Proofreading & Editing Proofreading Assessment 5

Question 1

Which sentence has an error in apostrophe use?

Accepted Answer

The editor's approved the manuscript.

Answer

Adding an apostrophe-s to 'editors' makes it possessive, but here it's used as the subject of the sentence, requiring no apostrophe.

Question 2

What does the proofreading mark 'tr' or a transposition symbol indicate?

Accepted Answer

Reverse the order of letters, words, or lines

Answer

The transposition mark signals that the marked elements (letters, words, or lines) should be switched in order.

Question 3

Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

Accepted Answer

She had three goals: to learn, to grow, and to lead.

Answer

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

Question 4

Which sentence contains a homophone error?

Accepted Answer

The new policy will altar the workflow.

Answer

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

Question 5

In formal writing, which is the preferred way to write numbers?

Accepted Answer

Spell out numbers one through nine; use numerals for 10 and above (AP style)

Answer

AP style (common in journalism and many professional settings) spells out numbers one through nine and uses numerals for 10 and above.

Proofreading & Editing Practice Test