Proofreading & Editing Fact-Checking & Accuracy 2

Question 1

Which type of error involves presenting accurate facts in a misleading context?

Accepted Answer

Contextual inaccuracy

Answer

A contextual inaccuracy occurs when facts are technically correct but framed or juxtaposed in ways that mislead the reader about their meaning.

Question 2

An article claims a company's revenue 'doubled' from $500 million to $900 million. Is this claim accurate?

Accepted Answer

No, because doubling $500 million would equal $1 billion

Answer

Doubling means multiplying by two; $500 million doubled is $1 billion, so describing an increase to $900 million as 'doubled' is numerically inaccurate.

Question 3

What is a 'churnalism' risk in fact-checking?

Accepted Answer

Reprinting press release claims without independent verification

Answer

Churnalism refers to publishing press releases or wire stories verbatim without independent verification, risking the uncritical spread of inaccurate or promotional claims.

Question 4

A fact-checker notes that an article consistently misspells a proper noun (a person's name). Under which category does this error primarily fall?

Accepted Answer

Factual inaccuracy

Answer

A misspelled proper noun is a factual inaccuracy because the correct spelling of a name is a verifiable fact, not merely a stylistic choice.

Question 5

Which of the following is the LEAST reliable source for fact-checking purposes?

Accepted Answer

An anonymous user-edited online forum post

Answer

Anonymous user-edited forum posts have no editorial oversight or accountability, making them the least reliable source for verifying factual claims.

Proofreading & Editing Practice Test

Proofreading & Editing Practice Test

Proofreading & Editing Fact-Checking & Accuracy 2