Chapter 03 Organizing and Drafting Business Messages

Chapter 03 Organizing and Drafting Business Messages
1. The second phase of the 3-x-3 writing process begins with _______.
a. analyzing the audience
b. composing the message
c. researching the topic
d. organizing the message
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: The second phase of the 3-x-3 writing process begins with researching the topic. Research is
necessary before beginning to write because the information collected helps shape the
message.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
QUESTION TYPE: Multiple Choice
HAS VARIABLES: False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.23.03.01 - 3.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States - BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.23.06.04 - DISC.ESBC.GULO.23.06.04
TOPICS: Drafting Workplace Messages
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Remember
DATE CREATED: 1/10/2022 4:01 PM
DATE MODIFIED: 3/2/2022 10:06 AM
2. Before composing a business document, you should gather information that will answer which of these questions?
a. Will I have enough time to complete thorough research?
b. What is the receiver to do?
c. What information will be the easiest to locate?
d. How will I use this information?
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: You should ask yourself "What is the receiver to do?" because it focuses on the audience
rather than on the sender.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
3. Which of the following would require a formal research method?

a. Routine e-mail messages
b. Business letters
Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 1

c. Long reports and proposals
d. Oral presentations
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Long reports and proposals generally require some use of formal research methods. However,
routine tasks such as drafting e-mails, memos, letters, informational reports, and oral
presentations require research that can be collected informally.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
TOPICS: Drafting Workplace Messages Begins With Research
4. All of the following are informal research methods except _______.

a. interviewing the target audience
b. conducting a scientific experiment
c. looking in company files
d. brainstorming for ideas
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Informal research methods include searching company files, talking with the boss,
interviewing the target audience, conducting an informal survey, or brainstorming for ideas.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: pp. 64-65
5. When brainstorming to generate ideas, you should _______.

a. critique each idea as it is suggested
b. record ideas without judging them
c. always work alone for greater efficiency
d. allow no more than five ideas to be discussed
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Brainstorming is the process of discussing and recording ideas without judging them.
Evaluations, critiques, voting, and limiting the number of ideas can stifle ideas needed in
brainstorming because brainstorming requires an open mind.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 65
6. Which of the following is a formal research method?

a. Talking with your boss
b. Investigating primary
sources
c. Brainstorming
d. Looking in company files
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Investigating primary sources is a formal research method using questionnaires, interviews,
or focus groups.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
7. Which of the following research sources will provide you with firsthand information?
a. Internet websites and
articles
b. Reference books
c. Electronic databases
d. Interviews
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: An interview would be the best form of research to obtain firsthand information.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 65
8. As interns in human resource management, Brad and his team are administering a professionally developed employee
questionnaire to collect information on workplace violence. This type of research produces data that is considered
_______.
a. firsthand information
b. informal documentation
c. supplementary, secondary
information
d. scientific experimentation
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: This questionnaire produces firsthand information because the human resources team is
collecting workplace violence information directly from employees.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
United States - BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.23.06.07 - DISC.ESBC.GULO.23.06.07
KEYWORDS: Bloom's: Apply
9. Quality Building Materials Inc. has developed a new whole-house weather blanket and needs to determine the price
point at which builders would switch to this new product. The best research method for this is a(n) _______.
a. manual search of other companies' price lists
b. interview with a local builder
c. Internet search of insulation values for weather blankets
d. scientific experiment that presents price choices with controlled variables
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: To find a competitive price for this new product, this company should conduct a scientific
experiment. An interview of a builder, a manual search of price lists, or Internet searches will
not provide the needed information.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 66
10. Ahna is sending a persuasive memo to her staff asking them to participate in the new wellness program. Which of the
following sources of information would be most appropriate to help Ahna shape an effective persuasive message for her
staff?
a. Tightly controlled scientific
experimentation
b. Library research
c. Questionnaires and surveys of employees
d. Research in company files
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Questionnaires and surveys of employees will provide information to shape a persuasive
memo. Scientific experimentation, library research, and company files are unlikely to provide
the needed information.
POINTS: 1
11. According to communication experts, what is the greatest failing of business writers?
a. Poor spelling
b. Unclear sentence structure
c. Ambiguous wording
d. Poor organization
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Because communication experts regard poor organization as the greatest failing of business
writers, business writers should use a scratch list or an outline to organize ideas.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 66
TOPICS: Organizing Information to Show Relationships
12. The direct strategy would be most appropriate when _______.

a. delivering bad news
b. presenting ideas requiring persuasion
c. expecting the audience to be pleased, mildly interested, or
neutral
d. revealing sensitive news
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: When you expect the reader to be pleased, mildly interested, or, at worst, neutral, use the
direct strategy.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 66
13. A scratch list for a message is _______.

a. a list of topics that should not be covered
b. a complex, hierarchical arrangement of your ideas
c. a list of the general topics you wish to include
d. an inventory of illustrations or visuals you plan to
include
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Some writers make a quick scratch list of the general topics they wish to include in a
message. An outline, in contrast with a scratch list, is more organized.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 66
TOPICS: Organizing Ideas to Show Relationships
14. Which of the following is an advantage of the direct strategy?

a. Minimizes a negative reaction
b. Respects the feelings of the reader
c. Saves the reader's time
d. Encourages a fair hearing
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: The direct strategy saves the reader's time. The direct strategy also sets a proper frame of
mind and prevents frustration.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 67
15. Which of the following business messages would use the indirect strategy?
a. An e-mail message to staff introducing a new employee
b. An oral presentation detailing the specifics of a new company wellness
initiative
c. A letter to a coworker congratulating them on a recent promotion
d. A letter to a customer denying their request for credit
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: When you expect the audience to be uninterested, unwilling, displeased, or perhaps even
hostile, the indirect strategy is more appropriate. A letter denying credit to a customer should
be organized indirectly.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 67
16. Which of the following message openings is the most direct opening for an e-mail message announcing a new
telecommuting plan?

a. A number of employees have asked about telecommuting options.
b. Many businesses have been implementing telecommuting programs, and we have studied their programs
extensively.
c. Rising gas prices have led many companies to allow telecommuting, and we think this might be a good idea
for our company.
d. Our new telecommuting program will begin on August 1.
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Of the options shown, "Our new telecommuting program will begin on August 1" is the most
direct opening. The others are more indirect because they provide background information.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 67
17. Which of the following is an advantage of the indirect strategy?

a. Saves the reader's time
b. Respects the feelings of the
audience
c. Reduces frustration
d. Sets a proper frame of mind
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: The indirect strategy respects the feelings of the audience. The indirect strategy also
encourages a fair hearing and minimizes a negative reaction.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
18. When you expect a reader of your message to be uninterested, unwilling, displeased, or hostile, you should _______.
a. put the bad news first
b. begin with the main idea
c. explain all background information first
d. send the message via e-mail, text message, or
IM
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: When you expect a reader to be uninterested, unwilling, displeased, or hostile, you should
place the main idea later in the message (after the details, explanation, or evidence). In
addition, bad news should not be sent via e-mail, text message, or IM.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 67
19. The indirect strategy is most appropriate for what kind of messages?
a. Bad-news messages
b. Sensitive messages
c. Persuasive messages
d. The indirect strategy is appropriate for all the answer
choices.
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: The indirect strategy works well with bad-news messages, sensitive messages, and persuasive
messages.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 67
DATE MODIFIED: 3/11/2022 4:58 PM
20. Which of the following kinds of business messages typically use the indirect strategy?
a. Nonsensitive memos
b. Routine requests
c. Informational
reports
d. Sensitive messages
ANSWER: d

RATIONALE: Business messages that refuse requests, reject claims, or deny credit usually reflect the
indirect strategy. Business messages that follow the direct strategy include routine requests
and responses, orders and acknowledgments, nonsensitive memos, e-mail messages,
informational reports, and oral presentations.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 68
21. What kind of sentence contains only one independent clause?

a. Simple sentence
b. Compound sentence
c. Complex sentence
d. Compound-complex
sentence
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: A simple sentence contains one complete thought with a subject and predicate (verb).
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 69
TOPICS: Composing the First Draft With Effective Sentences
22. What kind of sentence contains two independent clauses?

a. Simple sentence
c. Complex sentence
d. Compound-complex
sentence
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Compound sentences contain two complete but related thoughts joined with a coordinating
conjunction, a semicolon, or a conjunctive adverb.
POINTS: 1

DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 69
23. What kind of sentence contains an independent clause and a dependent clause?
a. Simple sentence
c. Complex sentence
d. Compound-complex
sentence
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: A complex sentence contains one independent and one dependent clause.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 69
24. Which of the following is a complex sentence?

a. Visit our website to learn more about our newest product line.
b. The conference will be held on Monday, but few managers will be able to attend.
c. Employers are now using social media sites to screen applicants; therefore, job seekers are advised to clean
up their digital presence.
d. Because of rising insurance premiums, many companies are offering employee-wellness incentives.
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: "Because of rising insurance premiums, many companies are offering employee-wellness
incentives" is a complex sentence. Complex sentences are often introduced by words such as
"although," "since," "because," "when," and "if."
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 69
25. Which of the following is a simple sentence?

a. If health insurance costs continue to rise, employee copays may increase.
b. Having healthy employees decreases the cost of monthly premiums; therefore, we will be implementing a
wellness program.
c. HMO and PPO insurance plans offer additional cost savings.
d. Because we will be reducing employee health insurance benefits, some employees may be unhappy; however,
we must make sure that they understand the reason for the change.
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Only the sentence "HMO and PPO insurance plans offer additional cost savings" is a simple
sentence. The sentence beginning with "If" is a complex sentence. The sentence with the
conjunctive adverb "therefore" is a compound sentence. The sentence using "Because" and
"however" is a compound-complex sentence.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 69
26. What is a sentence fragment?

a. Two independent clauses connected without punctuation or a conjunction
b. Two independent clauses connected by a comma without a conjunction
c. A broken-off part of a sentence
d. The part of a sentence containing the verb
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: A fragment is usually a broken-off part of a sentence. A run on occurs when two independent
clauses are run together without punctuation or a conjunction, and a comma splice is created
when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a conjunction. The part of a
sentence containing the verb is the predicate.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy

REFERENCES: p. 70
27. What is a comma splice?

a. Two independent clauses run together without punctuation or a conjunction
b. Two independent clauses joined by a comma without a conjunction
d. Two dependent clauses
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: A comma splice is the joining of two independent clauses with only a comma. A run on
occurs when two independent clauses are run together without punctuation or a conjunction,
and a fragment is usually a broken-off part of a complex sentence.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 70
28. What is a run-on sentence?

a. Two independent clauses run together without punctuation or a conjunction
b. Two independent clauses joined by a comma without a conjunction
d. An independent clause containing two dependent clauses
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: A run-on or fused sentence results when two independent clauses are run together without
punctuation or a conjunction. A comma splice is the joining of two independent clauses with
only a comma, and a fragment is usually a broken-off part of a complex sentence.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 70
29. Technology has changed the working environments of employees, that is why employees are telecommuting more than
ever is an example of a _______.
a. complete sentence
b. fragment
c. fused or run-on sentence
d. comma splice
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: This group of words represents a comma splice, a sentence fault in which a comma is used to
splice together two independent clauses. One way to remedy this fault is to change the
comma to a semicolon.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 70
30. What is the recommended maximum number of words for a sentence?

a. 10
b. 20
c. 25
d. 30
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Because length can influence the readability of a sentence and a reader's comprehension, you
should limit your sentences to about 20 or fewer words.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 71

31. Placing an idea in italic or bold font is an example of achieving emphasis through _______.
a. style
b. structure
c. mechanics
d. syntax
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: You can emphasize ideas through mechanics by using underlining, italics, boldface, font
changes, all caps, dashes, and tabulation.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 71
TOPICS: Developing Business Writing Techniques
32. Which of the following sentences emphasizes an idea through style?

a. Consider adding a statement of qualifications section on your résumé; but, most important, include specific
and relevant previous employment information.
b. Add a statement of qualifications section on your résumé, but also include specific and relevant previous
employment information.
c. A résumé should include a statement of qualifications section and specific and relevant previous employment
information.
d. You should include a statement of qualifications section and specific and relevant previous employment
information on your résumé.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: To emphasize an idea through style, you can label an idea if it is significant to the reader. The
only sentence that labels an idea is "Consider adding a statement of qualifications section on
your résumé; but, most important, include specific and relevant previous employment
information" because it uses the words "most important."
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 72
33. Which of the following sentences is most effective in de-emphasizing the bad news?
a. Although cash refunds are not offered, you can exchange resalable merchandise.
b. Although you can exchange returned merchandise, cash refunds are not available.
c. Because we only exchange merchandise, it is impossible for you to receive a cash refund.
d. Because of our exchange policy, you may not receive a cash refund.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: "Although cash refunds are not offered, you can exchange resalable merchandise" puts the
bad news in a dependent clause and the good news in an independent clause where it receives
emphasis. Other options emphasize the bad news or business policy, which may anger
customers.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 73
34. Although most business writing should be in the active voice, passive voice is useful to _______.
a. stress the performer of the
action
b. be more concise
c. make the message more direct
d. de-emphasize negative news
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Passive voice sentences are useful to emphasize an action rather than a person, to de-
emphasize negative news, and to conceal the doer of an action.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 73
TOPICS: Mastering Four Helpful Writing Techniques

35. Which of the following uses only active voice in a complete sentence?
a. The company's rigid return policy was criticized by a few unhappy customers.
b. Because a few unhappy customers criticized the company's rigid return policy.
c. Managers were told about the unhappy customers who criticized the company's rigid return
policy.
d. A few unhappy customers criticized the company's rigid return policy.
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: The only option that includes an active-voice verb (criticized) in a complete sentence is "A
few unhappy customers criticized the company's rigid return policy." The sentence beginning
with "Because" is a fragment, and the other two sentences are in the passive voice.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 73
36. When should passive voice be used in business writing?

a. When you want to de-emphasize the action or the recipient of the
action
b. When you want to emphasize the bad news
c. When you want to conceal the doer of the action
d. Never
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: You can use the passive voice to emphasize an action or the recipient of an action, to conceal
the doer of an action, or to de-emphasize bad news.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 73

37. The use of similar structures to express similar ideas is known as ________ construction.
a. parallel
b. grammatical
c. mechanical
d. dependent
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Parallelism (or parallel construction) is a skillful writing technique that involves balanced
writing by using similar structures to express similar ideas.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
38. Which of the following uses parallel structure?

a. Our new paralegal must be smart, efficient, and have flexibility.
b. The accident shattered her pelvis, dislocated her foot, and her spinal column was broken in three
places.
c. Big business demands superior forecasting, reporting, and analyzing.
d. A good financial planner must be certified, competent, and must possess ethical standards.
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Only "Big business demands superior forecasting, reporting, and analyzing" uses parallel
structure. Other choices fail to use similar grammatical structures to express similar ideas.
POINTS: 1

39. A(n) ________ modifier occurs when the word or phrase it describes is not close in the sentence enough to be clear.
a. parallel
b. misplace
d
c. distant
d. run-on
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: A misplaced modifier occurs when the word or phrase it describes is not close enough in the
sentence to be clear.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
40. To avoid dangling modifiers, you can ask which of the following questions after writing an introductory phrase?
a. Why?
b. Who or What?
c. When?
d. How many?
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: A trick for detecting and fixing many dangling modifiers is to ask Who? or What? after an
introductory phrase.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
41. The sentence that expresses a paragraph's main idea is called the _______.
a. blueprint

b. preview
c. supporting content
d. topic sentence
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: The topic sentence expresses a paragraph's main idea.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 75
TOPICS: Drafting Well-Organized, Effective Paragraphs
42. How many main ideas should be developed in a paragraph?

a. Two
b. Three to five
c. One
d. As many as needed to convey effective
meaning
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Good business writers develop well-organized paragraphs by focusing on a single main
idea.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 75
43. In effective business writing, where in a paragraph does a topic sentence usually appear?
a. At the beginning, to let readers know what to expect
b. Midway through, to keep readers focused
c. At the end, to summarize what has been discussed
d. Topic sentences are unnecessary in business
writing.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Business writers generally place the topic sentence first in a paragraph to help readers
understand the paragraph's central thought immediately.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 75
44. A topic sentence _______.

a. provides specific details, explanations, and evidence that support the main idea of a
paragraph
b. links sentences within a paragraph
c. is unnecessary in a paragraph
d. states the main idea of the paragraph
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: A topic sentence states the main idea of the paragraph. It tells readers what to expect and
helps them understand the paragraph's central thought immediately.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 75
45. The primary purpose of a paragraph’s supporting sentences is to _______.

a. state the main idea of the paragraph
b. repeat the topic sentence
c. introduce the main idea of the previous paragraph
d. illustrate and strengthen the topic sentence by providing specific details, explanations, and
evidence
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Supporting sentences illustrate and strengthen the topic sentence by providing specific
details, explanations, and evidence.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 75
TOPICS: Building Well-Organized Paragraphs
46. Paragraphs lack coherence when _______.

a. all sentences are written in the active voice
b. each sentence includes dependent and independent
clauses
c. ideas are organized randomly and illogically
d. all sentences are compound sentences
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Paragraph coherence occurs when ideas are linked. For example, the writer can use
transitional phrases, key words, and pronouns to show how one idea leads logically to the
next.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 75
47. To build paragraph coherence, a writer should _______.

a. sustain a key idea by repeating the same expression or a similar
one
b. avoid using transitional expressions
c. use nouns instead of pronouns
d. exclusively use active voice
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: To build paragraph coherence, writers can sustain a key idea by repeating the same
expression or a similar one, dovetail one idea into the next, use pronouns to refer to previous
nouns, and show connections with transitional expressions.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 76

48. Which of the following transitions would help to clarify an idea?

a. Next
b. As a result
c. For example
d. Instead
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Transitions helpful in clarifying information include for example, for instance, in other
words, and that is.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 76
49. Transitional expressions such as next, first, and finally are useful to show _______.
a. cause and effect
b. illustration
c. comparison and contrast
d. time association
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: "Next," "first," and "finally" are useful transitions to show time association. Effective
business writers select transitional expressions suited to the organization of the paragraph to
achieve coherence between ideas.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 76
50. Which of the following is true about paragraph length?

a. Shorter paragraphs are generally considered more readable.
b. Longer paragraphs make the writer appear more knowledgeable.
c. Paragraph breaks should be avoided because they may cause the reader to lose interest.
d. Paragraphs should contain multiple main ideas to save space.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Although no rule regulates the length of paragraphs, business writers recognize the value of
short paragraphs. Paragraphs with eight or fewer printed lines look inviting and readable. In
addition, a paragraph should focus on only one idea and repeat key words to build coherence.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 76
51. The prevalence of digital communication has de-emphasized writing skills in the workplace.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Business, technical, and professional people are exchanging more messages than ever. As a
result, writing skills are key across industries.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 63
QUESTION TYPE: True / False
52. Research is key to helping a writer shape a business message.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True

RATIONALE: Research is an important step in the writing process to help writers shape effective
messages.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
53. One question writers should attempt to answer before drafting a message is What will happen if the receiver doesn't
complete the requested action?
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Asking this and other key questions will help writers avoid frustration and inaccurate
messages.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
54. Amrit is researching the financial impact of a job-sharing benefit for employees. Talking with his boss about the
possible effects of offering this benefit to employees is an effective method of formal research.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Amrit needs to conduct formal research on financial impacts; talking with his boss may be
helpful, but this is an informal research method.
POINTS: 1
55. Conducting scientific experiments is a method to gather formal research.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Formal research may include searching libraries and electronic databases or investigating
primary sources (interviews, surveys, and experiments).
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
56. Most routine business messages require formal research.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Most routine tasks such as composing e-mail messages, memos, letters, informational
reports, and oral presentations require data that you can collect informally.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
57. Looking in company files for information is considered formal research.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Looking in company files is considered informal research.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
58. Brainstorming is an ineffective research technique.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: You should use brainstorming to generate ideas and collect research; however, don't evaluate
ideas during the brainstorming process.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 65
59. Many communication experts regard poor organization as the greatest failing of business writers.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Because unorganized messages fail to emphasize important points, readers can't see how the
pieces fit together, and they become frustrated and irritated. Therefore, many communication
experts regard poor organization as the greatest failing of business writers.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 66
60. A scratch list is a detailed, hierarchical plan for organizing ideas and information.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: A scratch list is a non-hierarchical list of general topics you wish to include in a message; an
outline is a more structured, hierarchical plan.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 66
61. When you expect the reader to be pleased, mildly interested, or neutral, use the indirect pattern of organization.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Use the direct strategy of organization when you expect your reader to be pleased, mildly
interested, or neutral. When you expect the audience to be uninterested, unwilling,
displeased, or perhaps even hostile, the indirect strategy is more appropriate.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 66
62. When you develop a major component on an outline into subpoints, you must have at least two subpoints.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True

RATIONALE: Major components on an outline should be developed with subpoints, but do not put a single
subpoint under a major component. If you have only one subpoint, integrate it with the main
item above it or reorganize your ideas.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 67
63. Another name for the direct strategy is frontloading.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: The direct strategy is also called frontloading because the main idea is expressed
immediately.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 67
64. One advantage of the direct strategy is that it saves the reader time.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: The direct strategy has three advantages: saves the reader's time, sets a proper frame of mind,
and prevents frustration.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 67
65. The indirect strategy works well with three kinds of messages: (a) bad news, (b) ideas that require persuasion, and (c)
sensitive news.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: The indirect pattern should be used for messages that contain (a) bad news, (b) ideas that
require persuasion, or (c) sensitive news.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 67
66. One advantage of the indirect strategy is that it respects the feelings of the audience.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: The indirect strategy begins with an explanation and evidence and then presents the main
idea. As a result, this organizational technique respects the feelings of the audience. Other
advantages to the indirect strategy include encouraging a fair hearing and minimizing a
negative reaction.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
67. The most compelling and effective messages contain one repeated sentence pattern rather than a variety of sentences.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: The most compelling and effective messages contain a variety of sentences rather than just
one repeated pattern. Messages that repeat the same sentence pattern become boring.
Effective messages also avoid common sentence faults and achieve emphasis and parallelism
with special sentence-writing techniques.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 69
68. The new software system will be installed on Monday; therefore, our intranet will be unavailable to employees is an
example of a complex sentence.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: This sentence is a compound sentence because it contains two independent clauses.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 69
69. Words such as although, if, because, and since often introduce dependent clauses.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Words such as "although," "if," "because," and "since" often introduce dependent clauses,
which cannot stand alone because they are fragments.
POINTS: 1

DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 69
70. When introductory dependent clauses precede independent clauses, they are always followed by a comma.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: When an introductory dependent clause precedes an independent clause, it is always followed
by a comma.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 69
71. A compound-complex sentence contains two complete but related thoughts.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: A compound sentence contains two complete but related thoughts. A compound-complex
sentence contains at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 69

72. Employers want employees who can write messages appropriately they also want employees who can speak effectively
with others is an example of a well-written sentence.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: This sentence is a run-on sentence, which results when writers fuse two independent clauses.
You can correct a run-on sentence by placing a comma and a coordinating conjunction
between the two clauses, by adding a semicolon between the two clauses, or by separating
the clauses into two sentences.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 70
73. A run-on sentence results when a writer joins two independent clauses with a comma.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: A comma splice results when a writer joins two independent clauses with a comma.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 70
74. Business writers should strive for a balance of shorter and longer sentences within paragraphs to avoid monotony.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: A balance of shorter and longer sentences can help writers avoid monotony and increase
readability.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 71
75. Although mechanical means are occasionally appropriate to create emphasis, more often a writer achieves emphasis
stylistically.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Although mechanical means are occasionally appropriate, more often a writer achieves
emphasis stylistically by choosing words carefully and constructing sentences skillfully to
emphasize main ideas and de-emphasize minor or negative ideas.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 72
76. Careful writers avoid labeling main ideas because they know that readers prefer to identify main ideas for themselves.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: If an idea is important, tell the reader. Using words such as "most importantly" or "primary
reason" gains the reader's attention and helps the reader focus on what's important.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 72
77. The following sentence effectively uses a stylistic device to de-emphasize the bad news: Although we don't have any
available positions at this time, we were pleased to receive your application and will keep it on file for six months.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: This sentence effectively de-emphasizes the bad news by placing it in the dependent clause.
The good news is in the independent clause, which receives the major emphasis of the
sentence.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 73
78. In the active voice, the subject is acted upon. In the passive voice, the subject is the doer of the action.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: In the active voice, the subject is the doer of the action (The supervisor scheduled a meeting).
In the passive voice, the subject is acted upon (The meeting was scheduled by the
supervisor).
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 73
79. Passive voice should never be used in business writing.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Although active voice is more direct, clear, and concise, passive voice is useful in certain
instances such as de-emphasizing an action or the recipient of the action, de-emphasizing
negative news, and concealing the doer of the action.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 73
80. The following sentence demonstrates parallel structure: Maggie was organized, punctual, and she was always positive.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: The ideas in this sentence lack parallelism. The sentence should be revised: Maggie was
organized, punctual, and positive.
POINTS: 1
81. Modifiers must be close to the words they describe or limit.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: For clarity modifiers must be close to the words they describe or limit. Writers dangle a
modifier when the word or phrase the modifier describes is missing from the sentence, and
they misplace a modifier when the modifier is not close enough to the word it describes.
POINTS: 1

DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 74
82. The following sentence contains a dangling or misplaced modifier: Working all night, the brief was filed with the court
on time.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: This sentence contains a dangling modifier. This revision fixes the error: Working all night,
we filed the brief with the court on time.
POINTS: 1
83. A paragraph is unified when it develops at least three ideas.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: A paragraph is unified when it develops a single main idea.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 75
84. The topic sentence should relate the main idea of a paragraph.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: The topic sentence should reveal the main idea of a paragraph. It tells readers what to expect
and helps them understand the paragraph's central thought immediately.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 75
85. Business writers generally place the topic sentence near the end of a paragraph to serve as a summary.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Business writers generally place the topic sentence first in a paragraph. It tells readers what to
expect and helps them understand the central thought immediately.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 75
86. All support sentences in a paragraph must relate to the topic sentence.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Support sentences illustrate, explain, or strengthen the topic sentence. One of the hardest
principles for beginning writers to remember is that all support sentences in the paragraph
must relate to the topic sentence.

POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 75
87. Instead would be an effective transition to show contradiction.

a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Transitions often used to show contradiction include actually, instead, however, and rather.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 76
88. Good writers should avoid repetition of words or key ideas because it shows lack of creativity.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: False
RATIONALE: Repetition of key words and key ideas is an effective writing technique that skilled writers
use to build coherent paragraphs.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 76

89. Writers can use words and phrases such as on the other hand, as opposed to, and conversely to show contrast in
business messages.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: These transitional expressions improve business messages and build paragraph coherence by
identifying contrasting ideas.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 76
90. Business writers should strive for paragraphs with eight or fewer printed lines.
a. True
b. False
ANSWER: True
RATIONALE: Although no rule regulates the length of paragraphs, business writers recognize the value of
short paragraphs. Paragraphs with eight or fewer printed lines look inviting and readable.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 76
91. Interviewing the target audience is what type of research method?

a. Formal
b. Informal
c. Ad hoc
d. Secondary
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Interviewing your target audience is considered an informal research method.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
DATE CREATED: 3/2/2022 9:10 AM
92. What type of research is generally recommended for long reports and proposals?
a. Formal
b. Informal
c. Primary
d. Observational
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Information for long reports and proposals may be obtained through formal research using
primary or secondary sources.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
93. The organizational writing technique that involves placing the main idea first and following it with details, an
explanation, or evidence is called _______.
a. indirect strategy
b. outlining
c. drafting
d. frontloading
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Frontloading is a direct organizational technique that places the main idea first, followed by
details, explanation, or evidence.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
94. Which strategy should be used for messages that contain bad news or ideas that require persuasion?
a. Direct
b. Indirect
c. Frontloading
d. Outlining
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: The indirect strategy works well for three kinds of messages: (a) bad news, (b) ideas that
require persuasion, and (c) sensitive news. By starting with the explanation and background,
the writer prepares the audience for the main idea to follow.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
95. What type of sentence contains two independent clauses and one dependent clause?
a. Compound
b. Complex
c. Compound-Complex
d. Simple
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: A compound-complex sentence contains two independent clauses and one dependent clause.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
TOPICS: Writing a First Draft With Powerful Sentences

96. Joining two independent clauses with a comma results in a _______.

a. run-on sentence
b. comma splice
c. fragment
d. dangling modifier
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: When a writer joins two independent clauses with a comma, a comma splice is created. To
correct a comma splice, use a coordinating conjunction after the comma, replace the comma
with a semicolon, or add a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb before the comma.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
TOPICS: Writing a First Draft With Powerful Sentences
97. Which of the following is an example of the passive voice?

a. The new organizational chart was presented by our recently hired CEO.
b. Camdyn wrote the annual report.
c. The committee interviewed three candidates.
d. Management encouraged the employees to work from home.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: The sentence The new organizational chart was presented by our recently hired CEO uses
the passive voice. Because the doer of the action (CEO) comes after the verb (presented), you
can identify the verb as being in the passive voice.
POINTS: 1
REFERENCES: p. 64

98. What type of error results when the word or phrase a modifier describes is missing from its sentence?
a. Dangling modifier
b. Run-on sentence
c. Comma splice
d. Misplaced modifier
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Modifiers must be close to the words they describe or limit. A dangling modifier occurs when
the word or phrase a modifier describes is missing from its sentence.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
99. What is the effect when a paragraph employs techniques such as strategic repetition and transitional expressions?
a. Strong coherence
b. Frontloading
c. Direct strategy
d. Indirect strategy
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Well-written paragraphs build coherence through the use of techniques such as strategic
repetition and transitional expressions.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64
100. Which of the following are examples of transitional expressions that show time association?
a. “As a result” and “therefore”
b. “But” and “however”
c. “Before” and “meanwhile”
d. “As opposed to” and “on the other hand”

ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Words such as "before" and "meanwhile" show time association. Other typical time
transitions include "next" and "finally."
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 64

Chapter 03 Organizing and Drafting Business Messages

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3. Which of the following would require a formal research method?

Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 1

4. All of the following are informal research methods except _______.

5. When brainstorming to generate ideas, you should _______.

6. Which of the following is a formal research method?

12. The direct strategy would be most appropriate when _______.

13. A scratch list for a message is _______.

14. Which of the following is an advantage of the direct strategy?

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17. Which of the following is an advantage of the indirect strategy?

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21. What kind of sentence contains only one independent clause?

22. What kind of sentence contains two independent clauses?

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24. Which of the following is a complex sentence?

25. Which of the following is a simple sentence?

26. What is a sentence fragment?

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27. What is a comma splice?

28. What is a run-on sentence?

30. What is the recommended maximum number of words for a sentence?

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32. Which of the following sentences emphasizes an idea through style?

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36. When should passive voice be used in business writing?

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38. Which of the following uses parallel structure?

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42. How many main ideas should be developed in a paragraph?

44. A topic sentence _______.

45. The primary purpose of a paragraph’s supporting sentences is to _______.

46. Paragraphs lack coherence when _______.

47. To build paragraph coherence, a writer should _______.

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48. Which of the following transitions would help to clarify an idea?

50. Which of the following is true about paragraph length?

52. Research is key to helping a writer shape a business message.

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55. Conducting scientific experiments is a method to gather formal research.

56. Most routine business messages require formal research.

57. Looking in company files for information is considered formal research.

58. Brainstorming is an ineffective research technique.

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63. Another name for the direct strategy is frontloading.

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71. A compound-complex sentence contains two complete but related thoughts.

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79. Passive voice should never be used in business writing.

81. Modifiers must be close to the words they describe or limit.

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83. A paragraph is unified when it develops at least three ideas.

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87. Instead would be an effective transition to show contradiction.

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91. Interviewing the target audience is what type of research method?

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96. Joining two independent clauses with a comma results in a _______.

97. Which of the following is an example of the passive voice?

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Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 44

Copyright Cengage Learning. Powered by Cognero. Page 45