Proofreading & Editing Skills Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a style guide in editing?

To determine the author's intent
To increase word count
To replace the need for proofreading
To ensure consistency in language, formatting, and usage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To ensure consistency in language, formatting, and usage

A style guide provides rules for consistent language, punctuation, and formatting across a document or publication.

Question 2: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Running quickly, the bus was caught by her. (Correct answer)
She caught the bus by running quickly.
Running quickly, she caught the bus.
She ran quickly and caught the bus.

Correct answer: Running quickly, the bus was caught by her.

A dangling modifier occurs when the modifying phrase does not logically connect to the subject of the main clause — the bus cannot run.

Question 3: Which is an example of a misplaced modifier?

The editor carefully reviewed the draft.
Carefully, the editor reviewed the draft.
The editor reviewed the carefully draft. (Correct answer)
The editor reviewed the draft carefully.

Correct answer: The editor reviewed the carefully draft.

A misplaced modifier is positioned too far from the word it modifies, creating confusion — 'carefully' should not go between 'the' and 'draft'.

Question 4: Which of the following is an example of passive voice?

She quickly corrected the errors.
He submitted the final draft yesterday.
The manuscript was reviewed by the editor. (Correct answer)
The editor reviewed the manuscript.

Correct answer: The manuscript was reviewed by the editor.

Passive voice occurs when the subject receives the action rather than performing it — 'was reviewed' makes 'manuscript' the receiver of the action.

Question 5: Which is the correct use of 'that' vs. 'which'?

The report that I edited was submitted on time. (Correct answer)
The report, that I edited, was submitted on time.
The report that I edited, which was long, was submitted.
The report which I edited was submitted on time.

Correct answer: The report that I edited was submitted on time.

'That' introduces a restrictive clause (essential to meaning) without commas; 'which' introduces a non-restrictive clause (additional info) with commas.

Question 6: What is the purpose of a style sheet in editing?

A template for page layout and design
A checklist for submitting final proofs
A list of words to delete from the manuscript
A document recording all editorial decisions made for a specific project (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A document recording all editorial decisions made for a specific project

An editor's style sheet records project-specific decisions — spellings, hyphenation choices, character names — to maintain consistency throughout.

Question 7: What does 'flag' mean in an editorial context?

To convert passive to active voice
To delete text permanently
To approve text for publication
To mark a passage that needs review or clarification (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To mark a passage that needs review or clarification

To flag text means to mark it with a query or comment so the author or editor can review and address a potential issue.

Question 8: Which is NOT typically a copy editor's responsibility?

Fixing spelling errors
Rewriting entire sections for better narrative flow (Correct answer)
Ensuring subject-verb agreement
Checking punctuation consistency

Correct answer: Rewriting entire sections for better narrative flow

Rewriting entire sections is the domain of developmental or substantive editors — copy editors work at the sentence level without restructuring content.

Question 9: A proofreader encounters 'irregardless' in a formal document. What action should they take?

Replace it with 'irrespective' only
Flag it for the author but make no change
Replace it with 'regardless' since 'irregardless' is nonstandard (Correct answer)
Leave it; it is a standard word

Correct answer: Replace it with 'regardless' since 'irregardless' is nonstandard

'Irregardless' is widely considered nonstandard because the prefix 'ir-' creates a double negative; 'regardless' is the correct standard form.

Question 10: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

He ran fast; because he was late.
The meeting was long; everyone left tired. (Correct answer)
I like coffee; but not tea.
She studied hard; and passed the exam.

Correct answer: The meeting was long; everyone left tired.

A semicolon correctly joins two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction; the other options incorrectly use semicolons with coordinating or subordinating conjunctions.

Question 11: Which mark indicates that a hyphen should be deleted and the words should run together?

A dele mark through the hyphen (Correct answer)
A close-up mark (⌣) over the hyphen
A caret (^)
A pilcrow (¶) beside the hyphen

Correct answer: A dele mark through the hyphen

Drawing a dele mark through an unwanted hyphen instructs the typesetter to remove it, closing up the two word parts.

Question 12: What is the correct plural of 'criterion'?

criterium
criterias
criterions
criteria (Correct answer)

Correct answer: criteria

'Criteria' is the standard English plural of 'criterion,' which comes from Greek.

Question 13: What is the primary goal of copy editing?

Rewriting the author's content for clarity
Redesigning the document layout
Correcting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style (Correct answer)
Fact-checking all statistical data

Correct answer: Correcting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style

Copy editing focuses on correcting surface-level errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency while preserving the author's voice.

Question 14: Which of the following is an example of a word that is frequently confused?

big / large
run / runs
affect / effect (Correct answer)
and / but

Correct answer: affect / effect

'Affect' (verb: to influence) and 'effect' (noun: a result) are among the most commonly confused word pairs in English.

Question 15: In copy editing, what does it mean to 'read for sense'?

Verifying that all facts are accurate
Checking that all sentences are short
Reviewing content to ensure it is logical, clear, and makes sense to the reader (Correct answer)
Counting the number of sentences per paragraph

Correct answer: Reviewing content to ensure it is logical, clear, and makes sense to the reader

Reading for sense means evaluating whether the text communicates its intended meaning clearly and logically, beyond just surface-level correctness.

Question 16: Which of the following is an example of 'widow' in typesetting?

A paragraph spanning two columns
A footnote extending to the next page
A single word left alone on the last line of a paragraph (Correct answer)
A heading left alone at the bottom of a page

Correct answer: A single word left alone on the last line of a paragraph

A widow is a single short line (or word) at the end of a paragraph that is isolated from the rest of the paragraph.

Question 17: What is the recommended maximum number of words for a clear, readable sentence according to most style guides?

25 words (Correct answer)
50 words
15 words
40 words

Correct answer: 25 words

Most style guides recommend keeping sentences to around 25 words or fewer for clarity and readability.

Question 18: Which sentence contains a comma splice?

She studied hard, she passed the exam. (Correct answer)
The rain fell heavily, and the streets flooded.
He ran quickly but missed the bus.
Although it was late, he continued working.

Correct answer: She studied hard, she passed the exam.

A comma splice joins two independent clauses with only a comma and no coordinating conjunction.

Question 19: What does 'editorial objectivity' require?

That the editor never ask questions of the author
That the editor agree with the author's viewpoint
That the editor set aside personal biases to evaluate the manuscript on its own terms (Correct answer)
That the editor only work on topics they are passionate about

Correct answer: That the editor set aside personal biases to evaluate the manuscript on its own terms

Editorial objectivity requires editors to evaluate and improve a manuscript based on professional standards and the author's goals, not the editor's personal opinions.

Question 20: What does three underlines under a letter in proofreading markup indicate?

Bold the letter
Delete the letter
Italicize the letter
Capitalize the letter (use uppercase) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Capitalize the letter (use uppercase)

Three underlines beneath a letter is the traditional proofreading mark instructing the typesetter to capitalize the letter.

Question 21: Which sentence contains a homophone error?

She accepted the award graciously.
The weather affected the outdoor event.
They're going to the conference next week.
The new policy will altar the workflow. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The new policy will altar the workflow.

'Altar' is a noun (a raised structure), while 'alter' (to change) is the correct word in this context.

Question 22: What does 'voice' consistency mean in editing?

Removing passive constructions from the text
Ensuring the author uses only active voice
Checking that all verbs are in the same tense
Maintaining a uniform tone and perspective throughout the document (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintaining a uniform tone and perspective throughout the document

Voice consistency in editing means the document maintains a uniform tone, style, and point of view throughout.

Question 23: What is an 'em dash' used for?

To mark a strong break or parenthetical statement in a sentence (Correct answer)
To hyphenate compound adjectives
To separate items in a simple list
To show a range between numbers

Correct answer: To mark a strong break or parenthetical statement in a sentence

An em dash (—) is used to create a strong break in a sentence or to set off a parenthetical element with emphasis.

Question 24: Which sentence correctly uses 'ensure,' 'insure,' and 'assure'?

I want to insure you that this is accurate.
Take these steps to ensure accuracy in the report. (Correct answer)
Please assure the car before the trip.
We need to ensure the package against damage.

Correct answer: Take these steps to ensure accuracy in the report.

'Ensure' means to make certain something happens; 'insure' relates to financial insurance; 'assure' is used to reassure a person.

Question 25: What is the purpose of a 'track changes' feature in digital editing?

To convert a document from one file format to another
To count the total number of edits made
To record edits so authors can review, accept, or reject each change (Correct answer)
To automatically correct all grammatical errors

Correct answer: To record edits so authors can review, accept, or reject each change

Track Changes shows every insertion, deletion, and comment so authors can see what was changed and decide whether to accept each edit.

Question 26: In APA style, how are numbers below 10 typically written?

As words (Correct answer)
As abbreviations
As Roman numerals
As numerals

Correct answer: As words

APA style generally requires that numbers below 10 be spelled out as words unless they precede a unit of measurement.

Question 27: Which tools are available to assist with proofreading?

Google
Spell Check and Proofreader's Marks (Correct answer)
Proofreader's Marks
Spell Check

Correct answer: Spell Check and Proofreader's Marks

Both spell check software and traditional proofreader's marks are essential tools for assisting with proofreading. Spell check helps identify typographical errors and common misspellings quickly. Proofreader's marks, on the other hand, provide a standardized and comprehensive system for indicating a wide range of corrections, from punctuation and grammar to formatting, ensuring clarity and efficiency in the editing process.

Question 28: What is the correct possessive form of 'children'?

childrens'
childrens's
children's (Correct answer)
childrens

Correct answer: children's

Since 'children' is an irregular plural that does not end in 's', you add apostrophe + s to show possession.

Question 29: Which organization provides a professional code of ethics for editors in the United States?

National Education Association (NEA)
American Library Association (ALA)
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)

The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) provides professional guidelines and a code of ethics for freelance editors in the United States.

Question 30: What is the difference between a 'line edit' and a 'proofread'?

A line edit focuses on final surface errors; a proofread addresses style and clarity
A line edit improves sentence-level style and clarity; a proofread catches final surface errors (Correct answer)
There is no difference — both are identical tasks
A proofread is always performed before a line edit

Correct answer: A line edit improves sentence-level style and clarity; a proofread catches final surface errors

A line edit addresses sentence-level style, clarity, and flow, while proofreading is the final check for surface errors — typos, punctuation, and formatting — before publication.

Question 31: What does 'bf' mean in a proofreading instruction?

Beginning fragment
Before formatting
Big font
Bold face — set the text in bold (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Bold face — set the text in bold

'Bf' or 'bold' instructs the typesetter to apply bold formatting to the marked text.

Question 32: Identify the error in this sentence: 'The committee have reached their decision.'

Comma splice
No error — collective nouns take plural verbs in American English (Correct answer)
Incorrect pronoun case
Subject-verb agreement error

Correct answer: No error — collective nouns take plural verbs in American English

In American English, collective nouns like 'committee' typically take singular verbs ('has'), but this is a style preference, not a hard error in all dialects.

Question 33: Which of the following best describes 'substantive editing'?

Formatting headers and margins
Checking spelling and punctuation only
Verifying citations and references
Restructuring content and improving clarity, flow, and organization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Restructuring content and improving clarity, flow, and organization

Substantive (or developmental) editing addresses big-picture issues like structure, clarity, logic, and organization.

Question 34: What is the difference between an 'error of commission' and an 'error of omission' in fact-checking?

Commission = numerical error; omission = spelling error
Commission = author's error; omission = editor's error
Commission = wrong word choice; omission = missing punctuation
Commission = stating something false; omission = leaving out information that changes meaning (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Commission = stating something false; omission = leaving out information that changes meaning

An error of commission involves stating something that is factually false, while an error of omission involves leaving out context or information that would change the reader's understanding.

Question 35: In AP style, how are dates written?

22 March 2026
March 22nd, 2026
March 22, 2026 (Correct answer)
22nd of March, 2026

Correct answer: March 22, 2026

AP style uses the format: Month Day, Year — with no ordinal suffixes (no 'nd', 'rd', 'st', 'th').

Question 36: When proofreading a document, what does the proofreading mark '¶' indicate?

Insert a space
Start a new paragraph (Correct answer)
Delete the word
Transpose letters

Correct answer: Start a new paragraph

The paragraph symbol (¶) is a standard proofreading mark indicating that a new paragraph should begin at that point.

Question 37: What is a homophone error in proofreading?

Confusing words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings (Correct answer)
Using the wrong font size
Splitting an infinitive incorrectly
Repeating the same word twice in a sentence

Correct answer: Confusing words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings

Homophone errors occur when a writer uses a word that sounds like the intended word but is spelled differently and has a different meaning (e.g., 'their/there/they're').

Question 38: Which word is a transitional adverb that should be preceded by a semicolon when joining two independent clauses?

but
or
and
however (Correct answer)

Correct answer: however

Transitional adverbs like 'however,' 'therefore,' and 'moreover' must be preceded by a semicolon (not a comma) when joining two independent clauses.

Question 39: When should 'which' be used instead of 'that' to introduce a clause?

When referring to people rather than things
When the clause is nonessential and set off by commas (Correct answer)
When the sentence is in passive voice
When the clause is essential to the sentence's meaning

Correct answer: When the clause is nonessential and set off by commas

'Which' introduces nonrestrictive (nonessential) clauses set off by commas, while 'that' introduces restrictive (essential) clauses without commas.

Question 40: What does the proofreading symbol 'dele' (ɗ) indicate?

Add a period
Move text to a new paragraph
Insert text here
Delete the marked text (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Delete the marked text

The 'dele' mark (ɗ or a looped 'd') is the standard proofreading symbol instructing the typesetter to delete the marked text.

Question 41: Which sentence correctly uses a hyphen?

The well-known author signed books. (Correct answer)
He well-known wrote the novel.
The author, well known, signed books.
She is a well known author.

Correct answer: The well-known author signed books.

Compound modifiers before a noun are hyphenated ('well-known author'), but not when used predicatively ('The author is well known').

Question 42: Which sentence correctly distinguishes 'fewer' and 'less'?

There are less people here today.
Use fewer for countable nouns and less for uncountable ones. (Correct answer)
Less errors were found in the second draft.
He has fewer money than she does.

Correct answer: Use fewer for countable nouns and less for uncountable ones.

'Fewer' is for countable nouns (fewer apples) and 'less' is for uncountable/mass nouns (less sugar).

Question 43: In traditional manuscript markup, what does drawing a circle around a punctuation mark indicate?

The punctuation should be moved to a new position
Spell out the abbreviated word
Delete the punctuation
The punctuation should be checked or changed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The punctuation should be checked or changed

Circling punctuation in traditional proofreading markup signals that the punctuation mark needs attention — it may need to be changed or verified.

Question 44: What should an editor do if they discover potentially factual errors in a manuscript?

Delete the questionable content
Correct the errors without notifying the author
Reject the manuscript immediately
Query the author to verify or correct the information (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Query the author to verify or correct the information

Editors should flag potential factual errors with a query to the author rather than silently changing or deleting the content — fact-checking is ultimately the author's responsibility.

Question 45: What does underlining text in traditional proofreading indicate?

Move the underlined text elsewhere
The underlined text should be italicized (Correct answer)
Delete the underlined text
The underlined text is correct

Correct answer: The underlined text should be italicized

In traditional proofreading markup, a single underline instructs the typesetter to italicize the marked text.

Question 46: When editing a document, what is a 'conflict of interest'?

A personal relationship or financial stake that could bias the editor's judgment (Correct answer)
Charging more than the standard editing rate
Editing in a field you are not an expert in
Disagreeing with the author's argument

Correct answer: A personal relationship or financial stake that could bias the editor's judgment

A conflict of interest arises when an editor's personal, financial, or professional connections could compromise their objectivity in editing the work.

Question 47: Which of the following is an example of an inconsistency a proofreader should flag?

Using 'figure' and 'Fig.' interchangeably in captions (Correct answer)
Using a 12-point serif font throughout
Placing footnotes at the bottom of the page
Using active voice in the introduction

Correct answer: Using 'figure' and 'Fig.' interchangeably in captions

Inconsistent abbreviation usage — alternating between 'figure' and 'Fig.' — is an editorial inconsistency that should be standardized.

Question 48: What does 'scope creep' mean in a freelance editing contract?

Gradually adding tasks beyond the original agreed-upon work without additional compensation (Correct answer)
Adding extra formatting requirements to the style guide
Reducing the editing fee over time
Extending the deadline for the editing project

Correct answer: Gradually adding tasks beyond the original agreed-upon work without additional compensation

Scope creep occurs when additional editing tasks are gradually added to a project beyond what was originally agreed, often without additional pay — clear contracts prevent this.

Question 49: Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

We need three items: flour, sugar, and eggs. (Correct answer)
Please bring: flour, sugar, and eggs to the meeting.
She bought: flour, sugar, and eggs.
The ingredients are: flour, sugar, and eggs.

Correct answer: We need three items: flour, sugar, and eggs.

A colon should follow a complete independent clause before introducing a list.

Question 50: Which style guide is most commonly used in American journalism?

APA Style
AP Stylebook (Correct answer)
MLA Handbook
Chicago Manual of Style

Correct answer: AP Stylebook

The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook is the standard reference for American newspaper and journalism writing.

Question 51: Which proofreading mark indicates that a letter or word should be bolded?

A tilde (~)
A wavy underline (Correct answer)
A single straight underline
A circled 'B'

Correct answer: A wavy underline

A wavy underline in traditional proofreading markup instructs the typesetter to apply bold formatting to the marked text.

Question 52: In manuscript proofreading, three underlines beneath a letter means:

Make this character bold
Delete this character
Make this character italic
Capitalize this character (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Capitalize this character

Three underlines is the standard proofreading mark indicating a letter should be set in capitals.

Question 53: What does the proofreading mark '^' (caret) signal?

Insert text or a character at this position (Correct answer)
Move this text to the right
Delete text at this point
Begin a new paragraph

Correct answer: Insert text or a character at this position

A caret (^) placed in the text indicates where an insertion should be made, with the inserted text written above or in the margin.

Question 54: In digital proofreading, what is a 'comment bubble' used for?

To leave editorial notes or queries without altering the main text (Correct answer)
To delete unwanted sections
To highlight formatting changes
To automatically correct spelling errors

Correct answer: To leave editorial notes or queries without altering the main text

Comment bubbles allow editors to leave notes, questions, or suggestions in the margin without modifying the main document text.

Question 55: Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The new policy will ___ all previous guidelines'?

superceed
superseed
supersede (Correct answer)
supercede

Correct answer: supersede

'Supersede' is the only correct spelling — it derives from the Latin 'supersedere' and does not follow the '-cede' pattern.

Question 56: What error appears in: 'The number of complaints have increased'?

Incorrect tense — should be 'had increased'
Missing article before 'number'
Subject-verb disagreement — 'number' is singular and takes 'has' (Correct answer)
No error exists

Correct answer: Subject-verb disagreement — 'number' is singular and takes 'has'

'The number of' takes a singular verb; 'a number of' takes a plural verb.

Question 57: Which sentence correctly uses 'fewer' vs. 'less'?

There are less errors in the final draft.
There are fewer errors in the final draft. (Correct answer)
There is fewer errors in the final draft.
There are less amount of errors in the final draft.

Correct answer: There are fewer errors in the final draft.

'Fewer' is used for countable nouns (errors you can count); 'less' is used for uncountable quantities.

Question 58: What is a house style?

A government-issued grammar rulebook
A style guide for interior design writing
The preferred formatting of a specific publisher or organization (Correct answer)
A style used exclusively in academic writing

Correct answer: The preferred formatting of a specific publisher or organization

House style refers to the specific set of editorial conventions adopted by a particular publisher, company, or organization.

Question 59: When should a hyphen be used in compound adjectives?

Never — em dashes should replace hyphens
Only when the compound adjective appears before the noun it modifies (Correct answer)
Always, regardless of position
Only when the compound adjective follows a linking verb

Correct answer: Only when the compound adjective appears before the noun it modifies

Compound adjectives are hyphenated before the noun they modify (e.g., 'well-written report') but not after a linking verb ('the report is well written').

Question 60: What does 'stet' mean on a proofreading markup?

Move the text to a new paragraph
Delete the marked text
Insert a space
Let the original text stand (ignore the correction) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Let the original text stand (ignore the correction)

'Stet' is a Latin proofreading term meaning 'let it stand,' indicating that a previously marked change should be ignored.

Proofreading & Editing Skills Assessment

Proofreading and editing skills assessments are used by publishers, media companies, and professional certification bodies to evaluate editorial competency. These assessments typically cover grammar and punctuation, style consistency, copy editing techniques, proofreading marks and symbols, and editorial ethics. No single universal body administers this credential; assessments are offered through organizations such as the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) and various publishing industry employers.

Questions

60 min

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70%

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