers were beautiful.

• Correct: Walking down the street, I noticed the flowers were beautiful.
  Point: Ensure participles logically modify the intended subject.

Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive Appositives

Definition: An appositive renames a noun. Nonrestrictive appositives are set off by commas; restrictive appositives are essential to meaning.

Example:

• Nonrestrictive: My brother, a skilled pianist, performed last night.

• Restrictive: The poet Emily Dickinson wrote many famous poems.
  Point: Use commas only for non-essential information.

Hyphen Usage (Compound Modifiers)

Definition: Hyphenates words that function as a single adjective before a noun.

Example:

• Correct: A well-known diplomat addressed the conference.

• Incorrect: A well known diplomat addressed the conference.
  Point: Hyphenation clarifies compound adjectives before nouns.

Advanced Vocabulary Context – Perspicacious

Having keen insight or understanding; highly perceptive.

Example: The diplomat was praised for his perspicacious analysis of international negotiations.

Intransigent

Refusing to compromise or change one’s position. Example: The senator remained intransigent during immigration negotiations.

Active vs. Passive Voice— Which sentence is in active voice?

The committee approved the new policy.

Dangling/Misplaced Modifier—Identify the correct sentence:

Running quickly, Tom crossed the finish line.

Parallel Structure— Choose the sentence that maintains parallel structure:

She likes hiking, swimming, and biking.

Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive Clauses— Which sentence uses a nonrestrictive clause correctly?

The students, who studied hardest, passed the exam.

Colon Usage— Choose the correct use of a colon:

She brought three items: a pen, a notebook, and a calculator.

Semicolon Usage— Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

I have a meeting tomorrow; I cannot attend lunch.

Subjunctive Mood— Choose the sentence that correctly uses the subjunctive mood:

If I were president, I would change the policy.

Affect vs. Effect— Which sentence uses the words correctly?

The new policy will affect trade negotiations.

Idiomatic Expression— Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?

He is on the fence about supporting the new law.

Hyphen Usage— Which sentence correctly hyphenates a compound adjective?

A well-known diplomat addressed the conference.

Participles

A participle is a verb form used as an adjective to modify nouns or pronouns. Present participles end in -ing (e.g., “running water”), while past participles usually end in -ed, -en, or irregular forms (e.g., “broken vase,” “driven car”). Participles can introduce participial phrases that add descriptive detail but must be placed carefully to avoid dangling modifiers.

Example: Exhausted from the long journey, the diplomat collapsed into his chair. (“Exhausted” modifies “the diplomat”).

Which sentence contains a correctly used participial phrase?

Running late, Sarah missed the bus.

Appositives

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or explains another noun beside it. Appositives add clarity or detail and may be restrictive (essential) or nonrestrictive (nonessential). Nonrestrictive appositives are set off by commas.

Example: The president’s advisor, a seasoned diplomat, spoke at the UN summit.

Which sentence uses an appositive correctly?

My brother, the engineer, lives in Chicago.

Ubiquitous (adj.)

means existing or being everywhere at once; widespread. In diplomacy, it may describe pervasive phenomena such as global internet access, terrorism threats, or cultural products.

Example: Smartphones are ubiquitous in both developed and developing nations.

Choose the sentence where ubiquitous is used correctly:

Social media has become ubiquitous in modern politics.

Obfuscate (verb)

means to deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand, often in speech, writing, or policy. Common in political or diplomatic contexts.

Example: The spokesperson attempted to obfuscate the issue by using vague terminology.

Which sentence best illustrates the meaning of obfuscate?

The diplomat obfuscated the negotiation by introducing ambiguous terms.

Reading Comprehension Practice: “During the Cold War, the strategy of containment sought to limit Soviet influence by supporting allies economically, politically, and militarily. While initially successful in Western Europe, its extension into Asia and Latin America often produced unintended consequences, including prolonged conflicts and authoritarian regimes.”

What is the author’s primary claim?

Containment was effective only in Europe.

Parallel structure (parallelism)

refers to using the same grammatical form within a sentence to create balance and clarity. It is especially important in lists, comparisons, and paired ideas. Diplomatic writing often relies on parallelism for persuasive force.

Example: The ambassador valued honesty, integrity, and courage. (balanced list)

Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

The treaty demanded transparency, efficiency, and responsibility.

Dangling Modifier

A dangling modifier is a descriptive phrase that does not clearly or logically modify the intended noun. They create ambiguity or humorous misinterpretations. Correct placement ensures the modifier clearly matches the subject.

Example (Incorrect): Walking into the room, the flag caught my attention.

Corrected: Walking into the room, I noticed the flag.

Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?

Driving to the embassy, the diplomat was soaked by rain.

Inchoate (adj.)

means just begun and not fully developed; rudimentary or incomplete. Common in describing movements, policies, or organizations in early stages.

Example: The inchoate peace agreement lacked enforcement mechanisms.

Which of the following best uses inchoate?

The inchoate rebellion was swiftly suppressed.

Perspicacious (adj.)

means having keen insight or understanding; mentally sharp. Often applied to skilled analysts, diplomats, or negotiators.

Example: The perspicacious envoy anticipated the adversary’s move.

Which sentence correctly applies perspicacious?

The perspicacious diplomat quickly identified the flaw in the proposal.

Reading Comprehension (Inference): “Despite widespread optimism, the new international accord faced resistance from domestic industries fearful of foreign competition. Advocates stressed long-term global stability, but opponents highlighted immediate job losses and economic disruption.”

Which inference is best supported by the passage?

The accord may create short-term challenges but aims at long-term gains.

Idiomatic Expressions in English

Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings are not literal. In diplomatic English, idioms are often avoided for clarity, but FSOT tests awareness of standard idiomatic usage.

Example: He decided to “toe the line” during negotiations. (means to conform to rules or authority).

Which sentence uses an idiom correctly?

The ambassador “burned the midnight oil” preparing for the summit.

Anaphora

is a rhetorical device where a word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences to create emphasis and rhythm.

Example: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields…” — Winston Churchill.

Which sentence demonstrates anaphora?

We must act now, we must act decisively, we must act together.

Zeugma

is a figure of speech where a single word (often a verb or adjective) governs two or more parts of a sentence, though its meaning may shift.

Example: “She broke his car and his heart.”

Which sentence correctly uses zeugma?

He carried his backpack and his reputation with pride.

Obfuscate (verb)

means to deliberately make something unclear or unintelligible, often to confuse or mislead.

Example: The diplomat accused his rival of trying to obfuscate the facts during the negotiation.

Which best demonstrates obfuscate?

The spokesperson used vague language to obfuscate the issue.

Sagacious (adj.)

describes someone who is wise, shrewd, and shows good judgment.

Example: The sagacious leader anticipated conflict and prepared diplomatic solutions in advance.

Which sentence uses sagacious correctly?

The sagacious investor avoided risky markets.

Metonymy

is a figure of speech where something is referred to by the name of something closely related to it.

Example: “The crown will decide the nation’s future.” (crown = monarchy).

Which is an example of metonymy?

The pen is mightier than the sword.

Reading Comprehension (Tone Analysis): Sample Passage: “While the reform was hailed as a milestone, critics argued it was more symbolic than substantive, failing to address deeper structural issues in governance.”

What best describes the author’s tone?

Critical

Euphemism

A euphemism is a polite or mild expression used to replace a harsh, blunt, or unpleasant one. Common in diplomacy and official statements.

Example: “Collateral damage” instead of civilian casualties.

Which sentence contains a euphemism?

The diplomat referred to the layoffs as a “downsizing.”

Chiasmus

is a rhetorical device where two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures.

Example: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

Which sentence best illustrates chiasmus?

She has all my love; my heart belongs to her.

Pernicious (adj.)

means causing great harm in a subtle or gradual way.

Example: The pernicious effects of propaganda slowly eroded trust in institutions.

Which situation best describes something pernicious?

A disease spreading quietly but widely

Vicissitude (noun)

refers to an unexpected change, especially one that is unwelcome or difficult.

Example: Diplomats must adapt to the vicissitudes of shifting alliances.

Which sentence best uses vicissitude?

The vicissitudes of the economy caused hardships for many families.

Ellipsis (Rhetoric/Grammar)

is the omission of words that are implied by context, often for conciseness or stylistic effect.

Example: “She went to Paris, I to London.” (omission of went).

Which is an example of ellipsis?

She likes jazz; he, classical music.

Reading Comprehension (Inference): “Although the committee announced reforms, its delay in releasing details suggested hesitation and internal disagreement.”

It may face internal conflicts.

Sycophant (noun)

describes a person who flatters those in power for personal gain.

Example: The ambassador dismissed the sycophants who only praised him instead of offering honest advice.

Which sentence correctly uses sycophant?

The sycophant constantly flattered the minister to secure a promotion.

Antithesis

Antithesis is a rhetorical device that juxtaposes contrasting ideas in balanced phrases or clauses.

Example: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Which sentence demonstrates antithesis?

To err is human; to forgive, divine.

Recalcitrant (adj.)

describes someone or something resistant to authority, control, or guidance. Often applied in diplomacy to stubborn states, organizations, or individuals.

Example: The recalcitrant regime refused to comply with international sanctions, complicating negotiations.

Which sentence correctly uses recalcitrant?

The recalcitrant nation defied the UN resolutions.

Obsequious (adj.)

describes excessive eagerness to please or flatter, often in a servile manner. Commonly used in political or diplomatic critique.

Example: The junior diplomat was obsequious, agreeing with every senior official’s opinion without question.

Which sentence demonstrates obsequious?

The obsequious aide continually praised the ambassador’s every remark.

Esoteric (adj.)

refers to knowledge or concepts understood only by a small, specialized group. Often used in policy, law, or diplomacy to describe highly technical issues.

Example: The report contained esoteric analyses of international trade law accessible only to experts.

Which sentence best uses esoteric?

The esoteric lecture on nuclear strategy fascinated only the diplomats.

Anadiplosis

is the repetition of the last word or phrase of one clause at the beginning of the next to emphasize continuity and link ideas.

Example: “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

Which sentence demonstrates anadiplosis?

The plan failed; failure led to reform.

Polysyndeton

is the deliberate use of multiple conjunctions in close succession to emphasize a list or series.

Example: “We have ships and men and money and willpower.”

Which sentence correctly illustrates polysyndeton?

He bought bread, and milk, and cheese, and fruit.

Reading Comprehension (Main Idea & Inference): “Despite international pressure, several nations continued arms development programs. While some argued these were essential for national defense, others warned that such actions increased global instability and heightened the risk of conflict.”

Which statement best reflects the main idea?

Continued arms development increases global tension.

Ephemeral (adj.)

means lasting for a very short time; fleeting. In FSOT contexts, it may describe political trends, alliances, or cultural phenomena.

Example: Public enthusiasm for the policy proved ephemeral, fading after a few months.

Which sentence uses ephemeral correctly?

The ephemeral celebration lasted only an hour.

Imbroglio (noun)

refers to a complicated, confusing, or embarrassing situation, often in politics or diplomacy.

Example: The ambassador found himself in an imbroglio after the leaked cables caused an international scandal.