Deck 5: Effective Business Writing

Question 1

In casual language, the emphasis is on the communication interaction itself, and less about the hierarchy, power, control, or social rank of the individuals communicating.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Writers using a formal style tend to use more complex syntax, resulting in sentences that are longer and contain more subordinate clauses.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Formal writing differs from standard business English in that it often makes use of colorful expressions, slang, and regional phrases.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

More than in oral communication, it is important in written communication that we anticipate the reader's needs, interpretation, and likely response.

Question 5

One difference between oral and written communication is that oral communication can be divided into verbal and nonverbal while written communication cannot be.

Question 6

Normally, an annual report or a proposal will have a language style that is fluid or relaxed.

Question 7

The basic communication process consists of nine elements.

Question 8

Oral and written communications are similar in that they both rely on the basic communication process.

Question 9

As a general rule, external communications tend to be more informal.

Question 10

The appropriate style for any business document is formal.

Question 11

As it involves presenting an argument, rhetoric is restricted to oral communication.

Question 12

Colloquial style is usually an excuse for using expressions that are sexist, racist, profane, or otherwise offensive.

Question 13

Unlike rhetorical elements, cognate strategies cannot be applied to public speaking.

Question 14

Writing eloquently is one of the goals of written business communication.

Question 15

Violence is often associated with frustration born of the lack of opportunity to communicate.

Question 16

Public demonstrations and fighting are expressions of voice, from collective to individual.

Question 17

Abstract terms are often easier to agree on, understand, or at least to define the common characteristics.

Question 18

One key measure of the effectiveness of your writing is the degree to which it fulfills readers' expectations.

Question 19

"He could mess up a rainstorm" and "He couldn't hit the ground if he fell" are examples of colloquial language.

Question 20

Immediacy of response is one of the similarities between written and oral communications.

Question 21

The dynamic communication process between source and receiver that occurs at different times is referred to as _____.

A) sequential
B) asynchronous
C) random
D) distributed
E) stratified

Question 22

"I am confused as to why they are not due until November 2010, I mean the calender said . . ." is an example of bypassing.

Question 23

If a false statement of fact that concerns and harms the person defamed is published, the author of that statement may be sued for libel.

Question 24

An) _____ is the way a message travels between source and receiver.

A) transit
B) flow
C) channel
D) repository
E) intermediary

Question 25

_____ is the stimulus or meaning produced by the source for the receiver.

A) Inference
B) Deduction
C) Response
D) Logic
E) Message

Question 26

All of the following statements about writing is correct except:

A) some people are simply born better writers than others.
B) it is normal to experience a sense of frustration at the perceived inability to express oneself.
C) most people use oral communication for much of their self-expression.
D) reading out loud what you have written is a positive technique.
E) reading is an integral step in learning to write effectively.

Question 27

Justin asks his colleague Fred to meet him at the cafeteria for a discussion. In this case, the cafeteria is the _____ of the communication.

A) channel
B) medium
C) platform
D) environment
E) context

Question 28

In business communication, where the goal is to be clear and concise, abstract words are preferred.

Question 29

Abstract terms can easily become even more abstract with extended discussions.

Question 30

One significant barrier to effective written communication is failure to focus on the small details.

Question 31

_____ involves the psychological expectations of the source and receiver.

A) Feedback
B) Context
C) Message
D) Stimulus
E) Environment

Question 32

_____ means becoming aware of your own thinking process.

A) Psychoanalysis
B) Introspection
C) Internal feedback
D) Critical thinking
E) Guided reflection

Question 33

One must not revise to change the good work completed, but instead to consider it from the perspective of the reader.

Question 34

Interference is also known as _____.

A) miscommunication
B) diffusion
C) split message
D) filtering
E) noise

Question 35

_____ is the physical atmosphere where the communication occurs.

A) Context
B) Platform
C) Medium
D) Environment
E) Stage

Question 36

In business, error equals inefficiency and loss of resources.

Question 37

Jemima is having a face-to-face conversation with her supervisor at her office. During the conversation, her supervisor receives three calls and a few text messages. Twice, two employees dropped by to report the weekly stats for their team. The disturbance and blocking that Jemima experienced can be referred to as _____.

A) interference
B) unsolicited information
C) reverse feedback
D) diffusion
E) split message

Question 38

Existing language patterns for a specific genre are called _____.

A) jargons
B) conventions
C) linguistic norms
D) slang
E) styles

Question 39

If the person defamed is a private person, they must prove malice or the intention to do harm, but if the victim is a public figure, libel applies even if the offense cannot be proven to be malicious.

Question 40

Promoting understanding and limiting misinterpretations are key goals of the effective business communicator.

Question 41

According to Sullivan, which of the following happens in stressful situations?

A) Our nonverbal communication is frozen.
B) We tend to think in either/or relationships.
C) We take recourse to rhetoric to make our point.
D) We are more prone to feedback.
E) We undertake a revision of our communication.

Question 42

Brenda is preparing an article on quality systems. All of the following are qualities that ensure that her writing is good except:

A) meets the readers' expectations.
B) is efficient and effective.
C) is to read.
D) attracts the reader.
E) endorsed by her supervisor.

Question 43

What are the elements of the communication process?

Question 44

Simplicity is an example of an):

A) abstract noun.
B) colloquial term.
C) slang.
D) jargon.
E) syntactically sound term.

Question 45

A mental review of the task and your performance is called _____.

A) feedback
B) performance review
C) introspection
D) reflection
E) task analysis

Question 46

_____ refers to an intangible concept.

A) Modified noun
B) Summary concept
C) Derived subject
D) Abstract noun
E) Inanimate noun

Question 47

What are the similarities between oral and written communication?

Question 48

"I really don't have words to express how grateful I am for all the support you've extended to me and my family in this hour of need. You guys are the best." Which of the following aspects does this statement reflect?

A) Logos
B) Pathos
C) Ethos
D) Rhetoric
E) Syllogism

Question 49

_____ is using someone else's writing without giving credit to the source.

A) Copyrighting
B) Plagiarism
C) Misrepresentation
D) Collusion
E) Academic dishonesty

Question 50

_____ is the grammatical arrangement of words in a sentence.

A) Rhetoric
B) Syntax
C) Logos
D) Cognate structure
E) Semantics

Question 51

Which of the following will be an external communication?

A) Report from the marketing department.
B) Candidate scores from the HR-recruitment
C) Invitation from the quality supervisor for a Six Sigma workshop
D) Service complaints received in the Customer Service office
E) Material requirement and specification sheet sent to your preferred supplier

Question 52

"It was unconscionable for a member of our organization to shout an interruption while the president was speaking. What needs to happen now-and let me be clear about this-is an immediate apology."

A) Credibility
B) Conciseness
C) Reference
D) Engagement
E) Emphasis

Question 53

Ways of promoting understanding are referred to as _____.

A) rhetorical analysis
B) inductive logic
C) comprehension analysis
D) deductive logic
E) cognate strategies

Question 54

_____ is the written form of defamation, or a false statement that damages a reputation.

A) Slander
B) Misrepresentation
C) Malafide literature
D) Malicious prosecution
E) Libel

Question 55

_____ is the art of presenting an argument.

A) Syllogism
B) Rhetoric
C) Flow charting
D) Illustration
E) Logical analysis

Question 56

"Having known and worked with Jesse for more than five years, I can highly recommend him to take my place as your advisor." Which of the following aspects does this statement reflect?

A) Logos
B) Pathos
C) Ethos
D) Rhetoric
E) Syllogism

Question 57

"He could mess up a rainstorm" is an example of:

A) ineffective communication.
B) colloquial language.
C) jargons.
D) indirect communication.
E) redundant language.

Question 58

Perhaps the most universally useful strategy in capturing your reader's attention is to:

A) include terminologies and their explanations.
B) use as many illustrations as possible to describe your points.
C) begin the narration with a story.
D) state how your writing can meet the reader's needs.
E) be eloquent in word choice.

Question 59

_____ involves the misunderstanding that occurs when the receiver completely misses the source's intended meaning.

A) Bypassing
B) Cross-referencing
C) Firewalling
D) Subverting
E) Defocusing

Question 60

Which of the following is a perspective used in examining written communication?

A) Ontological perspective
B) Epistemological perspective
C) Historical perspective
D) Goals perspective
E) Organizational perspective

Question 61

What are conventions?

Question 62

What constitutes nonverbal communication in written communication?

Question 63

Describe the structural perspective.

Question 64

What is the importance of perception in developing your writing skills?

Question 65

What is effective business communication?

Question 66

Discuss how practice can help your writing skills.

Question 67

Describe rhetoric.

Question 68

What determines the style of language you use in written communication?

Question 69

What is effective writing?

Question 70

What are the ways to examine written communication?

Question 71

How should one prepare for the asynchronous nature of interaction in written communication?

Question 72

How important are rules in writing?

Question 73

Describe the role of mentors in your growth as a writer.

Question 74

Is colloquial language restricted to oral communication?

Question 75

Describe the interaction between the source and the receiver in written communication.

Question 76

Discuss the importance of reading.

Question 77

What are the points one should keep in mind when embarking on a writing assignment?

Question 78

What are the elements of cognate strategies?
a. Clear understanding
b. Key points
c. Character, trust
d. Relevance
e. Relationship

Question 79

Differentiate between verbal and nonverbal communication.

Question 80

What is the connection between violence and finding one's voice?