Here’s today’s Quiz! Answers appear below.

PART ONE  What essential information is missing from the sentences below? (Hint: both sentences have the same problem.)

1. A sworn written and taped statement was completed and submitted into evidence. 

2. Nothing was found when the car was searched.

PART TWO  Remove the unneeded words in the sentences below.

1. Upon my arrival, I entered the manager’s office and looked for Carl Stokes, who told me he noticed the safe was open when he arrived for work at eight o’clock.

2.  I saw evidence that confirmed Naomi’s complaint about Fulton – namely fresh scratches on her right cheek and bruising on her left arm.

ANSWERS

PART ONE  Look for the unnecessary words.

Neither sentence names the person who submitted the evidence and searched the car. What if there are questions later on, in a court case? There’s no written record of who did what.

PART TWO  Remove the unneeded words in the sentences below.

1. Carl Stokes told me he noticed the safe was open when he arrived for work at eight o’clock. [It’s obvious you arrived, parked your car, and looked for the manager. Brevity is an important feature of police writing.]

2.  I saw fresh scratches on Naomi’s right cheek and bruising on her left arm. 

How did you do?