Deck 14: Polishing Your Written Communication

Question 1

In writing to inform,use a DEFINITION to paint a vivid,detailed picture of the topic.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Although IM and text messages have their place,EMAIL is the preferred method of
communication in the business setting.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

It is NOT a good idea to use bullets and boldface to highlight key ideas to present an organized and professional appearance to an email,a memo,or a letter.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

In writing thank-you letters,your message should be LENGTHY and detailed.

Question 5

According to Hamilton,"Overstating or presenting facts as more important than they are" is

A) distortion.
B) exaggeration.
C) plagiarism.
D) embellishment.

Question 6

When face to face communication is not possible,the preferred method is

A) email.
B) instant messaging.
C) text.
D) facebook.

Question 7

Because there are no facial expressions or gestures to accompany a written message,it is EASIER to interpret them accurately.

Question 8

Normally,no more than THREE typefaces should be used in a single written message.

Question 9

Although letters are LESS formal than emails,they still have tone and carry an impression.

Question 10

In writing resumes,it is often necessary to begin with a brief KEYWORD summary.

Question 11

In order to make a good first impression,keep friendliness OUT of your tone in general.

Question 12

Because the first contact you have with people is often through written messages such as email,the FIRST impression you make on a person is often written as well.

Question 13

In writing follow-up letters,DO NOT express disappointment at not receiving the job.

Question 14

In writing resumes,it is often necessary to begin with a BRIEF qualifications summary.

Question 15

One advantage to writing resumes is they are EASY to read.

Question 16

The key to all communication,whether spoken or written,is to

A) research your topic.
B) be brief.
C) be professional.
D) know your audience.

Question 17

Steven Glass was caught writing articles with false facts in them for ROLLING STONE magazine in 1998.

Question 18

According to Friedman and Currall's 2003 dispute-exacerbating model of email (DEME),to
Minimize tone problems,we should

A) avoid short email messages.
B) use lengthy paragraphs.
C) include titles and bullets to simplify.
D) not remind readers of contact or groups held in common.

Question 19

In writing thank-you letters,the tone should be FORMAL yet friendly.

Question 20

Avoid using all CAPITAL letters in writing unless it is needed for emphasis.

Question 21

Once an interviewer picks up your resume,you have

A) 5 minutes to grab their attention.
B) less than 10 seconds to grab their attention.
C) 45 seconds to a minute to grab their attention.
D) 30 seconds to grab their attention.

Question 22

An informative report will contain all of the following EXCEPT

A) a clearly worded statement of purpose.
B) an inductive approach.
C) concrete, vivid words to keep reader interest.
D) a title page for formal reports.

Question 23

In writing to inform,when your audience is unfamiliar with your topic or if your topic is
Complicated,you should use a

A) description.
B) definition.
C) explanation.
D) narration.

Question 24

People are more likely to make a decision requiring a change of belief or action if

A) the future is visualized for them.
B) they are presented with the benefits of the solution.
C) the problem-solution organizational method is used.
D) they are asked directly to do so.

Question 25

Steven Glass tried without success to get accepted to the

A) California Republican Party
B) California Writers Guild
C) University of California Law School
D) California Bar Association

Question 26

In writing to inform,when your subject matter is complex,may be difficult to comprehend,or
Requires the clarification of some process,you should use a

A) description.
B) definition.
C) explanation.
D) narration.

Question 27

Informative reports are important to both supervisors and employees because

A) they are one of two ways supervisors can stay up to date on the information they need.
B) supervisors use them to communicate information to clients.
C) employees use them to communicate company policies to supervisors.
D) employees use them to demonstrate product use to clients.

Question 28

Briefly discuss why some people distort,exaggerate,or plagiarize in their written communication.

Question 29

Discuss the format of a well-written follow-up letter.

Question 30

In writing a follow-up letter,you should

A) express your disappointment but thank the person for interviewing you.
B) not include a revised resume.
C) make a copy of any relevant articles you have read that relate to a problem area.
D) end by asking for another interview before the hr director makes up his/her mind.

Question 31

Discuss the different tips used in writings to persuade.

Question 32

Discuss the following statement: "Written communication should make good first impression."

Question 33

Discuss the various parts of a persuasive report.

Question 34

According to Fisher,an outstanding narration should be easy to follow and make sense.Fisher
Termed this

A) fidelity.
B) probability.
C) consistency.
D) logical.

Question 35

A persuasive message does which of the following?

A) It uses an inductive pattern of reasoning.
B) It allows the audience to make up their minds on a solution.
C) It persuades by any means necessary.
D) It always shows the consequences of not following the recommendations.

Question 36

In writing thank-you letters,you should

A) keep the tone friendly, even "chummy."
B) not worry about length, but instead include many details.
C) not mention anything out of the ordinary that occurred.
D) be sure to mention your interest and enthusiasm for the position.

Question 37

List five mistakes to avoid when writing an email.

Question 38

Discuss the format of a well written thank-you letter.

Question 39

Discuss in detail two characteristics of effective written communication.

Question 40

Discuss two characteristics of effective resumes.

Question 41

Discuss the four tools that will aid understanding in writing to inform.

Question 42

Discuss why you think Steven Glass should or should not be admitted to the California Bar Association.