Mixed Deck — All Writing and Editing Topics Flashcards
100 cards from real Writing and Editing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Mixed Deck — All Writing and Editing Topics flashcards as text
Which sentence uses a correctly placed restrictive clause?
Answer: Employees who arrive late will be docked pay.
A restrictive clause (no commas) limits which employees are meant; removing it would change the meaning.
What does 'circumlocution' mean in writing?
Answer: The use of many words to express an idea that could be stated more concisely
Circumlocution is the use of roundabout or unnecessarily wordy expressions instead of direct language.
What is the main function of a concluding sentence in a body paragraph?
Answer: To summarize the paragraph's point and connect it to the essay's argument
A concluding sentence wraps up the paragraph's main point and shows how it contributes to the essay's broader argument.
Which is the correct order of the editing process?
Answer: Developmental editing → Copyediting → Proofreading
Developmental editing addresses big-picture issues first; copyediting refines language; proofreading is the final pass.
Which technique is used to combine two choppy sentences for better flow?
Answer: Using subordination to turn one sentence into a dependent clause
Subordination integrates two ideas by making one clause dependent, improving the logical relationship and flow.
Which sentence uses 'disinterested' correctly?
Answer: The judge was disinterested in the outcome and ruled fairly.
'Disinterested' means impartial or unbiased, not bored or uninterested ('uninterested').
When a paragraph develops an idea by explaining what it is AND distinguishing it from similar concepts, the writer is using which technique?
Answer: Extended definition
Extended definition expands a term's meaning beyond a dictionary entry by describing its characteristics, providing examples, and clarifying misconceptions.
Which sentence uses gender-neutral language correctly?
Answer: Each employee must submit their timesheet.
Singular 'they' is widely accepted in modern American style guides as a gender-neutral third-person pronoun.
Which sentence uses 'imply' vs. 'infer' correctly?
Answer: The author implied that deadlines matter by using urgent language.
Speakers/writers imply (suggest); readers/listeners infer (deduce) — the author implies, the reader infers.
Which sentence correctly uses 'principal' vs. 'principle'?
Answer: The principal editor reviewed the manuscript.
'Principal' means main/primary (or a school administrator); 'principle' refers to a rule or standard.
What is the difference between a 'denotation' and a 'connotation'?
Answer: Denotation is the literal dictionary meaning; connotation is the emotional or cultural association of a word.
Denotation is the objective, literal definition; connotation includes the suggestive or emotional overtones of a word.
A paragraph that examines how two subjects are alike AND different is using which development pattern?
Answer: Comparison and contrast
Comparison and contrast paragraphs examine both similarities (comparison) and differences (contrast) between two or more subjects.
What is sentence variety, and why is it important in writing?
Answer: Mixing sentence types and lengths to create rhythm and maintain reader engagement
Varying sentence structure and length prevents monotony and keeps the reader engaged.
What does 'faulty predication' mean in editing?
Answer: A mismatch between the subject and predicate, where the predicate cannot logically apply to the subject
Faulty predication occurs when the subject and predicate are logically incompatible, as in 'The reason is because…'
Which sentence uses the correct subject-verb agreement?
Answer: The team is winning.
Collective nouns like 'team' take a singular verb in American English.
What term describes a sentence in a paragraph that does NOT support the topic sentence?
Answer: An irrelevant sentence
An irrelevant sentence disrupts paragraph unity by introducing ideas unrelated to the paragraph's stated main point.
Which sentence uses an em dash correctly?
Answer: The editor—a veteran journalist—approved the piece.
Em dashes set off a parenthetical phrase, with one em dash on each side of the inserted material.
What is the meaning of 'ameliorate'?
Answer: To improve or make better
'Ameliorate' means to make something bad or unsatisfactory better.
Which sentence correctly uses 'its' vs. 'it's'?
Answer: The report lost its cover page.
'Its' is the possessive pronoun; 'it's' is the contraction for 'it is.'
What is 'substantive editing'?
Answer: Editing that addresses content, organization, and clarity at a deeper level than copyediting
Substantive (or developmental) editing focuses on structure, argument, and clarity rather than just surface correctness.