Pre-Test: Business Writing Number Accuracy Proofreading

Numbers are important in business writing. Numerical errors can lead to the wrong quantities shipped or received, improper billing, and lost money.

1. Check the figures listed below the correct original invoices. Which of the invoices are inaccurately written?

ORIGINAL INVOICES:

Invoice #1246 for $90

Invoice #1247 for $85

Invoice #1248 for $111

Invoice #1249 for $57.50

a) Invoice #1246 for $90

b) Invoice #12447 for $85

c) Invoice #1248 for $111

d) Invoice #1246 for $95

e) Invoice #1249 for $575.50

2. When checking numbers

a) concentrate only on numbers

b) check all computations

c) use your head to check the math

d) refer to the author’s original figures

e) be sure the numbers are in correct sequence

3. At first glance, what mathematical problems do you notice with the following?

“Mr. Matthews owes debts totaling $6,481.61. The breakdown follows: Medical expenses,

$2,997.23; MasterCard bill, $2,017,530; bank loan, $1,035.19; back taxes, $987.89.”

a) the bills don’t add up to the total debt

b) MasterCard total is too high

c) bank loan looks wrong

d) back taxes figure is too small

e) sentence looks fine

4. When numbers are in the wrong sequence

a) correct them

b) keep the same order

c) do nothing

d) delete them

e) check with the author

5. What is the error in this sentence?

“A copy of the report was sent to the supervisor in Albany, New York, 122030-1239.”

a) Albany is not in New York

b) a number has been added

c) the date is missing

d) the zip code has too many digits

e) there is no error

6. While proofreading, you notice some numbers do not match the original document because they are “inaccurately transposed.” This means

a) you’re reading a rough draft

b) the author made a mistake

c) the digits are interchanged

d) the numbers do not add up

e) you have found an error

7. What should the total for these three figures be?

2,011.17

158.49

4,816.83

a) $69,864.90

b) $6,986.49

c) $7,086.49

d) 6,986.49

e) 6,968.49

8. Which of these statements are true about figures and tables?

a) numbered lists are true to the original

b) the author’s figuring is accurate

c) using a calculator is recommended

d) figures should be checked against the original list

e) spreadsheets are not accurate

9. What corrections would you make if you read this:

“The status report lists three parts:

Part I, Project Status; Part III, Budget; Part II, Hours Worked.”

a) put “Hours Worked” where “Budget” is

b) omit the Roman numerals

c) check with the author

d) change “Budget” to Part II

e) change from Roman numerals to Parts 1,2,3

10. What statement(s) can be said about this paragraph?

“The style policy listed five suggestions: (1) run regular writing workshops; (2) establish a work-product repository; thirdly, review writing samples; and (5) offer word processing courses.”

a) there are not five suggestions listed

b) semicolons are used incorrectly

c) “thirdly” should be (3)

d) the last suggestion should be (4)

e) change the numbers to “first, second, thirdly, fourthly”

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