The words after each sentence indicate what is wrong with that particular sentence. Each question is worth one point, except where otherwise stated.
1. The conclusion ascertained from a perusal of pertinent data is that a lucrative market exists for the product-Unfamiliar words (2 points)
2. Company operations for the preceding accounting period terminated with deficit- Unfamiliar words
3. A complete reorganization of the administration was effected by the president-Passive verb
4. Application of the mixture was accomplished-Camouflaged verb
5. We must bring about a reconciliation of our differences-Camouflaged verb
6. If a customer pays promptly, he is placed on our preferred list-Sexist
7. In the event that payment is not made by January, operations will cease-Cluttering phrase
8. It will be noted that the records of the past years show a steady increase in special appropriations-Surplus words
9. The department budget can be observed to be decreasing each new year-Roundabout construction.
10. Reference is made to your May 10 report in which you concluded that the warranty is worthless-Roundabout construction (2 points)
11. His performance was good enough to enable him to qualify for the promotion-Surplus words
12. The consensus of opinion is that the tax is unfair-Needless repetition
13. At the present time, we are conducting two clinics-Needless repetition
14. As a matter of interest, I am interested in your procedure-Needless repetition
15. Our production increased in January, and our equipment is wearing out-Unrelated idea (2 points)
16. Knowing she objected to the price was the reason we permitted her to return the goods-Mixed construction
17. Enclosed herewith is the brochure about which you made inquiry-Stiff & dull
18. I shall be most pleased to avail myself of your kind suggestion when and if prices decline-Stiff & dull
19. We cannot deliver until Friday-Negative
20. We regret to inform you that we must deny your request for credit-Negative
21. Smoking is not permitted anywhere except in the lobby-Negative (2 points)
22. Where is the new sushi bar to be located at? -Needless preposition
23. The machine operator made three resolutions: to be punctual, following instructions carefully, and the reduction of waste-Parallel construction (2 points)
24. The superintendent used to occasionally visit the area-Split Infinitive
25. The agreement will enable you to pay whichever is lower, 6 percent or $50-Ambiguous (2 points)
26. The officer captured the suspect even though he was unarmed-Vague
27. To function properly, you must oil the machine every hour-Dangling phrase
28. We have been quite tolerant of your past-due account and must now demand payment-We-Viewpoint (2 points)
29. Our territory is the western half of the state, and our salespeople cannot cover it thoroughly-Unrelated material
30. There are four rules that must be observed-Surplus words
31. The Executive Assistant to the Vice President is of the opinion that the tax was paid-Surplus words
32. We have not received your payment covering invoices covering June-July purchases-Unnecessary repetition
33. We must assemble together in the auditorium at 10: 30 AM in the morning-Needless repetition
34. My education was completed in 2008, and then I began work as a manager for Home Depot-Mixed construction (2 points)
35. Submitted herewith is your notification of our compliance with subject standards-Stiff & dull (2 points)