This short quiz will help you sharpen your writing skills. Answers are posted below.
PART 1 Correct the errors in the sentences below.
- Muriel Albertson told me that the Johnson’s usually return from church at about 11:45 AM.
- We tried not to breath because the smells were so strong.
- 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.
- I advised Josephson that he needed to use respectful language when talking to women.
- 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
- 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.]
- We tried not to breathe because the smells were so strong. [Use breathe, not breath.]
- 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
I advised Josephson that he needed to use respectful language when talking to women.- 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.