Chapter 04 Revising Business Messages

Chapter 04 Revising Business Messages
1. The final phase of the 3-x-3 writing process is _______.

a. pre-writing
b. revising
c. drafting
d. editing
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: The final phase of the 3-x-3 writing process is the revising phase, which focuses on editing,
proofreading, and evaluation.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: pp. 90-91
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.23.04.01 - 04.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States - BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.23.01.06 - DISC.ESBC.GULO.23.01.06
TOPICS: Revising: Applying Phase 3 of the Writing Process
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Understand
DATE CREATED: 1/10/2022 4:01 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 3/2/2022 1:03 PM
2. Which of the following describes the role of evaluating in the writing process?
a. Evaluating is not necessary for experienced business writers.
b. Evaluating is the process of analyzing whether your message achieves its purpose.
c. Evaluating is only necessary for informal documents such as internal memos or e-mail
messages.
d. Evaluating usually happens during the writing stage as you select words and form sentences.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: The revision phase of the writing process involves editing, proofreading, and evaluating.
Evaluating is the process of analyzing whether your message achieves its purpose.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 90
3. Monica's supervisor has expressed concern about the readability of her messages, claiming that paragraphs are often too
long. What aspect of her writing should Monica focus on to address this issue?
a. Researching
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 1

b. Proofreading
c. Formatting
d. Evaluating her purpose
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Monica should focus on the formatting of her messages to shorten paragraph length for
readers' ability to skim effectively.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 90
United States - BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.23.06.07 - DISC.ESBC.GULO.23.06.07
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Apply
4. Slashing wordy expressions, getting rid of long lead-ins, dropping fillers, and rejecting redundancies are all ways of
making your writing more _______.
a. informal
b. formal
c. persuasive
d. concise
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Slashing wordy expressions, getting rid of long lead-ins, dropping fillers, and rejecting
redundancies are all ways of making your writing more concise.
POINTS: 1
5. Which of the following statements regarding concise writing is accurate?

a. Concise writing is only appropriate for short messages.
b. Concise writing is easier to read and comprehend.
c. Concise writing has the same impact as writing that is wordy, so long as the message is the
same.
d. Concise writing should be used only with logical messages, not emotional ones.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Concise writing is easier to read and comprehend, saves businesses time and money, and is
necessary for both informal and formal messages.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 91
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Remember
6. Slashing wordy expressions means _______.

a. making your writing style more direct
b. making your writing more persuasive
c. combining sentences so that you have fewer sentences overall
d. clarifying and shortening vague expressions
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Slashing wordy expressions means identifying vague, wordy expressions that can be clarified
and shortened.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 91
7. Due to the fact that is a wordy expression that could be shortened to the word(s) _______.
a. Because
b. Until
c. Despite
d. Although
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Because is a concise replacement for the wordy expression Due to the fact that.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 91
8. Long sentence lead-ins _______.

a. are unnecessary introductory words
b. introduce the "meat" of the message
c. avoid reader confusion
d. demonstrate effective language
usage
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Long lead-ins are unnecessary introductory words. Long lead-ins don't demonstrate effective
language use because they confuse the reader and don't convey the meaning of the message.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
9. A long lead-in is a series of introductory words that _______.

a. are not necessary for the essential meaning of the message and should be removed
b. play an important role in making the message sound more professional
c. are essential for making the message more persuasive
d. can be retained or removed in the message because they do not change the meaning of the message
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: A long lead-in consists of introductory words that are usually unnecessary for conveying the
meaning of the sentence. The meat of the sentence usually follows the long lead-in.
POINTS: 1
10. There is and It is are examples of _______.

a. long lead-ins.
b. unnecessary fillers.
c. redundancies.
d. grammatical errors.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: There is/are and It is/was are examples of unnecessary fillers, which take up space and delay
getting to the point of the sentence.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 92
11. Which of the following sentences contains a redundancy?

a. At this point in time your account is now up to date.
b. This is to inform you that your account is up to date.
c. Due to the fact that we have just received your check, your account is up to date.
d. Your account has been updated.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: At this point in time your account is now up to date” contains the redundancy of “now” and
“at this point in time.” Selections b and c contain long lead-ins, and selection d is written in
the passive voice.
POINTS: 1

12. There is a new software company that will be hiring employees is an example of a sentence with _______.
a. concise wording
b. a wordy prepositional
phrase
c. a filler
d. faulty parallelism
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: This sentence contains a filler (There is) and is not concise.
POINTS: 1
13. Which of the following sentences contains unnecessary filler?

a. There is a need to discuss three important issues at today's
meeting.
b. Only one job opening is available.
c. Our office manager is the one who won the raffle.
d. Three candidates are running for the board.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: There is a need to discuss three important issues at today's meeting contains the unnecessary
filler “There is a need…” Eliminate the filler by revising to We will discuss three important
issues at today’s meeting.
POINTS: 1
14. Which sentence contains a redundant expression?

a. It is essential that our accounting records are accurate.
b. Let's not repeat our competitor's mistakes again.
c. Please refer to the June financial statements.
d. I want to thank each stockholder.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Let's not repeat our competitor's mistakes again contains the redundancy of including the
words “repeat” and “again.” Revising this sentence removing “again” would eliminate the
redundancy and make the sentence more concise.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 93
15. Microblogging _______.

a. is ineffective for communication with customers
b. involves adding website links to a blog to encourage feedback from others
c. consists of short messages exchanged on social media networks
d. is performed primarily by corporate officials who write comments about their
companies
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Microblogging consists of short messages exchanged on social media networks such as
Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr. These messages may be written by customers or companies
and made public or private.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy

16. Which of the following are tips one should follow when microblogging?
a. Ignore spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
b. Include only the main ideas.
c. Depersonalize your message if possible.
d. Include long, vivid descriptions.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: When microblogging, include only main ideas, choose descriptive but short words,
personalize your message if possible, use hashtags to make your tweets easier to find, and be
prepared to write several versions striving for conciseness, clarity, and correctness.
POINTS: 1
17. One way to improve the clarity of your writing is to apply the KISS formula. KISS stands for _______.
a. Key Ideas Succinctly and Swiftly
b. Keep It Short and Simple
c. Knowledge Is Supported and Summarized
d. Know Intentions, Strategies, and Solutions
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Because your goal as a business writer is to express, not impress, you should remember to
apply the KISS (Keep It Short and Simple) formula.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 95
TOPICS: Ensuring Message Clarity
18. Katelyn is writing a letter to thank a potential employer for her job interview. Which of these sentences contains
modern expressions Katelyn should use?
a. Thank you in advance for considering me for your available position.
b. You will note that my coursework has thoroughly prepared me for your medical technician position.
c. Enclosed herein please find the salary history you requested during the interview.
d. Pursuant to your request, I will return for a second interview on May 28.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: "You will note that my coursework has thoroughly prepared me for your medical technician
position" uses modern phrases and avoids outdated phrases such as "Thank you in advance,"
"Enclosed herein please find," and "Pursuant to your request."
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 96
19. Think outside the box is an example of _______.

a. clear, precise language
b. a buried verb
c. a cliché
d. outdated language
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Think outside the box is an example of a cliché, an expression that has become exhausted by
overuse.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 96
20. Expressions that are intended to impress rather than express are known as _______.
a. clichés
b. buzzwords
c. trite phrases
d. overly exuberant
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Buzzwords are technical expressions that have become fashionable and often are meant to
impress rather than express.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 96
21. Which of the following sentences contains a cliché?

a. We can prove the wicked good benefits of exercise for stress reduction.
b. Employees who engage in a regular fitness program are likely to pass the physical exam with flying
colors.
c. If you join this health club, you won’t blow your budget.
d. ICYMI, you, to, should join the fitness program so you can take advantage of the company discount.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Employees who engage in a regular fitness program are likely to pass the physical exam with
flying colors contains the cliché “with flying colors” “ICYMI,” “wicked good,” and “blow
your budget” are examples of slang.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 96
DATE MODIFIED: 3/16/2022 6:33 AM
22. Snarky is an example of a(n) ____________ expression.

a. slang
b. clichéd
c. active

d. passive
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Slang is composed of informal words with arbitrary and extravagantly changed meanings,
such as snarky.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
23. Using slang in business writing will have the effect of _______.
a. clarifying meaning
b. sounding professional
c. using words that quickly go out of fashion.
d. creating an impression of being hip and up to date
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Slang is composed of informal words with arbitrary and extravagantly changed meanings that
can obscure the message. Slang words quickly go out of fashion and lose appeal when
everyone begins to understand them.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
24. What does the social media slang expression br mean?

a. be real
b. best
regards
c. be ready
d. best results
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: br is a social media slang expression that is short for best regards.
POINTS: 1
25. Converting verbs into noun expressions _______.

a. decreases sentence length
b. reduces verb strength
c. increases the reader's ability to process the
information
d. does all of these choices
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: When verbs such as "consider" are made into nouns (consideration), sentence length
increases, verb strength is minimized, and the reader is slowed. In addition, noun conversions
muddy the thought. You can make your writing cleaner and more forceful when you avoid
wordy verb/noun conversions.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 97
26. Which of the following sentences contains an example of a buried verb?

a. Your supervisor will give consideration to all capital budget
requests.
b. The committee worked on establishing a fund for scholarships.
c. The benefits committee will be approving the plan.
d. The scholarship committee discussed several promising applications.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: The phrase “give consideration to" is an example of a buried verb. A more direct way to
express this idea is with the unburied verb “consider”: Your supervisor will consider all
capital budget requests.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 97
27. Words such as definitely, quite, actually, extremely, and totally are _______.
a. adjectives that add a welcome degree of emotion to your writing
b. adjectives that may be omitted because they are imprecise
c. adverbs that should be used only sparingly in business writing
d. adverbs that should be used as often as possible in business writing to show excitement and
enthusiasm
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: The words listed are adverbs, not adjectives. These intensifiers can emphasize and strengthen
your meaning. Overuse, however, sounds unbusinesslike. Business writers should control
their enthusiasm and guard against excessive use.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 97
28. Jordan is a marketing manager for a vacation resort. In writing a description of his resort, which of these descriptions
illustrates clear writing that creates meaningful images and uses vivid adjectives?
a. The resort offers luxurious suites with Jacuzzi tubs and heated outdoor saunas.
b. The all-inclusive, top-notch resort offers totally marvelous suites with incredible
extras.
c. The resort has nice rooms.
d. The resort offers all-inclusive amenities.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Only The resort offers luxurious suites with Jacuzzi tubs and heated outdoor saunas contains
concrete nouns and vivid adjectives, which are central to creating meaningful images. All
other examples contain foggy messages marked by sloppy references.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 98
29. Which of the following sentences uses precise language?

a. The board approved a substantial budget increase.
b. The board approved a 34 percent budget increase.
c. The board approved a large budget increase.
d. The board approved a sizeable budget increase.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: The most precise sentence includes "a 34 percent budget increase" because it specifies a
number.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 98
30. Which of the following sentences demonstrates clear writing?

a. A supervisor asked everyone to work an extra day.
b. A supervisor asked production employees to work an extra day.
c. A supervisor asked everyone to work on Saturday.
d. Lindsey Goulet asked production employees to work on Saturday.
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: The only clear sentence is "Lindsey Goulet asked production employees to work on
Saturday." This sentence is clear because it uses concrete nouns (Lindsey Goulet, production
employees, Saturday) rather than unclear nouns (Our supervisor, day) or pronouns
(everyone).
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 98
31. Document design techniques to improve readability include _______.

a. use of white space
b. typefaces and fonts
c. headings for visual
impact
d. all of these choices
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Document design techniques to improve readability include use of white space, margins,
typefaces, fonts, numbered and bulleted lists, and headings for visual impact.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 98
TOPICS: Improving Readability With Strategic Document Design
32. White space refers to _______.

a. unclear content
b. margins only
c. the time a reader takes to process
information
d. empty space on the page
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Empty space on a page is called "white space." A page crammed full of text or graphics
appears busy, cluttered, and unreadable. To increase white space, use headings, bulleted or
numbered lists, short paragraphs, and effective margins.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy

REFERENCES: p. 99
33. To improve readability and comprehension, _______.

a. use approximately 20 or fewer words per sentence
b. construct paragraphs consisting of 12-15 printed lines
c. develop long paragraphs
d. avoid the use of topic sentences on shorter
paragraphs
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: To increase white space, use short sentences (20 or fewer words) and short paragraphs (eight
or fewer printed lines) to improve readability and comprehension. As you revise, think about
shortening long sentences and breaking up long paragraphs into shorter chunks. Be sure,
however, that each part of the divided paragraph has a topic sentence.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 99
34. Dylan is designing a document. Which of the following suggestions will help Dylan enhance readability and
comprehension in his document?
a. Justify the left and right margins so they are both even.
b. Create white space by using headings, bulleted or numbered lists, short paragraphs, and effective
margins.
c. Use multiple typefaces within the document.
d. Use ALL CAPS anywhere in a document to emphasize key points.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: To increase readability, Dylan should create white space by using headings, bulleted or
numbered lists, short paragraphs, and effective margins. He should also use left-justified text
and ragged right margins without justification; no more than two typefaces per document;
and ALL CAPS only for headings, subheadings, and single words or phrases.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 99
35. Which statement about margins and text alignment is true?

a. Margins define the reading area and provide important visual
relief.
b. Nearly all text in Western cultures is aligned at the right.
c. Business letters and memos usually have side margins of 2 inches.
d. Ragged right margins decrease white space and readability.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Margins determine the white space on a document, define the reading area, and provide
important visual relief. Therefore, business letters and memos usually have side margins of 1
to 1½ inches. Furthermore, nearly all text in Western cultures uses ragged right margins and
is aligned at the left.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 99
36. What is the most common serif typeface?

a. Arial
b. Times New Roman
c. Univers
d. Calibri
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: The most common serif typeface is Times New Roman. Other popular serif typefaces are
Century, Georgia, and Palatino. Serif typefaces suggest tradition, maturity, and formality.
Therefore, they are frequently used for body text in business messages, books, newspapers,
and magazines.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 100

37. How many typefaces should you use in a business document?

a. No more than two
b. At least three
c. Up to five
d. At least ten
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Use no more than two typefaces within a document, and choose typefaces from the "serif" or
"sans serif" categories.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 100
38. Which font size are readers generally most comfortable with for body text?
a. 8- to 9-point
b. 10- to 12-point
c. 14-point
d. more than 14-point
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: 10- to 12-point type for body text is generally most comfortable for readers.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 100

39. Which of the following statements describes the benefit of using bulleted or numbered lists?
a. Lists decrease a reader's comprehension of the main ideas.
b. Lists allow readers to review main ideas quickly.
c. Lists confuse readers because they are visually
distracting.
d. Lists decrease the readability level of a document.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: To ensure rapid comprehension of ideas, use numbered or bulleted lists. Lists provide high
"skim value," allowing readers to browse quickly to grasp main ideas. By breaking up
complex information into smaller chunks, lists improve readability, understanding, and
retention.
POINTS: 1
40. Listed items should reflect parallel structure, which means that _______.
a. they should be next to each other rather than vertical
b. each should be followed by a comma
c. they should all use the same graphic font
d. they should be expressed using the same grammatical
structure
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Parallel structure refers to express ideas similarly, using the same grammatical structure
(such as noun phrases or verb phrases).
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy

41. The term parallelism means _______.
a. making sure that the same number of words is used in each of the items in a bulleted or numbered
list
b. using the same grammatical structure for items in a bulleted or numbered list
c. ensuring that you have a minimum of three items in your bulleted or numbered list
d. making sure that your bulleted or numbered lists start with a verb
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Parallelism is using the same grammatical structure for each item in a bulleted or numbered
list––for example, beginning each item with a verb.
POINTS: 1
42. Which statement regarding headings is correct?

a. Headings provide visual distraction for readers; thus, they should be avoided.
b. Headings appear most often in business letters.
c. Headings highlight information and improve readability.
d. Headings should be avoided in all business documents.
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Headings are an effective tool to highlight information and improve readability. They also
help the reader separate major ideas from details and skim information quickly. Although
headings appear most often in reports, they can also improve readability in other business
documents.
POINTS: 1
43. Which statement about proofreading is correct?

a. Good business writers wait at least 24 hours or longer to proofread a document.
b. Only important messages or documents need to be proofread.
c. Documents with errors do not affect a person's credibility because readers understand that everyone makes
mistakes.
d. Proofreading should occur while the document is being written.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Because documents with errors can affect a person's credibility and success within an
organization, proofreading is important. Therefore, good business writers proofread all
messages after they are in their final form and wait at least 24 hours before doing so.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 103
TOPICS: Catching Errors With Careful Proofreading
44. Proofreading includes which of the following tasks?

a. Improving content and tone
b. Fine-tuning sentence and paragraph structure
c. Correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, names and numbers, and format
d. Determining whether the message should be written using the direct or indirect organizational
pattern
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Proofreading is the process of correcting any errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, names
and numbers, and format. Revision is the process of improving the content, tone, and
sentence and paragraph structure of your writing. During the second phase of the writing
process, you will determine your organization.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 103
45. Branch managers of First Federated Savings and Loan received this e-mail message: Please inform all personal that
management retains the right to check personal belongings of employees before employees leave the bank. What error did
the writer make?
a. A grammatical mistake
b. A proofreading error
c. A failure to use spell check
d. No error was made. The sentence is correct as written.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: This sentence contains a proofreading error that spell check may not catch. By proofreading
carefully, you would find that "personnel" should replace the first use of "personal."
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 103
46. Which of the following recommendations should you follow when you proofread a routine document?
a. If proofreading on screen, display the entire document at once.
b. Proofread the document using a printed copy.
c. Proofread your document as you compose your ideas.
d. Rely solely on a spell-checker to catch any errors.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Most routine documents require a light proofreading. If you read on screen, use the down
arrow to reveal one line at a time to help you focus. A safer proofreading method, however,
is reading from a printed copy and looking for typos and misspellings that were not found by
a spell-checker.
POINTS: 1
47. Which of the following suggestions should you follow for proofreading a complex document?
a. Be prepared to find errors.
b. Increase your reading speed.
c. Read the message only once.

d. Proofread the message immediately after it has been fully
written.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Follow these tips when proofreading a complex document: proofread from a printed copy,
read the document at least twice, wait at least one day before proofreading, reduce your
reading speed, use a proofreading buddy, use standard proofreading marks, be prepared to
find errors, and allow adequate time.
POINTS: 1
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.04.04 - 04.04
48. A good standard to apply to your writing is to remember that it _______.

a. is not as important as it seems
b. takes the place of a personal appearance
c. is not read closely by many audiences
d. should primarily be used for formal
messages
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Remember that everything your write in the workplace takes the place of a personal
appearance.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 105
TOPICS: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your Message
49. What is the best way to judge the success of your writing?
a. Receiving a raise or promotion
b. Using a spell-checker
c. Receiving feedback from your receiver
d. Organizing your message using the direct organizational strategy
ANSWER: c

RATIONALE: The best way to judge the success of your communication is through feedback. For this
reason you should encourage the receiver to respond to your message.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 105
50. Taylor is enrolled in a business communications course at her local community college. She just received a paper back
from her professor who noted that Taylor should review the principles for comma usage. How should Taylor handle this
criticism?
a. Report her teacher to the president of the college for abuse.
b. Argue with her teacher about comma rules.
c. Withdraw from the class.
d. Accept the feedback and use it constructively to improve her future writing
assignments.
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Taylor should not be defensive about the feedback she received from her professor. Instead,
she should view the comment as valuable advice to help her improve with future writing
assignments.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 105
51. The terms editing, proofreading, and evaluating are synonymous.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: These terms are not synonymous in meaning. Each term represents a separate step in Phase 3
of the 3-x-3 writing process.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy

REFERENCES: p. 90
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
52. Professional writers develop a system of writing and revising that works for them; they may revise at any point in the
process.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Some professional writers compose a first draft quickly and revise later; others prefer to
revise as they go.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 90
53. Concise messages are easier to read and comprehend.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Concise messages save not only reading time and money, but also increase understanding
because concise messages are easier to read and comprehend.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 91
54. You can often reduce wordy expressions to single words.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Single words can often be used to write wordy expressions more concisely. For instance, you
can replace "in the event that" with the single word “if.”
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 91
55. In the near future is a more effective expression in business writing than soon.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: "Soon" is a more concise way to write "in the near future."
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 91
56. You will be interested to learn that is an effective way to begin a business message because it fosters goodwill.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: "You will be interested to learn that" is a long lead-in and should be avoided in business
writing.
POINTS: 1

57. There are many account representatives who can help you with your order is an example of a cliché.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: "There are" is a useless filler (not a cliché). It takes up space and adds excess words to your
writing. The sentence could be better expressed as "Many account representatives can help
you with your order."
POINTS: 1
58. Redundant words or phrases convey a meaning more than once.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Redundant words or phrases convey the same meaning. For instance, "combined together" is
a redundant expression because the two words repeat one another. Because redundancies add
wordiness to your writing, you should avoid them.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 93
59. Each and every student will be required to participate in one group writing project contains a redundant expression.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: "Each and every" is a redundant expression.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 93
60. Microblogging consists of short messages exchanged on social media sites.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Microblogging consists of short messages exchanged on social media sites such as Twitter,
Facebook, and Tumblr.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 94
61. Conciseness is critical when microblogging.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Conciseness is critical when microblogging. Messages must be short without straying too far
from conventional spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 94
62. Only main ideas should be included in a microblog.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: When microblogging, include only main ideas because such messages must be concise. In
addition, choose descriptive but short words, personalize your message if possible, and be
prepared to write several versions striving for conciseness, clarity, and correctness.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 95
63. Your goal as a business writer is to impress your reader.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Your goal as a business writer is to express, not impress.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 95
64. Expressions such as pursuant to your request and thank you in advance increases the professionalism of business
messages.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Replace these outdated expressions with more modern expressions such as "as you
requested" and "thank you."
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 96
65. The following sentence demonstrates effective writing: Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: This sentence contains a trite business phrase (Please do not hesitate to). Your writing will
sound fresher and more vigorous if you eliminate such phrases or find more original ways to
convey the idea: Please call me if you have any questions.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 96
66. Clichés such as think outside the box are effective to use with multicultural audiences because they have flexible
meanings.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Clichés should be avoided because they lack clarity, especially for multicultural
audiences.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 96
67. To sound current, fresh, and trendy, effective business communicators make ample use of slang when writing and
speaking.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Effective business communicators avoid slang when writing and speaking because slang is
too informal, can obscure meaning, and quickly goes out of fashion.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 96
68. In describing sexual harassment in the workplace, Julia explains that Supervisors are getting burned in harassment
lawsuits. Julia is using slang in this statement.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: "Getting burned" is an example of slang.
POINTS: 1

REFERENCES: p. 96
69. Converting a verb into a noun creates stronger, more professional business writing (e.g., made a decision instead of
decided).
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: You diminish the power of a verb by needlessly converting it into a noun.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 97
70. The following sentence contains a zombie noun: Our purchasing department will give consideration to the RFP
submitted by Powertex.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: This sentence needlessly converts a verb (consider) into a wordy noun expression (give
consideration to). Because this drains life from the verb, it is considered a zombie noun.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 97

71. You can streamline your writing and make it more emphatic by using vivid adverbs such as very, extremely, and
actually as often as possible.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Writers should not use these adverbs excessively. These adverbs can add emphasis, but they
do not streamline the writing.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 97
72. As you revise, make your writing clear by using specific verbs, concrete nouns, and vivid adjectives.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: As you revise, make sure your words are precise so that the audience knows exactly what you
mean. Clear writing creates meaningful images in the reader's mind through specific verbs,
concrete nouns, and vivid adjectives. Foggy messages include sloppy references that may
result in additional inquiries to clarify the intended meaning.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 98
73. The following sentence contains clear and precise wording: In some businesses they won't let you accumulate sick
leave.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: This sentence contains two vague words: "they" and "you." The sentence should be written
using concrete nouns: In some businesses management won't let employees accumulate sick
leave.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 98
74. Well-designed documents give the impression that the writer is intelligent.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Well-designed documents enhance readability and comprehension. They also make readers
think you are a well-organized and intelligent person.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 98
75. When designing documents, you should place as much text as possible on a page to keep the reader engaged.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Empty space on a page is called white space, and ample white space is desirable in business
documents. A page crammed full of text or graphics appears busy, cluttered, and unreadable.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy

REFERENCES: p. 99
76. Nearly all text in Western cultures is aligned at the left and reads from left to right.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Nearly all text in Western cultures is aligned at the left and reads from left to
right.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 99
77. When right margins are not aligned or justified, they provide more white space and improve readability.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: When right margins are not aligned or justified, they provide more white space and improve
readability. Therefore, it is better to use left-justified text and ragged right margins without
justification.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 99
78. Business messages should contain at least three typefaces to add emphasis and contrast.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Generally, use no more than two typefaces within one document, and choose from "serif" or
"sans serif" categories.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 100
79. Typing a sentence in all capital letters is an effective way to create emphasis.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Using all caps is appropriate for headings, subheadings, and single words or short phrases.
All caps, however, should never be used for long stretches of text because all letters are the
same height, making it difficult for readers to differentiate words. In addition, excessive use
of all caps feels like shouting.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 100
80. Use bulleted lists to represent a sequence of ideas or a numbered order.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Use numbered lists, not bulleted lists, for items that represent a sequence or reflect a
numbering system.
POINTS: 1

DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 101
81. When using either a bulleted or numbered list, you should always follow each idea with end punctuation.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Although you should capitalize the initial word of each line within a bulleted or numbered
list, use end punctuation only if the listed items are complete sentences.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 101
82. Headings are an effective tool for highlighting information.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Headings highlight information and improve readability. They also encourage the writer to
group similar material together and help the reader separate major ideas from details and
skim familiar or less important information.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 101
83. Headings should be used only in formal messages.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Headings appear most often in reports. However, main headings, subheadings, and category
headings can also improve readability in e-mail messages, memos, and letters.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 101
84. Editing and proofreading are interchangeable terms.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Editing refers to improving the content and sentence structure of your message,
while proofreading means focusing on grammar and mechanics.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 103
85. An electronic grammar- or spell-checker provides sufficient proofreading for business messages.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: In addition to finding spelling and typographical errors, grammar and spell-checkers can find
subject-verb problems, word misuse, spacing irregularities, punctuation problems, and other
faults. However, to ensure complete correctness, writers must actively proofread with their
own eyes.

POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 103
86. You are more likely to find errors when proofreading on a computer screen than on a printed copy.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: When you proofread from a printed copy, you are more likely to find errors.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 104
87. Proofreading should take place only after the content of a message is in its final form.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Proofreading should occur only after content is finalized; otherwise, you may waste time
checking items that will later be changed or omitted.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 104

88. You should follow the same proofreading process for a routine document and a complex document.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Although you will apply some of the same proofreading techniques for both kinds of
documents, complex documents demand careful proofreading. As a result, proofread these
kinds of documents always from a printed copy after waiting at least 24 hours. In addition, be
prepared to find errors, read the document at least three times, reduce your reading speed, and
use a proofreading buddy.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
89. Proofreading is the last step in Phase 3 of the 3-x-3 writing process.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Evaluating the effectiveness of your message is the last step in Phase 3 of the 3-x-3 writing
process.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 105
90. The best way to judge the success of your communication is through feedback.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: The best way to judge the success of your communication is through feedback. For this
reason you should encourage the receiver to respond to your message.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 105
91. The final phase of the 3-x-3 writing process focuses on _______.
a. drafting and writing
b. editing, proofreading, and evaluating
c. brainstorming and researching
d. revising the flow of ideas
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: The final phase of the 3-x-3 writing process focuses on editing, proofreading, and
evaluating.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
92. There are three building sites we are considering. The phrase There are is an example of a(n) _______.
a. long lead-in
b. wordy expression
c. buried verb
d. unnecessary filler
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: "There are" is unnecessary filler that takes up space and delays the point. Filler can be
eliminated by recasting the sentence: We are considering three building sites.
POINTS: 1

93. Each and every is an example of a(n) _______.

a. trite expression
b. unnecessary filler
c. cliché
d. redundant expression
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Expressions that repeat meaning or include unnecessary words are redundant.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
94. Short messages exchanged on social media networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr are called _______.
a. e-mails
b. blogs
c. microblog
s
d. weblogs
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Microblogging consists of short messages exchanged on social media networks such as
Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr. Companies use microblogging to make announcements,
promote goodwill, and sell their products. Consumers often microblog to discuss their
opinions about products.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy

95. Words that have become fashionable and often are meant to impress rather than express––such as optimize,
incentivize, and impactful––are called _______.
a. buzzwords
b. slang
c. clichés
d. trite expressions
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Buzzwords are technical expressions that have become popular and are often used to impress
the audience rather than to communicate a message. Stay away from other empty terms such
as leveraging, right-size, and paradigm shift.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
96. The expression shoot from the hip is an expression that has been exhausted by overuse and is an example of _______.
a. a cliché
b. slang
c. a trite expression
d. excessive exuberance
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Clichés are expressions that have been exhausted by overuse and therefore lack not only
freshness but clarity. Instead of repeating clichés, try to find a more accurate way to say what
you mean.
POINTS: 1

97. Empty space on a page is called _______.

a. white space
b. margins
c. justified
d. headings
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Empty space on a page is called white space. A page full of text or graphics appears busy,
cluttered, and unreadable. To increase white space, use headings, bulleted or numbered lists,
and effective margins.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
98. What is an effective tool for highlighting information and improving readability by encouraging the writer to group
similar material together and help readers separate major ideas from details?
a. Margins
b. White space
c. Headings
d. Justified
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Headings are an effective tool for highlighting information, improving readability by
grouping similar information together, separating major ideas from details, and enabling the
reader to skim less familiar information.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy

99. The process of checking for problems with spelling, grammar, punctuation, names and numbers, and format is called
_______.
a. proofreading
b. editing
c. evaluating
d. drafting
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Proofreading, which occurs during the third phase of the writing process, involves correcting
the grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format of a business document.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
100. The process known as curbing exuberance involves _______.

a. slashing wordy expressions
b. guarding against excessive use of intensifiers such as very, definitely, and really
c. shunning slang and buzzwords
d. eliminating zombie nouns
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Curbing exuberance means restraining your enthusiasm and guarding against excessive use
of intensifiers such as very, extremely, and completely, which can sound unbusinesslike when
overused.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy

Chapter 04 Revising Business Messages

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Chapter 04 Revising Business Messages

1. The final phase of the 3-x-3 writing process is _______.

Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 1

5. Which of the following statements regarding concise writing is accurate?

6. Slashing wordy expressions means _______.

8. Long sentence lead-ins _______.

9. A long lead-in is a series of introductory words that _______.

10. There is and It is are examples of _______.

11. Which of the following sentences contains a redundancy?

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13. Which of the following sentences contains unnecessary filler?

14. Which sentence contains a redundant expression?

15. Microblogging _______.

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19. Think outside the box is an example of _______.

21. Which of the following sentences contains a cliché?

22. Snarky is an example of a(n) ____________ expression.

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24. What does the social media slang expression br mean?

25. Converting verbs into noun expressions _______.

26. Which of the following sentences contains an example of a buried verb?

29. Which of the following sentences uses precise language?

30. Which of the following sentences demonstrates clear writing?

31. Document design techniques to improve readability include _______.

32. White space refers to _______.

Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 15

33. To improve readability and comprehension, _______.

35. Which statement about margins and text alignment is true?

36. What is the most common serif typeface?

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37. How many typefaces should you use in a business document?

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42. Which statement regarding headings is correct?

43. Which statement about proofreading is correct?

44. Proofreading includes which of the following tasks?

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48. A good standard to apply to your writing is to remember that it _______.

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51. The terms editing, proofreading, and evaluating are synonymous.

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53. Concise messages are easier to read and comprehend.

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58. Redundant words or phrases convey a meaning more than once.

60. Microblogging consists of short messages exchanged on social media sites.

61. Conciseness is critical when microblogging.

62. Only main ideas should be included in a microblog.

63. Your goal as a business writer is to impress your reader.

Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 31

Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 32

Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 34

80. Use bulleted lists to represent a sequence of ideas or a numbered order.

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82. Headings are an effective tool for highlighting information.

83. Headings should be used only in formal messages.

84. Editing and proofreading are interchangeable terms.

Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 38

Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 39

Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 41

93. Each and every is an example of a(n) _______.

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Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 43

97. Empty space on a page is called _______.