Full name: Lưu Trà My – 14040543

Chapter review 3

6. Compare the first phase of the writing process with the second phase

The first phase is the prewriting stage referred clearly in the previous chapter. It mentions
the importance of using a conversional tone, positive language, plain and courteous
expression, and familiar words.
The second stage of the process consists of gathering information, organizing it into
outlines, and composing messages.

7. For routine writing tasks, what are some techniques for collecting informal data and
generating ideas?

Some techniques for collecting informal data and generating ideas for routine tasks such as
composing e-mail messages, memos,letters,etc require data:
 Look in the files: finding the answer to the inquiry by investigating the company
files or by consulting colleagues
 Talk with the boss: get information from the individual making the assignment
 Interview the target audience: they can provide clarifying information about what
they want to know and how writer should shape his/her remarks
 Conduct an informal survey: using questionnaires or telephone surveys
 Brainstorm for ideas: alone or with others, discuss ideas for the writing task at
hand, and record at least a dozen ideas without judging them.

8. What is the differences between a list and an outline?

Two simple techniques can help organize data are the scratch list and the outline. The
differences between a list and an outline is
 An outline divides the topic into main points ( 3-5 points) and the project into a
hierarchy while a list compose many ideas not organized
 An outline uses details, illustration, and evidence to support subpoints while a list
doesn’t

9. Why do many readers prefer the direct method for organizing messages?

Because the direct method called front-loading has at least three advantages:
 Save the reader’s time: businesspeople can devote only a few moments to each
message
 Sets a proper frame of mind: learning the purpose up front helps the reaser put the
subsequent details and explainations in perspective.
 Prevents frustration: reader forced to struggle through excessive verbiage before
reaching the main idea become frustrated.

10. When is the indirect method appropriate, and what are the benefits of using it?

The indirect method is appropriate when the audience is uninterestd, unwilling, displeased,
or perhaps even hostile.
The benefits of using the indirect pattern:
 Respects the feelings of the audience: the trauma can be lessened when the received
is prepared for it.
 Encourages a fair hearing: messages may upseting the reader are more likely to be
read when the main idea is delayed
 Minimizes a negative reaction: a reader’s negative reaction is generally improved if
the news is delivered gently.

11. List four techniques for achieving emphasis through style?

 Use vivid words: because the reader can picture ideas clearly
 Label the main idea: if an idea is significant, tell the reader
 Place the important idea first or last in the sentence: ideas have less competition
from surrounding words when they appear first or last in a sentence.
 Place the important idea in a simple sentence or an independent clause: don’t dilute
the effect of the idea by making it share the spotlight with other words and clauses

12. What is parallelism? Give an original example

Parallelism is a skillful writing technique that involves balanced writing.

Ex: communication, education and relaxation are parallel because they are nouns to
express the advantages of the Internet

13. What are the four sentences types, and what do they consist of?

To avoid monotony and to add spark to the writing, we have four sentence types from
which to choose:
1. Simple sentence: contains one complete thought (an independent clause) with a
subject and predicate verb
2. Compound sentence contains two complete but related thought joined by
conjunction FANBOYS, by semicolon or by a conjunctive adverb (however,
consequently,...)
3. Complex sentence: contains an independent clause ( a complete thought) and
dependent clause ( a thought that cannot stand by itself) [Although, since, because,
when, and if, etc]
4. Compound-complex sentence: contains at least two independent clauses and one
dependent clause

14. What is a topic sentence, and where is it usually found in business messages?

Topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph.

It is usually found in the first place in the paragraph in business messages.

15. List three techniques for developing paragraph coherence.

 Repeat a key idea by using the same expression or a similar one

 Use pronouns to refer to previous nouns
 Show connections with transitional expressions