Which item is noted as not gender-neutral and should be avoided?

• A. Abbreviations
• B. Not gender-neutral terms
• C. Jargons
• D. Cliches

Answer: (B)

Gender-neutral language aims to include everyone by avoiding terms that signal a specific gender. The item that is not gender-neutral describes exactly what to steer away from: words or phrases that carry gender bias. This is the best choice because it directly identifies language that excludes people based on gender, which is what inclusive writing seeks to eliminate. By using gender-neutral alternatives, you keep your language inclusive. For instance, swap “policeman” with “police officer” and “fireman” with “firefighter.” Abbreviations, jargons, and clichés aren’t inherently non-gender-neutral; they may have other issues, but they don’t inherently violate gender neutrality.