CDA CDA Typography & Layout 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the term for the space between individual letter pairs, adjusted to improve visual balance?
- Tracking
- Kerning (Correct answer)
- Leading
- Baseline shift
Correct answer: Kerning
Kerning refers to the adjustment of space between specific letter pairs to achieve optically balanced text.
Question 2: In typography, what does 'leading' control?
- Space between characters
- Space between words
- Space between lines of text (Correct answer)
- Space between paragraphs
Correct answer: Space between lines of text
Leading is the vertical space between lines of text, measured from baseline to baseline.
Question 3: Which grid system divides a page into 12 equal columns and is widely used in responsive web and print layout?
- Golden ratio grid
- Modular grid
- 12-column grid (Correct answer)
- Hierarchical grid
Correct answer: 12-column grid
The 12-column grid is popular because 12 divides evenly into 2, 3, 4, and 6, offering maximum layout flexibility.
Question 4: A typeface classified as 'sans-serif' lacks which feature?
- Descenders
- Ascenders
- Small decorative strokes at letter endings (Correct answer)
- Consistent stroke width
Correct answer: Small decorative strokes at letter endings
Sans-serif typefaces do not have the small finishing strokes (serifs) at the ends of letterforms.
Question 5: What typographic principle recommends limiting body text line length to 45–75 characters for optimal readability?
- The rule of thirds
- The measure (Correct answer)
- Optical alignment
- Type hierarchy
Correct answer: The measure
The measure refers to the line length of text, with 45–75 characters per line considered ideal for comfortable reading.
Question 6: In a typographic hierarchy, which element should typically have the largest visual weight?
- Body copy
- Captions
- Subheadings
- Primary headline (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Primary headline
The primary headline anchors the visual hierarchy by commanding the most attention through size, weight, or contrast.
CDA CDA Typography & Layout 1
What is the term for the space between individual letter pairs, adjusted to improve visual balance?