Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Chapter 4 On Other Books
Chapter 4 On Other Books
Which of the following is true about writing and revising business documents?
a. Rarely is the first version satisfactory, but the second version is usually excellent.
2 b. Experts say only amateurs expect writing perfection on the first try.
The real work of revision should happen in the writing stage as you select words and form
d. sentences.
status: incorrect (0.0)
correct: b
your answer: d
feedback: Incorrect. Rarely is the first or second draft of a message satisfactory. Your message is hammered
out in the revision phase, which may include several drafts. In fact, experts say only amateurs expect writing
perfection on the first try. See p. 80.
Brandon has completed the first and second phases of the writing process and has a rough draft of his
quarterly report completed. He is ready for the third phase of the writing process, which is:
a. revision.
3
b. publication.
c. second drafting.
d. sprint writing.
status: correct (1.0)
correct: a
your answer: a
feedback: Correct. Revision is the third phase of the writing process. You will complete the revision phase
before you publish your document. See p. 80.
Which of the following phrases avoids outdated expressions and uses more modern phrasing?
6
a. Enclosed please find
b. Thanking you in advance
c. I trust that
d. At your request
status: incorrect (0.0)
correct: d
your answer: c
feedback: Incorrect. "I trust that" is an outdated expression that should be replaced with the more modern
phrasing "I believe" or "I think." See p. 82.
a. You should use long lead-ins to make the tone of your message more businesslike.
7 b. Long lead-ins can be used to clarify your message by making it more concrete.
c. Avoid long lead-ins because they delay the reader from reaching the meaning of the sentence.
Eliminate long lead-ins because they are unnecessary intensifiers that create redundant
d. expressions.
status: correct (1.0)
correct: c
your answer: c
feedback: Correct. Long lead-ins should be avoided because they delay the reader from reaching the meaning
of the message. See p. 82.
It was our business manager who gave us information about the loss of franchise outlets along the Gulf
Coast after the hurricane is an example of a sentence with:
a. concise wording.
8 b. fillers.
c. needless adverbs.
d. outdated expressions.
status: not answered ()
correct: b
your answer:
This brief survey asks you only about your use of the product, and we keep no personal information
b. on respondents.
Honest responses from consumers who regularly buy and use the product provide the most reliable
c. information.
Which of the following is true about the use of jargon in business writing?
Jargon is the specialized terminology of a specific profession and can be used if you are writing for
a. that profession.
10 b. Jargon, another name for outdated expressions, must be avoided in business writing.
c. Adding jargon to your business document will improve the precision and clarity of most messages.
d. You will appreciate the many fine features on our new product.
status: not answered ()
correct: a
your answer:
Proofread for spelling using your spell checker, but don't waste time on small concerns such as the
d. difference between affect and effect.
status: not answered ()
correct: c
your answer:
d. either on the screen or from a printed copy using the method you prefer.
status: not answered ()
correct: a
your answer:
15 Business writers who need to improve their writing skills should pay most attention to:
a. collecting adequate information for the profiled audience.
One reason concise messages are essential in business is that they save money by saving time.
16 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
This message is to let you know that should probably be eliminated from a sentence because it
represents a long lead-in.
17
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
18 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
It is better to use the phrase in a careful manner than the single word carefully when you need to
explain how an action is to be completed.
19
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
One way to improve the vigor and readability of a message is to avoid the monotony of
repetitious use of words by substituting appropriate synonyms and pronouns.
20
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
Although scientists and the medical field use jargon, most other fields do not have terminology
specific to the field.
21
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
Converting a verb into a noun creates stronger, more professional business writing (e.g. made
a decision instead of decided).
22
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
Most sophisticated word processing software includes technology to identify significant problems
including spelling errors, typographical mistakes, word use problems, and punctuation problems.
23
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
When writers check their business reports for page balance, they are engaged in verifying the
format, which is part of the revising phase of the writing process.
24
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
You are likely to become a stronger proofreader of complex documents if you criticize yourself
25
each time you find an error.
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
Job recruiters identify which of the following as the top skill set sought in job applicants?
Innovative technologies are reshaping the way we work. As a result, you can expect to be communicating ________ than befor
a. less
You can improve your listening skills if you follow tips for active listening, including:
a. keeping an open mind, establishing a receptive mind-set, and listening between the lines.
4 b. establishing a receptive mind-set, concentrating on appearance and delivery, and sifting information through biases.
c. capitalizing on lag time, concentrating on your next comment, and taking as many notes as possible.
a. The brains of listeners can process information at least three times as fast as speakers can talk.
Maggie needs to participate in an important conference call, so she plans to use active listening skills. Maggie shuts down her c
she using to improve listening?
6
Nonverbal behaviors may be interpreted differently in different cultures. A person doing business with customers from another c
c. A smile
Max has been asked to lead his work group in a problem-solving discussion with a goal of reducing workplace injuries. Max not
a. take Lori aside and tell her to keep her negative attitude to herself.
8 b. respond to the verbal message only and thank Lori for her support.
c. politely seek additional information by saying, I'm not sure that you really agree with my idea. Do you have a suggestion
d. respond only to the nonverbal message since body language is always more accurate than words.
status: not answered ()
correct: c
your answer:
The unique culture and heritage of each country helps its members primarily to understand how:
9
a. to behave and react.
b. communication affects business.
Brian was overheard in the employee break room saying, "I am glad that the Technology Department finally hired an Asian gu
guilty of ________, which is not acceptable in a diverse work environment.
a. ethnocentrism
10 b. tolerance
c. stereotyping
d. a cultural norm
status: not answered ()
correct: c
your answer:
You can improve your oral communications with people who do not speak English as their first language if you:
11 b. avoid smiling and eye contact because it is not their cultural norm.
c. incorporate jargon and regional dialects to encourage them to adopt American communication styles.
Because more American companies today conduct business globally, employees must learn to accept and respect all cultures
emphasize:
12
a. stereotyping.
b. individualism.
c. ethnocentrism.
d. communication style.
status: not answered ()
correct: c
your answer:
A culturally diverse workforce can benefit organizations and their employees if employees show tolerance for differences. One
a. practicing empathy.
c. encouraging ethnocentrism.
When writing for a multicultural audience, you are more likely to be understood if you use short sentences and short paragrap
14 b. idioms, such as You can improve your bottom line using this product.
d. action-specific verbs such as order this product rather than get this product.
status: not answered ()
correct: d
your answer:
Values common in the dominant U.S. culture include freedom and independence. These values together form the cultural valu
15
a. idealism.
b. democracy.
c. individualism.
d. ethnocentrism.
status: not answered ()
correct: c
your answer:
Companies are likely to promote the employee with the strongest technical skills, despite any weaknesses in com
16 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
Good communicators occur naturally because family genetics provide the skills that they need.
17 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
In today's world of work, frontline employees can expect to make more decisions independently and as part of a t
18 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
Sholanda is developing a marketing page for the company Web site and is concerned about the appearance of h
phase of the communication process.
19
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
20 Good listening skills are a weak component of the communication skills of most people with most listening at only
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
Hailey is listening to a difficult presentation on nanotechnology development. As a good listener, she should take
21 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
As businesses expand global markets, employees are likely to increase their fear of new cultures if they avoid inte
22 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
While your physical appearance delivers an important nonverbal message to your customers, the physical appea
23 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
You should ensure that your verbal and nonverbal messages are in sync by taping and evaluating yourself makin
24 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
25 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
b. frontloading.
c. data analysis.
d. research.
status: not answered ()
correct: d
your answer:
Melissa is preparing a market analysis for her business plan and knows she will have to conduct formal
research to gather the information she needs. To conduct formal research, she should
b. Ambiguous wording
d. Poor organization
status: not answered ()
correct: d
your answer:
As a business writer, you want to create readable messages. Which of the following is an effective technique
to use?
a. Proceed free form from one idea to the next for maximum creative effect.
5 b. Avoid emphasizing important ideas so that readers may judge for themselves.
c. Use no specific pattern that might restrict the flow of your ideas.
Antonio is writing an e–mail message to his employees, and he expects them to be pleased with the
message. Antonio should
6 b. build up to the good news by starting his message with a neutral statement.
d. put his main point at the end of the message where it will be most memorable.
status: not answered ()
correct: c
your answer:
Business Manager Megan Caldwell expects her employees to be displeased or even hostile when she
announces a new work schedule that will become effective next month. An effective organizational strategy
for Megan is to
7
b. put any bad news first.
Which of the following business messages would use the direct strategy?
c. A sales letter
a. We know you'll want to vote in the next election; therefore, please register by October 20.
Although the deadline is October 20, there is still time to register; however, you must show valid
c. identification.
d. If you want to vote in the next election, you must register by October 20.
status: not answered ()
correct: a
your answer:
Many voters used absentee ballots to vote, others chose to vote in person on election day is an example of
a
a. complete sentence.
10 b. fused sentence.
c. run–on sentence.
d. comma splice.
status: not answered ()
correct: d
your answer:
Because we pay only for in–house classes and workshops, you will not receive company funds for
a. tuition costs.
11 b. Because of our educational benefits policy, you may not receive funds for tuition costs.
Although the company cannot reimburse you for tuition costs, you may attend class during work
c. hours.
Although you can attend class during work hours, the company cannot reimburse you for tuition
d. costs.
status: not answered ()
correct: c
your answer:
Business writers prefer the active voice for most business writing because in active–voice sentences
13 b. The Park Hotel is just one of the Art Deco buildings you can see strolling about South Beach.
d. To meet the deadline, your Excel figures must be received before June 1.
status: not answered ()
correct: c
your answer:
Effective paragraphs
a. include supporting sentences that expand and explain the main idea.
14 b. are coherent.
You should strive to make your paragraphs coherent in all business writing. Paragraph coherence occurs
when
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
Using a hierarchy such as an outline can help you to organize your ideas and information.
17 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
One advantage of the direct organizational pattern is that it saves the reader's time.
18 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
19 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
To avoid creating sentence fragments, writers should not punctuate dependent clauses as
complete sentences.
20
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
To emphasize a main idea through style, you should underline, italicize, or bold the main idea.
21 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
The following sentence is in the active voice: The company rewarded its top performers by
giving them a day off with pay.
22
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
The following sentence demonstrates parallelism: A good financial planner must be certified,
competent, and must possess ethical standards.
23
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
Paragraphs with eight or fewer printed lines look more inviting and readable than longer
paragraphs.
24
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
Consequently and therefore are examples of transitional expressions that may be used to
demonstrate cause and effect.
25
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
The process of collecting information is called
a. organization.
1
b. frontloading.
c. data analysis.
d. research.
status: not answered ()
correct: d
your answer:
Melissa is preparing a market analysis for her business plan and knows she will have to conduct formal
research to gather the information she needs. To conduct formal research, she should
a. Poor spelling
4
b. Ambiguous wording
As a business writer, you want to create readable messages. Which of the following is an effective technique
to use?
a. Proceed free form from one idea to the next for maximum creative effect.
5 b. Avoid emphasizing important ideas so that readers may judge for themselves.
c. Use no specific pattern that might restrict the flow of your ideas.
Antonio is writing an e–mail message to his employees, and he expects them to be pleased with the
message. Antonio should
6 b. build up to the good news by starting his message with a neutral statement.
d. put his main point at the end of the message where it will be most memorable.
status: not answered ()
correct: c
your answer:
Business Manager Megan Caldwell expects her employees to be displeased or even hostile when she
announces a new work schedule that will become effective next month. An effective organizational strategy
for Megan is to
7
a. explain all background information first.
Which of the following business messages would use the direct strategy?
c. A sales letter
a. We know you'll want to vote in the next election; therefore, please register by October 20.
Although the deadline is October 20, there is still time to register; however, you must show valid
c. identification.
d. If you want to vote in the next election, you must register by October 20.
status: not answered ()
correct: a
your answer:
Many voters used absentee ballots to vote, others chose to vote in person on election day is an example of
a
10 a. complete sentence.
b. fused sentence.
c. run–on sentence.
d. comma splice.
status: not answered ()
correct: d
your answer:
Because we pay only for in–house classes and workshops, you will not receive company funds for
a. tuition costs.
11 b. Because of our educational benefits policy, you may not receive funds for tuition costs.
Although the company cannot reimburse you for tuition costs, you may attend class during work
c. hours.
Although you can attend class during work hours, the company cannot reimburse you for tuition
d. costs.
status: not answered ()
correct: c
your answer:
Business writers prefer the active voice for most business writing because in active–voice sentences
b. The Park Hotel is just one of the Art Deco buildings you can see strolling about South Beach.
c. To apply for financial aid, send in your application by January 1.
d. To meet the deadline, your Excel figures must be received before June 1.
status: not answered ()
correct: c
your answer:
Effective paragraphs
a. include supporting sentences that expand and explain the main idea.
14 b. are coherent.
You should strive to make your paragraphs coherent in all business writing. Paragraph coherence occurs
when
Human Resources Manager Kris Royka is researching case studies as she prepares a diversity
training workshop for her employees. An effective method of formal research is to search print
and online journal articles.
16
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
Using a hierarchy such as an outline can help you to organize your ideas and information.
17 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
One advantage of the direct organizational pattern is that it saves the reader's time.
18 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
19 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
To avoid creating sentence fragments, writers should not punctuate dependent clauses as
complete sentences.
20
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
To emphasize a main idea through style, you should underline, italicize, or bold the main idea.
21 True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
The following sentence is in the active voice: The company rewarded its top performers by
22
giving them a day off with pay.
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer:
The following sentence demonstrates parallelism: A good financial planner must be certified,
competent, and must possess ethical standards.
23
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: false
your answer:
Paragraphs with eight or fewer printed lines look more inviting and readable than longer
paragraphs.
24
True
False
status: not answered ()
correct: true
your answer: