Editing & Revising — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The proofreading mark ^ means to insert a word or punctuation.
The caret (^) is a proofreading mark that means 'insert something here.'
2. The abbreviation "sp" written above a word signals a spelling error.
'sp' is a proofreading abbreviation indicating a spelling error.
3. The proofreading mark "cap" tells the writer to capitalize a letter.
'cap' signals that a lowercase letter should be capitalized.
4. A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought.
A sentence fragment is missing a subject, verb, or complete thought.
5. The contraction "it's" means "it is," while "its" shows possession.
'It's' = 'it is' (contraction); 'its' = belonging to it (possessive pronoun).
6. Reading your paper backward from the last sentence to the first helps catch spelling errors.
Reading backward forces the brain to focus on individual words rather than anticipated content.
7. A comma splice joins two complete sentences with only a comma.
A comma splice is a grammar error where two independent clauses are joined with only a comma.
8. Subject-verb agreement means the subject and verb must both be singular or both be plural.
Subject-verb agreement requires matching the number (singular/plural) of subject and verb.
9. Using a checklist is a helpful strategy for making sure you check every type of error.
An editing checklist ensures every type of error (spelling, grammar, punctuation) is systematically checked.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
The proofreading mark ^
→ Means insert a missing word or punctuation mark
Signals a spelling mistake to correct
The proofreading mark sp
→ Signals a spelling mistake to correct
Tells the writer to remove a word or letter
The delete proofreading mark
→ Tells the writer to remove a word or letter
Means insert a missing word or punctuation mark
The proofreading mark cap
→ Indicates a letter should be capitalized
Indicates a letter should be capitalized
^ = insert; sp = spelling error; delete mark = remove; cap = capitalize.