Proofreading & Editing Proofreading Knowledge 4

Question 1

Which of the following correctly uses an em dash?

Accepted Answer

The report—which was late—caused problems.

Answer

An em dash (—) is used without spaces to set off parenthetical information or create emphasis, as shown in the third option.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Replace it with 'regardless' since 'irregardless' is nonstandard

Answer

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

Question 3

What is the correct plural of 'criterion'?

Accepted Answer

Criteria

Answer

'Criterion' is a Greek-origin word whose correct English plural is 'criteria,' not 'criterions' or 'criterias.'

Question 4

When proofreading, which of the following represents a consistency error?

Accepted Answer

Using 'color' on page 1 and 'colour' on page 5 in the same document

Answer

Switching between American ('color') and British ('colour') spellings within the same document is a consistency error that proofreaders must flag.

Question 5

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Accepted Answer

She nearly drove her car into the lake.

Answer

In 'She nearly drove her car into the lake,' 'nearly' modifies 'drove' instead of 'into the lake,' changing the intended meaning.

Proofreading & Editing Practice Test