Journalism S2 Midterm Exam: AP Style

Capitalization

• “Is your mom home?” he asked.

• “Is your Mom home?” he asked.

Proper nouns

• Her Aunt Judy is here

• Her aunt, Judy, is here

Professional titles

• Wilhemina D’Arcy, senior advisor to the President.

• Wilhelmina D’Arcy, Senior Advisor to the President.

Plural vs. singular nouns

• Dave’s new invention, a set of rocket-powered rollerblades that can propel the wearer 100 yards in just three seconds, is both pointless and unsafe.

• Dave’s new invention, a set of rocket-powered rollerblades that can propel the wearer 100 yards in just three seconds, are both pointless and unsafe.

The Oxford Comma

• Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day, short for St. Valentine’s Day: a day reserved for chocolate, guilt, and crushing loneliness.

• Feb. 14th is Valentine’s Day, short for St. Valentine’s Day: a day reserved for chocolate, guilt and crushing loneliness.

"Asked" vs. "said"

• “Are we strangers still?” asked Demelza. Ross responded, “Yes, but strangers that know every inch of each other’s bodies.

• “Are we strangers still?” said Demelza. Ross said, “Yes, but strangers that know every inch of each other’s bodies.”

Sequencing

• Before the murder, the restaurant workers always followed the same routine. First, the hostess showed the guests to their table. Then, the chef came out and told them about the specials. Finally, the waiter took their orders.

• Before the murder, the restaurant workers always follow the same routine. First, the hostess shows the guests to their table. Then, the chef comes out and tells them about the specials. Finally, the waiter took their orders before the murder.

Pronoun confusion

• When you listen to the music of early rock bands, you can hear the influence of the blues in their guitar melodies.

• When you listen to the music of early rock bands, one can hear the influence of the blues in their guitar melodies.

Singular vs. plural modifiers

• Public safety groups are concerned about the injuries an airbag can cause from the force with which they are deployed.

• Public safety groups are concerned about the injuries an airbag can cause from the force with which it is deployed.

Gender-based language

• In the event of a fire drill, employees must immediately evacuate the building and should not return to their desk until the alarm stops.

• In the event of a fire drill, employees must immediately evacuate the building and should not return to his or her desk until the alarm stops.