Border Patrol Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of an imperative command?

1. I want to go home

2. Please sit down

3. We were watching a game

4. He is running fast

The correct answer is: Please sit down

An imperative command is a directive that is used to instruct someone to perform a specific action. The statement "Please sit down" clearly functions in this way. It is not merely a request; it directs the listener to take a specific action—sitting down. The inclusion of the word "please" adds politeness but does not change the fact that it is commanding the listener to act. The other statements reflect different forms of expression. For instance, expressing a desire, as seen in "I want to go home," indicates a personal wish rather than directing someone to take action. The phrase "We were watching a game" describes a past activity and does not involve any command or request. Similarly, "He is running fast" is a statement of fact that describes the action of a subject without issuing any command. Thus, only the statement "Please sit down" meets the criteria of an imperative command.