General Education Development (GED) Practice Exam

Which method is correct for indicating that a section of text should be removed when proofreading a business document?

1. An X should be drawn through the text

2. A caret should be drawn at the beginning and end of the text

3. A diagonal line should be drawn through the text from bottom left to top right

4. A horizontal line should be drawn through the text with a loop at the right end of the line

The correct answer is: A horizontal line should be drawn through the text with a loop at the right end of the line

Indicating that a section of text should be removed during the proofreading of a business document is commonly done by drawing a horizontal line through the text with a loop at the right end. This method visually signifies the text that is to be deleted and also provides a clear indication to the writer or editor that the section is marked for removal. The loop at the end serves to differentiate this action from other marks, making it unmistakably clear what the intent is. The other methods mentioned do not typically convey the same level of clarity or are not standard practices in proofreading. For example, drawing an X through the text may confuse the reader regarding whether the text is to be removed or corrected in some manner. Similarly, a caret indicates addition rather than deletion, and a diagonal line from bottom left to top right is not a recognized standard for indicating removal. Therefore, using a horizontal line with a loop specifically communicates the removal intent effectively, ensuring that the revision process is clear and understood by all parties involved.