---
title: "Bias-free words (career girl, mailman)"
subject: "Communication English"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_5/communication_english:bias-free-words-career-girl"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/bias-free-words-career-girl
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Bias-free words (career girl, mailman)

Communication English · Chapter 4: Introduction to technical writing process

- Asked in: 2082 Kartik (new course), 5 marks
- Video: [Bias-Free Language: APA 7th Edition](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9YOg7755SQ) — Bellack Library
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/bias-free-words-career-girl
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-4

## Question

Write bias-free words of the following: Career girl, mailman, freshman, front man, working woman, brotherhood, manhood, masterplan, motherly, workmanship.

## Short answer

Replace with professional, mail carrier, first-year student, spokesperson, working person, fellowship, adulthood, comprehensive plan, nurturing, craftsmanship.

## Answer

| Biased word | Bias-free word |
|---|---|
| Career girl | Professional, working professional |
| Mailman | Mail carrier, postal worker |
| Freshman | First-year student |
| Front man | Spokesperson, representative |
| Working woman | Working person, employee, professional |
| Brotherhood | Fellowship, community, solidarity |
| Manhood | Adulthood, maturity |
| Masterplan | Comprehensive plan, grand plan, overall plan |
| Motherly | Caring, nurturing, parental |
| Workmanship | Quality of work, skill, craftsmanship |

**Reason:** Bias-free language avoids words that suggest that only one gender does a job or a role, and uses neutral terms that include everyone.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Which is a bias-free alternative to 'mailman'?
   A. Mailwoman
   B. Mail carrier
   C. Mailboy
   D. Mailer-man
   Answer: B. 'Mail carrier' or 'postal worker' names the job without suggesting gender. (Key point: Bias-free: mailman)

2. The bias-free word for 'freshman' is:
   A. Freshwoman
   B. New boy
   C. First-year student
   D. Fresher man
   Answer: C. 'First-year student' includes everyone. (Key point: Bias-free: freshman)

3. Which is bias-free for 'manhood'?
   A. Womanhood
   B. Boyhood
   C. Masculinity
   D. Adulthood or maturity
   Answer: D. 'Adulthood' or 'maturity' is gender-neutral. (Key point: Bias-free: manhood)

4. Why is bias-free language used?
   A. It avoids suggesting that only one gender does a job or role and includes everyone
   B. It makes sentences longer
   C. It is required for all spoken English
   D. It removes all adjectives
   Answer: A. Neutral terms avoid gender assumptions. (Key point: Reason for bias-free language)

## Related in Communication English

- [Bias-free words (waitress, foreman)](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Abias-free-words-waitress) — Communication English, chapter 4
- [Edit text: woman and sick husband](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Aedit-text-woman-husband-ill) — Communication English, chapter 3
- [Choose correct words (grammar) 2068 Chaitra](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Achoose-correct-words-grammar-set-2068c) — Communication English, chapter 3
- [Choose correct words (grammar) 2076 Ashwin](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Achoose-correct-words-grammar-set-2076a) — Communication English, chapter 3
- [Choose best words (grammar) 2071 Shrawan](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Achoose-best-words-grammar-set-2071s) — Communication English, chapter 3