Chapter 4
1. Which statement is most accurate?
a. Proofreading involves using only a spell checker.
b. Revision should always occur after you have completed writing.
c. Business messages must be clear, concise, and readable.
d. Revising and proofreading involve the same steps.
Answer: c
Rationale:
Revising involves improving content and sentence structure. Proofreading involves
improving the grammar, spelling, punctuation, and mechanics. Whether you revise as you go
or do it when you finish a document, you will want to focus on clear, concise, and readable
messages.
2. Which of the following about writing and revising business documents is most accurate?
a. Rarely is the first version satisfactory, but usually the second version is excellent.
b. Experts say only amateurs expect writing perfection on the first try.
c. Revision is not necessary for informal documents such as internal memos or e-mail
messages.
d. The real work of revision should happen in the writing stage as you select words and form
sentences.
Answer: b
Rationale:
Rarely is the first or second version of a message satisfactory. In fact, experts say that only
amateurs expect writing perfection on the first try. The revision stage is your chance to make
sure your message is clear, forceful, and readable; and you may go through several drafts
while revising.
3. Monica lost a promotion due to poor writing skills. Which phase of the writing process
should she most focus on to demonstrate better writing skills?
a. Improving content and research
b. Revising and proofreading
c. Formatting and documenting
d. Identifying her purpose and her audience
Answer: b
Rationale:
Monica should focus on revising and proofreading. This third phase of the writing process is
most important to effective writing.
4. Which of the following statements about revision is most accurate?
a. You must compose first drafts quickly (sprint writing) and return later for editing.
b. Careful writers always revise as they write.
c. Revision is required for only long and complex business documents.
d. Some business writers prefer to compose first drafts quickly and revise later; others prefer
to revise as they go.
Answer: d
Rationale:
Writers should use the method of writing and revising that works best for them. Only one
answer choice expresses that concept: Some business writers prefer to compose first drafts
quickly and revise later; others prefer to revise as they go.
5. Concise writing
a. should be used only in informal business documents such as e-mail messages.
b. is easier to read and comprehend.
c. is necessary for only formal business documents such as a proposal to a customer.
d. should be avoided because it can come across as being abrupt and rude.
Answer: b
Rationale:
Concise writing is easier to read and comprehend. Concise business messages save time and
money. You will make your messages more concise during the revising step.
6. Which of the following best avoids flabby expressions?
a. In very few cases do job applicants perform adequate research about a company.
b. The CEO is of the opinion that stock prices will increase next quarter.
c. Although many employees have requested training, we can't afford the extra expense.
d. We do not expect any pay raises at this point in time.
Answer: c
Rationale:
Only "Although many employees have requested training, we can't afford the extra expense"
includes no flabby phrases. Flabby phrases that should be replaced in the other sentences
include "In very few cases," "of the opinion that," and "at this point in time."
7. Effective communicators avoid the flabby expression in addition to the above by using the
word(s)
a. in addition.
b. also.
c. as well as the previously mentioned.
d. along with the aforementioned.
Answer: b
Rationale:
"In addition to the above" could be written more concisely as "also."
8. Long sentence lead-ins
a. are unnecessary introductory words.
b. introduce the "meat" of the message.
c. avoid reader confusion.
d. demonstrate effective language usage.
Answer: a
Rationale:
Long lead-ins are unnecessary introductory words. Long lead-ins don't demonstrate effective
language use because they confuse the reader and don't convey the meaning of the message.
9. Which of the following best avoids a long lead-in?
a. Yes, we will send the information you requested.
b. This is to advise you that we will send the information you requested.
c. You may be interested to learn that we will send the information you requested.
d. I am writing this letter to inform you that we will send the information you requested.
Answer: a
Rationale:
"Yes, we will send the information you requested" best avoids a long lead-in. Other sentences
contain long lead-ins.
10. It is important to avoid long lead-ins because they
a. are grammatically incorrect.
b. contain misplaced modifiers.
c. prevent the reader from reaching the meaning of the sentence.
d. result in faulty parallelism.
Answer: c
Rationale:
Avoid long lead-ins because they prevent the reader from reaching the meaning of the
sentence.
11. Which of the following sentences is most effective?
a. This is to inform you that your account is now up-to-date.
b. At this point in time, your account is up-to-date.
c. Due to the fact that we have just received your check, your account is up-to-date.
d. Your account is now up-to-date.
Answer: d
Rationale:
Only "Your account is now up-to-date" is concise. Two sentences include flabby phrases (At
this point in time, Due to the fact that), and one contains a long lead-in (This is to inform you
that).
12. There is a new software company that will be hiring employees is an example of a
sentence with
a. concise wording.
b. a wordy prepositional phrase.
c. a filler.
d. faulty parallelism.
Answer: c
Rationale:
This sentence contains a filler (There is) and is not concise.
13. All of the following sentences contain unnecessary fillers except
a. There are three important issues to discuss at today's meeting.
b. There is only one job opening available.
c. It was our office manager who won the raffle.
d. Three candidates are running for the board.
Answer: d
Rationale:
Only "Three candidates are running for the board" avoids the use of unnecessary fillers
("there are," "there is," "it is," or "it was").
14. Which sentence avoids redundant expressions?
a. It is absolutely essential that our accounting records are accurate.
b. Let's not repeat our competitor's mistakes.
c. Please refer back to the June financial statements.
d. I want to thank each and every stockholder.
Answer: b
Rationale:
"Let's not repeat our competitor's mistakes" contains no redundancies. "Absolutely essential,"
"refer back," and "each and every" are all redundancies that could be replaced with more
concise wording (essential, refer, each).
15. Microblogging
a. is illegal in businesses today.
b. involves adding website links to a blog to encourage feedback from others.
c. consists of short messages exchanged on social media networks.
d. is performed by only corporate officials who write comments about their companies.
Answer: c
Rationale:
Microblogging consists of short messages exchanged on social media networks such as
Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr. These messages may be written by customers or companies
and made public or private.
16. All of the following are tips you should follow when microblogging except
a. ignore spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
b. include only the main ideas.
c. personalize your message if possible.
d. choose descriptive but short words.
Answer: a
Rationale:
When microblogging, include only main ideas, choose descriptive but short words,
personalize your message if possible, and be prepared to write several versions striving for
conciseness, clarity, and correctness in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
17. One way to improve the clarity of your writing is to apply the KISS formula. KISS stands
for
a. Key Ideas Succinctly and Swiftly.
b. Keep It Short and Simple.
c. Knowledge Is Supported and Summarized.
d. Know Intentions, Strategies, and Solutions.
Answer: b
Rationale:
Because your goal as a business writer is to express, not impress, you should remember to
apply the KISS (Keep It Short and Simple) formula.
18. Katelyn is writing a letter to thank a potential employer for her job interview. Which of
these sentences contains modern expressions Katelyn should use?
a. Thank you in advance for considering me for your available position.
b. You will note that my coursework has thoroughly prepared me for your medical technician
position.
c. Enclosed herein please find the salary history you requested during the interview.
d. Pursuant to your request, I will return for a second interview on May 28.
Answer: b
Rationale:
"You will note that my coursework has thoroughly prepared me for your medical technician
position" uses modern phrases and avoids outdated phrases such as "Thank you in advance,"
"Enclosed herein please find," and "Pursuant to your request."
19. Which of the following expressions is most modern?
a. Separately
b. Every effort will be made
c. In receipt of
d. In accordance with your wishes
Answer: a
Rationale:
"Separately" is a modern phrase that replaces a trite phrase such as "under separate cover."
All other choices are trite and outdated and should be replaced with modern expressions such
as "we'll try," "have received," and "as you wish."
20. Clichés are
a. words originating from the French language.
b. overused expressions.
c. descriptive expressions used in business writing.
d. informal words with arbitrary and extravagantly changed meanings.
Answer: b
Rationale:
Business writers should avoid clichés, which are overused expressions that have developed
over time.
21. Which of the following sentences avoids clichés?
a. We can prove the benefits of exercise for stress reduction beyond a shadow of a doubt.
b. Employees who engage in a regular fitness program are likely to pass the physical exam
with flying colors.
c. Please encourage your department members to join the health club.
d. Last but not least, you, too, should join the fitness program.
Answer: c
Rationale:
"Please encourage your department members to join the health club" contains no clichés.
Examples of clichés from the other choices include "with flying colors," "Last but not least,"
and "beyond a shadow of a doubt."
22. Slang
a. is composed of informal words with arbitrary and extravagantly changed meanings.
b. is acceptable to use in business messages.
c. involves the use of technical expressions that have become fashionable and are often meant
to impress rather than express.
d. All answer choices are correct.
Answer: a
Rationale:
Slang is composed of informal words with arbitrary and extravagantly changed meanings.
Slang words quickly go out of fashion because they are no longer appealing when everyone
begins to understand them.
23. The dangers of using slang in business writing include
a. obscuring meaning.
b. using language that is too informal.
c. using words that quickly go out of fashion.
d. All answer choices are correct.
Answer: d
Rationale:
Slang is composed of informal words with arbitrary and extravagantly changed meanings that
can obscure the message. Slang words quickly go out of fashion and lose appeal when
everyone begins to understand them. Thus all choices are correct.
24. Which of the following sentences avoids buzzwords and slang?
a. Our stock prices tanked last quarter.
b. All companies must follow the guidelines outlined in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
c. The architects blew the budget for the design of the new energy center.
d. The company decided a new paradigm shift was needed to increase sales.
Answer: b
Rationale:
"All companies must follow the guidelines outlined in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act" contains no
buzzwords or slang. The other answer choices include slang ("tanked" and "blew the budget")
or a buzzword ("paradigm shift").
25. Converting verbs into noun expressions
a. decreases sentence length.
b. reduces verb strength.
c. increases the reader's ability to process the information.
d. All answer choices are correct.
Answer: b
Rationale:
When verbs such as "consider" are made into nouns (consideration), sentence length
increases, verb strength is minimized, and the reader is slowed. In addition, noun conversions
muddy the thought. You can make your writing cleaner and more forceful when you avoid
wordy verb/noun conversions.
26. Which of the following sentences avoids noun conversion?
a. Your supervisor will give consideration to all capital budget requests.
b. The committee worked on the establishment of a fund for scholarships.
c. The benefits committee will be responsible for the acquisition of an endowment.
d. The scholarship committee approved the plan.
Answer: d
Rationale:
"The scholarship committee approved the plan" has no buried verbs. Other sentences include
verbs buried in wordy noun expressions such as "give consideration to," "the establishment
of," and "the acquisition of."
27. Words such as definitely, quite, actually, extremely, and totally are
a. adjectives that add a welcome degree of emotion to your writing.
b. adjectives that may be omitted because they are imprecise.
c. adverbs that should be used only sparingly in business writing.
d. adverbs that should be used as often as possible in business writing to show excitement and
enthusiasm.
Answer: c
Rationale:
The words listed are adverbs, not adjectives. These intensifiers can emphasize and strengthen
your meaning. Overuse, however, sounds unbusinesslike. Business writers should control
their enthusiasm and guard against excessive use.
28. Which of the following sentences contains the best use of vivid adjectives without
overkill?
a. The resort offered luxurious suites with Jacuzzi tubs and saunas.
b. The all-inclusive, top-notch resort offered luxurious, totally marvelous suites with
incredible extras.
c. The resort had nice rooms.
d. All sentences use vivid adjectives effectively.
Answer: a
Rationale:
Only "The resort offered luxurious suites with Jacuzzi tubs and saunas" uses vivid adjectives
and avoids overkill.
29. Which of the following sentences uses the most precise language?
a. The board approved a substantial budget increase.
b. The board approved a 34 percent budget increase.
c. The board approved a large budget increase.
d. The board approved a sizeable budget increase.
Answer: b
Rationale:
The most precise sentence includes "a 34 percent budget increase" because it specifies a
number.
30. Which of the following sentences demonstrates clear writing?
a. A supervisor asked everyone to work an extra day.
b. A supervisor asked production employees to work an extra day.
c. A supervisor asked everyone to work on Saturday.
d. Lindsey Goulet asked production employees to work on Saturday.
Answer: d
Rationale:
The only clear sentence is "Lindsey Goulet asked production employees to work on
Saturday." This sentence is clear because it uses concrete nouns (Lindsey Goulet, production
employees, Saturday) rather than unclear nouns (Our supervisor, day) or pronouns
(everyone).
31. Well-designed documents enhance readability and comprehension and
a. make readers think the writer is a well-organized and intelligent person.
b. guarantee reader acceptance.
c. increase the intelligence level of the reader.
d. avoid the use of white space.
Answer: a
Rationale:
Well-designed documents enhance readability and comprehension, making readers think the
writer is well organized and intelligent. Well-designed documents use white space, leftaligned text and ragged-right margins, appropriate typefaces and fonts, headings, and lists.
32. Empty space on a page
a. should be avoided on any business document.
b. can be achieved by creating paragraphs of ten or more printed lines.
c. makes it appear as if the writer has nothing to say.
d. is called white space.
Answer: d
Rationale:
Empty space on a page is called "white space." A page crammed full of text or graphics
appears busy, cluttered, and unreadable. To increase white space, use headings, bulleted or
numbered lists, short paragraphs, and effective margins.
33. To improve readability and comprehension through white space,
a. use approximately 20 or fewer words per sentence.
b. construct paragraphs consisting of 12-15 printed lines.
c. develop long paragraphs.
d. avoid the use of topic sentences on shorter paragraphs.
Answer: a
Rationale:
To increase white space, use short sentences (20 or fewer words) and short paragraphs (eight
or fewer printed lines) to improve readability and comprehension. As you revise, think about
shortening long sentences and breaking up long paragraphs into shorter chunks. Be sure,
however, that each part of the divided paragraph has a topic sentence.
34. Dylan is designing his document to enhance readability and comprehension. What is the
best advice you can give Dylan?
a. Justify the left and right margins so they are both even.
b. Create white space by using headings, bulleted or numbered lists, short paragraphs, and
effective margins.
c. Use multiple typefaces within the document.
d. Use ALL CAPS anywhere in a document to emphasize key points.
Answer: b
Rationale:
To increase readability, Dylan should create white space by using headings, bulleted or
numbered lists, short paragraphs, and effective margins. He should also use left-justified text
and ragged right margins without justification; no more than two typefaces per document;
and ALL CAPS only for headings, subheadings, and single words or phrases.
35. Which statement about margins and text alignment is true?
a. Margins define the reading area and provide important visual relief.
b. Nearly all text in Western cultures is aligned at the right.
c. Business letters and memos usually have side margins of 2 inches.
d. Ragged right margins decrease white space and readability.
Answer: a
Rationale:
Margins determine the white space on a document, define the reading area, and provide
important visual relief. Therefore, business letters and memos usually have side margins of 1
to 1½ inches. Furthermore, nearly all text in Western cultures uses ragged right margins and
is aligned at the left.
36. What is the most common serif typeface?
a. Arial
b. Times New Roman
c. Univers
d. Calibri
Answer: b
Rationale:
The most common serif typeface is Times New Roman. Other popular serif typefaces are
Century, Georgia, and Palatino. Serif typefaces suggest tradition, maturity, and formality.
Therefore, they are frequently used for body text in business messages, books, newspapers,
and magazines.
37. How many typefaces should you use in a business document?
a. No more than two
b. At least three
c. Up to five
d. At least ten
Answer: a
Rationale:
Use no more than two typefaces within a document, and choose typefaces from the "serif" or
"sans serif" categories.
38. Which statement regarding type sizes and fonts is most accurate?
a. Font styles are a stylistic means of adding emphasis to your words.
b. Readers are generally most comfortable with 8- to 10-point type for body text.
c. Fonts include caps, boldfacing, italics, underlining, outlining, and shadowing.
d. Writers should always use all caps to emphasize their ideas.
Answer: c
Rationale:
Font styles are a mechanical means of adding emphasis to your words. You can add emphasis
through boldfacing, italics, underlining, outlining, shadowing, and all capital letters.
However, excessive use of all caps feels like shouting; and it irritates readers. You can also
add emphasis by selecting an appropriate type size, usually 10- to 12-point type for body text.
39. Which of the following statements regarding bulleted or numbered lists is most accurate?
a. Lists decrease a reader's comprehension of the main ideas.
b. Lists allow readers to review main ideas quickly.
c. Lists confuse readers because they are visually distracting.
d. Lists decrease the readability level of a document.
Answer: b
Rationale:
To ensure rapid comprehension of ideas, use numbered or bulleted lists. Lists provide high
"skim value," allowing readers to browse quickly to grasp main ideas. By breaking up
complex information into smaller chunks, lists improve readability, understanding, and
retention.
40. When creating a bulleted or numbered list,
a. use a bulleted list to represent a sequence.
b. never use end punctuation.
c. do not capitalize the initial word of each line.
d. express all ideas similarly.
Answer: d
Rationale:
Numbered lists represent a sequence or a chronology; bulleted lists highlight items that don't
necessarily show a chronology. Whether using either, remember to add punctuation only if
the listed items represent complete sentences, capitalize the initial word of each line, and
make all ideas parallel.
41. Tyler used a bulleted list on his résumé to describe his previous job duties. Which of the
following items from his list does not demonstrate parallel structure?
a. Performed inspections of plant equipment, including boilers, condensers, and chillers
b. Troubleshooting of plant's chemical equipment
c. Performed load calculations for plant equipment
d. Wrote analytical reports detailing system performance
Answer: b
Rationale:
"Troubleshooting of plant's chemical equipment" does not demonstrate parallel structure.
Because the other duties begin with past-tense verbs, Tyler should revise this statement to be
parallel and consistent with the others: Assisted with troubleshooting of plant's chemical
equipment.
42. Which statement regarding headings is most accurate?
a. Headings provide visual distraction for readers; thus they should be avoided.
b. Headings appear most often in business letters.
c. Headings highlight information and improve readability.
d. Headings should be avoided in all business documents.
Answer: c
Rationale:
Headings are an effective tool to highlight information and improve readability. They also
help the reader separate major ideas from details and skim information quickly. Although
headings appear most often in reports, they can also improve readability in other business
documents.
43. Which statement about proofreading is most accurate?
a. Good business writers wait at least 24 hours or longer to proofread a document.
b. Only important messages or documents need to be proofread.
c. Documents with errors do not affect a person's credibility because readers understand that
everyone makes mistakes.
d. Proofreading should occur while the document is being written.
Answer: a
Rationale:
Because documents with errors can affect a person's credibility and success within an
organization, proofreading is important. Therefore, good business writers proofread all
messages after they are in their final form and wait at least 24 hours before doing so.
44. Proofreading includes which of the following tasks?
a. Improving content and tone
b. Fine tuning sentence and paragraph structure
c. Correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, names and numbers, and format
d. Determining whether the message should be written using the direct or indirect
organizational pattern
Answer: c
Rationale:
Proofreading is the process of correcting any errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, names
and numbers, and format. Revision is the process of improving the content, tone, and
sentence and paragraph structure of your writing. During the second phase of the writing
process, you will determine your organization.
45. Branch managers of First Federated Savings and Loan received this e-mail message:
Please inform all personal that management retains the right to check personal belongings of
employees before employees leave the bank. What error did the writer make?
a. A grammatical mistake
b. A proofreading error
c. A failure to use spell check
d. No error was made. The sentence is correct as written.
Answer: b
Rationale:
This sentence contains a proofreading error that spell check may not catch. By proofreading
carefully, you would find that "personnel" should replace the first use of "personal."
46. Which of the following is the best advice to follow when you proofread a routine
document?
a. If proofreading on screen, display the entire document at once.
b. Proofread the document using a printed copy.
c. Proofread your document as you compose your ideas.
d. Rely solely on a spell-checker to catch any errors.
Answer: b
Rationale:
Most routine documents require a light proofreading. If you read on screen, use the down
arrow to reveal one line at a time to help you focus. A safer proofreading method, however, is
reading from a printed copy and looking for typos and misspellings that were not found by a
spell-checker.
47. What is the best advice for proofreading a complex document?
a. Be prepared to find errors.
b. Increase your reading speed.
c. Read the message only once.
d. Proofread the message immediately after it has been fully written.
Answer: a
Rationale:
Follow these tips when proofreading a complex document: proofread from a printed copy,
read the document at least twice, wait at least one day before proofreading, reduce your
reading speed, use a proofreading buddy, use standard proofreading marks, be prepared to
find errors, and allow adequate time.
48. Trina has just completed researching, writing, and proofreading a long, complex business
proposal for a customer. What should she do next?
a. Sit back and relax.
b. Evaluate its effectiveness by soliciting feedback from her receiver.
c. Tell her boss that she has successfully completed the proposal.
d. Reward herself by purchasing a new business suit.
Answer: b
Rationale:
Trina should evaluate the effectiveness of her proposal by soliciting feedback from her
customer.
49. What is the best way to judge the success of your writing?
a. Receiving a raise or promotion
b. Using a spell-checker
c. Receiving feedback from your receiver
d. Organizing your message using the direct organizational strategy
Answer: c
Rationale:
The best way to judge the success of your communication is through feedback. For this
reason you should encourage the receiver to respond to your message.
50. Taylor is enrolled in a business communications course at her local community college.
She just received a paper back from her professor who noted that Taylor should review the
principles for comma usage. How should Taylor handle this criticism?
a. Report her teacher to the president of the college for abuse.
b. Argue with her teacher about comma rules.
c. Withdraw from the class.
d. Accept the feedback and use it constructively to improve her future writing assignments.
Answer: d
Rationale:
Taylor should not be defensive about the feedback she received from her professor. Instead,
she should view the comment as valuable advice to help her improve with future writing
assignments.
51. The terms editing, proofreading, and evaluating are synonymous in meaning.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
These terms are not synonymous in meaning. Each term represents a separate step in Phase 3
of the 3-x-3 writing process.
52. Professional writers develop a system of writing and revising that works for them; they
may revise at any point in the process.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
Some professional writers compose a first draft quickly and revise later; others prefer to
revise as they go.
53. Concise messages are easy to read and comprehend.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
Concise messages save not only reading time and money, but also increase comprehension
because messages are easier to read.
54. You can often reduce flabby expressions to single words.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
You can use single words to write flabby expressions more concisely. For instance, you can
express "in the event that" as one word: if.
55. Soon is more concise than in the near future.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
"Soon" is a more concise way to write "in the near future."
56. You will be interested to learn that is a recommended and professional way to begin a
business document.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
"You will be interested to learn that" is a long lead-in and should be avoided in business
writing.
57. There are many account representatives who can help you with your order. This sentence
is clear and concise.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
"There are" is a useless filler. It takes up space and adds excess words to your writing. The
sentence could be better expressed as "Many account representatives can help you with your
order."
58. Redundant words or phrases convey a meaning more than once.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
Redundant words or phrases convey the same meaning. For instance, "combined together" is
a redundant expression because the two words repeat one another. Because redundancies add
wordiness to your writing, you should avoid them.
59. Each and every student will be required to participate in one group writing project
contains a redundant expression.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
"Each and every" is a redundant expression.
60. Microblogging consists of short messages exchanged on social media sites.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
Microblogging consists of short messages exchanged on social media sites such as Twitter,
Facebook, and Tumblr.
61. Conciseness is critical when microblogging.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
Conciseness is critical when microblogging. Messages must be short without straying too far
from conventional spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
62. Only main ideas should be included in a microblog.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
When microblogging, include only main ideas because such messages must be concise. In
addition, choose descriptive but short words, personalize your message if possible, and be
prepared to write several versions striving for conciseness, clarity, and correctness.
63. Your goal as a business writer is to impress your reader.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Your goal as a business writer is to express, not impress.
64. Using expressions such as pursuant to your request and thank you in advance adds a level
of professionalism to business writing.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Replace these outdated expressions with more modern expressions such as "at your request"
and "thank you."
65. The following sentence demonstrates effective writing: Please do not hesitate to call me if
you have any questions.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
This sentence contains a trite business phrase (Please do not hesitate to). Your writing will
sound fresher and more vigorous if you eliminate such phrases or find more original ways to
convey the idea: Please call me if you have any questions.
66. Smart business communicators use clichés such as think outside the box to show that they
are familiar with current business terminology.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Clichés are expressions exhausted by overuse. They lack not only freshness but also clarity.
Instead of repeating clichés such as "think outside the box," find another way to say what you
mean.
67. To sound current, fresh, and trendy, effective business communicators make ample use of
slang when writing and speaking.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Effective business communicators avoid slang when writing and speaking because slang is
too informal, can obscure meaning, and quickly goes out of fashion.
68. In describing sexual harassment in the workplace, Julia explains that Supervisors are
getting burned in harassment lawsuits. Julia is using slang in this statement.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
"Getting burned" is an example of slang.
69. Converting a verb into a noun creates stronger, more professional business writing (e.g.,
made a decision instead of decided).
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
You diminish the power of a verb by needlessly converting it into a noun.
70. The following sentence demonstrates effective business writing: Our purchasing
department will give consideration to the RFP submitted by Powertex.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
This sentence needlessly converts a verb (consider) into a wordy noun expression (give
consideration to), adding sentence length, draining verb strength, slowing the reader, and
muddying the thought. Rewrite the sentence: Our purchasing department will consider the
RFP submitted by Powertex.
71. You can streamline your writing and make it more emphatic by using vivid adverbs such
as very, extremely, and actually as often as possible.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Writers should not use these adverbs excessively. These adverbs can add emphasis, but they
do not streamline the writing.
72. As you revise, make your writing clear by using specific verbs, concrete nouns, and vivid
adjectives.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
As you revise, make sure your words are precise so that the audience knows exactly what you
mean. Clear writing creates meaningful images in the reader's mind through specific verbs,
concrete nouns, and vivid adjectives. Foggy messages include sloppy references that may
result in additional inquiries to clarify the intended meaning.
73. The following sentence contains clear and precise wording: In some businesses they won't
let you accumulate sick leave.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
This sentence contains two vague words: "they" and "you." The sentence should be written
using concrete nouns: In some businesses management won't let employees accumulate sick
leave.
74. Business writers should consider document design during the revision process because
well-designed documents improve readability and comprehension.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
Well-designed documents enhance readability and comprehension. They also make readers
think you are a well-organized and intelligent person. In the revision process, you can adjust
formatting and make other changes to allow readers to grasp your main points quickly.
75. When designing documents, you should place as much text as possible on a page to save
paper and printer toner.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Empty space on a page is called white space, and ample white space is desirable in business
documents. A page crammed full of text or graphics appears busy, cluttered, and unreadable.
76. Nearly all text in Western cultures is aligned at the left and reads from left to right.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
Nearly all text in Western cultures is aligned at the left and reads from left to right.
77. When right margins are not aligned or justified, they provide more white space and
improve readability.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
When right margins are not aligned or justified, they provide more white space and improve
readability. Therefore, it is better to use left-justified text and ragged right margins without
justification.
78. In any business document, use at least three typefaces to add emphasis and contrast.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Generally, use no more than two typefaces within one document, and choose from "serif" or
"sans serif" categories.
79. To emphasize an important sentence within a business document, type the entire sentence
in capital letters.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Using all caps is appropriate for headings, subheadings, and single words or short phrases.
ALL CAPS, HOWEVER, SHOULD NEVER BE USED FOR LONG STRETCHES OF
TEXT BECAUSE ALL LETTERS ARE THE SAME HEIGHT, MAKING IT DIFFICULT
FOR READERS TO DIFFERENTIATE WORDS. In addition, excessive use of all caps feels
like shouting.
80. Use bulleted lists to represent a sequence of ideas or a numbered order.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Use numbered lists, not bulleted lists, for items that represent a sequence or reflect a
numbering system.
81. When using either a bulleted or numbered list, capitalize the initial word of each line and
always follow each idea with end punctuation.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Although you should capitalize the initial word of each line within a bulleted or numbered
list, use end punctuation only if the listed items are complete sentences.
82. Headings are an effective tool for highlighting information.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
Headings highlight information and improve readability. They also encourage the writer to
group similar material together and help the reader separate major ideas from details and
skim familiar or less important information.
83. Use headings only when writing a report.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Headings appear most often in reports. However, main headings, subheadings, and category
headings can also improve readability in e-mail messages, memos, and letters.
84. You should proofread every sentence of a document as soon as you write it.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Once your message is in its final form, set aside time to proofread. Don't proofread earlier
because you may waste time checking items that eventually are changed or omitted.
85. Proofreading includes the use of only a grammar or spell-checker.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
In addition to finding spelling and typographical errors, grammar and spell-checkers can find
subject-verb problems, word misuse, spacing irregularities, punctuation problems, and other
faults. However, they won't find everything!
86. You are more likely to find errors when proofreading on a computer screen than on a
printed copy.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
When you proofread from a printed copy, you are more likely to find errors.
87. One careful proofreading of any document is sufficient.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
You should read long, complex, and important documents at least twice, once for word
meanings and once for grammar/mechanics. Read very long documents a third time to check
for format consistency.
88. You should follow the same proofreading process for a routine document and a complex
document.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Although you will apply some of the same proofreading techniques for both kinds of
documents, complex documents demand careful proofreading. As a result, proofread these
kinds of documents always from a printed copy after waiting at least 24 hours. In addition, be
prepared to find errors, read the document at least three times, reduce your reading speed, and
use a proofreading buddy.
89. Proofreading is the last step in Phase 3 of the 3-x-3 writing process.
a. True
b. False
Answer: False
Rationale:
Evaluating the effectiveness of your message is the last step in Phase 3 of the 3-x-3 writing
process.
90. The best way to judge the success of your communication is through feedback.
a. True
b. False
Answer: True
Rationale:
The best way to judge the success of your communication is through feedback. For this
reason you should encourage the receiver to respond to your message.
91. ____________________, which occurs during the third phase of the writing process,
means improving the content and sentence structure of your message. It may include adding,
cutting, recasting, reformatting, and redesigning what you have written.
Answer: Editing
Rationale:
Editing means improving the content and sentence structure of your message. It may include
adding, cutting, recasting, reformatting, and redesigning what you have written.
92. There are three building sites we are considering. This use of There are is an example of
a(n) ____________________.
Answer: filler
Rationale:
"There are" is a useless filler that should be eliminated from business writing.
93. Expressions that repeat meaning or include unnecessary words are
____________________.
Answer: redundant
Rationale:
Expressions that repeat meaning or include unnecessary words are redundant.
94. ____________________ consists of short messages exchanged on social media networks
such as Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr.
Answer: Microblogging
Rationale:
Microblogging consists of short messages exchanged on social media networks such as
Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr. Companies use microblogging to make announcements,
promote goodwill, and sell their products. Consumers often microblog to discuss their
opinions about products.
95. ____________________ is composed of informal words with arbitrary and extravagantly
changed meanings. These words quickly go out of fashion because they are no longer
appealing when everyone begins to understand them.
Answer: Slang
Rationale:
Slang is composed of informal words with arbitrary and extravagantly changed meanings.
These words quickly go out of fashion because they are no longer appealing when everyone
begins to understand them. You should avoid slang in business writing because it may
obscure meaning.
96. Shoot from the hip is an example of a(n) ____________________, which is an expression
that has been exhausted by overuse.
Answer: cliché
Rationale:
Clichés are expressions that have been exhausted by overuse. Replace them in your writing
with new images and phrases.
97. Empty space on a page is called ____________.
Answer: white space
Rationale:
Empty space on a page is called white space. A page full of text or graphics appears busy,
cluttered, and unreadable. To increase white space, use headings, bulleted or numbered lists,
and effective margins.
98. ____________________, which appear most often in reports, are an effective tool for
highlighting information and improving readability because they encourage the writer to
group similar material together and help readers separate major ideas from details.
Answer: Headings
Rationale:
Headings are an effective tool for highlighting information, improving readability by
grouping similar information, separating major ideas from details, and enabling the reader to
skim less familiar information.
99. ____________________ involves checking for problems with spelling, grammar,
punctuation, names and numbers, and format.
Answer: Proofreading
Rationale:
Proofreading, which occurs during the third phase of the writing process, involves correcting
the grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format of a business document.
100. ____________ is the process of determining whether your message attracts the reader's
attention and achieves its purpose.
Answer: Evaluating
Rationale:
Evaluating is the process of determining if your message attracts the reader's attention and
achieves it purpose. The best way to judge the success of your communication is through
feedback.
Test Bank for Essentials of Business Communication
Mary Ellen Guffey, Dana Loewy
9781285858913, 9781337386494, 9781111821227, 9781285858890, 9780176473358, 9780176531409
