Before you start: Paperwork Made Plain Pretest

About 10 minutes. Not graded. 12 questions, plus 3 quick confidence questions.

This is not a test you pass or fail. It is fine not to know these answers. Many people will not, because you have not taken the course yet. Your answers show your starting point, so at the end you can see how far you came.

Why we ask: it shows what you already know and which ideas are new to you. When you finish the course, you will see your before and after for each skill, so you can see where you grew and what to review.

How sure do you feel?

Rate each line from 1 (not at all sure) to 5 (very sure). There is no right answer.

I can fill out a form with no missing required boxes.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can list my key papers and keep them safe.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can answer an official letter by its deadline.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can check a lease for five key things before I sign.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can find free help with paperwork.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

Questions

1. You get a new form. What is the first step?

A. Guess what each box wants and move fast B. Read how to fill it out C. Fill in the last page

2. What can happen if a required box is left blank?

A. Nothing at all happens to the form. B. The office fills it in. C. The form may be sent back.

3. You made a big mistake on a USCIS form. What does USCIS say to do?

A. Start over on a new form B. Cross it out and write small next to it C. Cover it with correction tape

4. Which is a key paper to keep in your kit?

A. Your lease B. A takeout menu C. A magazine you plan to read later

5. What does the Social Security Administration say about your card?

A. Show it to anyone who asks. B. Do not carry it unless you need it. C. Keep a photo of it as your phone screen.

6. How much does the Social Security Administration charge for a new card?

A. $50 B. It depends on how many cards you have lost before C. Nothing

7. Which words in a letter point to a deadline?

A. Thank you for being with us all these years B. Dear customer C. Reply by

8. After you mail an answer to an official letter, what should you keep?

A. A copy and proof you sent it B. Nothing C. Only the empty envelope

9. You are about to rent a home. What should you look for in the lease?

A. The color of the front door B. Fees C. The size of the parking lot

10. A landlord says: Sign now, there is no time to read. What should you do?

A. Sign it fast B. Sign, then read it at home tonight C. Ask for time

11. Who answers the USAGov help line?

A. A recorded ad B. A real person C. A robot that only reads the website to you

12. Which group helps fund free legal aid across the country?

A. Legal Services Corporation B. A phone company C. A group of local landlords

Save my starting point

Next up

Go to Lesson 1: Forms without fear.

This self check is not a grade and does not affect your access.