Proofreading tests

Test 1 – Grammar and usage

Instruction: Circle the correct choice in each example.

1. The three-part series had the desired affect/effect on the readers.

2. The editor wasn’t certain who/whom would be the ideal targets for the series.

3. The reporters had to convince/persuade the editor to run the story at its length.

4. Three reporters were sent to cover the weekly council/counsel meeting.

5. The photographer got a picture of the hit-and-run/hit and run driver.

6. The company’s value appreciated/depreciated to $50 million from $100 million.

7. Canada goose/Canadian goose droppings covered the parking lot.

8. The newsroom was curious who/whom the next editor would be.

9. The 20-year-old youth/man applied for the position as a part-time photographer.

10. Who/Whom did the publisher name as editor?

11. The publisher implied/inferred to the staff that layoffs would be coming.

12. Articles that/which aren’t fact checked have a greater possibility for error.

13. The editor decided to lay/lie down before moving to her next assignment.

14. Fewer than/less than 15 reporters remain on the staff.

15. The reporter quickly rifled/riffled through her notes before the interview.

16. The reporter tried to stanch/staunch the victim’s bleeding at the crash scene.

17. The principal/principle was one of several people interviewed for the article.

18. The reporter decided to canvas/canvass the voters before writing her story.

19. It was much more difficult for the reporter to pedal/peddle his bicycle up the hill.

20. Anyone/Any one could apply for the job with the same chance of success.
Test 2 – Proofreading

Instruction: mark out the text changes and corrections

Most people take their digital cameras with them when they go on holiday or shoot quick snaps on

the mobile phones. But, more often then not, the results can be dissappointing. This is either

because most cameras aren’t set up correctly, the subject is poorly framed, or the flash is set to

Automatic when it should be Disabled. Fortunately, a few simple techniques can help you take better

photos the next time you travel.

Test 3 – Proofreading

Instruction: mark out the text changes and corrections

“When Apple Corps launched their first iPhone in 2008, it didn’t dissappoint. In fact, it immediately

captured the collective imagination with a geeky allure driven by Apples slick design, the phone’s

smart flexibilty and it’s inovative multi-touch approach.”

Test 4 – Proofreading

Instruction: mark out the text changes and corrections

John desparately wanted to develop a authoratative jazz website, and the task did not phase him. He

partnerd with Jennifer, a musician he first met in the mid-90’s. Jennifer was a classically-trained

singer who had had a succesful career, before damaging her vocal chords. Her musical interests

complimented Johns, so the partnership seamed a natural fit. Jennifer prooved too be a real trooper,

compleating tasks in a lightening-fast manner without him asking her, and John soon gave her free
reign. An acomplished proofreader, Jennifer corrected even miniscule mistakes, and before long the

cite had far less grammatical errors. Today, John’s and Jennifer’s website is one of the few jazz sites

which offers comprehensive reviews. Although the site is smaller then others, it is known for it’s

compeling content. As much as they would like to, alot of similar sites just can not compete. Some

say John and Jenifer got there just deserts.

Test 5 – Proofreading

Instruction: mark out the text changes and corrections

To our knowledge, Earth is the only body in the solar system which currently sustains life, although

several other bodies are under investigation.

The framework provides the common performance and development criteria for jobs and positions

across business areas, across divisions and across regions. It provides the fondation for us to

strategically align and integrate our talent management.

We will get financial report by 28th Jan morning and we need to turn it around in a video by same

day end.