TSA Computer-Based Test (TSA CBT) English Language Proficiency Flashcards

24 sample cards from the English Language Proficiency deck

Sampled from the end of the deck, so these are different cards from the ones shown on the syllabus page.

1. What is the difference between 'affect' and 'effect'?

   'Affect' is usually a verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is usually a noun meaning a result.

2. What is the difference between 'their,' 'there,' and 'they're'?

   'Their' shows possession, 'there' refers to a place, and 'they're' is a contraction of 'they are.'

3. What is the difference between 'your' and 'you're'?

   'Your' shows possession; 'you're' is a contraction of 'you are.'

4. What is the difference between 'accept' and 'except'?

   'Accept' means to receive or agree to; 'except' means excluding or leaving out.

5. What is the difference between 'principal' and 'principle'?

   'Principal' means main/most important (or a school's head); 'principle' is a rule or fundamental truth.

6. What is the difference between 'lose' and 'loose'?

   'Lose' means to misplace or be defeated; 'loose' means not tight or not secured.

7. What does it mean to determine a word's 'meaning in context'?

   Choosing the definition of a word that fits the specific sentence and situation, since many words have multiple meanings.

8. In 'The guard will screen each passenger,' what does 'screen' mean?

   To inspect or examine — not a physical display.

9. What is a complete sentence required to have?

   At least a subject and a predicate (verb) that together express a complete thought.

10. What is a sentence fragment?

    An incomplete sentence that is missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.

11. What is a run-on sentence?

    Two or more independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or a conjunction.

12. What is subject-verb agreement?

    The rule that a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

13. When is a comma used before 'and,' 'but,' or 'or'?

    When the conjunction joins two independent clauses into one sentence.

14. What punctuation correctly joins two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction?

    A semicolon (;).

15. How do you form the possessive of a singular noun?

    Add an apostrophe and 's' (e.g., 'officer's badge').

16. What is the correct spelling rule for 'i before e'?

    'I before E except after C, or when sounding like A as in neighbor and weigh.'

17. How is the plural of nouns ending in a consonant + 'y' formed?

    Change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es' (e.g., 'duty' becomes 'duties').

18. What does 'conciseness' in writing mean?

    Expressing ideas clearly using as few words as necessary, without unnecessary or repetitive wording.

19. What does 'clarity' in writing mean?

    Writing so the meaning is immediately and unmistakably understood by the reader.

20. In logical sentence completion, how do you choose the correct missing word?

    Select the word that fits the sentence's grammar and meaning, using context clues and logical relationships between ideas.

21. When listening to spoken instructions, what technique helps ensure accuracy?

    Active listening — focusing fully, noting key points/sequence, and confirming or repeating back the instructions.

22. What does it mean to 'communicate clearly' with travelers?

    Using simple, direct, polite language the traveler can easily understand, and confirming they have understood.

23. What is 'tone' in communication?

    The attitude or emotion conveyed by the choice of words and phrasing (e.g., friendly, formal, urgent, angry).

24. What is the difference between 'tone' and 'intent' in a message?

    Tone is the emotional quality of how something is said; intent is the speaker's underlying purpose or goal in saying it.

What this deck covers

English Language Proficiency flashcards FAQ