Do it with (AP) Style

Take the AP Style Quiz

Associated Press style is the gold standard for journalistic writing in the U.S. (And a lot of other things, too.) From personal essays you’re hoping to freelance to press releases for a client, knowing whether it’s e-mail or email will give your copy a clean look that editors will love. (Or, at least, give you some good writing karma!)Take the Writers’ Week AP Style Quiz and test your skills. If you’re rusty, or even if you’re not, consider  an online subscription to AP’s online stylebook. Or pickup a hard copy. You can also follow @APStylebook on Twitter.

1    What’s the correct style for a state when it’s used in a dateline or in conjunction with a city?

Alaska: AK, Alak., Alaska

Delaware: DE, Del., Dela.

Pennsylvania: Penn., Pa., PA

Texas: Texas, Tex., Txs.

Wisconsin: Wisc., WI, Wis.

New Jersey: N.J., NJ, Jersey

California: Cali., Calif., CA

 

2    More than/Over:

The book has more than/over 1,500 style mistakes.

 

3    Temblor/Tremblor:

The earthquake had a magnitude of 5.6 and rattled homes across the region. Geologists blamed the temblor/tremblor on a long-dormant fault line.

 

4    Numbers:

a)    Eighty/80 books were donated.

b)    Officials said there were six/6 robberies overnight.

c)     The hurricane was the eleventh/11^th storm of the season.

 

5    Political Affiliations:

Michele Bachmann has support of the Tea Party/tea party. But the Minnesota Republican/republican faces a heated battle from GOP/Grand Old Party rival, Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

6    Wine:

Like all good writers, she relaxed after a long day at the computer by enjoying an oaky Chardonnay/chardonnay or a nice, full-bodied Bordeaux/bordeaux.

 

7    He ran to the local Wal-Mart/Walmart to pick up some groceries.

 

8   Abbreviations:

a)    Senator/Sen. Debbie Stabenow

b)    Rev./Reverend/Pastor Al Sharpton

 

9    Tech Things:

a)    She couldn’t stop hitting refresh on the website/Web site.

b)    He hastily sent the e-mail/email without proofreading.

c)     Stewart issued an edict, saying no one was allowed to use their smartphones/Smart Phones/ SmartPhones during board meetings.

d)    As Internet/internet dates go, this one was going down in flames.

 

For quiz answers, click here. (No cheating!)

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