This short quiz will help you sharpen your writing skills. Answers are posted below.

Part 1  Make corrections and improvements where needed. (Some sentences may not need changes.)

1. The children’s mother said she was napping while the children were playing outdoors.

2. Samuels expressed that he and his wife had been arguing and drinking.

3. John and me searched the apartment but didn’t find any weapons.

Part 2

Officer Joan Littleton just graduated from the academy. She’s eager to impress the sergeant who will be reading her reports. What advice would you give her? You may choose more than one answer.

a)  Start most sentences in your reports with a person, place, or thing.
b)  Use sophisticated word choices and sentence structure that will impress your supervisor.
c)  Use passive voice to ensure that your report is objective.

ANSWERS

Part 1

√ 1. The children’s mother said she was napping while the children were playing outdoors.

X 2. Samuels expressed that he and his wife had been arguing and drinking.

X 3. John and me searched the apartment but didn’t find any weapons.

Part 2

Officer Joan Littleton just graduated from the academy. She’s eager to impress the sergeant who will be reading her reports. What advice would you give her? You may choose more than one answer.

√ a)  Start most sentences in your reports with a person, place, or thing.
X b)  Use sophisticated word choices and sentence structure that will impress your supervisor.
X c)  Use passive voice to ensure that your report is objective.