Diagnostic Test 1

Procedure
This first diagnostic test covers a broad range of proofreading skills. It requires you to look at sentence structure, punctuation, formatting, and all of the other potential problem areas where you might find errors in a document. As such, it is one of the worst cases you will ever encounter.
Take your time and go through the document as often as necessary to find and note all errors. Remember that you are a proofreader, not an editor. You may suggest changes that correct errors, but do not make changes in style, even though you would like to change the author's wording. Especially avoid making changes that might alter the author's meaning.
Orr, Daniels, and Henson sometimes suggest that the proofreader might change complex wording to make it simpler. Do not do that. If you are asked to proofread a client's manuscript, whether you are an in-house proofreader or a freelancer, you will make some authors very unhappy if you change their wording. Limit yourself to correcting errors only unless you have an explicit arrangement with the author to do light editing. For this course, assume you do not have permission to edit at all.
When you encounter a word or structure unfamiliar to you, look it up in a dictionary or your grammar handbook. Proofreaders should use their tools often as they proofread a document; no proofreader knows all of the rules from memory. Don't suggest a change unless you know the change is correct or you can cite the rule explaining why it is correct.
Use the proofreader's marks, placing each mark in the text and explanations in the margins. Use a fine-point, black pen. Do not use pencil or a broad pen. The comments must be legible.
To access the document, click here. The file will download to your computer. Print it out and proofread the document using the proofreading marks. Do not look at the document with your spell-checking software on.
When you have finished the document, scan the pages and send the scans to assignments@businesswriting.com. If you are not able to scan the pages, fax them to 309 452-9357. E-mail your instructor after you have faxed the document.
If you have questions about the process, feel free to call Dr. Hogan at 800 827-3770 (309 452-2831 outside of the US).

Instructions for Faxing Your Diagnostic
If you decide to fax your pages, fax them to 309 452-9357. Please use the fax coversheet the Business Writing Center has provided. Download it from this link.
When you are ready to fax your diagnostic to the Center, fill out the form at the bottom of this page and click on "I am faxing the Diagnostic 1." This form will notify us to expect the fax. We will e-mail you if it doesn't come through.
Fax machines normally do not fax the outer one-half inch of a page. If your comments extend into the outer one-half inch of your page, please move the page over so we receive all of your notes. You may adjust the fax machine to do that, or cut one-half inch off of the right side and paste up the pages so the left side has a larger margin.
If you have questions about the process, feel free to call Dr. Hogan at 800 827-3770 (309 452-2831 outside of the US). Otherwise, do the best you can.

Assignment
Proofread the document.

Your e-mail address:

Your name: