Why is my quiz score so low?

The Scribbr language quiz is designed to test the basic language and editing knowledge we expect our incoming editors to possess.

It is meant to be difficult, and only a small percentage of applicants achieve a passing score. You can score positive points for correct answers and penalty points for incorrect answers, which can result in low quiz scores.

The quiz is a recruiting tool designed by our team. The scores are curved for this purpose and indicate only whether you are a good fit for our editor team. The score is not a measure of your overall knowledge.

Frequently asked questions: Scribbr language quiz

Why do we only work with native speakers?: All Scribbr editors are native speakers, which means that they have spoken English since early childhood. We only work with native speakers because these editors understand the cadence of the language and have mastered its idiomatic forms.

It is difficult for non-native speakers to acquire these traits, even if they are fluent and have spoken the language throughout their adult lives. Since our customers wish to work only with native speakers, we have no flexibility in this requirement.

We don’t rely solely on nativeness. Our editors are vetted through a rigorous application process, through which they are asked to demonstrate technical grammar knowledge, familiarity with academic writing, and an understanding of editing principles. All successful applicants also complete our Scribbr Academy training program, where they learn how to edit for students.

Editor application process
Can I have the answers to the Scribbr language quiz?: It is not possible to see the answers to our quiz. If you’re looking for more insights on related issues, check out Scribbr’s language articles and websites that address grammar and writing issues.

If you’re accepted as an editor in the Scribbr Academy, the information package you gain access to includes an article with the correct answers to a previous version of our language quiz.
What is the Scribbr language quiz?: The Scribbr language quiz is a recruitment tool designed by our team. The scores are curved for this purpose and indicate only whether you are a good fit for our editor team.

The quiz consists of 10 challenging language and editing questions and is designed to test your knowledge of specific rules.

If you achieve a score of 80 points or higher, then we will invite you to move forward to the next step in the application process.
How does the language quiz work?: The language quiz consists of 10 multiple choice questions. You can score positive points for correct answers and penalty points for incorrect answers, which can result in low quiz scores.

Some questions require one answer.

For other questions, you may choose as many answers as you like. This is clearly stated under each question. Note that this does not mean that multiple answers are always required!

You cannot complete the form without having answered all the questions.

If you pressed “submit,” then you can presume that we received your quiz score correctly.
What if I do not have a university degree yet, but I’m studying at a university right now?: We can consider your application only if you’re in the last phase of your degree program and have proven experience with writing a thesis and other study-related documents. Since our editors specialize in editing for students, it’s important that our editors know how to write strong academic papers.
Do I have to prepare for the quiz?: You don’t need to prepare for the quiz.

We want to test your existing knowledge of grammar and academic style to make sure the position is a good fit.

While all new editors do some learning on the job, if you’re needing to look up too many basic grammar and style rules, you’ll struggle in the Scribbr Academy.

If you’d like to become a Scribbr editor but don’t have the required knowledge and experience, these resources can help you get up to speed.
How much time can I spend on the quiz?: There is no time limit for the language quiz, but it should take approximately 30 minutes to complete. If it takes you much longer than 30 minutes, consider that the learning curve will be high, and it might be difficult for you to edit quickly enough to earn our standard rate of €20 to €25 per hour.
What kind of questions do we ask in the language quiz?: The language quiz is designed to test your knowledge of grammar and academic style.

It’s not based on any particular style guide. However, you will need to be familiar with common academic writing conventions regarding elements such as numeration, acronyms, tone, tenses, and voice.

Since we work with students from around the world, you’ll also need to be familiar with the basic differences between US English and UK English.
I failed the quiz or application, but I’d like to develop my skills. What resources do you recommend?: Our Academy coaches recommend the online editing certificate offered by Poynter ACES, which focuses on the fundamentals of editing. This course is particularly useful for new editors who want to start an editing career. It offers a language primer focusing on the fundamentals of grammar and composition, as well as courses on how to make writing clean and concise, how to edit for clarity, when vs. when not to edit, and how to explain changes as an editor.

They also recommend Amy Einsohn’s The Copyeditor’s Handbook and Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage as their go-to resources for learning and reinforcing the fundamentals of grammar and editing.

A third source is Strunk & White’s classic, The Elements of Style, which focuses on what makes strong writing, and Lynne Truss’s Eats, Shoots & Leaves, an entertaining guide to punctuation.

Scribbr’s Knowledge Base also contains useful articles on academic style.
Is my quiz form submitted correctly?: Yes. If you pressed “submit,” then you can presume that we received your quiz score correctly – even if your score is really low.
How often can I take the quiz?: To ensure our application process is fair to all candidates, we only allow applicants to attempt the quiz once.

We receive a high volume of applications every day, so we use the language quiz to help us identify the strongest candidates for our team.

While this system isn’t perfect, it’s the best way we can manage the application review and make the process fair and transparent for all applicants.

Twice a year we post a new version of the quiz. Everyone who failed the quiz is welcome to try again when the new quiz is available.