Deck 2: Effective Writing

Question 1

The ultimate rule of public relations writing is to __.

A) avoid jargon
B) follow the AP stylebook
C) use proper grammar
D) use simple punctuation
E) write so the reader can understand

Answer 1

write so the reader can understand

Question 2

In following advice to use appropriate forms of English, a writer would __.

A) avoid regional dialects
B) use correct syntax
C) use operational English
D) use the language form used by the target public
E) write in a formal style

Answer 2

use the language form used by the target public

Question 3

The concept of writing naturally means __.

A) using contractions
B) using regional dialects
C) varying sentence patterns
D) writing in a way that sounds genuine
E) writing in short sentences and paragraphs

Answer 3

writing in a way that sounds genuine

Question 4

When faced with jargon, the first response of the public relations writer should be to __.

A) apply the Fog Index to see if the jargon is within the readability range of the audience
B) decide if the jargon is appropriate for the audience
C) make sure the jargon is defined for the reader
D) translate the jargon into easy-to-understand words and phrases
E) use analogies to make the jargon meaningful

Question 5

The writing technique of explaining unfamiliar concepts by using familiar terms and imagery is called __.

A) a metaphor
B) an analogy
C) connotation
D) exposition
E) redundancy

Question 6

The writing technique of using language that obscures the real meaning behind the words is called __.

A) a metaphor
B) a non sequitur
C) doublespeak
D) jargon
E) passive voice

Question 7

The Doublespeak Award is affiliated with the __.

A) American Academy for Ethics in Society
B) American Public Policy Foundation
C) International Association of Business Communicators
D) National Council of Teachers of English
E) Public Relations Society of America

Question 8

A benefit of using active voice is that it __.

A) emphasizes the receiver
B) ensures subject-verb agreement
C) increases readability
D) increases reader interest
E) uses more words

Question 9

The most practical reason for using inclusive language is that it __.

A) causes the emergence of new words and phrases
B) increases source credibility
C) is the politically and socially correct thing to do
D) leads to more effective writing
E) makes writing longer and more complex

Question 10

Using "non-sober condition" when referring to intoxication is an example of __.

A) a cliché
B) a non sequitur
C) an oxymoron
D) doublespeak
E) inclusive language

Question 11

The smoothest way to eliminate gender bias related to pronouns is to __.

A) switch back and forth between the masculine and feminine forms of the pronoun
B) use a singular form of the verb
C) use active voice for the verb
D) use compound subjects
E) use the plural form of the noun and pronoun

Question 12

Linking contradictory words is called __.

A) syntax
B) a non sequitur
C) denotation
D) a cliché
E) an oxymoron

Question 13

Connotation is the dictionary definition of a word, the direct and explicit meaning.

Question 14

Jargon may be appropriate in articles in industry newsletters.

Question 15

If any reader feels excluded by the language being used, the writer is failing to communicate effectively.

Question 16

Explain the main advantage for a public relations writer to use inclusive language.

Question 17

Discuss the relationship between operational English and public relations writing for various publics.