Learn how to pass a copy editor test by mastering key writing styles like MLA, AP, and APA.
How to pass a copy editor test depends largely on the type of copy you will be editing. Different types of copy require different word usage guidelines, and to pass any copy editor test, you must be familiar with at least one of them.
- MLA: MLA stands for Modern Language Association. If you are editing creative writing, humanities research papers and reports, or high school and college papers, you must know MLA style. It is a system of formatting, word usage, and attribution. Many books and websites are available to help you study MLA, which is often the easiest to learn because most people use some form of it in school. MLA requires in-text citations rather than limiting them to a references page, largely to prevent plagiarism and eliminate any ambiguity.
- AP: AP stands for Associated Press, the standard style used for newspapers in the United States. Anyone hired to edit newspaper copy must be well-acquainted with AP style, which dictates concise word usage to convey maximum information in minimal space. It also includes standard sets of abbreviations that must be memorized to pass a newspaper copy editor test. These abbreviations often differ from standard ones, such as state abbreviations that do not match postal codes.
- APA: APA stands for American Psychological Association style, which is used for behavioral science writings and occasionally in the social sciences and other research papers. It dictates specific punctuation usage, the inclusion of formulas within documents, and guidelines for referencing studies both in-text and on a special references page.
These three styles are the most commonly used in standard copy, though others, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, are sometimes required. Depending on the type of copy you will be editing, it is important to study the correct style before attempting a copy editor test.
Copy editing tests feature materials and parameters set by individual employers, as there is no single universal test. Employers typically provide blocks of text to edit and will check to ensure you catch all errors. If you are unsure which writing style is required, always ask. If you edit commas according to MLA standards when the test is graded using AP standards, your answer will be marked wrong. Copy editing tests may or may not be timed, but completing them efficiently is generally viewed favorably.
Pass a copy editor test
Learn how to pass a copy editor test by mastering key writing styles like MLA, AP, and APA.
How to pass a copy editor test depends largely on the type of copy you will be editing. Different types of copy require different word usage guidelines, and to pass any copy editor test, you must be familiar with at least one of them.
- MLA: MLA stands for Modern Language Association. If you are editing creative writing, humanities research papers and reports, or high school and college papers, you must know MLA style. It is a system of formatting, word usage, and attribution. Many books and websites are available to help you study MLA, which is often the easiest to learn because most people use some form of it in school. MLA requires in-text citations rather than limiting them to a references page, largely to prevent plagiarism and eliminate any ambiguity.
- AP: AP stands for Associated Press, the standard style used for newspapers in the United States. Anyone hired to edit newspaper copy must be well-acquainted with AP style, which dictates concise word usage to convey maximum information in minimal space. It also includes standard sets of abbreviations that must be memorized to pass a newspaper copy editor test. These abbreviations often differ from standard ones, such as state abbreviations that do not match postal codes.
- APA: APA stands for American Psychological Association style, which is used for behavioral science writings and occasionally in the social sciences and other research papers. It dictates specific punctuation usage, the inclusion of formulas within documents, and guidelines for referencing studies both in-text and on a special references page.
These three styles are the most commonly used in standard copy, though others, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, are sometimes required. Depending on the type of copy you will be editing, it is important to study the correct style before attempting a copy editor test.
Copy editing tests feature materials and parameters set by individual employers, as there is no single universal test. Employers typically provide blocks of text to edit and will check to ensure you catch all errors. If you are unsure which writing style is required, always ask. If you edit commas according to MLA standards when the test is graded using AP standards, your answer will be marked wrong. Copy editing tests may or may not be timed, but completing them efficiently is generally viewed favorably.
Pass a copy editor test
By Howtodotips
Learn how to pass a copy editor test by mastering key writing styles like MLA, AP, and APA.