Fcice Practiceexam
Fcice Practiceexam
Examination
For Spanish/English
Practice Tests
Updated April 1, 2019
PRACTICE WRITTEN EXAMINATION AND KEY
The Practice Test that is available in downloadable PDF format and provided in this section is
based on the same test specifications as the FCICE Written Examination. The Practice Test is
similar in difficulty, although not exactly identical, to the operational forms. The operational forms
– the ones that are used in actual examinations – are reviewed on a regular basis for statistical
properties, and for any changes in language, culture or the law that could affect their validity and
reliability. The Practice Test is not reviewed, and has not been updated since 2001.
In order to determine your readiness for the FCICE Written Examination, we suggest that you print
or copy this Practice Test and then take it under timed conditions. Allow yourself 2.5 hours to
take the test. Do not use a dictionary or other reference materials while taking the Practice Test.
On each page where questions appear, circle the one answer that you believe to be the correct
answer to each question. After finishing the test, compare your responses with the official key,
which is found at the end of the Practice Test. In this handbook, the key is found immediately
following the last item in the Practice Test.
If you answered 75 percent correct in each section, you passed the Practice Test. A score of 75
percent is equivalent to 60 correct answers in each section.
Suggested Review
After scoring the test, go back and examine each incorrect response. Analyze the question. Ask
yourself, what does this question test? Each item tests some aspect of grammar, type of
vocabulary, reading comprehension skill, or ability to render meaning appropriately from one
language to another. Examine the list of skills tested by questions that you did not answer
correctly. Then, study material similar to this until you are confident that you can handle similar
questions in the future.
Disclaimer: While each form of the FCICE is developed from the same test specifications, you
are unlikely to receive the same score on an official form as you received on the Practice Test.
However, your score on an official test probably will not vary by more than 12 percent from the
score you received on the Practice Test the first time you took it under the exact simulated
conditions, unless your readiness to take the Written Examination has improved significantly.
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English Section
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PART I: Reading Comprehension
Directions: Read the following text adapted from an article published in a U.S. newspaper.
Answer the questions that follow, choosing the alternative (A, B, C, D) that best answers each
question, according to the meaning of the text. Mark your choices on your answer sheet.
Despite all the talk about nuclear power as the environmentally clean response to electricity
shortages and global warming, many Americans are understandably wary. The administration
would do well to note the public's concerns about the combination of human fallibility and
mechanical failure that can set off catastrophic accidents at nuclear plants and concerns about
the link between nuclear waste and nuclear weapons.
The nuclear industry's safety and security claims are often misleading. Its spokespeople still
insist the Three Mile Island accident demonstrated that the core of a light water reactor is far
more resistant to a meltdown than had been previously thought. They do not acknowledge that
the core at the Three Mile Island plant was within hours of an uncontrolled melt with Chernobyl-
like consequences when a shift supervisor finally figured out that thousands of gallons of cooling
water had poured undetected from a valve that was stuck open.
Though the nuclear industry claims it is being crippled by overregulation, its powerful friends
on Capitol Hill have threatened budget cuts to make the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(N.R.C.) compliant. The N.R.C. has begun a process of granting life extension to America's 104
power reactors, for example, despite a rash of forced shutdowns due to equipment failures caused
by aging. And the agency has decided not to take enforcement action against weak security at
nuclear plants: guards at half the nation's nuclear power plants have failed to repel mock attackers
in N.R.C.-supervised exercises that test the protection of reactor safety systems against sabotage.
A push for nuclear power is not the way to meet America's urgent energy needs. New plants
cannot be brought on line quickly enough to offset present electricity shortages, which many
experts believe are caused primarily by limited capacity for transmission, not production
problems. Nor can using nuclear plants make a big dent in global warming. Two-thirds of the
emissions of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, are from transportation or other sources
not related to power generation. Worldwide, it would take 3,000 nuclear plants to replace all coal
plants, yet that increase would reduce carbon emissions by only 20 percent.
A rapid expansion of nuclear power would compound the existing dangers of nuclear weapons
proliferation. Iran, for example, has pledged to put the reactors it will build under international
inspection, but is still suspected of using civilian nuclear power as a cover for a nascent nuclear
weapons program. Is it reasonable to assume that millions of kilograms of plutonium, separated
from reactor wastes, can be kept secure from terrorists and radical states looking to make an
atomic bomb? This is the ultimate question requiring an answer before nuclear power is looked
to as the solution to climate and energy worries.
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Energy efficiency measures, like using the best available existing technology for air
conditioning, lighting and electric motors, could offset the need to build any new nuclear plants.
Renewable energy sources and other alternative energy systems could provide new, clean ways
to generate power. There are better alternatives to a reliance on nuclear power.
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Directions: Read the following text adapted from an article published in a U.S. newspaper.
Answer the questions that follow, choosing the alternative (A, B, C, D) that best answers each
question, according to the meaning of the text. Mark your choices on your answer sheet.
The European Commission announced that it had filed a civil lawsuit in the United States against
two major U.S. tobacco companies, seeking damages for what the suit calls the companies’
involvement with organized crime in smuggling cigarettes into Europe. In the suit, the executive
body of the European Union accused the two tobacco companies of using money laundering, wire
fraud and other activities in on-going smuggling operations. Officials at the two companies, not
surprisingly, denied involvement with smugglers and raised questions about why the suit had been
filed in the United States.
The case is the latest sign of frustration among government officials in Europe who believe that
they lose billions of dollars in tax and other revenues due to illicit sales of American cigarettes
believed to involve U.S. manufacturers. The British government has opened investigations into the
world's second largest tobacco company, which it suspects of illegally importing cigarettes into
Britain. And officials at the European Union said several EU countries would probably file suits
of their own over loss of revenue.
U.S. officials have not ignored the possible involvement of the tobacco industry in illegal activities.
A North Carolina court has been investigating allegations that tobacco companies knowingly sell
to dealers who resell American cigarettes to European smuggling rings. In one example, the suit
claims that cigarettes were sold by a company’s Florida office to a South American company,
which then arranged for the cigarettes to be shipped to a warehouse in Rotterdam. There,
paperwork was generated to show that the cigarettes were intended for the Canary Islands but, in
fact, they were shipped to Barcelona, Spain.
The problem has arisen because faced with little or no growth of sales in the United States;
American tobacco companies have aggressively expanded their overseas sales and marketing. But
American brands are subject to taxes and import duties which make them very expensive in high
tax countries – as much as $6.50 a pack in some European markets. Industry analysts say the vast
discrepancy in taxes on cigarettes in Europe makes Europe an easy target for smugglers. Since the
European Union has open borders, transporting cigarettes from low-tax to high-tax countries is
easy. Smugglers avoid high taxes by illegally importing cigarettes into low-tax countries and
moving the product. They are then able to sell the cigarettes for 20 to 30 percent less than the legal
price. Experts have estimated that the countries that make up the European Union lose about $1.5
billion a year in taxes and duties because of black market cigarettes.
The European Commission said it seeks injunctions to prevent further smuggling, and it also seeks
financial compensation for what the suit claims has been billions of dollars in tax losses suffered
by European markets.
Trying to use U.S. courts to address smuggling has been attempted before. In 1999, Canada sued
a major U.S. company for $1 billion in federal court, maintaining that the company conspired to
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smuggle tobacco products into Canada to avoid taxes. However, that case was dismissed on the
grounds that American courts cannot be used to collect another country's taxes.
5. Other than denials of illegal activities, what was the response of the companies to the lawsuit
filed by the European Union?
Directions: Read the following segment from U.S. Code, Title 21, Section 881 (a) (b). Answer
the questions that follow, choosing the alternative (A, B, C, D) that best answers each question,
according to the meaning of the text. Mark your choices on your answer sheet.
The Attorney General shall apply the provisions of this subchapter to the controlled substances
listed in the schedules established by section 812 of this title and to any other drug or other
substance added to such schedules under this subchapter. Except as provided in subsections (d)
and (e) of this section, the Attorney General may, by rule:
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(1) add to such a schedule or transfer between such schedules any drug or other substance
if he:
(A) finds that such drug or other substance has a potential for abuse, and
(B) makes with respect to such drug or other substance the findings prescribed by
subsection (b) of section 812 of this title for the schedule in which such drug is to
be placed; or
(2) remove any drug or other substance from the schedules if he finds that the drug or other
substance does not meet the requirements for inclusion in any schedule. Rules of the Attorney
General under this subsection shall be made on the record after opportunity for a hearing pursuant
to the rulemaking procedures prescribed by subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5. Proceedings for
the issuance, amendment, or repeal of such rules may be initiated by the Attorney General (1) on
his own motion, (2) at the request of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“the Secretary”),
or (3) on the petition of any interested party.
The Attorney General shall, before initiating proceedings under subsection (a) of this section
to control a drug or other substance or to remove a drug or other substance entirely from the
schedules, and after gathering the necessary data, request from the Secretary a scientific and
medical evaluation, and his recommendations, as to whether such drug or other substance should
be so controlled or removed as a controlled substance. In making such evaluation and
recommendations, the Secretary shall consider the factors listed in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of
subsection (c) of this section and any scientific or medical considerations involved in paragraphs
(1) and (5) of such subsection. The recommendations of the Secretary shall include
recommendations with respect to the appropriate schedule, if any, under which such drug or other
substance should be listed. The evaluation and the recommendations of the Secretary shall be made
in writing and submitted to the Attorney General within a reasonable time. The recommendations
of the Secretary to the Attorney General shall be binding on the Attorney General as to such
scientific and medical matters, and if the Secretary recommends that a drug or other substance not
be controlled, the Attorney General shall not control the drug or other substance. If the Attorney
General determines that these facts and all other relevant data constitute substantial evidence of
potential for abuse such as to warrant control or substantial evidence that the drug or other
substance should be removed entirely from the schedules, he shall initiate proceedings for control
or removal, as the case may be, under subsection (a) of this section.
A. to evaluate drugs
B. to petition concerned individuals
C. to classify substances
D. to rule on drug legality
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C. by obtaining a favorable ruling
D. by having it included in a schedule
11. What action must the Attorney General take to initiate the removal of a drug from a
schedule?
A. to set the time period for submission of reports requested from the Secretary
B. to establish the health decisions that are binding on the Attorney General
C. to recommend substance scheduling according to their potential for abuse
D. to provide the basis for determining whether a substance will be controlled
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Directions: Read the following court form. Answer the questions that follow, choosing the
alternative (A, B, C, D) that best answers each question, according to the meaning of the text.
Mark your choices on your answer sheet.
The United States Constitution gives every defendant the right to effective assistance of counsel.
When one lawyer represents two or more defendants in a case, the lawyer may have trouble
representing all of the defendants with the same fairness. This is a conflict of interest that denies
the defendant the right to effective assistance of counsel. Such conflicts are always a potential
problem because different defendants may have different degrees of involvement. Each defendant
has the right to a lawyer who represents him/her and only him/her.
This kind of conflict of interest can be dangerous to a defendant in a number of ways. A few
examples are:
The Government may let a defendant who is not as involved as other defendants plead
guilty to lesser charges than the other defendants. After the guilty plea, however, the
Government may require the defendant to testify. The lawyer who represents more than
one defendant might recommend that the first defendant not plead guilty to protect the
other defendants that he represents; or the lawyer might recommend that the first defendant
plead guilty, which might harm the cases of the other defendants.
Sometimes one of the defendants represented by a lawyer will take the stand to testify on
his own behalf. In order to represent the other defendants fairly the lawyer should question
the defendant on the stand as completely as possible. However, he may not be able to do
that because he cannot ask the defendant as a witness about anything that the defendant has
told him in confidence.
The best defense for a single defendant often is the argument that, while the other
defendants may be guilty, he is not. A lawyer representing two or more defendants cannot
effectively make such an argument.
Evidence that helps one defendant might harm another defendant’s case. When one lawyer
represents two or more defendants, he might offer or object to evidence that could help one
defendant if it harms the other defendant's case.
The Court advises defendants against representation by a lawyer who also represents other
defendants in the same case. The Court urges each defendant to obtain a lawyer who will represent
him/her and only him/her. Each defendant has the right to a lawyer of his/her own. Each defendant
can also give up that right, if he/she chooses.
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I have read the above statement, and I understand it fully. I know I have a right to an attorney of
my own, but I want to give up this right. I want ______________as my lawyer, even though he
represents one or more of the other defendants in this case and he might have a conflict which
would not be in my best interest.
DONE AND ORDERED before the Court in __________, this _____ day of _____.
A. to show that various defendants should not rely on the same evidence
B. to illustrate the implications of cooperating with the government
C. to specify possible good arguments the defense may employ
D. to illustrate potential problems in effective defense of co-defendants
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PART II: Usage
Directions: For each of the following sentences, choose the alternative (A, B, C) that best replaces
the underlined portion. If the original sentence is the best, mark option D (no change).
17. The fire chief used sound judgment when he denied the homeowners request for a fire
permit.
A. homeowners to request
B. homeowner’s to request
C. homeowner’s request
D. no change
18. Gathering crucial information regarding a crime depends on let the interviewee talk under
controlled conditions.
19. Projections for the next fiscal year indicate that tobacco tax revenue will decrease at
a marked faster rate than in the last five years.
A. markedly faster
B. markedly fast
C. marked more fast
D. no change
A. to be tried
B. of being tried
C. for being tried
D. no change
21. Art works that have been fractured into thousands of pieces can be repaired by a computer
program that sorts out which fragments belong next to others, much as like solving a digital
jigsaw puzzle.
A. much similar to
B. much like
C. some like
D. no change
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22. Dust particles not only create air pollution, but can damage some air pollution control
devices.
A. it is yet durable
B. yet it is durable
C. it is durable yet
D. no change
24. The criminals were harshly punished because of the heinous nature of the crime.
25. Psychological and behavioral changes associated with amphetamine dependence include
tension, impaired judgement, and inability to enjoy what were previously pleasurable.
A. that can be
B. what was
C. what can be
D. no change
26. Water transferred to the air from the leaves of plants primarily through a process called
transpiration.
A. transferring
B. is transferring
C. is transferred
D. no change
27. Retail sales are expected to increase next month, after the fall advertising campaign begins
and stores stock up on back-to-school merchandise.
A. advertisement
B. add
C. advertise
D. no change
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Directions: From among the four alternatives (A, B, C, D) choose the one that best replaces the
underlined portion of the sentence.
28. The suspects apparently knew that the victim was loaded.
30. We are not sure whether the new executive will cut the mustard.
31. The employees were floored when the promotions were announced.
A. pleased
B. unhappy
C. shocked
D. excited
A. available
B. up to this time
C. without counting votes
D. without doubt
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Part III: Error Detection
Directions: In the following sentences three segments are underlined and followed by a letter (A,
B, C). One of these segments might contain an error. Choose the segment that contains the error
and mark your choice on your answer sheet. If the sentence does not contain an error, mark D
(No error). There may be grammatical, syntactic, or semantic errors. There is not more than one
error in a sentence.
33. The lack of consistency in the analyses (A) submitted by (B) the various experts were (C) appalling.
No error (D)
34. This appraisement (A) is sought for (B) the purpose of advising the heirs on (C) the market
value of said property. No error (D)
35. The news regarding the stock market upturn (A) have been (B) well received by investors
worldwide (C). No error (D)
36. When a defendant accepts a plea agreement, he or she (A) is (B) required to admit guilty
(C). No error (D)
37. A new study raises (A) questions about whether the current procedure use to (B) define lead
poisoning is stringent enough (C). No error (D)
38. During his deposition (A), the driver told a complete different (B) version of how (C) the
accident had occurred. No error (D)
39. The economic recovery plan that the local government opted for (A) is quite different from
(B) the one (C) recommended by the International Monetary Fund. No error (D)
40. Interest rates for (A) home mortgage loans have fallen (B) twice as more than (C) predicted
by banking industry experts. No error (D)
41. A drug that (A) helps asthma sufferers breathe (B) has been recalled by their (C)
manufacturer. No error (D)
42. Company executives are beginning to realize (A) that they were far too optimistical (B)
about a rise in (C) the value of their stock. No error (D)
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Directions: The six sentences that follow form a paragraph. In each sentence three segments are
underlined and followed by a letter (A, B, C). One of these segments might contain an error.
Choose the segment that contains the error and mark your choice on your answer sheet. If the
sentence does not contain an error, mark D (No error). There may be grammatical, syntactic,
or semantic errors. There is not more than one error in a sentence.
43. Two recent reports point out (A) that low-cost or free health care is unavailable often (B) for
the more than (C) 800,000 uninsured in Chicago. No error (D)
44. Researchers scrutinized (A) five of the area's major hospitals (B) to determine whether
were the hospitals (C) making information about free care readily available. No error (D)
45. None (A) of the hospitals had readily available written information (B) about hospital
policies regarding free care (C). No error (D)
46. Becoming ill (A) while not insured (B) can mean long waits, emergency care with no
follow-up, and financially (C) ruin. No error (D)
47. The uninsured are not necessarily (A) the unemployed, whom (B) may qualify for (C) Medicaid.
No error (D)
48. They (A) work service jobs that do not offer (B) insurance and do not pay enough for
the workers buy (C) insurance themselves. No error (D)
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PART IV: Synonyms
Directions: From among the four alternatives (A, B, C, D), choose the one closest in meaning to
the underlined word in the sentence.
A. inappropriate
B. unique
C. inherent
D. harmful
50. The reporter discovered an old snippet of the news coverage of the incident.
A. excerpt
B. film
C. draft
D. tape
A. adulthood
B. lineage
C. longevity
D. infirmity
52. The man’s actions have caused a great deal of havoc in the community.
A. concern
B. activity
C. confusion
D. gossip
A. specialization
B. misrepresentation
C. mockery
D. glorification
A. self-satisfied
B. snotty
C. self-sufficient
D. snide
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55. Interrogators should not risk losing trustworthiness.
A. concentration
B. faithfulness
C. momentum
D. credibility
A. hoard
B. seek
C. ingest
D. detect
A. follicles
B. wrinkles
C. circles
D. grooves
58. The mayor was adamant about the need for wider streets in the neighborhood.
A. distressed
B. unyielding
C. displeased
D. unconcerned
59. Sulfuric acid particles contribute to the polluting smog that engulfs some cities.
A. disenfranchises
B. degrades
C. circumvents
D. envelops
A. potency
B. impact
C. path
D. tail
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61. Her brashness made her known throughout the company.
A. discretion
B. effectiveness
C. diffidence
D. heedlessness
62. Most members of the community saw Mr. Jeffers as nothing more than a crotchety old man.
A. venial
B. malleable
C. cantankerous
D. sickly
63. The implicit objective of the bill was to placate dissenting factions.
A. mollify
B. alienate
C. prevent
D. weaken
64. The ancient writings recounted the city's splendor and debauchery.
A. opulence
B. mysteriousness
C. gastronomy
D. decadence
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PART V: Best Translation
Directions: For each of the underlined segments in sentences that follow, choose the alternative
(A, B, C, D) closest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase. In choosing your answer,
consider the context of the underlined portion and what the translation of the entire sentence
would be.
66. Luego de que lo hicieran parar, el conductor se bajó del carro y caminó tambaleándose hasta
la acera.
A. staggered
B. teetered
C. swayed
D. stumbled
A. once a week
B. each eight days
C. every fortnight
D. every eight days
69. En el presente acuerdo se estipula, entre otras condiciones, el monto de los honorarios.
A. the present
B. this
C. said
D. the current
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70. El abogado le solicitó al funcionario que expidiera el documento lo más pronto posible.
71. El derecho de asilo no podrá ser invocado contra una acción judicial realmente originada por
delitos comunes o por actos opuestos a los propósitos de las Naciones Unidas.
72. Hablando en nombre de su representada, el letrado reiteró su total inocencia en cuanto a los
hechos que se le imputan.
A. represented
B. party
C. representative
D. client
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Directions: For each of the underlined segments in the news item that follows, choose the
alternative (A, B, C, D) closest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase. In choosing your
answer, consider the context of the underlined portion and what the translation of the entire
paragraph would be.
73.
A. charged
B. identified
C. stopped
D. arrested
74.
A. perpetrators
B. suspects
C. participants
D. authors
75.
A. for
B. of
C. in
D. at
76.
A. In view of
B. Relying on
C. Following
D. Considering
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Directions: For each of the underlined segments in the excerpt from the court document that
follows, choose the alternative (A, B, C, D) closest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.
In choosing your answer, consider the context of the underlined portion and what the translation
of the entire paragraph would be.
77.
78.
A. presumed
B. assumed
C. alleged
D. underlying
79.
A. minor thievery
B. petty theft
C. minor stealing
D. larceny
80.
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Sección de español
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PARTE I: Comprensión de Lectura
Intimidad e Internet
Son prácticas comunes en Internet el envío de e-mails o correo electrónico de punto a punto, la
participación en grupos de debate o de “chateo” y la navegación por los sitios o páginas de la
World Wide Web, todo lo cual sistemáticamente deja un registro digital permanente e
identificable. Lo mismo sucede con la adquisición de bienes y servicios, sobre todo si se utilizan
medios de pago no anónimos como las tarjetas de crédito. Vía Internet además circula gran
cantidad de datos llamados “transaccionales”, que son aquellos que se generan para asegurar
conexiones correctas y son atribuibles a personas determinadas.
Frente al tema del “Anonimato en Internet”, en diciembre de 1997 la Comisión Europea adoptó
bajo ese nombre la Recomendación Nº3/97. El texto fue elaborado por un grupo de trabajo sobre
protección de las personas en lo que respecta al tratamiento de datos nominativos, y apunta a
promover la utilización de datos anónimos para evitar que se identifiquen los usuarios de Internet,
de manera tal que naveguen sin temor a que la información sobre su persona luego pueda ser usada
indebidamente.
El tema de fondo es la pretensión del anonimato para las comunicaciones en línea, lo cual,
evidentemente, debe ser conciliado con intereses superiores o de orden público. Se trata de un
conflicto típico entre el derecho a la intimidad y el derecho a la información; cuando el segundo
es reclamado por un Estado para cumplir con su papel promocional y asistencial (por ejemplo,
saber el número de personas seropositivas para planificar políticas de salud), no cabría la
posibilidad de hablar de la primacía de la privacidad. En cuanto a los datos nominativos del
ciberespacio, en casos talescomo difusión de pornografía infantil, tráfico de drogas, fraudes
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financieros o infracciones al derecho de autor, no podría reclamarse anonimato alguno, porque se
estaría posibilitando la impunidad. Lo importante es que se respete el principio de la
proporcionalidad al aplicarse cualquier medida restrictiva en este campo, como lo ha indicado el
Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos.
81. ¿Qué consecuencia tienen los usos más comunes y corrientes de la Internet?
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Instrucciones: Lea el texto siguiente, adaptado de una noticia publicada en un periódico español,
y conteste las preguntas que le siguen, escogiendo la alternativa (A, B, C, D) que mejor responda
a cada pregunta según el significado del texto leído. Marque la respuesta en el espacio
correspondiente de la hoja de respuestas.
El Gobierno de Sudáfrica y las compañías farmacéuticas se han enfrentado esta semana en la Corte
Suprema de Pretoria, en un juicio que deberá decidir la constitucionalidad de una ley promulgada
en 1997, que permite el acceso a medicamentos esenciales a un precio más barato del ofertado por
las monopolísticas compañías farmacéuticas.
Como ha señalado una organización no gubernamental local que lucha para que los enfermos de
SIDA puedan medicarse, el juicio de Pretoria es un símbolo para todos los países pobres, puesto
que lo que en realidad se está discutiendo es si el derecho a la salud de millones de enfermos en
los países del Sur debe someterse al derecho a la protección de las patentes de las compañías
farmacéuticas, todas ellas afincadas en los países ricos donde la población sí tiene acceso a sus
medicamentos.
La ley de 1997 fue una de las principales medidas tomadas por el Gobierno para facilitar el acceso
a los medicamentos en un país que tiene, además, la cifra más elevada del mundo de personas
seropositivas, con un total de 4,2 millones, lo que representa el 20% de la población. Dicha ley
permite fabricar medicamentos genéricos contra el SIDA y abre la posibilidad de comprarlos a
otros países que, como India, los venden a un precio más barato que el que imponen los
laboratorios sudafricanos propietarios de las patentes, representantes todos ellos de los grandes
laboratorios europeos y norteamericanos. Pero la ley nunca ha podido ponerse en práctica porque
ha quedado bloqueada por la batalla jurídica que las compañías farmacéuticas empezaron en 1998.
Las compañías farmacéuticas amparan su batalla judicial contra el Gobierno en las nuevas reglas
sobre el comercio internacional, después de la creación, en 1994, de la Organización Mundial de
Comercio, y en los acuerdos sobre la propiedad intelectual que, en el caso de las patentes
farmacéuticas, permiten su explotación durante veinte años antes de que se conviertan en un bien
público. Aparentemente, este plazo debería servir para estimular la inversión en investigación,
pero la realidad, se quejan las organizaciones no gubernamentales, es que la investigación se
destina principalmente a enfermedades del mundo rico.
27
Más de mil millones de personas entran en el siglo XXI sin haber podido aprovechar la revolución
sanitaria, ha denunciado la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Este desequilibrio sanitario y
humanitario puede derivar en una gran explosión política porque la gente en los países pobres sabe
que existen los medicamentos que podrían ayudarles, pero saben también que no son para ellos,
sino para los ricos.
85. ¿En qué reside lo simbólico del juicio que se está desarrollando en Pretoria?
87. ¿Qué establecen los acuerdos internacionales sobre protección de la propiedad intelectual en
cuanto a las patentes farmacéuticas?
88. ¿Por qué, según el título, está a prueba la humanidad en este juicio?
28
Instrucciones: Lea el texto siguiente, que proviene de un Código Civil, y conteste las preguntas
que le siguen, escogiendo la alternativa (A, B, C, D) que mejor responda a cada pregunta según
el significado del texto leído. Marque la respuesta en el espacio correspondiente de la hoja de
respuestas.
Art. 1. El que ha cometido un delito o cuasidelito que ha inferido daño a otro, es obligado a la
indemnización; sin perjuicio de la pena que le impongan las leyes por el delito o cuasidelito.
Art. 2. Puede pedir esta indemnización no sólo el que es dueño o poseedor de la cosa que ha
sufrido el daño, o su heredero, sino el usufructuario o el usuario, si el daño irroga perjuicio a su
derecho de usufructo o uso. Puede también pedirla en otros casos el que tiene la cosa con
obligación de responder de ella, pero sólo en ausencia del dueño.
El que recibe provecho del dolo ajeno, sin ser cómplice en él, sólo es obligado hasta concurrencia
de lo que valga el provecho.
Art. 4. Si un delito o cuasidelito ha sido cometido por dos o más personas, cada una de ellas será
solidariamente responsable de todo perjuicio procedente del mismo.
Art. 6. No son capaces de delito o cuasidelito los menores de siete años ni los dementes; pero
serán responsables de los daños causados por ellos las personas a cuyo cargo estén, si pudiere
imputárseles negligencia.
Art. 7. Toda persona es responsable no sólo de sus propias acciones, sino del hecho de aquellos
que estuvieren a su cuidado.
Así el padre, y a falta de éste la madre, es responsable del hecho de los hijos menores que habiten
en la misma casa.
Así los jefes de colegios y escuelas responden del hecho de los discípulos, mientras están bajo su
cuidado; y los artesanos y empresarios del hecho de sus aprendices o dependientes, en el mismo
caso.
Pero cesará la obligación de esas personas si con la autoridad y el cuidado que su respectiva calidad
les confiere y prescribe, no hubieren podido impedir el hecho.
Art. 8. Por regla general, todo daño que pueda imputarse a malicia o negligencia de otra persona
debe ser reparado por ésta.
29
Art. 9. La apreciación del daño está sujeta a reducción, si el que lo ha sufrido se expuso a él
imprudentemente.
Art. 10. Las imputaciones injuriosas contra el honor o el crédito de una persona no dan derecho
para demandar una indemnización pecuniaria.
91. ¿Cuándo dejan de ser responsables quienes están a cargo de terceros que ocasionan un daño?
92. ¿Qué ocurre con un daño resultante de la imprudencia de la propia acción del afectado?
30
Instrucciones: Lea el texto siguiente, que proviene de un documento judicial, y conteste las
preguntas que le siguen, escogiendo la alternativa (A, B, C, D) que mejor responda a cada pregunta
según el significado del texto leído. Marque la respuesta en el espacio correspondiente de la hoja
de respuestas.
SENTENCIA
En el presente caso se radicó una petición jurada de divorcio por consentimiento mutuo. Se señaló
vista en sus méritos y comparecieron los peticionarios personalmente y representados legalmente.
Los peticionarios habían contraído matrimonio el día 12 de octubre de 1990 en San Juan, Puerto
Rico, mismo durante el cual procrearon un hijo de nombre Damián.
De haber analizado las pruebas desfiladas y en virtud de lo resuelto en Durán Mora v. Elizondo
Castillo 102 D.P.R. 251 (1977), el Tribunal declara Con Lugar la petición de divorcio y en
consecuencia decreta disuelto el vínculo matrimonial existente entre los peticionarios.
El padre del hijo antes nombrado tendrá derecho a compartir con el mismo cuatro semanas al año
durante los meses de julio y agosto. Las vacaciones de Semana Santa se alternarán anualmente
entre el susodicho peticionario y la madre del menor. El peticionario asimismo asumirá los gastos
de viaje del menor y su acompañante para las vacaciones, así como de su cuidado y manutención
durante las mismas.
El peticionario pagará una pensión alimenticia para su hijo de diez mil cuatrocientos dólares
anuales, a ser pagados en plazos bisemanales de ciento cuatro dólares. Dicha pensión deberá ser
abonada a nombre de la peticionaria por depósito directo a su cuenta bancaria, con constancia al
Tribunal, comenzando el 1 de abril del año en curso.
No procederá la modificación de las órdenes del Tribunal sobre las anteriores pensiones
alimenticias excepto en el caso de que ocurran imprevistos o cambios significativos en las
circunstancias de uno de los peticionarios o cuando se desconociere información pertinente al
momento de dictar la Sentencia aunque no por culpa de la parte perjudicada por tal
desconocimiento.
El Tribunal aprueba el acuerdo ya suscrito por las partes, y en consecuencia incorpora sus términos
a la Sentencia y lo hace formar parte de la misma, que ordena la liquidación del régimen económico
31
que existió entre los peticionarios con arreglo a lo acordado por ellos y apercibe a éstos de su fiel
cumplimiento.
32
PARTE II: Uso del Idioma
Instrucciones: En las oraciones siguientes, escoja la mejor alternativa (A, B, C) para reemplazar
la parte subrayada. Si la versión original es la mejor, marque D (Sin cambio) en su hoja de
respuestas.
97. En las últimas elecciones primarias, votó un poco menos de la mitad de los inscritos
en el partido.
98. En casi todos los países del mundo, la esclavitud estuvo abolida en el siglo XIX.
A. fue absolvida
B. quedó abolida
C. se absolvió
D. sin cambio
99. Acogiendo una llamada hecha por el gobierno para establecer las bases de un diálogo
que permita solucionar el conflicto laboral, la empresa decidió nombrar un mediador.
A. que permite
B. que permitan
C. permitiendo
D. sin cambio
100. El acusado podrá hacer citar testigos una vez que se dé inicio a la causa.
A. a pesar de
B. no obstante
C. con el fin de
D. sin cambio
101. Según el abogado defensor, lo más pésimo para su cliente fue el testimonio del perito.
A. lo pésimo
B. lo más peor
C. lo peor
D. sin cambio
33
102. En la audiencia de ayer, el detenido fue negado la libertad condicional.
A. el detenido se negó
B. al detenido se lo negó
C. al detenido se le negó
D. sin cambio
103. Muchas personas no leen lo escrito en letra pequeña en los contratos de préstamo que
firman y así de repente se ven atrapados en un mar de deudas.
104. Los querellantes solicitarán al juez que él instruye a la otra parte sobre las distintas
etapas procesales.
A. instruya
B. instruyera
C. haya instruido
D. sin cambio
105. Tras la reforma, el Poder Judicial ha dejado de contar con muchas de las atribuciones
que se le contemplaba la constitución.
A. se lo contempló en
B. contempló
C. contemplaba
D. sin cambio
106. Desde que se ha hecho frecuente el uso de pruebas de ADN, han sido salvados muchos
condenados a muerte.
A. se salvaron
B. quedaron a salvo
C. se han salvado
D. sin cambio
107. La posibilidad de otorgar perdón presidencial a los condenados por meras faltas
sencillamente no existe en muchos países.
A. sencillamente no existen
B. no existen sencillamente
C. de modo sencillo no existe
D. sin cambio
34
Instrucciones: De las cuatro alternativas (A, B, C, D), escoja la mejor para reemplazar la parte
subrayada de la oración. Marque su respuesta en el espacio correspondiente de la hoja de
respuestas.
108. A la semana de haber comprado el carro se dieron cuenta de que les habían pasado
gato por liebre.
A. de cabeza
B. de golpe
C. sin ruido
D. boca abajo
A. arrugó el ceño
B. separó las cejas
C. lagrimeó
D. pestañeó
A. ceñido
B. llamativo
C. perfecto
D. elegante
A. contundente
B. angustiado
C. pendiente
D. abrumado
35
PARTE III: Identificación del Error
Instrucciones: En las preguntas siguientes hay una oración que tiene tres palabras o frases
subrayadas. Entre éstas, identifique la que se debe cambiar para que la oración sea correcta y
marque su selección en el espacio correspondiente (A, B, C) de la hoja de respuestas. Si la oración
original es correcta, marque D (Sin error). Los errores pueden ser gramaticales, sintácticos o
semánticos, y sólo hay uno en cada oración.
113. Tras (A) años de estudio, los científicos de la NASA continúan a buscar (B) la fórmula más
adecuada para contrarrestar (C) la gravedad. Sin error (D)
114. El presidente electo (A) ha prometido erradicar (B) la pobreza del país dentro de (C) los
próximos diez años. Sin error (D)
115. Hasta hoy, el tratado mundial para rebaja (A) los aranceles (B) ha sido suscrito por (C)
26 países solamente. Sin error (D)
116. Ahora eres partidario de (A) la nueva ley tributaria, pero ayer defendistes (B) lo contrario
(C). Sin error (D)
117. La tasa (A) de aumento de las enfermedades contagiosas en este país se ha cuadrado (B)
durante el presente (C) año. Sin error (D)
119. La serie de (A) delitos objeto de (B) este proceso, se cometió entre el 15 y el 20 de enero,
incluso (C). Sin error (D)
120. El cuadro clínico (A) del paciente indica que ha sufrido una recaída (B) de la pancreatitis
que le afectó previamente (C). Sin error (D)
121. En la cima (A) de las montañas, el agua de la lluvia evapora (B) rápidamente a causa del
viento y de la altura (C). Sin error (D)
122. No obstante (A) no haber sido dado de alta (B) por las autoridades hospitalarias, el Sr.
Verdugo decidió marcharse (C) de la institución y abandonar su tratamiento. Sin error
(D)
36
Instrucciones: En cada una de las seis oraciones siguientes, que constituyen un párrafo, hay tres
frases o palabras subrayadas. Entre éstas, identifique la que se debe cambiar para que la oración
sea correcta y marque su selección en el espacio correspondiente (A, B, C) de la hoja de respuestas.
Si la oración original es correcta, marque D (Sin error). Los errores pueden ser gramaticales,
sintácticos o semánticos, y sólo hay uno en cada oración.
124. Diez personas, de diversas (A) nacionalidades, que supuestamente (B) integran la banda,
se detuvieron (C) ayer bajo cargos de estafa y quedaron a disposición de los tribunales.
Sin error (D)
126. Dichos pliegos (A) eran luego sometidos a un entintado (B) negro, secados y dispuestos
para su envío (C) al extranjero. Sin error (D)
127. En la segunda etapa del proceso de falsificación (A) los delincuentes eliminaban el color
negro, dejando los pliegos de papel de color blanco y translúcidos, listos a (B) ser
expuestos (C) a luz ultravioleta, como en el revelado fotográfico. Sin error (D)
128. La última fase del proceso consistía en (A) colorear los pliegos de billetes, dotarlos de (B)
números de serie ficticios y cortarlos cuidadosamente con guillotina (C). Sin error (D)
37
PARTE IV: Sinónimos
Instrucciones: De las cuatro alternativas (A, B, C, D), escoja la que más se asemeja en significado
a la palabra subrayada de la oración. Marque el espacio correspondiente de la hoja de respuestas.
129. El último discurso del presidente fue tan descabellado, que todo el país quedó atónito.
A. carcomido
B. átono
C. afónico
D. pasmado
A. del comportamiento
B. del quehacer
C. de la personalidad
D. del raciocinio
131. Cuando se extravía una persona, se debe informar rápidamente a las autoridades.
A. pierde
B. suicida
C. lesiona
D. extorsiona
A. tributos
B. arrendamientos
C. prejuicios
D. garfios
A. señero
B. escarpado
C. empinado
D. peliagudo
38
134. Entre sus amistades era famoso por lo lujurioso.
A. lascivo
B. lujoso
C. figurón
D. estrambótico
A. rebuscaron
B. robaron
C. cachearon
D. serpentearon
A. rastrillo
B. encono
C. vestigio
D. rastreo
A. suministró
B. conformó
C. traspasó
D. intituló
A. despego
B. vituperio
C. barranco
D. resentimiento
139. La sede de la empresa fue allanada ayer en la tarde por orden del juez.
A. desalojada
B. desahuciada
C. hostigada
D. registrada
39
140. Sólo resultó con una contusión en un muslo.
A. incisión
B. laceración
C. magulladura
D. fisura
A. gangosa
B. tramposa
C. charlatana
D. derrochadora
A. querella
B. mediación
C. injerencia
D. intemperie
A. difamación
B. ampliación
C. conciliación
D. deformación
A. muesca
B. manivela
C. rendija
D. ralladura
40
PARTE V: Identificación de la Mejor Traducción
Instrucciones: De las cuatro alternativas (A, B, C, D), escoja la mejor traducción para la parte
subrayada de la oración. Al hacerlo, considere lo que sería la traducción de toda la oración. Marque
su respuesta en el espacio correspondiente de la hoja de respuestas.
145. The students were ordered to stay in their classrooms until their safety could be ensured.
146. The assailant was described as wearing chinos and a plaid shirt.
A. listada
B. escocesa
C. vaquera
D. punteada
147. International lending institutions are interested in co-financing arrangements with member
governments.
149. National security depends chiefly upon citizen willingness to serve in the armed forces.
A. que
B. sobre
C. en
D. de
41
150. Even though what happened took place in my client’s home, he was not involved
in the incident.
A. Aún si que
B. A pesar de la que
C. Si bien lo que
D. Todavía si el que
152. The man who picked up the package was heavy set, balding, and 35 to 40 years old.
A. medio calvo
B. casi peloso
C. con melena
D. de pelo ralo
42
Instrucciones: De las cuatro alternativas (A, B, C, D), escoja la mejor traducción para los términos
subrayados del párrafo siguiente, que es sobre la situación política en Latinoamérica. Al escoger
su respuesta, considere el contexto de la parte subrayada y lo que sería la traducción de todo el
párrafo.
Democracy, understood as regular, free and fair elections, and respect for their results, is being
taken for granted (153) in Latin America at the present time. In addition, the opposition’s access
to political power has become the norm (154) over the past twenty years. In almost two-thirds of
the national elections since 1980, the candidate winning the presidency has been from a political
party different from the incumbent. While there have been (155) multiple challenges to
presidential successions, the unequivocal conclusion is that electoral democracy has taken hold in
most countries in the region. This is quite an accomplishment (156), given Latin America’s history
of coups and other non-elected regimes.
153.
154.
155.
156.
43
Instrucciones: De las cuatro alternativas (A, B, C, D), escoja la mejor traducción para los términos
subrayados del párrafo siguiente, que es parte de un contrato de licencia. Al escoger su respuesta,
considere el contexto de la parte subrayada y lo que sería la traducción de todo el párrafo.
This Technology License Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into (157) and effective (158)
as of (159) this 19th day of October, 2001 (the “Effective Date”) between OrangeChip
Microsystems, Inc., acting by and through (160) its MicroChip division, with its principal place of
business at 55 Plentiful Avenue, Reseda, California 92043, and Osteology Corporation, a
corporation organized according to the laws of Indiana with its main office at 2504 Industrial
Parkway, Indianapolis, Indiana 50505.
157.
A. se celebra
B. se entra
C. se ejecuta
D. se tramita
158.
A. queda efectivo
B. entra en vigor
C. es en vigencia
D. pone en efecto
159.
A. a partir de
B. desde este
C. por ende
D. con inicio
160.
44
Federal Court Interpreters Certification Examination: Written Examination
Answer Key - Practice Test
ENGLISH SECTION
PART I PART II PART III PART IV PART V
1. B 17. C 33. C 49. D 65. C
2. D 18. A 34. A 50. A 66. A
3. B 19. A 35. B 51. B 67. A
4. A 20. A 36. C 52. C 68. C
5. A 21. B 37. B 53. C 69. B
6. D 22. D 38. B 54. A 70. A
7. A 23. B 39. D 55. D 71. C
8. B 24. D 40. C 56. A 72. D
9. C 25. B 41. C 57. D 73. A
10. A 26. C 42. B 58. B 74. A
11. A 27. D 43. B 59. D 75. D
12. D 28. D 44. C 60. B 76. C
13. C 29. B 45. D 61. D 77. A
14. B 30. D 46. C 62. C 78. C
15. D 31. C 47. B 63. A 79. B
16. B 32. D 48. C 64. D 80. A
SPANISH SECTION
45
PRACTICE ORAL EXAMINATION
§ You will find sample audio skills representative of the oral examination. The three
audio files represent samples of Consecutive, Simultaneous Monologue, and
Simultaneous Question and Answer. Instructions are included in each of the three
recordings, which are recorded at a pace, and using spoken rate and register similar
that expected in a courtroom.
46