CPP Proofreading Marks & Symbols 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which proofreading mark instructs a typesetter to move text to the left margin?
- A bracket pointing left
- The 'move left' symbol (⊏) (Correct answer)
- A caret with an arrow
- An underline with FL
Correct answer: The 'move left' symbol (⊏)
The 'move left' symbol (⊏) directs the compositor to flush text to the left margin.
Question 2: What does the abbreviation 'tr' written in the margin indicate?
- Transpose letters or words (Correct answer)
- Trim the line
- Track changes
- Transfer to next page
Correct answer: Transpose letters or words
'tr' stands for transpose and instructs the typesetter to switch the order of the marked letters, words, or elements.
Question 3: A proofreader circles a word and writes 'sp' in the margin. What does this mean?
- Set in small print
- Spell out the word or abbreviation (Correct answer)
- Single space follows
- Start new paragraph
Correct answer: Spell out the word or abbreviation
'sp' directs the compositor to spell out an abbreviated or numerical element in full.
Question 4: Which mark is used to indicate that a superscript should be lowered to the baseline?
- A downward-pointing caret
- The word 'lc' in a circle
- An inverted circumflex (ˇ) below the character (Correct answer)
- A horizontal line under the character with 'base'
Correct answer: An inverted circumflex (ˇ) below the character
An inverted circumflex or wedge placed beneath a superscript indicates it should be lowered to the baseline.
Question 5: What does a double underline under text traditionally signal?
- Set in italic
- Set in bold
- Set in small caps
- Set in all caps (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Set in all caps
A double underline indicates the text should be set in all capitals.
Question 6: The symbol '¶' is inserted in running text during proofreading. What does it indicate?
- End of chapter
- Begin a new paragraph here (Correct answer)
- Insert a section break
- Add a footnote
Correct answer: Begin a new paragraph here
The pilcrow (¶) mark tells the compositor to start a new paragraph at that point.
Question 7: Which proofreading mark instructs the typesetter to close up extra space between two words?
- A caret (^) between the words
- A linking curve beneath both words (Correct answer)
- Parentheses around the space
- A slash between the words
Correct answer: A linking curve beneath both words
A curved linking line or 'close-up' hook drawn beneath (or between) the elements signals that space should be eliminated.
CPP Proofreading Marks & Symbols 2
Which proofreading mark instructs a typesetter to move text to the left margin?