When proofreading a business document for removal of a section, which method indicates deletion?

When proofreading a business document for removal of a section, which method indicates deletion?

• A. A horizontal line should be drawn through the text with a loop at the right end of the line
• B. A red delete stamp placed on the margin
• C. An annotation such as [REMOVE] in the margin
• D. Delete the paragraph using the backspace key and leave no mark

Answer: (A)

The key idea is using a standard proofreading mark that clearly shows a deletion. A horizontal line drawn through the text with a small loop at the right end communicates, in a universally understood way, that the marked portion should be removed. This symbol provides a precise, inspectable indication of exactly what to delete, so the editor or typesetter can revise the document accurately and maintain a trace of changes. Other methods rely on stamps or margin notes, which can be less universally understood and may require extra interpretation. Deleting with the backspace key leaves no visible record of the change, which isn’t acceptable for formal proofreading where changes must be documented. That’s why the line with the loop is the best, standard signal for deletion.

The key idea is using a standard proofreading mark that clearly shows a deletion. A horizontal line drawn through the text with a small loop at the right end communicates, in a universally understood way, that the marked portion should be removed. This symbol provides a precise, inspectable indication of exactly what to delete, so the editor or typesetter can revise the document accurately and maintain a trace of changes.

Other methods rely on stamps or margin notes, which can be less universally understood and may require extra interpretation. Deleting with the backspace key leaves no visible record of the change, which isn’t acceptable for formal proofreading where changes must be documented. That’s why the line with the loop is the best, standard signal for deletion.