Subjects and Weights and Specimens of Previous Questions Asked.
 
Examinations for the Postal Service are of the second grade. Any person with a common school education should have no trouble in passing them. The average candidate, however, has been some years out of school and is very apt to be what we call “rusty.” In other words, to have forgotten much that he was taught at school concerning the subjects required. The wise thing for him to do, when he has made up his mind to take the examination, no matter whether the date of it is one month or six months away, the longer the better, is to improve his knowledge of each subject as much and as far as is possible. He must not content himself with just getting on the list, many of which are cancelled while yet there remain many names not reached for appointment, but do his utmost to win the highest possible rating.
The government service to-day, particularly the postal branch, is no place for indifferent, sluggish, or inefficient men. Though 70 per cent. is the passing[44] mark to obtain a place on the list, it is a poor recommendation of a man’s intelligence and efficiency, or of his possible growth in these attainments. And really there is no excuse for a man who can read and write getting so low a percentage. It shows, more or less convincingly, that he was not diligent, that there was little or no earnestness in his purpose, and the average postmaster will not be over-eager to find a place for him.
The questions in each subject are simple, and any man of ordinary education can, unaided by outside instructors, fit himself to obtain 90 per cent. with ease. A few simple text books, and steady, pains-taking study during leisure hours are all that are necessary. A postal card to THE CHIEF will promptly bring to you a list of books covering each subject, each book prepared by an expert on civil service.
Applicants are notified of the date and place of an examination at least two weeks in advance of the time set.
Subjects of Examination.
 
The table given below indicates the subjects of the examination and the weights given to each:
Weights.
1. Spelling 15
[45] 2. Arithmetic 20
3. Letter Writing 20
4. Penmanship 20
5. Copying from plain copy 15
6. Reading Addresses 10
—–
Total 100
The following are specimen questions given at a previous examination.
First Subject—Spelling.
 
Twenty words are dictated by the examiner. Each word is pronounced and its definition given. The competitor is required to write only the words and not their definitions, and to write them in the blank spaces on the first sheet of the examination paper. All words should be commenced with capital letters.
Opponent: One who opposes; as, a political opponent.
President: The Chief Executive of the United States.
Conqueror: One who conquers.
Wholesome: Healthful; as, wholesome food.
Achieve: To gain; as, to achieve success.
Tranquil: Quiet or peaceful.
Detach: To separate or remove; as, to detach a leaf from a book.
[46]
Expensive: Very costly.
Decease: Death; as, a person’s decease.
Noticeable: Worthy of notice; as, a noticeable occasion.
Suspicious: Exciting suspicion; as, a suspicious circumstance.
Terrace: A raised bank of earth.
Rapping: Making a number of quick blows.
Language: The speech of a people; as, the English language.
Schedule: A list or inventory; as, a schedule of prices.
Tying: Binding or fastening with a cord.
Vulgar: Low or mean.
Course: A way or track; as, a race course.
Salary: A stated allowance paid for services.
Chicago: A city in the United States.
Second Subject—Arithmetic.
 
In solving problems the processes should be not merely indicated, but all the figures necessary in solving each problem should be given in full. The answer to each problem should be indicated by writing “Ans.” after it.
[47]
1. Add the following, and from the sum subtract 32,885,696 (here will be given a short column of figures).
2. Multiply 7-2/25ths by 36.8, and divide the product by 1.92. Solve by decimals.
3. A carrier can assort 43 letters or 37 papers in a minute. At this rate, how many hours will it take him to assort 3,655 letters and 185 pounds of papers, averaging 7 papers to the pound?
4. A lot which was 53 feet wide and 150 feet long ............