CPP Fact-Checking & Reference Verification

Question 1

What is the primary goal of fact-checking during proofreading?

Accepted Answer

Verifying the accuracy of factual claims, names, dates, and figures

Answer

Fact-checking focuses specifically on verifying that factual content—such as names, dates, statistics, and claims—is accurate and can be supported by reliable sources.

Question 2

Which of the following is considered a primary source when fact-checking?

Accepted Answer

The original published research study or official government record

Answer

Primary sources are original, firsthand materials such as published studies, official records, or legal documents, as opposed to secondary sources that interpret or summarize them.

Question 3

A proofreader finds a quoted statistic in a document with no citation. What is the most appropriate first step?

Accepted Answer

Flag the statistic as unverified and note that a citation or source is needed

Answer

A proofreader should flag uncited statistics for the author or editor to supply proper sourcing rather than removing or altering factual content unilaterally.

Question 4

When a proofreader suspects a historical date in a manuscript is incorrect, what is the best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Cross-reference the date against at least two reliable sources before querying the author

Answer

Before querying or correcting, a proofreader should verify the suspected error against reliable sources to confirm the discrepancy and provide accurate information in the query.

Question 5

Which type of error is fact-checking primarily designed to catch?

Accepted Answer

Substantive inaccuracies such as incorrect names, figures, or factual claims

Answer

Fact-checking targets substantive inaccuracies—errors in facts, data, names, and claims—rather than mechanical or stylistic errors.

(CPP) Certified Professional Proofreader Practice Test

(CPP) Certified Professional Proofreader Practice Test

CPP Fact-Checking & Reference Verification