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

PART 1  Correct the errors in the sentences below.

1. Muriel Albertson told me that the Johnson’s usually return from church at about 11:45 AM.
2. We tried not to breath because the smells were so strong.
3. I wasn’t sure it was Frank Janick because the voice sounded differently from what I remembered.

PART 2

Imagine that you’ve met with Officer Josephson to talk about his inappropriate language with women. Now you’re going to document the meeting and include a sentence like the ones below. Read the sentences below, and then choose a, b, or c.

1. I advised Josephson that he needed to use respectful language when talking to women.
2. I told Josephson that he needed to use respectful language when talking to women.

   a) #1 is the better choice for criminal justice writing.
   b) #2 is the better choice for criminal justice writing.
   c)  Both sentences are appropriate for criminal justice writing.

ANSWERS

PART 1

1. Muriel Albertson told me that the Johnsons usually return from church at about 11:45 AM.  [The Johnsons don’t own anything in this sentence. Omit the apostrophe.]
2. We tried not to breathe because the smells were so strong. [Use breathe, not breath.]
3. I wasn’t sure it was Frank Janick because the voice sounded different from what I remembered.  [Sounded different is correct. Omit the -ly.]

PART 2

1. I advised Josephson that he needed to use respectful language when talking to women.
2. I told Josephson that he needed to use respectful language when talking to women.

The correct answer is b. #2 is a better sentence because told is stronger than advised.

Advise is too weak for this situation. It means “to counsel” or “suggest.” You want a written record that you told Josephson what he needed to do.