Asian SEED Academy of Technology

Purposive Communication
Midterm Examination

Name: Paz,Venedic R. Student Number: 22-008s

Course: IST Subject: Purposive Communication

Integrity is one’s refusal to cheat.

My actions define my character.

Name and Signature of Student

I. Essay Writing
Answer each of the following questions elaborately. 5 pts each.

1. Why must we be careful in the tone we are using during verbal communication? Give 2 examples in
our daily lives. It's how you speak and the lasting impression words make on everyone around
you. Think of your tone of voice like a personalized vocal “fingerprint” that distinguishes who you
are and can tell others so much about you.
-We must be careful in the tone we use during verbal communication because the tone of our voice can
have a significant impact on how our message is perceived and interpreted. Using a condescending or
aggressive tone, for example, can make the listener feel disrespected or offended, which can harm
relationships and cause conflicts. Using a friendly and respectful tone, on the other hand, can make the
listener feel valued and appreciated, which can improve communication and facilitate positive
interactions.
-Tone is important in a variety of contexts in our everyday lives. In the workplace, for example,
maintaining good relationships with colleagues and clients can be aided by using a professional and
polite tone during meetings or discussions. When we talk to our friends and family, using a
compassionate and understanding tone can help to strengthen our relationships and support each other
through difficult times. Overall, being mindful of our tone of voice during verbal communication can
assist us in effectively communicating our message and building positive relationships with those around
us.

2. Explain the quote “In short, we don’t communicate about our realities; communication helps to
construct our realities”, by relating it to the Interaction Model. Give 2 personal examples.
-The quote "In short, we don't communicate about our realities; communication helps to construct our
realities" means that the way we communicate with others shapes and influences our understanding of
the world and our own experiences. This is related to the Interaction Model of communication, which
proposes that communication is a process in which people actively construct meaning through the
exchange of messages. The Interaction Model suggests that communication is not simply a matter of
transmitting information, but rather a dynamic and ongoing process of creating shared meaning.

3. May was on a trip to Bangladesh with her family. While going on tour the local tour guide warned
them to not use the “thumbs up” gesture while going around. What Cultural Barrier did May and her
family experience? If you were in May’s place, would you follow the warning of the tour guide? Why
or why not?
-The use of the thumbs up gesture can be considered a cultural barrier because its meaning can vary
from culture to culture. In some cultures, the thumbs up gesture is a positive sign, but in others, it can be
considered rude or offensive. For example, in Bangladesh, the thumbs up gesture is often considered
rude or insulting. Therefore, the local tour guide warned May and her family to avoid using it while on
their tour of the country.
-If I were in May's place, I would definitely follow the warning of the tour guide. As a guest in a foreign
country, it is important to respect and abide by the customs and cultural norms of the local people. Using
the "thumbs up" gesture in Bangladesh could be seen as rude or disrespectful, and could potentially

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Midterm Exam, Purposive Communication
cause offense or even create conflict. By following the advice of the tour guide, I would show respect for
the culture of the country I am visiting, and avoid any potential misunderstandings or
misunderstandings.

4. Lily, and her group mates Rose and Thorne, have had several disagreements. Each of them believes
that their idea is right, making them constantly argue. Which among the Rules of Communication
Ethics do they need to practice? Why?
Lily, Rose, and Thorne need to practice the rule of listening in order to effectively communicate with
each other and resolve their disagreements. The act of listening involves actively paying attention to
what the other person is saying, without interrupting or judging their ideas. It also involves seeking to
understand the other person's perspective and considering their ideas objectively. By practicing this rule,
Lily, Rose, and Thorne can better understand each other's perspectives and come to a mutually
acceptable solution to their disagreements.

5. Art is about to apply to be a composer and producer in his best friend’s company. What kind of
register should Art use when writing his application letter? Why?
-Art should use a formal register when writing his application letter. This is because a formal register is
typically used in professional or business contexts, such as when applying for a job or making a business
proposal. A formal register is characterized by the use of formal language, proper grammar, and a polite
and respectful tone. Using a formal register in his application letter will show that Art is professional and
takes the job opportunity seriously, which will make a positive impression on his best friend and increase
his chances of being accepted for the position.

6-8. As a student who is adept in navigating the digital world, which communication bias do you often
observe? Likewise, which communication bias is not often discussed but should be called out? What
are the dangers of these communication bias and what can you do to stop it?
-As a student who is adept in navigating the digital world, I often observe the bias of selective exposure.
This bias refers to the tendency for people to seek out and pay attention to information that aligns with
their existing beliefs and values, while avoiding or disregarding information that challenges or contradicts
those beliefs. In the digital world, this bias is often seen in the way that people use social media or other
online platforms to curate their own personal feeds of information, selectively following only those
accounts or sources that align with their beliefs. As a result, they may end up in echo chambers, where
they are only exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs, rather than being exposed to a
diverse range of perspectives.

-As a student who is adept in navigating the digital world, I believe that confirmation bias should be called
out more often. Confirmation bias refers to the tendency for people to interpret new information in a way
that confirms their existing beliefs and biases, rather than considering it objectively. This bias is often
seen in the way that people use social media or other online platforms to express their opinions and
beliefs, where they may seek out only those sources or accounts that align with their beliefs, and ignore or
dismiss information that challenges or contradicts those beliefs. By calling out this bias, we can
encourage people to be more open-minded and consider a broader range of perspectives, which can
improve the quality of online discourse and facilitate more constructive and productive discussions.]

-The dangers of these communication biases, such as selective exposure and confirmation bias, are that
they can lead to echo chambers and reinforce people's existing beliefs and biases. This can result in a
lack of exposure to diverse perspectives, which can hinder critical thinking and make it difficult for
people to consider alternative viewpoints. Additionally, these biases can lead to the spread of
misinformation and manipulation, as people may be more susceptible to believing and sharing
information that aligns with their existing beliefs, even if it is not accurate.

To stop these communication biases, I believe that it is important for individuals to be aware of these
biases and to actively seek out diverse perspectives and information. This can involve following accounts
or sources that have different viewpoints, and critically evaluating the information that is presented to
them. Additionally, it can be helpful to engage in discussions with people who have different
perspectives, in order to better understand their viewpoints and to challenge our own beliefs. By taking
these steps, we can avoid the dangers of communication biases and foster more productive and
constructive online discourse.

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Midterm Exam, Purposive Communication
 Media Analysis - No Need
Look at the Print Ads below. Choose ONE and conduct a media analysis by looking into how the
messages were presented with the use of images and how language was used.

Print Ad chosen: JBL

Key Concepts Guide Questions

All media 1. What is the message of the text?

messages are  
“constructed.” 2. How effectively does it represent reality?

3. How is the message constructed?

Media have 1. What lifestyles, values and points of view are represented in the text?
embedded
values and 2. Who or what is missing?
points of view.

Each person 1. What message do you perceive from the text?

interprets
messages  
differently. 2. How might others understand it differently? Why?

Media have 1. What is the purpose of the text?

commercial,
ideological or 2. Who is the target audience of the text?
political
interests.
3. Who might be disadvantaged?

4. Who created the text and why? 

Media 1. What techniques are used and why?

messages are
constructed
using a 2. How effective are the techniques in supporting the messages or themes of the text?
creative
language
having its own
rules. 3. What are other ways of presenting the message?

(word choice,
lighting,
composition,
camera angle,
editing, use of
props, body

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Midterm Exam, Purposive Communication
language,
symbols, etc.)

Print Ad Choices:

A. Saridon

B. JBL

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Midterm Exam, Purposive Communication
C. FedEx

Rubrics

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Midterm Exam, Purposive Communication
 Key Concepts 5 3 1

All media messages All questions have been All questions were Only half of the number of
are “constructed.” answered and were answered, however the questions was answered.
supported by clear student did not provide  
explanations. any explanation.
Media have    
embedded values and The writer uses some Many unclear or
The writer treats the
points of view. informal language and incomplete sentences.
subject seriously using
slang. Most sentences  
formal language. All
sentences are complete, are complete, accurate
Each person and clear.
accurate, and clear
interprets messages  
 
differently. Work contains multiple
Punctuation and
Sentence structure is incorrect sentence
capitalization are
correct. generally correct. There structures. There are three
Media have are one or two errors in or four errors in
commercial, punctuation and/or punctuation and/or
ideological or political capitalization. capitalization.
interests.  

Media messages are

constructed using a
creative language
having its own rules.

Prepared by :
Jesyl Origen R. Yague

Approved by :

Arnel L. Montablan Instructor ASAT

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Midterm Exam, Purposive Communication