Alphabetical filing
Arrange names by comparing them one letter at a time from the left.
- When surnames are the same, compare first names, then middle names or initials.
- Shorter comes first when the letters match so far. “Ana” comes before “Anabel.”
- Example: Reyes, Ana comes before Reyes, Antonio because “Ana” and “Ant” match until the third letter and A comes before T.
- Follow the filing rule the question states, such as ignoring words like “of” and “the” or filing by the first word of the title as written.
Numerical filing
Compare numbers by their value, not by the first digit alone. In order from smallest to largest: 105, 150, 1050. Check how many digits each number has first, then compare digit by digit from the left.
Spelling
Learn the words that are misspelled most often. Practice writing these correctly:
- accommodate, receive, separate, definitely, necessary, occurrence, embarrass, government, environment, privilege
- Remember “i before e, except after c” (receive, ceiling) and notice the exceptions you meet.
Checking and comparing details
- Compare the two lists one item at a time instead of glancing at both.
- Look for small differences in spelling, numbers, spacing and punctuation.
- Use a pen or finger under the line to avoid skipping.
Speed and accuracy
Work in two passes. First do the questions you can answer quickly, then return to the harder ones. Practice with a timer and increase your speed only after your accuracy is high. You can practice with our free Clerical Ability reviewer.