Communicating in Business International Edition 8th Edition by Scot Ober - Test Bank

Communicating in Business International Edition 8th Edition by Scot Ober – Test Bank

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Sample Questions Are Posted Below

Chapter 5—The Process of Revision

TRUE/FALSE

As long as you use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling in your business writing, you will be able to communicate your meaning.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Standard English

TOP: What do We Mean by Style? BLO: Knowledge

Style consists of the way your message is expressed, including the effectiveness of the words, sentences, paragraphs, and tone.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: What do We Mean by Style? BLO: Knowledge

While composing a first draft, you should be less concerned with style and more concerned with getting your ideas down in some form.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: What do We Mean by Style? BLO: Knowledge

Elements of written communication such as spelling, abbreviations, and punctuation are known as mechanics.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: What do We Mean by Style? BLO: Knowledge

Although informal, slang expressions are vivid and widely understood.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

A writer using the phrase “thinking outside of the box” would be admired for fresh, original thinking.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Completeness is the most important attribute of a business message.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Your written message will be clearer if it is accurate, makes use of familiar words, and includes a number of dangling expressions.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Any message that omits key information is not accurate.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

You may use long words in your business writing if the language is familiar to you and to your reader.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

A misplaced modifier is one common type of dangling expression.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

To be sure your message is understood, use as much specific jargon as possible when communicating with people outside your organization.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose TOP: Choosing the Right Words

BLO: Knowledge

Effective business writers select words to impress their readers by evoking a reaction such as excitement, anger, or amusement.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose TOP: Choosing the Right Words

BLO: Knowledge

Instead of using a longer, somewhat vague word such as substantial, it is better to use a shorter, more specific word such as large.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Concrete language is vigorous only if it is sufficiently emotionally charged to stimulate a response.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Rather than eliminating long words from your business communication, use them in moderation when appropriate.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

You can best help readers grasp your meaning by using old, familiar clichés rather than fresh, original language.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

A cliché is a phrase that has been used for so long that it is not considered original.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Effective communicators avoid slang in business writing because it does not represent standard word usage.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Because slang words are in use for long periods, people who read business documents that are several years old should have no problem understanding them.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Using buzzwords in business writing is a good way to show your familiarity with issues and trends in contemporary media.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Readers will see your writing as unoriginal and even monotonous if you add the ending –ize to transform nouns into verbs (such as agenda into agendize).

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Redundancy is an effective method of repeating and reinforcing an idea that you expressed earlier in your message.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Businesspeople value redundancy in messages because they need more data on which to base their decisions.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

By substituting a single word for a phrase, you are “getting rid of the lard” in a sentence.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Hidden verbs weaken sentences because they do not emphasize the main action.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

The phrase made a payment contains an expletive.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

An expletive at the beginning of a sentence can make the subject of the sentence unclear.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

In some messages, you can save space by stating information and substituting clauses for adjectives or adverbs.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

A sentence that consists of one independent clause that can stand alone as a complete thought is a simple sentence.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

The three basic sentence types are compound-complex, complex, and simple.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

When you want to give equal weight to two closely related ideas in a single sentence, use a compound sentence.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

The first clause in a compound sentence receives more emphasis than the second, independent clause.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

The independent clause of a complex sentence should contain the supplemental information.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

You can keep your business writing interesting and express relationships between ideas by varying the pattern and length of your sentences.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

An effective business message includes sentences that range from 22 to 32 words in length.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

The passive voice focuses attention on the entity receiving the action rather than performing the action.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

When you use the active voice, you are emphasizing the doer rather than the receiver of the action in that sentence.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

You should use active-voice verbs to convey negative news tactfully or to reduce emphasis on the doer of the action.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Repeating a particular word in several sentences within a paragraph highlights separate ideas and demonstrates parallelism.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

A sentence lacks parallelism if similar ideas are expressed using different grammatical structures.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

The purpose of parallel structure is to connect topic sentences and enhance the unity within a message.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose TOP: Writing Effective Sentences

BLO: Knowledge

By matching nouns with nouns and adjectives with adjectives, you can achieve parallel structure.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

“Our school is buying both pens and pencils for students’ use” is a sentence with proper parallel structure.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

“Our school is not only buying students pens but also buying them pencils” is a sentence with proper parallel structure.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

To summarize a paragraph’s content, you should position your topic sentence at the end.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

The purpose of a paragraph is to group topic sentences in logical order for the reader’s convenience.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

Including examples or more analysis in a paragraph helps you develop the main idea.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

Effective writing avoids both redundancy and repetition.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose TOP: Choosing the Right Words

BLO: Knowledge

A paragraph lacks unity when it contains sentences or details that are not directly related to the topic.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

When each sentence flows smoothly from the sentence before it and connects smoothly to the sentence after it, the resulting paragraph has coherence.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

You can signal a change in direction within a message by starting a new sentence to introduce an additional topic.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

The purpose of using transitional words is to integrate the discussion points and unify the paragraphs.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

The transitional word nevertheless shows a contrasting relationship.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

The transitional word therefore indicates a step-by-step movement.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

Pronouns can bind sentences and ideas together to create a more coherent paragraph.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

To achieve coherence, effective writers use different terms for the same idea, such as manager and supervisor.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

The length of a paragraph depends on the organization’s requirements, not on the reader’s comprehension level.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

Paragraphs provide readers with a physical break, keeping your message from looking either boring and too simplistic or intimidatingly complex.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

One reason to control paragraph length is to avoid obscuring a key idea that appears in one of the middle paragraphs.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

A series of short paragraphs helps readers maintain a rhythm in their reading when they are absorbing many new ideas.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

Business writers aim for paragraphs that are 60 to 80 words long, with three or four sentences supporting a single topic sentence.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

To sound confident, effective writers often use the phrase “I know that” in front of key assertions.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Effective business communicators use a confident, competent tone in their messages but avoid sounding arrogant.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Readers may think you are unsure of yourself if you use self-conscious phrases such as I hope in your messages.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Believing that your decision is based on sound reasoning increases your risk of writing with less confidence.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Writing “I am sure that you will agree” in a business letter conveys an appropriate level of confidence.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Using platitudes will give readers the sense that you have a condescending attitude.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Adapting your language to the reader’s needs helps you convey an appropriately condescending attitude.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Obvious flattery detracts from the sincerity of your message.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

One way to avoid exaggeration and sound more sincere is to use only an appropriate number of modifiers.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

The statement “I am amazed that you filled in the form correctly” has a courteous tone.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Effective communicators do not signal which of the ideas in a message are the most important, because readers should be encouraged to draw their own conclusions.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Putting an idea in a short, simple sentence emphasizes its importance.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

You can emphasize an idea by putting it into the first or last paragraph.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Three mechanical ways to emphasize an idea are enumeration, indenting from the margin, and use of italics.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

To avoid influencing readers’ attitudes toward an idea, you should imply but not actually say that it is of “primary importance.”

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Audience

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

You are acting ethically if you imply but do not state that an idea is much more important than it is.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Ethics and morals

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Using words such as deny and cannot helps you make a positive impression on your audience.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Using positive expressions helps you build goodwill among audience members.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

To build goodwill in a business letter, use neutral expressions such as cannot and will not.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

When writing a letter to a customer, emphasize what your organization can do rather than what it can’t do.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

When your message emphasizes how you, as the writer, will benefit, you are applying the “you” attitude.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Audience

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

You look selfish if your message focuses only on what the reader will get from doing what you request in your message.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Audience

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Because emails are short and informal, writers using this channel may begin most sentences with “I.”

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Audience

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Using the passive voice when discussing a reader’s mistake is often appropriate.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Audience

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

A competent communicator frequently uses the word you, regardless of whether positive or negative news is conveyed.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Parallel structure is essential in report headings, but less important on bulleted lists on presentation slides.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

To achieve a sincere tone, avoid obvious flattery.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Audience

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

All else being equal, an idea with more space devoted to it will be judged as more important than an idea covered more briefly.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Writers should ask themselves “What’s in it for me?” and then write so that the answer is obvious.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Audience

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Techniques for creating paragraph coherence include using transitional words, creating redundancy, and building parallelism.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Moderate OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

MULTIPLE CHOICE

Identify the sentence that contains specific, concrete language.

a.	The committee met several times to discuss the proposal.
b.	Many employees are dissatisfied with the change in retirement benefits.
c.	A substantial number of complaints were received from customers.
d.	Three new representatives will complete their training this week.
e.	The speaker used an emotional tone when addressing the sales meeting.

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Style consists of

a.	the effective use of words, sentences, paragraphs, and tone.
b.	creative ideas presented in subjunctive form.
c.	the balanced use of complex, compound, and negative language.
d.	business messages organized with the main point first.
e.	frequent use of redundancy to reinforce important points.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: What do We Mean by Style? BLO: Knowledge

Mechanics include all of the following except

a.	content.
b.	punctuation.
c.	number expression.
d.	word division.
e.	abbreviations.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose TOP: What do We Mean by Style?

BLO: Knowledge

Identify the sentence that does not contain a mechanical error.

a.	Please call the Springfield; MO, office.
b.	He ordered 6 new computer systems for the office.
c.	I understand the brochure is completed please send me a copy.
d.	The new ceo plans to improve productivity by 15% in one year.
e.	We use special packaging to protect our products.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: What do We Mean by Style? BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following is not a good guideline for writing clearly?

a.	Be sure the message is accurate and complete.
b.	Use familiar words and phrases.
c.	Emphasize compound sentences.
d.	Avoid dangling expressions.
e.	Eliminate unnecessary jargon.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Your message is inaccurate if you

a.	include the who, what, when, where, and why.
b.	omit something important that readers should know.
c.	take care with the mechanics.
d.	truthfully present the facts and figures.
e.	present information without manipulating your readers.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

To ensure ethical communication, business writers should use

a.	positive words and an emphatic tone.
b.	ambiguous, complex sentences.
c.	persuasion and tactful, indirect language.
d.	integrity, fairness, and good judgment.
e.	more information than the reader needs.

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Which sentence effectively uses words that are familiar to businesspeople?

a.	Please ascertain whether the deliverance of merchandise will be forthcoming in the duration of the business cycle.
b.	He was not cognizant of the actuality that he was still in a probationary period.
c.	A financial deficit may be encountered during the transitional period following the merger.
d.	The board of directors will soon meet to discuss acquiring the Sonar Company.
e.	The accountant will commence to compute the amount of monetary funds that should be allocated for remunerations.

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Short and simple words help business writers

a.	impress their readers.
b.	emphasize the receiver of the action.
c.	use jargon to build credibility.
d.	express their meaning without distracting readers.
e.	use redundancy in appropriate situations.

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Long words are appropriate when

a.	slang is insufficiently formal for the message.
b.	you want to stimulate a particular reaction.
c.	short words can’t convey your meaning.
d.	negative language is not practical.
e.	you are including brief subjunctive phrases.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

By using short, simple words, you

a.	emphasize the emotional meaning rather than the logical meaning of your message.
b.	encourage readers to respond to your message using short slang words.
c.	avoid a conversational tone that can distract readers from relevant facts and figures.
d.	keep ethnocentrism out of your writing.
e.	focus readers on the content of your message, not on how it is conveyed.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Short and simple words

a.	should be used at all times to avoid dangling expressions.
b.	are less likely than long, complex words to be misused or misunderstood.
c.	are more effective if used in moderation.
d.	contribute to an overly conversational tone.
e.	are appropriate as supplements for clichés and jargon.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Identify the statement that does not contain an unnecessarily long word.

a.	Brian fabricated the events of the accident to circumvent prosecution.
b.	Please initiate the modification of the innovative computer system.
c.	Try to bring William with you, because he is vital to the meeting’s success.
d.	The vice president will recapitulate the presentation about how to utilize the new software.
e.	Initiate termination procedures for employees who are not indispensable.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Which statement does not contain a dangling expression?

a.	Eric informed Jason about the policy changes, but he doesn’t like the changes.
b.	While reviewing the corporate report, a few discrepancies were found.
c.	During a trip to the Boston office, the auditor will review the financial reports.
d.	Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address while traveling to Gettysburg on the back of an envelope.
e.	The manager plans to address the use of cell phones in weekly meetings.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Which statement contains a dangling expression?

a.	Robert started analyzing the data after he told Jose about the deadline.
b.	Mr. Carlton, our treasurer, spoke to the bank’s managers on Thursday.
c.	When you review a message, you should identify errors to be corrected.
d.	David read the memorandum to Sammy, but he didn’t like the new policy.
e.	Michael asked Heather to make copies of the news article.

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

If you use clichés in your business writing, you

a.	should balance them with concrete, specific examples.
b.	need short, simple words to convey relevant facts and figures.
c.	risk having your readers misinterpret the main points you want to convey.
d.	send the message that you can’t be bothered with tailoring your words to your readers.
e.	focus your readers on the content of your message, not on the way it is conveyed.

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Identify the sentence that does not contain a cliché, slang, or a buzzword.

a.	If you want to play ball with me, you need to increase your offer.
b.	Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on your promotion.
c.	As you requested, I sent a new catalog to the supervisor.
d.	The bottom line is that we must strategize about improving our customer relations.
e.	If I can be of further help, please do not hesitate to call me.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Moderate OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Which statement about jargon is correct?

a.	Jargon is effective when one is communicating with individuals in the same field.
b.	Jargon can help a computer technician explain a network problem to a nontechnical manager.
c.	Business writers should use jargon to impress their readers.
d.	Slang is a synonym for jargon.
e.	Jargon should be avoided in all business situations.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Which guideline or statement about vigorous language is not correct?

a.	Use buzzwords frequently in written documents.
b.	Eliminate language that lacks freshness and originality.
c.	Use vigorous words to maintain the reader’s interest.
d.	Select words that have a definite, unambiguous meaning.
e.	Avoid general words such as recently and several.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Which sentence does not contain a cliché or overused expression?

a.	According to a review of the records, you paid your bill after the due date.
b.	Please review the enclosed report and send your comments to the president before November 20.
c.	It goes without saying that customer service representatives must be polite at all times.
d.	I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the development team for its extraordinary effort on the project.
e.	Under separate cover you will receive three copies of the contract.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Moderate OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Which is not a reason to avoid slang in business writing?

a.	It is too informal.
b.	It is not businesslike.
c.	It is identified with a specific group of people.
d.	It is short-lived.
e.	It may not be understood by the general population.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following is a “buzzword”?

a.	prioritize
b.	under separate cover
c.	it turns my stomach
d.	can of worms
e.	dangling expression

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Identify the sentence that does not contain a redundant phrase.

a.	Young adults should plan ahead for retirement at the start of their careers.
b.	Understanding absolute and relative cell references is fundamental to working with spreadsheets.
c.	The company will give each and every employee a year-end bonus.
d.	Receive a free gift when you subscribe to our magazine.
e.	When and if profits increase by 15 percent, all employees will receive a raise.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Moderate OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Which sentence has the lowest “lard factor”?

a.	The project is delayed due to the fact that the members are of the opinion that the results were tainted.
b.	In the event that the project is canceled, please send a memo with regard to the cancellation to the president.
c.	The president of the corporation plans to retire at the end of the fiscal year if profits remain high.
d.	The customer complaint is pertaining to the recent standards for the purpose of providing safer children’s toys.
e.	In view of the fact that sales are increasing, each individual employee will receive a 3 percent bonus.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Moderate OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose TOP: Choosing the Right Words

BLO: Knowledge

The phrase came to an agreement is an example of

a.	an expletive.
b.	concrete, specific language.
c.	the active-passive voice.
d.	jargon.
e.	a hidden verb.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Which sentence does not contain a hidden verb?

a.	The lab assistant gave a demonstration on how to create a suitable sample.
b.	The office manager analyzed the financial reports.
c.	The associate dean arrived at the conclusion that the computer labs are outdated.
d.	The information technology department has a requirement for technical training.
e.	Do you have a need for a new laser printer?

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Moderate OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

The phrase “there is” is an example of

a.	an expletive.
b.	a hidden verb.
c.	a buzz word.
d.	the active-passive voice.
e.	jargon.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

An expletive

a.	obscures the subject of the sentence.
b.	clarifies the meaning of a sentence.
c.	contributes to conciseness.
d.	provides a strong antecedent to a noun.
e.	substitutes for redundant language.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

A(n) ____ sentence is often used to emphasize a single idea.

a.	passive-voice
b.	compound
c.	complex
d.	simple
e.	active-voice

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Which of these is a compound sentence?

a.	Plans A and B are safe and convenient retirement programs for all workers.
b.	Jill will photocopy the letters, and Adam will type the envelopes.
c.	Although the data was received after the deadline, we still managed to complete the project within one week.
d.	Please purchase paper clips, pencils, and notebooks when you go to the office supply store.
e.	If I can buy the printer at a discount, I will; however, if I cannot, I’ll wait for a sale.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

To subordinate additional information, you can place it in

a.	a simple sentence.
b.	the second independent clause of a compound sentence.
c.	the independent clause of a complex sentence.
d.	the dependent clause of a complex sentence.
e.	a passive-voice sentence.

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Which of these statements about sentence variety is not true?

a.	Using too many simple sentences makes writing seem choppy.
b.	Mixing negative and positive sentences maintains reader interest.
c.	Readers may have difficulty reading a message with too many long sentences.
d.	If you use different sentence patterns and lengths, your messages will be more interesting.
e.	A message that contains one long sentence after another can bore readers.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

The point of sentence variety is to

a.	subordinate negative language within the document.
b.	balance lengthy jargon phrases with more familiar language.
c.	retain the goodwill of your readers.
d.	mix the subjunctive mood with more abstract language.
e.	keep readers interested and clarify relationships between ideas.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Which sentence illustrates appropriate use of the active voice?

a.	The academic reports were prepared by the associate vice president.
b.	The office contest was suggested by Nick Anderson.
c.	The First Bank and National Bank announced that they will merge.
d.	The national budget reform will be announced later this week by the president.
e.	The application for the loan extension is being processed today.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following is not a true statement about passive voice?

a.	You want to inform an applicant tactfully that he was not chosen for the job.
b.	The identity of the person doing the action is unimportant.
c.	It emphasizes the receiver of the action instead of the doer of the action.
d.	It may not indicate who performed the action.
e.	The verb voice, either active or passive, directly affects the verb tense.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

In an active sentence,

a.	the subject is the receiver of the action.
b.	the subject is subordinated to the action.
c.	the action is subjunctive to the doer.
d.	the subject performs the action.
e.	the verb tense describes the doer.

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

A passive sentence

a.	contains some form of the verb to be.
b.	is usually shorter than an active sentence.
c.	includes a verb expressed in the past tense.
d.	calls reader attention to the doer of the action.
e.	is appropriate when using negative language.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following is not a passive sentence?

a.	The expense report will be prepared by Tony’s supervisor.
b.	My supervisor submitted the expense report on Tuesday.
c.	Ten complaints have been received by headquarters staff.
d.	If the power goes out, flashlights will be distributed by the supervisor.
e.	Last night’s power outage was described as responsible for the decrease in production.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Which sentence lacks parallelism?

a.	The seminars will be held on February 14, March 15, and April 1.
b.	Victoria is proficient not only in word processing but also in database management.
c.	Our word processing program includes pull-down menus, scroll bars, and sentences can be checked for grammatical errors.
d.	Students will learn how to write effective messages, make persuasive speeches, and handle themselves in interviews.
e.	The new smoke detector is both efficient and effective.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

When you use parallelism, you match

a.	transitional expressions to their logical application.
b.	short, simple sentences with complex, compound sentences.
c.	technical terminology with corresponding definitions.
d.	infinitives with infinitives and nouns with nouns.
e.	reader benefits with key points in each paragraph.

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following statements about parallel structure is not true?

a.	It gives sentences and paragraphs a pleasing rhythm.
b.	It should be used within bulleted lists on presentations slides.
c.	It involves the use of similar grammatical structure for similar ideas.
d.	It should be used in report headings that have equal weight.
e.	It clarifies unrelated ideas through repetition and reinforcement.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following sentences is a good example of parallel structure?

a.	Our company offers both vacation pay but also employee discounts.
b.	Our company is not only an industry leader and it is highly profitable.
c.	Our company will neither merge with a start-up firm nor sell its largest division.
d.	Our company is also one of the largest in the field, not only the most profitable.
e.	Our company will either boost its profitability or reduce its expenses.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Parallel structure should be used for

a.	adding interest to unbroken blocks of text.
b.	numbered and bulleted lists.
c.	avoiding the appearance of nonsexist language.
d.	enhancing the authoritative tone of your message.
e.	writing with confidence.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

When all your sentences work together to develop a single idea, the result is

a.	the “you” attitude.
b.	paragraph unity.
c.	coherence.
d.	parallelism.
e.	reader benefits.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

A paragraph has coherence when each sentence

a.	is connected smoothly to the sentence before and the sentence after.
b.	uses parallel construction to develop one idea consistently and logically.
c.	demonstrates the “you” attitude through implied or stated reader benefits.
d.	uses nondiscriminatory language.
e.	uses the appropriate typeface and mechanics.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

A unified paragraph

a.	helps readers comprehend ideas that are important yet unrelated.
b.	avoids language that suggests discrimination by gender, religion, or nationality.
c.	has a confident, courteous, and sincere tone.
d.	includes sentences linked smoothly to those before and after it.
e.	provides information in a logical order and without irrelevant details.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

Three ways to achieve coherence are to use

a.	unity, passive voice, and active voice.
b.	short paragraphs, a confident tone, and topic sentences.
c.	transitional words, pronouns, and repetition.
d.	white space, headings, and justification.
e.	transitions for cause and effect, sequence, and contrast.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following sentence pairs contains a transitional phrase that detracts from coherence?

a.	First, productivity will improve by 12%. For example, employees will be happy.
b.	Salaries will increase by 6%. In contrast, the sick-day allowance will decrease by 2%.
c.	The fliers should arrive by 5:00 p.m. Then our interns will post them on campus bulletin boards.
d.	The new computer is being repaired. However, the repair service loaned us another system.
e.	The union strike should help teachers receive higher salaries. On the other hand, students will suffer if teachers go on strike.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Moderate OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

Which transition does not reflect a cause-and-effect relationship?

a.	as a result
b.	consequently
c.	because
d.	finally
e.	hence

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

The appropriate length of a paragraph in a business document depends on

a.	the needs of the reader rather than the convenience of the writer.
b.	the benefits being offered to the reader.
c.	the logical and visual units being developed by the writer.
d.	how many different ideas are being introduced and supported.
e.	which ideas are being emphasized and in what order.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

If your paragraphs are excessively long, you may

a.	have difficulty maintaining parallel structure throughout.
b.	distract the reader with your confident tone.
c.	unintentionally obscure an important idea buried in the middle.
d.	need transitional expressions to highlight reader benefits.
e.	use simple sentences to smoothly link one idea with another.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

If your paragraphs are extremely short, you may

a.	be using words that are too long.
b.	intimidate readers who fear that the message is needlessly complex.
c.	need to break the ideas up into subordinate points for better comprehension.
d.	obscure the underlying relationships that link your ideas.
e.	be using mechanics to demonstrate the “you” attitude.

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

Logically, a paragraph should

a.	cover a single topic.
b.	connect the previous paragraph to the topic sentence.
c.	be divided into simple and compound sentences.
d.	use parallel structure for coherence.
e.	contain no fewer than 25 characters.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

A paragraph is a visual unit because it

a.	discusses only one topic but does so in great detail.
b.	uses white space to enhance readability.
c.	signals readers to pause and digest the information it contains.
d.	adds coherence to the document’s unity.
e.	uses a single typeface for emphasis and subordination.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

Your message will have a confident tone if you

a.	believe that your decision is based on sound logic.
b.	start the topic sentence with “I hope.”
c.	use self-conscious words and phrases.
d.	demonstrate arrogance.
e.	use transitional expressions to connect related ideas.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Which sentence displays a confident writing style?

a.	I hope that my explanations make sense to you.
b.	To take advantage of this special offer, call our toll-free number.
c.	If you have any further problems, please don’t hesitate to call me.
d.	Why not order the new exercise equipment today?
e.	If you agree with my proposal, please let me know.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Which guideline about confident writing is correct?

a.	Use confident phrases such as “I hope.”
b.	Encourage the reader to provide excuses for denying your request.
c.	Imply that something might not work out satisfactorily.
d.	Avoid using presumptuous language such as “I know you will agree.”
e.	Use helpful statements such as “Let us know if you have other problems.”

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following is not a good strategy for writing with confidence?

a.	Leave out details suggesting that a reader might be dissatisfied.
b.	Avoid implying that something might go wrong.
c.	Use transitional expressions to reinforce reader benefits.
d.	Be convinced that your request is reasonable.
e.	Write with conviction without being pushy.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Which statement does not appear overconfident?

a.	If you know what’s good for your company, you’ll order these tone cartridges.
b.	I’m sure that you will want to subscribe to the new online training series.
c.	I know that these clip-art images are perfect for your business.
d.	Because I’m sure you want these wrist pads, I will call you tomorrow.
e.	After completing two training sessions, you should see your productivity increase.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

A platitude is

a.	a transitional expression that connects ideas in logical fashion.
b.	a trite or obvious statement that implies a condescending attitude.
c.	a paragraph that lacks both parallel structure and unity.
d.	a series of short, simple sentences that explain a single idea.
e.	an overconfident statement that implies arrogance.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following is a good example of courteous, sincere writing?

a.	Your letter has been forwarded to the Tulsa division. One of the service specialists will call you on Friday.
b.	Our company is always surprised when customers like you fail to pay their bills on time.
c.	Apparently, you did not carefully read the procedures memo before submitting your travel reimbursement request.
d.	I find it difficult to believe that your new DVD player is incompatible with your new television.
e.	You must realize that full tuition refunds are available only before the first day of class.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following is not a good way to create a courteous, sincere tone?

a.	Avoid expressions of disbelief.
b.	Avoid platitudes.
c.	Avoid exaggerating.
d.	Avoid obvious flattery.
e.	Avoid nondiscriminatory language.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

To give the statement “Our company is obsessed with ensuring the complete and total satisfaction of every customer” a more sincere and courteous tone, which of the following would you choose?

a.	Our company is working night and day to satisfy every customer.
b.	Our company will never rest until every customer is satisfied.
c.	Our company works hard to ensure customer satisfaction.
d.	Our company is always looking out for you, our valued customer.
e.	Our company hopes that every customer is a satisfied customer.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Moderate OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

If you use too many modifiers or too strong modifiers in your writing, you

a.	will have to support your ideas in more than one paragraph.
b.	must be sure that your sentences have parallel structure.
c.	could alienate your reader by appearing overconfident.
d.	may sound insincere because of exaggeration.
e.	can control paragraph length by using shorter sentences.

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

To emphasize an idea in a document, you can

a.	put it in a simple sentence.
b.	explain it in the second clause of a compound sentence.
c.	position it after the topic sentence.
d.	use parallel structure.
e.	refer to it using the proper pronouns.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Active voice is a good way to emphasize

a.	the parallel structure of the active verbs.
b.	the doer of the action.
c.	the receiver of the action.
d.	the independent clause of a complex sentence.
e.	the major idea in a topic sentence.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Assume you have five paragraphs in a letter. Which paragraph receives the most emphasis?

a.	first
b.	second
c.	third
d.	fourth
e.	fifth

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Which strategy best emphasizes an idea?

a.	using parallel structure
b.	placing the idea in a middle paragraph
c.	minimizing the space devoted to the idea
d.	displaying the idea indented from the left and right margins
e.	typing the entire document in capital letters

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

You can subordinate an idea by

a.	devoting more space to it.
b.	referring to it as “a secondary point.”
c.	using reasonable repetition.
d.	underlining or capitalizing it.
e.	introducing it in the first paragraph.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Which statement about positive language is not correct?

a.	It is more likely to help achieve your objectives than negative language.
b.	It builds and maintains goodwill between you and your reader.
c.	It often provides more information than negative language.
d.	It stresses what can be done instead of what cannot be done.
e.	It detracts from your ability to persuade the reader.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Which sentence includes only positive language?

a.	The customer service department is closed after 6:00 p.m.
b.	You cannot use a pen with green ink to complete the form.
c.	Your tax refund should arrive after April 20.
d.	The customer failed to provide her zip code.
e.	We must deny your request to change your password over the phone.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Moderate OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Two expressions that carry negative connotations are

a.	compound-complex and redundant.
b.	will not and cannot.
c.	subjunctive and passive voice.
d.	ethnocentrism and abstraction.
e.	ambiguity and expletive.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Negative language is appropriate when

a.	your message must be strong and emphatic.
b.	the reader wants to retain your goodwill.
c.	you are focusing your reader’s attention on specific facts.
d.	a sentence contains a hidden verb or subject.
e.	jargon and slang would be misconstrued.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following is not a guideline for adopting the “you” attitude?

a.	Stress how the reader will benefit.
b.	Develop empathy for the reader.
c.	Emphasize how the reader will be affected.
d.	Write from the reader’s perspective.
e.	Show how you and the reader will both benefit.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

____ is the ability to put yourself in the reader’s position and to understand that person’s situation, feelings, motives, and needs.

a.	Sincerity
b.	Reader benefit
c.	Empathy
d.	Readability
e.	Courtesy

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Identify the sentence that best reflects the “you” attitude.

a.	The order was shipped on March 15.
b.	You should receive your order by Friday, April 10.
c.	We have extended our store hours until 10:00 p.m. on weekends.
d.	I need your completed questionnaire by December 1 so I can prepare my report.
e.	You should open an account with our bank because we pay the highest interest rates.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

You should avoid focusing attention on the reader when you

a.	must refuse the reader’s request.
b.	agree with the reader.
c.	are pointing out reader benefits.
d.	use the word “you” more than once.
e.	know the reader has a significant impairment.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following sentences should be rewritten so it does not focus on the reader?

a.	Your prize is a new entertainment center.
b.	After placing an order, you will be entered into our weekly drawing.
c.	You should have written a more in-depth report.
d.	Your new furniture will arrive no later than Friday.
e.	Your purchases can be returned within 14 days.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

When Gary Davis of World Wrestling Entertainment says that in business communication “less is more,” he most likely means that a writer

a.	needs to always prefer a short word to a long one.
b.	should always plan an outline in advance.
c.	should create simple and concise sentences.
d.	need to avoid adding charts and graphs.
e.	should avoid the verbal equivalent of head-locks and body-slams.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose TOP: Choosing the Right Words

BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following is the least likely to be considered an unethical message?

a.	A message that lacks important information.
b.	A message that includes several misspellings.
c.	A message that creates inaccurate impressions.
d.	A message that contains a significant error of fact.
e.	A message that uses a misleading tone.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose TOP: Choosing the Right Words

BLO: Knowledge

Using longer, more complex words in the place of shorter words that mean the same thing

a.	usually increases the perceived intelligence of the writer.
b.	makes a message easier to understand.
c.	sometimes backfires as a strategy for impressing the reader.
d.	demonstrates your large innate vocabulary.
e.	produces efficient business communication.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

When revising your writing to follow “Plain Language” guidelines, you should

a.	cut any words longer than two syllables.
b.	be willing to sacrifice key parts of the message for the sake of brevity.
c.	avoid any repetition of important words.
d.	eliminate hidden verbs and nouns.
e.	avoid any redundant expressions.

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following is not a correct statement about sentences?

a.	Sentences have a subject and predicate.
b.	A complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses.
c.	A variety of sentence patterns keeps your writing interesting.
d.	Sentences vary widely in style, length, and effect.
e.	A compound sentence shows equal relationships.

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Using a similar grammatical structure for similar ideas is

a.	parallelism.
b.	subordination.
c.	active voice.
d.	compounding.
e.	insubordination.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following is not a correct statement about paragraphs?

a.	They should discuss one to three major topics.
b.	They are both a logical unit and a visual unit.
c.	A series of extremely short paragraphs can weaken coherence.
d.	Paragraph length should be determined by your Rhetorical Considerations and the needs of your reader.
e.	Excessively long paragraphs look boring and difficult.

ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

____ is the aspect of a verb that shows whether the subject of the sentence acts or is acted upon.

a.	Emphasis
b.	Voice
c.	Tense
d.	Participle
e.	Parallelism

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Which of the following sentences contains a hidden verb that weakens the action?

a.	He paid the vendor in full.
b.	When faced with declining sales, she quickly changed the product mix.
c.	The two sides came to an agreement.
d.	The company pushed into new markets, without fully understanding the cultural variables.
e.	Strangely, whenever sales rose, profits declined.

ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

SHORT ANSWER

Explain what is meant by style and briefly describe some elements of style.

ANS:

Style consists of the effectiveness of the words, sentences, paragraphs, and overall tone of a message. It involves the way in which ideas are expressed. It consists of the particular words the writer uses and the manner in which those words are combined to form the message.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: What do We Mean by Style? BLO: Knowledge

Revise the following sentences to conform to standard business communication principles. Add appropriate details as needed to complete the ideas.

a.	Please call Mr. Becker to confirm his February 30 appointment.
b.	After reviewing the sales reports, errors were corrected.
c.	Sarah needs to confirm the budget with Dan, but he is out of town until next week.

ANS:

a.	Please call Mr. Becker to confirm his February 28 appointment. (February has only 28 days, 29 in leap years.)
b.	After reviewing the sales reports, Jeremy corrected the errors. (The “errors” did not review the sales reports; a person did. Insert the name of a person.)
c.	Sarah needs to confirm the budget with Dan, but Dan is out of town until next week. (The antecedent of he is not clear in the original sentence.)

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

In addition to accuracy, name four other guidelines for writing clearly. Provide an example of each.

ANS:

a.	Be complete. A message must contain all details that the reader needs to make a decision or to respond. For example, leaving out a deadline date might result in a shipment being too late to be useful.
b.	Use familiar words. The reader must be able to understand the message in order to act on it. The words used should be familiar to you and your reader. For example, a reader will more easily understand tranquil than halcyon.
c.	Use specific, concrete language. Avoid abstraction and ambiguity. Choose specific words that create a definite picture in your reader’s mind.
d.	Avoid dangling expressions. Each segment of a sentence must be positioned appropriately; otherwise, a dangling expression exists that may confuse the reader. For example, anyone reading the sentence “Beth was supposed to present the award to Dionne, but she wasn’t at the assembly” will wonder whether Beth or Dionne was absent.
e.	Avoid clichés, slang, and unnecessary jargon. Clichés become monotonous with overuse. Slang is informal, short-lived, and often identifiable only within a specific group. Never use jargon when writing to suppliers, customers, and other people who may not understand it. Remember that the same term may mean different things to different groups of people. The term CD refers to a computer component, a compact disc to music buffs, and a certificate of deposit to bankers.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Explain how omission of information and choice of words can affect the accuracy of a message.

ANS:

When a person leaves out vital information, the message is not accurate. The receiver does not have all the information needed to make an intelligent, accurate decision. Furthermore, accuracy is affected by shades of the meaning that result from word choices. For example, the word disaster may be an inaccurate synonym for problem. Consider also the more subtle difference between saying that someone maintains something and saying that someone claims something. Using claims may imply that the individual is not sincere or is insisting on something that is not accurate

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Substitute a shorter word for each of the following: (a) enumerate, (b) recapitulate, (c) utilization, and (d) modification. Use each substitute word correctly in a sentence.

ANS:

The shorter words are (a) list, (b) review, (c) use, and (d) change. Examples will vary.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Revise the following sentences to conform to standard business communication principles. Add appropriate details as needed to complete the ideas.

a.	After extensive recapitulation, the committee implemented a substantial modification in the company.
b.	The researcher should endeavor to measure how much the two groups deviate from each other on indispensable characteristics.
c.	The results of Cynthia’s research are indispensable to the victorious completion of the communication project.

ANS:

a.	After extensive review, the committee implemented a large change in the company.
b.	The researcher should try to measure how much the two groups vary from each other on vital characteristics.
c.	The results of Cynthia’s research are vital to the successful completion of the communication project.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Define (a) clichés, (b) slang, and (c) buzzwords. Why should they typically be avoided in business communication?

ANS:

a.	Clichés are expressions that are monotonous because they have been overused. Writers avoid clichés because they lack freshness and originality.
b.	Slang is informal language used within a particular geographic region, demographic group, or culture. Business writers avoid slang because it is not very professional, is short-lived, and might confuse a reader.
c.	Buzzwords are important-sounding expressions that people use to try to impress others. Business writers avoid these phrases because buzzwords are typically vague, short-lived, and lack originality.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

What is the difference between redundancy and repetition? Provide an example of each.

ANS:

Redundancy is the unnecessary repetition of an idea that was just expressed or implied. For example, “each and every” is a redundant phrase because each and every mean the same thing.

Repetition¾using the same word or words more than once in the same sentence or paragraph¾is useful to provide emphasis. However, avoiding repetition contributes to the conciseness of a message.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

Identify the wordy expressions and redundancies in the following sentence: “Each and every manager is of the opinion that we must reduce expenses in order to increase revenue.” Rewrite the sentence and compute the lard factor.

ANS:

The wordy expressions and redundancies are italicized. “Each and every manager is of the opinion that we must reduce expenses in order to increase revenue.” The sentence should be revised as follows: “Each manager believes that we must reduce expenses to increase revenue.” The lard factor is 38.9: 18 – 11 = 7; 7/18 = 0.3888.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.1

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Choosing the Right Words BLO: Knowledge

What is a hidden verb? Why should you avoid hidden verbs? Give an example of a hidden verb and an appropriate revision.

ANS:

A hidden verb is a word that is used in its noun form, thus weakening the action of the sentence. An example is “made an announcement” instead of “announced.” Verbs describe action. When the noun form is used, the sentence is boring and does not spark the reader’s interest.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

What is an expletive? Why should you avoid expletives in business writing?

ANS:

An expletive is an expression such as there is or it is that begins a clause or sentence and for which the pronoun has no antecedent. Expletives should be avoided because their meaning may be vague.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Revise the following sentences to conform to standard business communication principles. Add appropriate details as needed to complete the ideas.

a.	I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your participation in our focus group last week.
b.	During the year 2003, the Smith Corporation bought a new building for the amount of $15 million.
c.	If we do not plan ahead for national security, past history will repeat itself again with severe consequences.
d.	Each and every customer receives a free gift when opening a checking account.
e.	The new sick-leave policy was implemented due to the fact that several employees were abusing the privilege.
f.	In the event that the customer makes a payment in the amount of $500, the company will not report her to a credit agency.
g.	We held a meeting yesterday so Terry could make a demonstration of the new computer system.
h.	After the dean made an analysis of the college’s budget, the department chairs came to an agreement on how to decrease expenditures.
i.	There are fewer than 500 people who are admitted to the nursing program per year.

ANS:

a.	Thank you for participating in our focus group last week. (“I’d like to take this opportunity to” is a trite expression.)
b.	During 2011, the Smith Corporation bought a new building for $15 million.
c.	If we do not plan for national security, history will repeat itself with severe consequences. (“Plan ahead,” “past history,” and “repeat again” are redundant phrases.)
d.	Every customer receives a gift when opening a checking account. (“Each and every” and “free gift” are redundancies.)
e.	The new sick-leave policy was implemented because several employees were abusing the privilege.
f.	If the customer pays $500, the company will not report her to a credit agency. (“In the event that,” “makes a payment,” and “in the amount of” are wordy expressions.)
g.	We met yesterday so Terry could demonstrate the new computer system.
h.	After the dean analyzed the college’s budget, the department chairs agreed how to decrease expenditures. (“Made an analysis of” and “came to an agreement on” are hidden verbs.)
i.	Fewer than 500 people are admitted to the nursing program per year.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

What are the three main types of sentences? Explain the level of emphasis achieved in each type.

ANS:

A simple sentence contains one independent clause, a group of words that conveys one complete thought. A simple sentence is often used to emphasize an idea. A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a conjunction or a semicolon. The ideas in each clause are closely related and receive the same level of emphasis. A complex sentence contains both an independent clause and a dependent clause. The independent clause contains important information that needs to be emphasized. The dependent clause contains supplemental information or ideas subordinate to those in the independent clause.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Write a compound sentence from this sentence: “Halvor analyzed the data that Victoria gathered.”

ANS:

Victoria gathered the data from the surveys, and Halvor analyzed it for the report.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Combine the following two sentences into one sentence that subordinates the cost of the computer: “The computer system costs $3,850. Its efficiency will improve data entry productivity.”

ANS:

Although the computer system costs $3,850, it will increase data entry productivity.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Explain when the active voice is preferred and when the passive voice is preferred in business communication. Provide one effective example of each voice.

ANS:

Active voice is preferred in most communication, so that the writer identifies the subject doing the action. An example is “Mia audited the books.” Passive voice is preferred when the writer must convey negative news. For example, “Several complaints have been received regarding the new policy.”

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Rewrite the following sentence using the active voice: “The manuscript was proofread by an English major.”

ANS:

An English major proofread the manuscript.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Rewrite the following sentence using the active voice: “A new product line will be introduced by the Fireball team next week.”

ANS:

The Fireball team will introduce a new product line next week.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Rewrite the following sentence using the passive voice: “Your failure to submit the report on time delayed the project.”

ANS:

The project was delayed because the report was submitted after the deadline.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Rewrite the following sentences using parallel structure:

a.	The intern is efficient and pays attention to details.
b.	The new system accepts data entry, processes customer orders, and it can prepare financial statements.
c.	The student either should study for the major test or accept an undesirable grade on the test.
d.	The board recommends either selling the home appliance division to a competitor or creation of an independent subsidiary.
e.	George is not only capable of writing a formal report but also a snappy tweet.

ANS:

a.	The intern is efficient and detail-oriented.
b.	The new system accepts data entry, processes customer orders, and prepares financial statements.
c.	The student should either study for the major test or accept an undesirable grade on the test. (The same part of speech follows both either and or.)
d.	The board recommends either selling the home appliance division to a competitor or creating an independent subsidiary. (The same a part of speech follows both either and or.)
e.	George is capable of writing not only a formal report but also a snappy tweet.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.2

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Writing Effective Sentences BLO: Knowledge

Rearrange the sentences in the following paragraph to achieve paragraph unity.

[1] The primary objective is to prepare the class schedule for the next semester. [2] If time permits, faculty will review scholarship applications. [3] The Information Systems Department will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. [4] In addition to preparing the class schedule, faculty will be assigned particular sections.

ANS:

[3] The Information Systems Department will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. [1] The primary objective is to prepare the class schedule for the next semester. [4] In addition to preparing the class schedule, faculty will be assigned particular sections. [2] If time permits, faculty will review scholarship applications.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

Insert transitional words and phrases in the following paragraph to achieve coherence.

Jill has two years’ experience in advertising. Marianne has six years’ experience in advertising. Jill’s experience involved a national advertising campaign; Marianne’s experience is limited to a small region. Marianne’s limited regional experience should be evaluated for quality and effectiveness. Jill has made some influential connections with her work in New York. The search committee will have a difficult time deciding which job applicant to hire.

ANS:

Jill has two years’ experience in advertising. In contrast, Marianne has six years’ experience in advertising. However, Jill’s experience involved a national advertising campaign, whereas Marianne’s experience is limited to a small region. Therefore, Marianne’s limited regional experience should be evaluated for quality and effectiveness. On the other hand, Jill has made some influential connections with her work in New York. Consequently, the search committee will have a difficult time deciding which job applicant to hire. (The paragraph construction requires that most transitions show a contrasting relationship. The last transition requires a summary/conclusion relationship.)

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

Why are paragraphs that are too long or too short ineffective in business writing?

ANS:

Paragraphs that are too long look boring and needlessly complex and may unintentionally obscure an important idea buried in the middle. Paragraphs that are too short can weaken coherence by obscuring underlying relationships.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.3

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Developing Logical Paragraphs BLO: Knowledge

How can you achieve a confident writing style?

ANS:

Believe that your explanation is complete, that your request is reasonable, or that your decision is based on sound logic. Use language that instills confidence and avoid language that undermines confidence. For example, avoid the phrases I hope and if you agree. Furthermore, writers should avoid being overconfident, because this tone sounds presumptuous or arrogant.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Discuss the following communication principle: “Use a courteous and sincere tone.” Explain how to achieve this tone and what to avoid. Include examples to illustrate your discussion.

ANS:

The message must indicate that the writer is sincere (genuine). Messages that appear to be insincere can damage a working relationship with the reader and can destroy goodwill. Platitudes (trite, obvious statements) should be avoided because they imply a condescending attitude. If the statement is obvious, this should be implied indirectly. Offensive expressions, such as you failed to and you surely don’t expect should be avoided to ensure a courteous tone. Exaggeration, obvious flattery, and expressions of surprise or disbelief should be avoided. (Examples will vary.)

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Describe the levels of emphasis conveyed by (a) a simple sentence, (b) a compound sentence, and (c) a complex sentence.

ANS:

a.	Simple sentence. Conveys the most emphasis because it expresses only one idea.
b.	Compound sentence. Must contain two related ideas that bear equal emphasis. A compound sentence is less emphatic than two simple sentences with the same information.
c.	Complex sentence. Contains subordinated information in the dependent clause and emphatic information in the independent clause.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Explain how the placement of an idea affects its emphasis. Discuss how much emphasis each section of a message receives, and provide examples of what types of information should be placed in each section.

ANS:

The reader pays the most attention to the first paragraph, so the writer should present the most important information there. Good news or general requests are usually stated in the first paragraph. Placement in the last paragraph also confers emphasis, but less so than placement in the first paragraph. The last paragraph should contain information that the reader is likely to remember, such as motivation to respond or deadlines. Placement in the middle paragraph confers the least emphasis. Supporting details or explanations are placed there. Negative news should be placed in the middle paragraph to subordinate it.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

List five of the seven strategies for emphasizing ideas.

ANS:

Students are to supply five of the following strategies:

a.	Put the idea in a short, simple sentence or in the independent clause of a complex sentence.
b.	Place the major idea first or last (within a sentence, paragraph, or document).
c.	Make the noun you want to emphasize the subject of the sentence. (Use the active voice to emphasize the doer of the action.)
d.	Devote more space to the idea.
e.	Use language that directly implies importance, such as most important, major, and primary.
f.	Use repetition within reason.
g.	Use mechanical means, such as enumeration, underscoring, all capital letters, or a second color.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Discuss the following principle: “Prefer positive language.” Specifically, what are the general assumptions and guidelines? What words should you avoid?

ANS:

Positive language is more likely than negative language to help the writer achieve the objectives of the message. Stressing the advantages instead of the disadvantages will get the reader into an accepting frame of mind. Furthermore, positive language builds and maintains goodwill between the writer and the reader. Words such as mistake, damage, and failure should be avoided because they carry negative connotations.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Revise the following sentences to conform to standard business communication principles. Add appropriate details as needed to complete the ideas.

a.	There is no reason for the manager to criticize the intern’s performance.
b.	The warranty does not cover labor charges.
c.	Your account will be delinquent if you do not pay the amount owed by March 1.
d.	Our company is unable to contribute to your charitable organization.

ANS:

a.	The manager had no reason to criticize the intern’s performance.
b.	The warranty covers replacement parts only.
c.	Please send a check by March 1 to maintain your excellent credit rating.
d.	Had we known about your organization before the budget was prepared, we would have been happy to send a donation to your cause.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

What is the “you” attitude? What are the major principles of the “you” attitude?

ANS:

The “you” attitude emphasizes what the reader wants and needs to know, and the effect of the message on the reader. To project the “you” attitude, a writer must have empathy for the reader, avoid selfish statements, and focus on reader viewpoints and benefits. If no direct benefits apply to the reader, the writer should at least point out a third-party benefit.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

In what situations should you not focus attention on the reader?

ANS:

The “you” attitude should be avoided when it is necessary to convey negative news. Avoid connecting the reader too closely with negative information, such as refusing a request, disagreeing with the reader, and discussing the reader’s mistakes or shortcomings. In such cases, avoid second-person pronouns and use passive sentences.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Purpose

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Revise these sentences to conform to standard business communication principles. Add details as needed.

a.	If you want to order a copy of the training video, call 1-800-555-1234.
b.	I hope that my analogies help you understand the hierarchical structure of a file server.
c.	Perhaps you’d like to try the facial cream for a 30-day trial period. You might be pleased with the results.
d.	I realize that you are a busy account executive, but we would appreciate your completing this questionnaire.
e.	I know that my qualifications are worthy of an interview.
f.	Customers like you are this company’s most valuable asset.
g.	Surely you realize that our business can’t exist if you do not pay your bills on time.
h.	I am very surprised that you didn’t think you’d win the election for student body president.
i.	Assume you are comparing the following features of two computer systems. Write a sentence that emphasizes the best feature of each system. Then write a sentence that compares the two systems in terms of memory. Finally, write a sentence comparing them in terms of capacity and stating that the lower hard-drive space is sufficient for your needs.

Feature

21^st Century

Wizard

Hard drive

40.5 GB

35 GB

Cost

$2,850

$2,500

RAM (memory)

64 MB

Monitor Size

15″

19″

j.	The well-written report was prepared by the new assistant. (Emphasize the doer of the action.)
k.	The female supervisor will discuss the dress code for male assistants.
l.	We need more manpower to get the project done on time.
m.	Businesswomen like the extended mall hours during the holiday season.
n.	Mr. Johnson and Emily Warden will attend the board meeting.
o.	Each restaurant waiter and waitress must purchase his or her own attire.
p.	Each student must submit his report by the end of the month.
q.	The plaintiff’s 60-year-old Hispanic attorney is known for winning cases.
r.	The snack machine gypped me out of my money.
s.	Teresa and Mindy, two lesbian secretaries, are great proofreaders.
t.	I mailed the money order on Monday.
u.	We have already budgeted money for another charity.
v.	You failed to indicate the number of dependents on the tax form.
w.	You need more evidence to support your claim.

ANS:

a.	To order a copy of the training video, call 1-800-555-1234.
b.	My analogies should help you understand the hierarchical structure of a file server.
c.	Try the facial cream for 30 days. I think you’ll be pleased with the results.
d.	Because you are an account executive, your views about the enclosed questionnaire items would help us identify how the company can better serve customers.
e.	I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss with you personally how my qualifications meet the job requirements.
f.	Your business is important to us.
g.	Paying your monthly statement on time maintains your excellent credit rating.
h.	Congratulations on winning the election for student body president! Your peers recognize your desire to serve the entire student body.
i.	The 21st Century computer is equipped with a large, 40.5 GB hard drive. The Wizard comes with a large 19″ monitor. Both computer systems come with 64 MB RAM. Although the 21st Century computer comes with a 40.54 GB hard drive, the Wizard’s 35 GB hard drive is sufficient for the company’s needs at this time.
j.	The new assistant prepared the well-written report.
k.	The supervisor will discuss the dress code for all assistants.
l.	We need more personnel to get the project done on time.
m.	Businesspeople like the extended mall hours during the holiday season.
n.	Mr. Johnson and Ms. Warden will attend the board meeting.
o.	The restaurant servers must purchase their own attire.
p.	Students must submit their reports by the end of the month.
q.	The plaintiff’s attorney is known for winning cases.
r.	The snack machine took my money without giving me a candy bar.
s.	Teresa and Mindy are great proofreaders.
t.	You should receive your money order by Friday.
u.	Next year, please submit a request for your charity by January 15 to ensure full consideration.
v.	Please indicate the number of dependents on your tax form.
w.	More evidence is needed to support the claim.

PTS: 1 DIF: Easy OBJ: 5.4

NAT: AAC: Tier 1—Communication; Tier 2—Rhetorical considerations

TOP: Creating an Appropriate Tone BLO: Knowledge

Communicating in Business International Edition 8th Edition by Scot Ober - Test Bank

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