Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators GACE Practice Test

Which is NOT a correct way to annotate a text removal when proofreading?

1. Draw a horizontal line with a loop at the end

2. Draw a diagonal line from bottom left to top right

3. Draw an X over the text

4. Mark text with a caret at the beginning and end

The correct answer is: Draw a horizontal line with a loop at the end

Marking text for removal during proofreading typically involves clear, widely accepted methods that help editors and proofreaders understand what needs to be eliminated. The correct answer indicates a method that is not commonly used or recognized for this purpose. Drawing a horizontal line with a loop at the end does not effectively or clearly communicate the instruction to remove text. Typically, annotations for removal focus on straightforward symbols or lines that leave no ambiguity about the action to be taken. In contrast, common acceptable methods for indicating text removal include marking through the text with an X or drawing a diagonal line. These methods are clear and universally understood in proofreading contexts. Additionally, the use of a caret to mark areas for addition (not removal) is another well-regarded proofreading technique, which helps to indicate where new text should be inserted but carries no implication for text removal. Thus, the annotation in the first choice lacks clarity and standard recognition in the proofreading lexicon, which is why it is determined to be an incorrect method for annotating text removal.