Deck 4: Composing and Revising Your Message

Question 1

Write an example of a sentence that contains a passive verb.

Answer 1

(Answers will vary)

Question 2

What should be done if a paragraph has more than one main idea?

Answer 2

Break the paragraph into multiple paragraphs

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT true of paragraph unity and coherence

A) Use transition words such as therefore, however, and but
B) All sentences within one paragraph should relate to the same idea
C) Sentences should all be about the same length.
D) If a paragraph has more than one main idea, it should be broken into multiple paragraphs

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Jargon is

A) an expression that is worn out and has very little meaning
B) technical or specialized terminology
C) the same as slang
D) all of the above

Question 5

Even a one-paragraph memo can include redundant terms and unnecessary modifiers.

Question 6

What is the term for phrases that are worn-out expressions with little meaning?

Question 7

Transitional words and phrases cannot be overused in business writing.

Question 8

Which of the following statements uses language that would be considered sexist?

A) A doctor must be committed to his patients.
B) Doctors must be committed to their patients.
C) A doctor must be committed to their patients.
D) All of the above

Question 9

Business voice is

A) direct, controlled, and reasonable
B) filled with technical language
C) unemotional
D) all of the above

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT an example of a passive verb?

A) The proposal was met with resistance
B) The company controls the market
C) The employee is being transferred to Winnipeg
D) Parking is prohibited after midnight

Question 11

Jargon is terminology that is over-used, worn out, and has very little meaning.

Question 12

Spelling and grammar checkers on word processing software

A) just find all spelling errors in a document
B) just check to see if a word is in their dictionary
C) just check for appropriate transitions
D) just identify overuse of modifiers

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT true of active verbs?

A) Active verbs communicate action
B) Sentences using active verbs are easier to read than those with passive verbs
C) Active verbs should be used exclusively in business writing
D) Sentences with active verbs are typically shorter than those with passive verbs

Question 14

The emotional voice is preferred in business writing because it is direct, controlled, and reasonable.

Question 15

Reading out loud is an effective proofreading technique.

Question 16

Overusing nouns increases ambiguity in business writing.

Question 17

Proofreading strategies include

A) reading backwards
B) checking names and figures
C) reading out loud
D) all of the above

Question 18

Each paragraph should contain no more that two or three distinct ideas.

Question 19

What is the type of voice in business writing that is stiff and unemotional, but often considered a "safe"
way to write?

Question 20

Name one proofreading strategy and describe why it is important.

Question 21

In business writing, the words used give life to the message and ensure the message is clear and effective. List and describe four principles for effective word use.

Question 22

The most effective written messages have paragraph unity and coherence. List and describe four methods used to enhance paragraph unity and coherence.