fsot written essay topics

• Foreign Service Officer Exam: The Written Essay
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You receive a booklet when you begin the test; you handwrite the essay in that booklet. It is important to present a clear point of view and provide enough arguments to support your viewpoint. Grading takes into account your ability to analyze the topic, support your arguments, structure sentences, and correctly use grammar and syntax. Spelling and punctuation are important, but to a lesser degree than the other criteria.

Following are several sample topics on which you can practice organizing your thoughts. Make a comprehensive outline for each topic, indicating your viewpoints and make a list of supporting arguments. An in-depth outline can help you visualize the entire essay, which you can also write, if you want the practice. If some of the sample topics are not subjects you know about, consider doing some research into these topics in order to develop a broader viewpoint.

Take no more than 50 minutes to complete each essay.

Foreign Service Officer Exam Essay 1

In today's political environment, we have seen the emergence of popular entertainers — singers, musicians, movie stars, and so on — taking center stage to promote and raise money for the candidates of their choice. Some people feel that these entertainers should stick to their own business, while others believe that they have a right, and perhaps even an obligation, to speak their minds. In your view, what do you think the role of entertainers should be in politics? Do they exert undue influence because of their popularity and easy access to the media? Carefully explain the rationale for your position.

Foreign Service Officer Exam Essay 2

Most exams today require students to write an essay, much like this one. Because of the sheer number of essays to be graded, some universities are experimenting with a computerized grading system. Students feel that a machine cannot comprehend a student's argument. On the other hand, the argument goes, a computer can determine whether the student addressed a specific question and can judge the essay's structure. In your view, how can this situation be resolved? Carefully explain the rationale for your position.

Foreign Service Officer Exam Essay 3

There are numerous viewpoints on the subject of cloning. One side feels that the long-term benefits of cloning — primarily a search for medical cures — is worth the effort, but with some restrictions. Others argue that there is a strong potential for abuse in this era of corporate corruption, dishonesty, and misunderstanding. In your view, aside from religious and moral considerations, who should best make the determination whether cloning is legalized: doctors, politicians, or religious leaders. Carefully explain the rationale for your position.

Foreign Service Officer Exam Essay 4

There are two words that politicians take care to avoid: foreign aid. Instead, decision makers often sidestep the issue. Many believe that it is the United States' obligation as the wealthiest nation in the world to help those who are poorer. Others feel that charity begins at home and question whether the people of those countries that receive aid actually benefit directly. Furthermore, they question whether there are any benefits for the United States. In your view, is foreign aid helpful? To whom? Carefully explain the rationale for your position.

Which inequality describes the graph below?

• Apr 25, 2020

Improve your writing for the FSOT

Updated: Apr 14, 2021

Writing is an important part of the Foreign Service exam because it’s an important part of being a diplomat. I would argue that, if you’re serious about being a diplomat, or any related profession, you should invest in polishing your writing skills as soon as possible.

We can all write. It’s a learned skill and everybody has some of it already. Reaching the standard expected by the Board of Examiners (BEX), and later by your supervisor, is also doable as long as you take it seriously. I grew up in the Netherlands and never had formal training in writing in English—yet with practice and the consultation of a few books I got by just fine. So you probably can too.

How to improve writing for the FSOT

To pass the FSOT, you have to write something similar to the five-point essay you learned about in school. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on this topic—I didn’t even know what it was until a few weeks before taking the test. In case you don’t know what it is either, just head over to Google. Then use the information you find as a basis for future writing practice.

Fundamentals

If you want to improve your writing, first ask yourself how your fundamentals are. What are your weaknesses? One way to figure it out is by writing a few paragraphs and giving it to someone else to correct. If you’re too embarrassed to do that, you could also review it yourself the next day and correct your errors (there are always errors).

When you do this a few times, you’ll figure out exactly where to devote extra attention when you write. You may also notice stylistic issues, like repetitiveness, sentences that are too long, or abrupt endings.

Once you know what you need to improve, you can make a plan. If your knowledge of grammar is already good, perhaps all you need is a quick review. Personally, I found the “Elements of Good Writing” chapter in Cliff TestPrep Foreign Service Officer Exam very useful. It took only a few hours to read and helped me avoid making basic mistakes.

If you need more support, or if you’re just more serious about writing, you might want to (re-)read one of the better books on the topic, such as “ Writing Well” by William Zinsser . Don’t get scared by the very idea of reading a whole book on basic writing skills—this book is fun and easy to read, and truly insightful.

Practice is key. To become a better writer, you need to write as much as possible. It doesn’t really matter what you write about, but considering the most frequently used formats during the test and in the Foreign Service, I’d suggest writing a few (5-8) succinct paragraphs on a variety of topics.

You can start by writing about topics you’re intimately familiar with like your family history, your academic thesis, or the storyline of Titanic . But I’d recommend writing about professional and political topics. I found it very useful to visit the website ProCon.org to find ideas for my next writing exercise, while at the same time learning more about current policy issues.

There’s a website called Path to the Foreign Service (albeit written by someone who isn’t a FSO) that has a “simulator” to help you practice writing the FSOT essay. It offers a few sample topics and provides a space to write in. Other advantages are that it doesn’t have spell check, which makes you focus more on writing correctly and mimics what the test looks like.

Read & copy

Whenever you read an article or a book, pay attention to what you like about the way it’s written. For example, there aren’t fixed rules for certain punctuation marks, such as commas (Oxford comma) or how to use “em dashes.” Reading something that’s particularly well written, such as the book Writing Well I mentioned above, provides a good opportunity to pick the style you like best (and then stick to it!).

Please don’t worry about your “writing style.” As William Zinsser says somewhere in the book, and I’m paraphrasing here, the best writing style you can possibly have is writing in clear and correct English. This means you should focus primarily on learning the basic rules of English grammar and usage and find ways to deal with gray areas and other writing challenges consistently.

Structure is also important. You’ve probably learned in school that all writings should start with an interesting fact, a brief introduction of the topic, followed by context and arguments, and end with a summary and clear conclusion. If you struggle with this format, look at how other writers are implementing it and copy their approaches.

There’s nothing wrong with copying other people’s words and sentences, by the way. In fact, using other people’s nice words and phrases is just going to make you a better writer. I’m pretty sure that’s how all writers started out—studying others and trying to mimic whatever they considered good writing.

Write like you mean it

Writing is a wonderful skill that can be used in hundreds of different ways. Whatever you end up doing in life, writing well is going to help you. So don’t feel like writing about your life, your career, or issues that interest you is a waste of time—it’s great practice. If you’re serious about writing, I encourage you to start a diary or blog.

But even if you don’t, you should still consider yourself a “serious” writer. Don’t write as if what you have to say is not really interesting, or you don’t know anything. If you want to be taken seriously, it’s important to believe you’re a good writer and what you’re saying is meaningful because it represents your unique insight and experience.

Experienced writers typically choose a certain “angle” when they write. They won’t touch a topic unless they have a creative new way to approach it—they have to sell their work, after all. As a beginning writer, however, you should worry less about finding a creative angle and focus instead on presenting your points clearly and concisely, and using a clear structure to make it easy for readers to digest.

Edit and tighten it up

My final advice is: edit your work rigorously. Don’t fall in love with your own words or depend on your “instinct.” First drafts are typically full of mistakes and clutter that make it really hard for others to follow along. No matter how much flair you (think you) have, an unusual word choice may not as cute as you think and jokes often fall flat. So make sure you save enough time to edit your work thoroughly (brutally, if you will).

Want to know more about a career with the State Department? Check out careers.state.gov or check it out on social media @DOSCareers

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Foreign Service Exam: The Definitive Guide

– Everything in your FSOT test registration will be used in further steps towards the FSO selection process.

– Those who pass the FSOT exam will be asked to send a Personal Narrative.

– The pass rate for the exam is less than 25%.

The Foreign Service Exam, or the FSOT is an exam that is required for anyone that has an interest in working for the U.S. State Department. The FSOT is important to the selection process to become a Foreign Officer and determines whether or not you will move on to the next step in the hiring process. The exam covers job knowledge, English Expression, a Biographic Questionnaire, and a Written Essay.

While this seems like a lot of information that you’ll need to remember and can be stressful, take a few minutes to look over our tips on how you can ace the FSOT!

1. Learn the basics about the Foreign Service Exam Understanding what is on the exam and what you can expect can help you go a long way. Take time to understand how many questions are in each section, how each section is scored, how much time you have on each section, etc. To learn more about the FSOT exam, read through the Test Information and Selection Process on the official website .

Here’s what you need to know about the FSOT exam:

• The first three sections of the FSOT exam contains multiple-choice questions. • You MUST choose a career track before registering for the FSOT exam. • The Writing section of the FSOT allows you 30 minutes to write an essay over an assigned topic.

2. FSOT Study Guide When you’re preparing for any exam, it’s always important to have a study guide. While the FSOT exam is not exactly an easy exam to study for, you still need to do it and a study guide can help you along the way. You need to have a study guide that has a good layout of the information that you’ll need to know for the exam. While an FSOT study guide won’t teach you about the current economics or international relations, it will give you a brush up on the English Expression section where you’ll be asked to find grammatical errors and draw conclusions.

3. Create a Study Plan The FSOT exam is more than just English knowledge and economics. You’ll also be given questions over other areas such as statistics, world history, pop culture, and technology. You’ll need to know a lot of information. Because you’ll need to remember a lot of information, it’s best to create a study plan. You should start by making a list of the subjects that will be on the exam and list them from your weakest to strongest. Maybe your strong point is with Geography and your weak point is in pop culture. Use this as a guide to know which areas you should study more of.

4. Know Your Current Events Part of the written exam on the FSOT will ask you about political structures and modern world conflicts. Because you’ll be asked about these subjects, its best that you know your current events, so it’s important that you keep up with the news. The best way to keep up with the news, other than watching it on television, is to read a daily newspaper and content that you can find online. The New York Times and The Washington Times are two good resources that you should read when you’re preparing for the FSOT. You don’t necessarily need to read them from cover to cover, but you do need to understand what is going on in the world.

5. FSOT Practice Test A major part of passing the FSOT is getting as much experience with answering FSOT type questions as much as possible. Taking a practice test will help you with this. Plus, if you’re not sure if you’re ready to take the actual exam, this is the best thing to do. Not only will you be able to see if you’re ready or not, but you’ll also know a little bit more about the formatting and details about the exam. You’ll also be able to see which areas of the FSOT exam you will need more work on.

6. Read Carefully You’ll probably have the urge to read the directions and the questions quickly, but that is not a good idea. You will need to make sure to take your time to carefully read both the directions and the questions. Reading fast will only make you miss keywords or concepts that you’ll need to know and this can lead to making a mistake and answering the question incorrectly.

7. Skip if You’re Not Sure There may be times that you’re not sure of the answer to a question. If that happens, you can simply skip that question and move on to the next. As long as there is time remaining and you have no exited the exam, you can go back to the questions you skipped and answer them. Once you have exited the exam, you will not be able to go back in to answer those questions.

8. It’s Okay to Guess The Job Knowledge and English Expression sections contain multiple-choice questions and it’s to your advantage to answer each question. However, if you come across a question that you’re not sure what the answer is even after you’ve skipped and gone back to it, it’s okay to take a guess at the answer. On the FSOT, there is no penalty for guessing. The number of questions that you get correct determines your test score. So, instead of leaving the answer blank, take a guess.

9. Prep with an FSOT Course The Mometrix University FSOT Online Prep Course includes four full-length practice tests, review videos, digital flashcards, and study guide lessons.

If you need more information about the FSOT exam, visit the U.S. Department of State career page .

FSOT Test Dates

Foreign Service Exam FAQ

What is the fsot exam.

The Foreign Service Exam is required for anyone that has an interest in working for the U.S. State Department.

What does the Foreign Service exam determine?

The exam determines whether an individual has the knowledge in order to move on to the next step of the hiring process to become a Foreign Officer.

How many times can I retake the FSOT exam?

You can retake the test once a year.

How often is the exam offered?

The exam is offered three times a year.

What is on the Foreign Service exam?

The FSOT contains four components: • Job Knowledge • English Expression and Usage • Biographic Information • Essay

Are the questions on the test multiple-choice?

Yes. The questions on the exam are multiple-choice.

How long does it take to complete the Foreign Service exam?

The FSOT exam takes 210 minutes to complete.

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How to Study for the FSOT: 5 Study Tips

• Post by: Professor Conquer
• Last updated on: November 17, 2023

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Perhaps you’ve decided to take the FSOT but are unsure how to prepare and where to start. Fear not, because there are various helpful resources you can utilize to study and perform well in this exam. You’ll also need to possess intellectual curiosity, a broad academic foundation, and excellent writing skills. Keep reading as we delve into how to study for the FSOT, the passing score, covered topics, and much more.

What is the FSOT?

The Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) serves as the preliminary evaluation exam for individuals aspiring to become U.S. diplomats, specifically foreign service officers. This test is conducted by the U.S Department of State and consists of four main sections. Three of these sections include multiple-choice questions that cover job knowledge, English expression, and situational judgment. Additionally, there’s a section dedicated to essay writing.

In total, the FSOT takes about three hours to complete. The administration of the test is handled by Pearson, offering candidates the flexibility to take the exam online while being monitored by a remote proctor, or in a physical testing center.

Who Should Take the FSOT?

The FSOT test is designed for those aiming to become a Foreign Service Officer under the US Department of State. To sit for this examination, applicants need to fulfill specific criteria:

• Must be between the ages of 59 and 20 years
• Be a U.S citizen
• Compliance with the medical and security clearance standards set by the Department of State
• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

What are the Topics Covered in FSOT?

If you’re wondering what is on the FSOT, this section will explain all the topics covered in FSOT. As we mentioned above, the test covers four sections, namely job knowledge, English expression, situational judgment, and a written essay. It’s in your best interest if you have a solid understanding of the following skill areas and information:

• Communications
• Economic Issues
• Management and Leadership
• Mathematics and Statistics
• United States Customs, Culture, History, and Society
• United States Government and Politics
• World History and Geography
• Proper grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and organization necessary for editing or writing reports

Example FSOT Questions and Answers

Let’s now consider some example FSOT questions and answers to give you a general idea of how to prepare for the FSOT effectively and what to expect:

1. A work group that has high performance norms and low cohesiveness will most likely have which of the following levels of performance?

A. Very high

C. Moderate

Correct Answer: C

2. The National Labor Relations Act established:

A. a “cooling off” period before workers in a critical industry could strike

B. the right of federal workers in non-defense agencies to organize and strike

C. the government’s right to prohibit strikes by industrial workers during wartime

D. collective bargaining and the right to organize as national policy

Correct Answer: D

3. In federal government budgeting, “mandatory” spending differs from “discretionary” spending in which way?

A. Legislative committees may not cut mandatory spending levels

B. Mandatory spending is not subject to the annual appropriations process

C. Discretionary spending increases in one budget category must be offset by reductions elsewhere

D. Bills to re-categorize mandatory funding as discretionary must originate in the House

Correct Answer: B

4. The purpose of the South African policy of apartheid was best described as the:

A. segregation of blacks from English-speaking whites

B. control of immigration from neighboring countries

C. protection of the economic, political, and social status of Afrikaners

D. promotion of equal opportunity for various racial groups

5. Congress can override a Presidential veto of a congressional bill by:

A. not signing the bill

B. passing the bill again by a two-thirds majority in both houses

C. filibustering

D. voting to place the bill in the congressional record

Correct Answer : B

6. The architect Maya Lin is known for designing the:

A. Paris Las Vegas Hotel, Las Vegas

B. Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C.

C. Sears Tower, Chicago

D. Getty Museum, Los Angeles

Correct Answer:  B

7. After a 3 percent raise and a $3,000 bonus, a worker’s salary increased to $50,000. What was the worker’s salary before the raise and bonus?

8. The primary guideline for effective delegation of tasks to subordinates is to:

A. delegate to subordinates only when necessary

B. delegate both pleasant and unpleasant tasks to subordinates

C. provide subordinates information on a “need-to-know” basis

D. provide assistance to subordinates whenever it is requested

9. Posing rhetorical questions, telling a story, and providing a quotation are all techniques that help a public speaker to:

A. arouse audience curiosity

B. avoid audience questions

C. increase audience anxiety

D. avoid visual aids

Correct Answer: A

10. The model of delivering computer services over the internet using shared servers and software is an example of which of the following:

A. Grid computing

B. Data warehouse computing

C. Autonomic computing

D. Cloud computing

What is the FSOT Passing Score?

Although the required score for passing the test varies from year to year, you usually need a minimum cumulative score of 154 for the three multiple-choice sections and at least 6 out of 12 points in the written essay. Scores are typically available three weeks after you take the test and if you do achieve a 154 minimum, your essay is unlikely to be graded.

The FSOT almost resembles a round of Jeopardy, characterized by a range of diverse questions. The essence of succeeding in the exam lies in the “breadth, not depth” approach. Candidates are expected to possess a fundamental understanding of various topics to answer directly or make educated guesses. Since the FSOT pass rate stands at 30-40%, let’s consider why this is so:

• The extensive knowledge necessary to achieve a remarkable score in the job knowledge section
• Candidates facing constraints with time management during the English Expression part
• Lack of professional exposure which impacts decision-making in responding to situational judgment questions.

In the case that you don’t pass the exam, you’ll have to wait one year before you can retake it. For this reason, it’s in your best interest to start studying and preparing for the FSOT at least six months earlier.

How to Ace the FSOT: 5 FSOT Study Tips

Passing the foreign service officer test can be challenging, but with strategic preparation you can achieve success and even ace the exam. Here are five tips to improve your chances of passing the FSOT exam:

Focus on Current Events and U.S. Government Functioning

Since the FSOT encompasses several questions related to the U.S. government, international affairs, and current events, dedicating time to these areas is recommended. Regularly reading reputable newspapers, journals, and government publications will keep you in the loop with global issues and U.S. governmental policies, practices, and key figures. Engage with materials that offer in-depth insights, such as The Economist, Foreign Policy, and official U.S. government websites.

Additionally, consider following relevant podcasts and YouTube channels dedicated to international relations and U.S. government operations. A thorough understanding of the U.S. Constitution, the federal government system, and major Supreme Court decisions will take you a long way in the test and help answer FSOT questions confidently and effectively. Go through official government resources, historical documents, and educational platforms that offer comprehensive materials on these subjects.

Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Structure and Question Types

Understanding the FSOT’s unique structure and the nature of questions is essential for doing well. Focus on the job knowledge, English expression, and situational judgment sections to familiarize yourself with the question patterns and content emphasis. If you’re wondering how to study for FSOT online, solve official FSOT practice tests and FSOT study guides that are available on the Department of State’s website.

Time yourself while solving a practice test so you develop effective time management strategies and get a feel for the actual exam environment. You can also benefit from the experiences of others who have taken the FSOT. Engage in forums, online groups, or social media platforms where former candidates share their experiences, insights, and tips. These firsthand stories can provide valuable perspectives, practical advice, and moral support.

Deep Dive into Economics and Geography

For the FSOT, you need to be significantly knowledgeable about economics and geography. Focus specifically on macroeconomic and microeconomic principles, international trade theories, and financial institutions. Utilize resources like online courses, textbooks, and educational websites to solidify your understanding of economic concepts, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for related questions on the exam. Stay updated on current economic trends and issues, as real-world applications of economic principles may be included in the test.

And when it comes to geography , study not only physical geography but also political geography and current global issues. Get a solid grip on global political boundaries, capitals, major world events, and geographical landmarks. Understanding the global map, recognizing countries, capitals, major rivers, mountains, and other geographical features is essential to correctly answer questions that assess your global awareness and comprehension.

Strengthen Situational Judgment Skills

The situational judgment section of the FSOT tests your ability to navigate and solve problems in work-related scenarios, resembling challenges faced by Foreign Service Officers. You should concentrate on enhancing your problem-solving skills, and ethical considerations. It’s always a good idea to practice with situational judgment test samples available online and focus on the context of international relations and diplomacy so that you can understand the question pattern and refine your decision-making skills.

Moreover, reflect on your personal and professional experiences where you’ve dealt with conflict, decision-making, and problem-solving. Try to draw parallels between these experiences and potential FSOT questions to cultivate a mindset that’ll tackle situational judgment questions effectively.

Master Essay Writing

Success in the FSOT also depends on whether you can effectively communicate ideas through writing. The essay section evaluates your ability to argue coherently, maintain a logical flow, and stick to standard grammar and syntax rules. Focus on practicing essay writing on various topics while also putting emphasis on clarity, conciseness, and organization. Make sure that your essays are well-structured with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, with each paragraph seamlessly transitioning to the next.

Don’t forget to pay attention to any time constraints. It might also be beneficial to review and analyze sample essays and critiques since these offer insights into what is expected in terms of content, structure, and style. Learning to review, revise, and improve your own writing based on feedback or self-evaluation is another crucial skill that can enhance your performance in this section. Remember, the essay section is not just about what you write, but also how effectively and clearly you express your thoughts.

How Long Should You Study for the FSOT?

Once you’ve made the decision to take the FSOT and it’s your initial attempt, your preparation should not extend beyond two examination periods. For example, if you decide to become a foreign service officer in April, the upcoming test schedules will be in June and October. In the case that you don’t take the test in June, applying for the October session is crucial. Consequently, a six-month preparation timeframe for the FSOT should be your maximum limit.

Is it possible to cover all FSOT study materials within six months? Certainly not. Even if your studies stretch over one year, two years, or extend to a decade or beyond, mastering all aspects is unlikely. The volume of reference materials is overwhelmingly extensive and continues to expand every year. Don’t feel unsettled because the test’s difficulty level is intentionally high but you can definitely attempt it and do well within the six month time-frame.

Wrapping Things Up: How to Study for the FSOT?

There’s no doubt that preparing for the FSOT requires considerable dedication and effort as the test is challenging and covers a wide range of topics. We recommend starting your preparation early and developing a study plan that aligns with your daily schedule and needs. Make a FSOT reading list, collect study materials and the best FSOT preparation book, solve practice tests regularly, and much more. These strategies will help improve your chances of passing the FSOT and becoming a successful foreign service officer.

Professor Conquer

Professor Conquer started Conquer Your Exam in 2018 to help students feel more confident and better prepared for their tough tests. Prof excelled in high school, graduating top of his class and receiving admissions into several Ivy League and top 15 schools. He has helped many students through the years tutoring and mentoring K-12, consulting seniors through the college admissions process, and writing extensive how-to guides for school.

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FSOT Test Format and Layout

The FSOT exam is a computerized exam that will test the multiple different facets of your knowledge that the State Department believes is critical to being a successful Foreign Service Officer.

To do this, the FSOT is broken up into four different sections:

• Job Knowledge
• English Expression and Usage
• Biographical Information

To help you prepare for the Foreign Service Officer Test, we’ll go through each section and discuss what you can expect from each and how you can prepare for them prior to taking the official FSOT.

FSOT Section: Job Knowledge

The Job Knowledge section is typically the hardest of the four.  So as to prove that you have an all-around understanding of the world around you and a core structure of knowledge in other subjects, the Job Knowledge section will test you in a multitude of subjects like:

• Mathematics
• US Government
• World History
• Management techniques
• Pop culture

This is not something that you can just pick up a book and master in a couple of hours.  This is usually an amalgamation of years of experience or thousands of hours in extra education.  If you aren’t already up to that level, then you need to start and start immediately.   Just remember, the preparing for the FSOT is more like a marathon and less like a sprint.

So as to get a good jump on it, I highly recommend you take the free practice test and check out a professional study guide .  Both will be critical in your self-assessment as well as your studying.

FSOT Section: English Expression and Usage

The English Expressions section of the FSOT is focused on ACT and SAT level English questions.  They’ll provide a couple of paragraphs and mark certain parts for you to decide what would be the proper grammar.

To prepare for this section, you need to get familiar with the rules AND their proper use.  For this second part, you can’t just get a normal grammar book and slog through it.  Instead, I recommend getting a grammar book that creates ingenious ways of remembering rules and gives enough practicality that during a highly important and time-critical exam, you are able to work on the fly.

My personal favorite is the Perfect English Grammar book. Study this, and you'll be absolutely fine.

• Barrett, Grant (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 238 Pages - 03/29/2016 (Publication Date) - Zephyros Press (Publisher)

FSOT Section: Biographic Information

Biographical Information is just that…information about you.

Now, most would recommend that you write something grand and incredible so that you stick out.  BUT be careful about doing this.  Your Biographical Information supplied in this section can and will be used against you in your Oral Assessment (OA).  So, don’t go overboard and not be able to back it up.

Also, one design inside of this is to get you to contradict yourself by answering questions one way and later on being asked that same question but in another round-about way and see if your answers vary.

Be on your guard in this section.  I personally don’t think it has as much weight as the other sections do, but it’s a lot more tricky than people think.

FSOT Essays

For the Essays, you will be asked to answer two questions.  It’s not exactly the answer you give, but the way you deliver it that counts.  You could argue that the sky is green…so long as you have a well-structured article on the matter and follow these simple rules:

• Ensure you have a thesis and state it in the first paragraph
• Support your argument with 3 paragraphs
• Give a counter-argument, but counter that counter argument
• Give a conclusion that wraps it up
• Take your time and ensure you do not have any grammar or spell mistakes

I personally think that the essays in this day and age are much easier than it used to be.  Years ago, you would have to write your answers by hand and handwriting was an important part.  For me, it was extremely difficult because I have “chicken-scratch” type writing.  So, I was extra slow and had to focus on my writing style more than the words themselves – although

Once you have completed this section of the test, 2 Pearson Vue testers will check your responses.

At this point, you are now complete.  Now, go get a stiff drink and await the news.

Just wanted to let you know that the format of the test has supposedly changed and section three is now Situational Judgement Test instead of Biographical.

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Best FSOT Practice Test

Are you interested in becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) and pursuing a career in diplomacy and international affairs? If so, one of the first steps you must take in pursuing this career is completing the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), a challenging exam assessing your knowledge and skills in various subjects. 

One of the best ways to increase your chances of scoring highly on the FSOT is to take practice tests. Over the years, several have popped up, but only a couple stand out. This article will briefly review the FSOT, how we evaluated the practice tests, and our recommended practice test.

What is the FSOT?

The FSOT is the Foreign Service Officer Test. It is a multiple-choice test and essay used by the U.S. Department of State to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals interested in joining the Foreign Service as diplomats. The test covers various topics, including the U.S. government, economics, management, math, psychology, English expression, situational judgment, and more. Pearson VUE administers the test.

These various topics are broken down into four different sections within the FSOT. These sections, and a brief description of each, follow:

Job Knowledge

Questions will cover a broad range of topics including, but not limited to, the structure and workings of the U.S. Government, U.S. and world history, U.S. culture, psychology, technology, management theory, finance and economics, and world affairs. Learn more on how to prepare .

Situational Judgement

This section will present scenarios (i.e., descriptions of situations) that a candidate might encounter on the job. Learn more on how to prepare .

English Expression

This knowledge area encompasses English expression and language usage skills required for preparing or editing written reports, including correct grammar and good writing at the sentence and paragraph level. Learn more on how to prepare .

As the name implies, you must write an essay on one of three available topics within a time limit.

How did we evaluate FSOT practice tests?

Showcasing our best FSOT practice test award will only make sense if we share how we evaluated the options. We’ve broken down our metrics between the must-haves and nice-to-haves. 

Does it simulate the experience of the actual test?

Determining this question is the most significant factor for our review. Studies show that the best way to prepare for an assessment is to practice as close as possible to the environment of the test and how the test is offered. For the same reason, it is best to voice your responses instead of just saying them in your head when practicing for an interview. 

So what do we mean by the actual experience? We want to see the following for the multiple-choice sections:

• Opportunity to skip questions and mark for review
• Dashboard to see the questions you answered, skipped, and marked for review
• Similar design 
• Time and questions given align with the FSOT

For the essay:

• Timer, represented in each section
• Three prompts to choose from
• No grammar tool to assist your writing

If the practice test is no better than a page full of questions, then we do not rank it highly. This statement applies to both online and print options.

Are all sections of the FSOT represented?

We want to ensure all of the sections (Job Knowledge, English Expression, Situational Judgment, and Essay) are represented in the practice test.

Are the questions FSOT-specific?

Essentially, are the questions in the practice test closely aligned with what you would find on the actual FSOT? A great example here is the situational judgment section. Practice questions for this section are generally not written in the style of the FSOT or within the theme (i.e., the questions are retail-oriented, not FS).

Are explanations for the correct and incorrect options provided?

Questions you may answer could have similar options with slight differences. As such, you want to know why option A is better than option B, especially if they are similar. 

Does the source provide multiple practice tests?

One solid practice test is beneficial. Multiple practice tests can be a game changer, especially if you – the candidate – space out your practice and learning. The more, the merrier, so long as each practice test is high quality. 

Nice-to-haves 

Are you directed to learning resources to help expand your knowledge on a question you got incorrect?

With online search tools, a need for direction is not mandatory, but it is nice because it can help speed up the learning process.

Best FSOT practice test

For our top pick, the award goes to FSO Compass . 

FSO Compass provides comprehensive online training for aspiring U.S. diplomats. As part of the platform, it contains several practice tests and short quizzes for the different sections of the FSOT. The practice tests on Compass also simulate the testing environment of the actual testing experience, meeting all of the components of this specific evaluation criteria. 

As of this review, FSO Compass includes over 1,000 questions to help you prepare for the Foreign Service Officer Test.

In addition, Compass includes:

• Comprehensive study material on all sections of the FSOT
• A course to help you write strong, concise personal narratives, including the personal narrative challenge
• Through the practice tests and quizzes, performance tracking and feedback on areas to improve.
• The opportunity to interview current Foreign Service Officers and Specialists to learn more about their role
• An active community to interact with others, share study plans, and support each other throughout the application journey.
• An overall user-friendly interface

At the time of publication, FSO Compass charges $9/month or $49/year.

For our runner-up, we choose the State Department practice test .

What’s great about the DOS practice test is that the questions come from State, providing some weight to your practice. Unfortunately, there are several limitations, which we will note:

• There is no essay section on State’s practice test.
• An applicant must wait six months before accessing the second practice test offered.
• The question review does not explain why an answer is correct or incorrect.
• The navigation is not similar to the actual test (e.g., skip logic, save, and review).
• Furthermore, unlike FSO Compass, the practice test does not include comprehensive material to help you study and prepare for the sections.

At the time of publication, the State Department does not charge for the practice test.

Lagging behind

An online product you may find is Mometrix . After review, the material is similar, if not the same, as the study guide you will find linked below through Amazon (for cheaper). Unfortunately, this service asks for $60/month, which is very high for the product you receive. 

Mometrix includes three sections of the FSOT for you to practice. The functionality is also similar to the actual test. There is no essay section to practice. However, FSO Compass wins out because of the immersive option when practicing. 

An unfortunate but important note to make, during our review, it was clear that the English Expression practice tests only contain one question type, essay review, for you to practice. The actual English Expression test includes five different question types, which you will find represented in Compass and State’s practice test.

For this price, there is no course to help you prepare for the personal narratives, no community, minimal review of the content on the FSOT, no community, and no opportunity to interview members of the Foreign Service. 

Study guides you find on Amazon, book store, or your local library

There are several options out there if you are interested in this approach. Here is a link to Amazon if you would like to review them. Some significant limitations include that the practice tests are in a book, which does not accurately reflect how you take the test; the material may need to be updated; and reviews often note typos and incorrect information. 

Prices range from $25-50.

In conclusion

Hands down, the best Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) practice test is through FSO Compass . We were very impressed with the available practice quiz and test options, the representation these tests have with the actual experience, and the growing question library (currently over 1,000). 

Furthermore, the resources available on the site, in addition to the practice tests, knock this site out of the park, especially when considering the price and the comparison with the other available options, which are not even close.

If you are practicing for the FSOT, you will not go wrong with FSO Compass.

Know of another FSOT practice test? Let us know, and we will review and update this page!

Thanks for reading! Want to receive guidance on joining the Foreign Service, including recommended preparation resources? Join a community of people interested in the FS and going through the application process . Enter your email now and join us.

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FSOT Practice Test 2024 and Study Guide [PDF]

Foreign Service Officer FSOT Practice Test 2024 and Study Guide [PDF]: Download the free pdf for Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) Exam practice test question answers and the official study guide information PDF.

If you are interested in becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), you must first register for and take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT). To register for the FSOT, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include U.S. citizenship, an age requirement, and worldwide availability.

FSOT Practice Test 2024

The purpose of the practice Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) is to provide you with a realistic preview of the computer-based FSOT. The FSOT Practice Test 2022 simulates the actual FSOT in terms of questions, length of testing, and administration. Scores achieved will indicate your potential performance on an actual FSOT with good probability. The FSOT practice test includes the Job Knowledge, English Expression, and Situational Judgment sections of the FSOT, including Written Essay.

• FSOT Job Knowledge Practice Test ( 30 MCQs )
• FSOT Job Knowledge Practice Test   ( 60 MCQs )
• FSOT Situational Judgment Test
• FSOT English Expression Practice Test  ( 60 MCQs )

FSOT Exam 2024

The Foreign Service Officer Test is administered by Pearson VUE and is offered three times each year in February, June, and October. The Foreign Service Officer Test measures your knowledge, skills, and abilities, including writing skills that are necessary to the work of a Foreign Service Officer. The FSOT is administered online at designated test centers in the U.S. and abroad and takes about three hours to complete. It includes three multiple-choice sections:

• Job knowledge: Questions will cover a broad range of topics including, but not limited to, the structure and workings of the U.S. Government, U.S. and world history, U.S. culture, psychology, technology, management theory, finance and economics, and world affairs;
• English expression; and
• A situational judgment section will present scenarios (i.e., descriptions of situations) that a candidate might encounter on the job as a Foreign Service Officer.

In addition, you will be given 30 minutes to write an essay on an assigned topic. You must complete the multiple-choice tests in order to have your essay graded.

The first three sections of the test contain items in a multiple-choice format. The Written Essay appears in the last section of the FSOT. Each section of the test is timed separately and must be completed within the designated time limit.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, the U.S. Department of State requires that each candidate be:

• A U.S. citizen on the date the candidate submits the registration package
• At least 20 years old and no older than 59 years of age on the day the candidate submits the registration
• At least 21 years old and not yet 60 on the day the candidate is appointed as a Foreign Service Officer
• Available for worldwide assignments, including Washington, D.C.

Official Practice Test 2024

• FSOT Practice Test: Candidates who wish to take a practice FSOT should visit https://careers.state.gov/survey/FSOT-Careers/.
• FSOT Practice Test APP: Candidates can also download the Department’s mobile app at https://careers.state.gov/apps/ for additional practice FSOT questions.

FSOT Study Guide [PDF]

Knowledge of the following areas has been identified as essential for success across all five career tracks (Consular, Economic, Management, Political and Public Diplomacy):

• Proper English usage
• U.S. society, culture, economy, history, government, political systems and the Constitution
• World history and geography
• World political and social issues

In addition, all Foreign Service Officers should have a general understanding of:

• Basic mathematics and statistics
• Computer usage
• Principles of management
• Effective interpersonal communication
• Basic economic principles

Greater or more in-depth knowledge is needed in some areas, depending on the career track. In-depth knowledge may be required in the following areas:

• U.S. and international political and economic principles, issues and history
• U.S. Government and non-governmental agencies and organizations and their interactions with the Department of State
• U.S. diplomacy, democratic philosophy and educational practices
• U.S. policy issues and public and foreign policy formulation
• Legislation and laws related to Foreign Service issues
• International economics, finance and commerce
• Administrative methods and procedures
• Information and media resources

Information for How to Prepare for the FSOT 2024

Foreign Service Officer Selection Process at the Official U.S. Department of State Website

• Use the Guide to the Foreign Service Selection Process, ( PDF ) which contains sample test questions.
• Mobile Application with over 500 retired questions for additional study [ View ]
• Review the Suggested Reading List ( PDF )
• View the Suggested Course List ( PDF )
• Contact a Diplomat in Residence near you if you have questions and to find out about test information sessions that may be held in your area.
• Official Test Guide and Information Download link
• Math Practice Test
• Geometry Practice Test
• Reading Practice Test
• Critical Reading Practice Test
• Vocabulary and Grammar Practice Test