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Quizzes > English & Grammar

Take the gender-neutral language quiz to improve your writing

Quick, free inclusive language quiz for HR teams. Instant results and tips.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Sarah MokhtarUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art promoting a Gendered Language Knowledge Quiz

This gender-neutral language quiz helps you spot biased words and choose inclusive alternatives at work. Answer 15 quick questions and see where to improve your tone and clarity. Keep building skills with the gender equality quiz, using pronouns correctly quiz, and personal pronoun quiz.

Which of the following words is gendered?
Chair
Server
Firefighter
Policeman
The term "policeman" specifically refers to a male officer, making it gendered. The other terms are neutral and do not imply a specific gender.
Which pronoun is commonly used as a singular gender-neutral pronoun?
We
She
They
He
"They" is widely accepted as a singular, gender-neutral pronoun for individuals whose gender is unknown or who identify outside the binary. It avoids assuming a specific gender.
In the sentence "The chairman will lead the meeting," which term replaces "chairman" to be gender-neutral?
Chairperson
Leader
Director
Chairwoman
"Chairperson" is a gender-neutral alternative to "chairman." It does not imply a gender while retaining the organizational role.
Which expression is unbalanced because it implies only men?
Staff
Human resources
Personnel
Manpower
"Manpower" uses "man" and suggests a male workforce. The other terms are gender-neutral and inclusive of all genders.
Which sentence avoids gender bias?
Each employee must submit their report by Friday.
Employees must submit his or her report by Friday.
Each employee must submit his report by Friday.
Each employee must submit her report by Friday.
Using "their" in "Each employee must submit their report by Friday" avoids assigning a specific gender and is concise. The other options assume or specify gender in ways that can be exclusive.
Which sentence contains implicit bias about gender and leadership?
Many women are excellent leaders.
Women are often too emotional for leadership roles.
Leadership requires good communication skills.
Leadership positions should be based on merit.
The statement "Women are often too emotional for leadership roles" generalizes all women as emotional and unfit for leadership. This reflects an implicit bias against women in leadership.
Choose the most inclusive rewrite for "Each freshman must attend orientation."
Each freshman must attend orientation.
All first-year students must attend orientation.
All students must attend orientation.
Each freshman and freshmanette must attend orientation.
"All first-year students" is a clear, inclusive term that applies to everyone in that cohort without using gendered or informal language. The other options either repeat bias or are overly broad.
Which pronoun set is most inclusive for referring to someone of unknown gender?
They/them
She/her
He/him
He or she
"They/them" is a widely accepted singular, gender-neutral pronoun set that does not assume any specific gender. It is more concise than "he or she."
Which term replaces "salesman" to reduce gender bias in the sentence "The salesman helped the customer"?
Male salesperson
Salespeople
Salesman
Sales representative
"Sales representative" is a gender-neutral job title that avoids implying the salesperson's gender. The other terms either repeat the bias or specify gender unnecessarily.
What is the best replacement for the word "mankind" to be gender-neutral?
Humanity
Men
Humankind
Peoplekind
"Humanity" is a gender-neutral term that does not contain gendered roots. While "humankind" is commonly used, it still incorporates "kind" after "human," and "peoplekind" is nonstandard.
Which headline is gender-neutral?
Young Person Invents App
He Invents App
TeenGirl Invents App
Boy Genius Invents App
"Young Person Invents App" refers to the subject without specifying gender. The other headlines explicitly mention male or female gender.
Which sentence implies a male default through its pronoun use?
Students should study daily.
If a student wants to succeed, he should study daily.
Students who want to succeed should study daily.
If students want to succeed, they should study daily.
Using "he" as the default pronoun implies that a student is male, excluding other genders. The other options avoid this bias by using neutral constructions or plural pronouns.
Which greeting is most inclusive in formal communication?
Dear Sir/Madam
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen
Dear Colleagues
Dear Mr and Mrs
"Dear Colleagues" addresses all recipients neutrally without assuming gender. The other greetings either specify or separate genders.
When crafting unbiased text, which guideline should you follow?
Avoid stereotypes in descriptions
Use passive voice to hide actors
Address people by their assumed gender
Use gender-specific job titles where possible
Avoiding stereotypes helps ensure descriptions are fair and inclusive. The other options either reinforce bias or reduce clarity.
Which sentence demonstrates unbalanced wording by generalizing a gender?
Both men and women can apply for the grant.
Women are particularly skilled in multitasking.
Men and women alike are invited to apply.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
The statement "Women are particularly skilled in multitasking" generalizes all women and assigns a specific trait, reflecting unbalanced wording. The other sentences either include all genders or describe encouragement without generalizing traits.
Choose the best rewrite to remove bias: "Every man on the team must submit his report by Monday."
Every man on the team must submit their report by Monday.
Every person on the team must submit his or her report by Monday.
All team members must submit his report by Monday.
All team members must submit their reports by Monday.
"All team members must submit their reports by Monday" is concise, pluralized correctly, and uses a neutral pronoun. Other options either retain gendered terms or mix singular and plural incorrectly.
In the performance feedback "She's very assertive for a woman," what bias is present?
Praises assertiveness
Uses gender-neutral terms
Assumes women aren't assertive
Comments on performance
The phrase "for a woman" implies that assertiveness is atypical for women, reflecting a biased stereotype. It undermines the individual's performance by referencing gender expectations.
Which best practice is violated in "The chairman and his staff are welcome"?
Splitting infinitives
Using gendered job titles
Using active voice
Overuse of adjectives
Referring to "chairman" and using "his" employs gendered language that excludes other genders. The guideline recommends gender-neutral alternatives like "chair" and "their."
Which sentence correctly applies inclusive language guidelines?
Submit your application to the admissions officer, he will review it.
Submit your application to the admissions officer; they will review it.
Submit your application to the admissions officer; she will review it.
Submit your application to the admissions officer; he or she will review it.
Using "they" in this context is concise and inclusive, avoiding assumptions about the officer's gender. The other options either assume a specific gender or use an awkward construction.
Which revision best reduces bias in this sentence? "All craftsmen are invited to the workshop."
All craftsmen are invited to the workshop.
All craftsmen and women are invited to the workshop.
All craft people are invited to the workshop.
All artisans are invited to the workshop.
"Artisans" is a gender-neutral term that includes all individuals without referencing gender. The other options either maintain gender bias or use cumbersome phrasing.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify gendered expressions and unbalanced wording
  2. Analyse pronoun selection for inclusive communication
  3. Evaluate sentences to detect implicit bias
  4. Demonstrate use of gender-neutral terminology
  5. Apply inclusive language techniques in writing
  6. Master guidelines for unbiased text creation

Cheat Sheet

  1. Recognize and Replace Gendered Terms - Sniff out gender-specific words like "chairman" or "manpower" and swap them for inclusive alternatives such as "chairperson" or "workforce." This tiny tweak promotes equality and kicks stereotypes to the curb!
  2. Utilize Gender-Neutral Pronouns - When you don't know someone's gender or it doesn't matter, reach for "they" instead of "he" or "she." It's smooth, respectful, and keeps everyone feeling included - no awkward assumptions here!
  3. Avoid Gender Stereotypes in Language - Ditch phrases like "throws like a girl" and choose neutral language that doesn't pin abilities or traits on gender. You'll level up your writing by celebrating skills - no stereotypes allowed!
  4. Address Mixed-Gender Groups Inclusively - Swap "guys" for "everyone," "folks," or "team" when talking to a group. These friendly alternatives ensure nobody feels left out and set a welcoming tone for all.
  5. Respect Individuals' Pronoun Preferences - Always use the pronouns people identify with - "he," "she," "they," or others. It's a simple way to show respect and make everyone feel seen and valued.
  6. Use Gender-Inclusive Relationship Terms - Opt for words like "parent" rather than "mother" or "father," and "partner" or "spouse" instead of "husband" or "wife." These swaps honor all kinds of families!
  7. Be Mindful of Cultural Sensitivities - Some idioms or expressions can unintentionally exclude or marginalize groups. Choose language that's respectful of different backgrounds and celebrates cultural diversity!
  8. Implement Inclusive Language in Writing - When drafting essays, emails, or reports, scan for gender bias and swap in neutral terms. Inclusive writing builds an environment of respect, equality, and open-mindedness.
  9. Educate Yourself on Gender Diversity - Remember that gender exists on a spectrum. Learn about identities beyond "male" and "female" to boost your inclusive vocabulary and understanding.
  10. Practice Consistency in Inclusive Language - Make neutral terms and respectful phrasing your go-to in both speech and writing. Consistency sends a clear message: everyone belongs here.
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