This test may help you identify those people best suited to check typeset copy. You might be surprised: an English major may have trouble spelling and a DTP guru may not know which words to capitalize. Besides pointing out the good proofreaders, this test could help you find that right editor, writer, or artist.
While I have experience in academic editing, this test has its genesis in a lean year I spend as a proofreader for an advertising-specialty firm. I wrote a simple proofing test for them shortly after my arrival. Evaluating its effectiveness in real-world conditions helped me design this new freeware test.
This DOCMaker stand-alone document allows you to easily print out the four-part test and its answer key. Proofreading Test 1.1 may be used and copied without charge. See the introduction for copyright details and restrictions.
This version, released August 1995, corrects the fatal discrepancy between the test and the answer key in part one, question 19. I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to let me know about this. I appreciate any suggestions and comments concerning this test in particular and proofreading in general. Thank you.
