Training Your Editor's Eye -- 3

Writers and editors must develop the skill of identifying errors -- and of identifying the kinds of places errors are most likely to occur.

This exercise provides practice in identifying errors that need to be fixed.

Instructions:
  1. Find a problem in each sentence.
  2. On a computer: Move the cursor over it (do not click). On a tablet: Tap on the error.
  3. If the text turns red, read the pop-up with our comment.
  4. Tap or hover over [ Answer ] to see an explanation.
  5. On a tablet, tapping the error a second time removes the pop-up.

  1. When there is an imbalance between the calories that are consumed verses the ones that are burned, you gain weight. [ Answer ]
  2. Two years ago, government urged doctors to add an HIV test to a routine health exam. And it should be. [ Answer ]
  3. A large amount of people is effected by asthma. [ Answer ]
  4. But amazingly with statistics like this HIV tests are not conducted as much as they should. [ Answer ]
  5. CNN junkies patronize the network for their unbiased talk and news shows [ Answer ]
  6. Everyone else (i.e. modeling troupes, regional clubs, dance troupes) is totally unnecessary at the ceremony. None of these groups represent the university. [ Answer ]
  7. Gazing through the pages of magazines have always been one of my favorite past times. [ Answer ]
  8. He sat down with a plate of left overs and two can sprites. [ Answer ]
  9. I applaud CNN's attempt to diversify its lineup, but they have bit off more than they can chew. [ Answer ]
  10. Katrina, for all it's devastation, made landfall on the gulf coast as a Category 3 storm, and hit New Orleans with it's weaker west side. [ Answer ]

  11. Let's work together to eradicate a behavior [racism] that does nothing but hold our country back and discourage inappropriate venting on our website. [ Answer ]
  12. Obesity, in laymen terms is having a high proportion of body fat. [ Answer ]
  13. Once you know the company or companies in which you would like to work for, you then have to do your home work. [ Answer ]
  14. Online classes are an intricate part of universities education platforms. [ Answer ]
  15. The center also offers parent power workshops, which Myers said is a good way for student parents to network with each other. [ Answer ]
  16. The group plans to discuss the book by Sen. Barack Obama entitled "The Audacity of Hope." [ Answer ]
  17. The university offers a vast amount of classes online. [ Answer ]
  18. There aren't any physical characteristics to know if someone has contracted HIV. [ Answer ]
  19. When tempted to give a long answer in an interview, pause, take deep beathes, think about what you need to say, and an answer that is short and to the point. [ Answer ]
  20. The exemption would only be available for firms with more than $5 billion in assets. [ Answer ]
Copyright 2009 by Gerald Grow. All rights reserved. Back to Newsroom 101.