Deck 2: Planning Business Messages

Question 1

Business writing should be purposeful. In this context purposeful can best be defined as

A) presenting ideas clearly and concisely.
B) concentrating on the receiver's perspective instead of your own.
C) solving problems and conveying information.
D) getting your audience to believe and accept your message.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Business writing should be economical. In this context economical can best be defined as

A) presenting ideas clearly and concisely.
B) concentrating on the receiver's perspective instead of your own.
C) solving problems and conveying information.
D) getting your audience to believe and accept your message.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

The communication process begins when the sender

A) determines the appropriate communication channel.
B) has an idea.
C) encodes an idea into a message.
D) plans for feedback.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

According to writing experts, approximately what percentage of time should you spend on the prewriting phase of a business message?

A) 90 percent
B) 50 percent
C) 25 percent
D) 5 percent

Question 5

Communication noise

A) occurs only with the sender in the communication process.
B) includes only environmentally produced sounds that prevent the message from being transmitted.
C) is anything that interrupts the transmission of a message.
D) describes the medium over which the message travels.

Question 6

Feedback

A) includes only those verbal responses from the receiver.
B) is not an important part of the communication process.
C) is the process of converting an idea that will convey meaning.
D) includes both the verbal and nonverbal responses from the receiver.

Question 7

In the final phase of the writing process, check the message for clarity and readability, proofread for errors, and

A) evaluate for effectiveness.
B) assess the cost of the selected delivery channel.
C) solve the problem.
D) forward the document to the publishing department.

Question 8

During the second phase of the writing process, you conduct research,

A) clarify the audience demographics, and edit word choices.
B) anticipate audience reaction, and adapt the message.
C) organize ideas, and compose the message.
D) evaluate message effectiveness, and revise as needed.

Question 9

Communication is defined as "the transmission of information and meaning from one individual or group to another." The crucial element of this definition is

A) transmission.
B) information.
C) meaning.
D) individual.

Question 10

Communication is successful only when

A) verbal feedback has been sent to the receiver.
B) no noise occurs during the communication process.
C) verbal and nonverbal feedback have been sent to the receiver.
D) the receiver understands an idea as the sender intended it.

Question 11

Business writing should be all of the following except

A) purposeful.
B) audience oriented.
C) economical.
D) sender oriented.

Question 12

Converting ideas into words or gestures to convey meaning is called

A) feedback.
B) decoding.
C) encoding.
D) nonverbal communication.

Question 13

Which of the following is not an element of the communication process?

A) Forming an idea
B) Selecting a communication channel
C) Displaying empathy
D) Providing feedback

Question 14

The first phase of the writing process involves analyzing the audience and your purpose for writing, anticipating your audience's reaction to your message, and

A) investigating background information.
B) composing your message.
C) adapting your message to the audience.
D) looking for previous company documents on the topic.

Question 15

When preparing a business message, you should make your writing audience oriented. Audience oriented means you should

A) write to solve a problem or convey information.
B) attempt to get your audience to believe and accept your message.
C) present ideas clearly but concisely.
D) concentrate on looking at the problem from the receiver's perspective.

Question 16

The process of translating a message from its symbol form into meaning is called

A) feedback.
B) decoding.
C) encoding.
D) noise.

Question 17

Adapting your message to the audience involves

A) thinking of the right words and tone to use in your message.
B) rewriting your message several times to ensure it is clear.
C) selecting the best research to incorporate within the message.
D) conducting a thorough audience analysis.

Question 18

Which statement about the communication process is most accurate?

A) The use of digital networks as a means to transmit messages is declining in today's workplace.
B) Because the meanings of words are the same among people, participants in the communication process need not worry about their word selection or usage.
C) Only senders are affected by their mood, frame of reference, background, or culture.
D) Feedback helps the sender know that the message was received and understood.

Question 19

Experts say that writers should spend the most time in the ____ stage of the writing process.

A) prewriting
B) drafting
C) revising
D) thinking

Question 20

A communication channel

A) is anything that interrupts the transmission of a message.
B) should be selected before idea formation.
C) includes only digital means for transmitting messages.
D) is the medium over which the message travels.

Question 21

One technique that improves business writing is the use of empathy. Empathy refers to

A) using inclusive language to eliminate bias.
B) putting yourself in the receiver's shoes to adapt the message to the receiver's needs.
C) appealing to the audience by using a sender focus.
D) formatting documents to meet business standards.

Question 22

You are selecting a channel for sending your message. Which of the following is not a factor to consider when making this decision?

A) Amount and speed of feedback and interactivity required
B) Cost of the channel
C) Confidentiality and sensitivity of the message
D) Your competitors' channel use

Question 23

Which of the following sentences demonstrates effective business writing?

A) As per your request, enclosed is our latest catalog.
B) Enclosed is our latest catalog.
C) The latest catalog is contained under separate cover.
D) Pertaining to your request, our latest catalog is enclosed.

Question 24

Which of the following sentences demonstrates conversational business writing?

A) Your return policy really ticks me off.
B) I am upset about your return policy.
C) Your return policy has provoked me to write this letter.
D) All answer choices reflect conversational business writing.

Question 25

Marketing Director Schultz must inform the board of directors that customers are not responding positively to the company's new advertising campaign. Which of the following sentences would be the most appropriate wording for the marketing director to use in her message to the board of directors?

A) Our customers are ripping on our new ads, even though we know these ads rock!
B) Our customers are badmouthing this awesome new marketing campaign; they are obviously just out of it.
C) We have received reports from customers about our new ads.
D) It has come to my attention that our customers have denigrated the strategic implementation of our new ad campaign.

Question 26

Michael usually holds team meetings on Tuesday mornings, but he needs to reschedule next week's meeting to Wednesday morning. To tell team members of the date change for the next meeting, Michael should

A) send an e-mail.
B) meet in person with each team member.
C) call a team meeting.
D) write a short team report.

Question 27

Travis must determine the appropriate channel for an important business message. In this context channel refers to the

A) individuals who will receive the message.
B) degree of formality required.
C) medium through which the message is sent.
D) tone and approach needed to accomplish his purpose.

Question 28

Which of the following communication channels is considered the richest medium?

A) Written proposal
B) E-mail message
C) Face-to-face conversation
D) Blog posting

Question 29

Which of the following sentences demonstrates effective business writing?

A) Hey, Bob. Ur proposal is rad!
B) Your proposal demonstrates how our call center can better meet the needs of our customers.
C) FYI, i liked your proposal :).
D) Congrats on the proposal. You rock!

Question 30

One of the best ways to develop audience benefits is to use the "you" view, which

A) means that all messages are written in the active voice.
B) dictates that all sentences be written as commands.
C) emphasizes second-person pronouns instead of first-person pronouns.
D) uses slang and abbreviations to personalize the message.

Question 31

The primary purpose of business writing is typically to inform or persuade; a common secondary purpose is to

A) promote goodwill.
B) comply with governmental regulations.
C) create written documentation.
D) avoid lawsuits.

Question 32

Which of the following sentences best focuses on the audience?

A) We are very pleased to have you as our newest customer.
B) You can help us by sending us your payment immediately.
C) Register now to lock in your preferred travel dates.
D) All sentences are focused on the audience rather than the sender.

Question 33

Human Resources Manager Claire Siu must inform Anthony that company job changes will require him to seek retraining or lose his position. The best channel for Ms. Siu to deliver this message is

A) an e-mail message.
B) a face-to-face conversation.
C) a voice mail message.
D) an instant message.

Question 34

Jorge must inform Samantha that she is not eligible to have an August vacation for which she recently applied. Which of the following sentences best demonstrates the "you" view Jorge should use in denying Samantha's application?

A) I have not approved your August vacation because you applied too late.
B) We didn't receive your application early enough for the August vacation schedule.
C) Although the August vacation schedule is full, you may qualify for a vacation in September if you apply now.
D) The August vacation schedule was posted in May. You should have consulted it earlier.

Question 35

Empathic writers

A) use more first-person pronouns than second-person pronouns in their messages.
B) try to give something to the receiver.
C) think about their needs before the receiver's needs.
D) All answer choices reflect techniques used by empathic writers.

Question 36

Adaptation is the process of

A) creating a message that suits the audience.
B) impressing your audience with high-level diction and long sentences.
C) sending feedback to the sender of a message.
D) proofreading and editing a written message.

Question 37

Before Melissa organizes and composes her message, she should ask two questions: (1) Why am I sending this message? and (2)

A) Why did my boss give this task to me?
B) What do I hope to achieve with this message?
C) How can I get this message written as quickly as possible?
D) Do I have enough time and financial resources to complete the work?

Question 38

Lindsay is writing a property description for a new real estate brochure. To make her brochure more effective, Lindsay should anticipate her audience. This means she

A) identifies the property's outstanding traits and describes them clearly.
B) concentrates on the price and value of the property.
C) writes using familiar words and a friendly, informal tone.
D) considers what the readers are like and how they will react to the message.

Question 39

When selecting a communication channel, you should follow two tips: use richer media for persuasive or personal communications, and

A) use the richest media available.
B) select the cheapest channel to reduce costs.
C) never use digital media such as instant or text messaging on the job.
D) consider what media is the easiest for you to use.

Question 40

Profiling the audience for a business message helps the writer

A) identify the appropriate tone, language, and channel.
B) guarantee that the audience will respond positively to the message.
C) select slang the audience will recognize and appreciate.
D) create a perfect first draft.

Question 41

Which of the following represents the best business writing?

A) We regret that we are unable to accept you as a credit customer at this time.
B) You will never be sorry that you opened a checking account with our bank.
C) We cannot accept the returned merchandise because it is not resalable.
D) You can return all resalable merchandise for a store credit.

Question 42

Business messages should use positive language rather than negative language. Positive language

A) has no effect on the tone of a message.
B) conveys less information than negative language.
C) grants the reader all requests or demands.
D) tells what is and what can be done.

Question 43

A business message should be long because quantity enhances quality.

Question 44

Which of the following demonstrates effective business writing?

A) I'm ticked! Credit my account now!
B) Will you please credit my account for $125 due to the computer error on May 1.
C) You should credit my account.
D) Please get it right and credit my account for $125.

Question 45

A weak Internet signal is an example of channel noise.

Question 46

Which of the following sentences about jargon is most accurate?

A) Jargon should never be used in business writing.
B) Jargon is generally understood by both insiders and outsiders within a field.
C) Effective business communicators know to include some jargon within any message to demonstrate their intelligence and command of the English language.
D) Jargon should be used only when the audience will understand it.

Question 47

Which of the following demonstrates effective business writing?

A) All executives and their wives will attend the Reno conference.
B) A salesman must meet monthly sales quotas.
C) The female attorney graduated from Yale.
D) The office personnel will assist you with your forms.

Question 48

Which of the following is most acceptable for business writing?

A) Please think about the new insurance option.
B) Caltrek experienced a change in profits during the last fiscal year.
C) Retailers can expect to pay higher amounts for their goods and services.
D) Sheila will examine the job proposal carefully.

Question 49

Which of the following is most acceptable for business writing?

A) Every physician must carry his own malpractice insurance.
B) Every physician must carry their own malpractice insurance.
C) All physicians must carry their own malpractice insurance.
D) Every physician must carry his or her own malpractice insurance.

Question 50

Words have universal meaning among all cultures.

Question 51

The communication process begins when the receiver provides feedback to the sender.

Question 52

Translating a message from its symbol form into meaning involves encoding.

Question 53

Paraphrasing a sender's message is an effective tool to promote understanding.

Question 54

Business writers who use words such as interrogate, remuneration, and terminate are using language many readers would consider

A) slang.
B) conversational.
C) jargon.
D) unfamiliar.

Question 55

Senders should avoid asking their receivers questions such as, "Am I making myself clear?" or "Is there anything you don't understand?"

Question 56

Many of your business messages will be sent digitally.

Question 57

Courteous business messages

A) avoid using words that sound demanding or preachy.
B) often turn demands into rhetorical questions.
C) avoid hostility or anger.
D) All answer choices are correct.

Question 58

Which of the following demonstrates effective business writing?

A) An Asian CEO was the keynote speaker.
B) An African-American man was the next customer.
C) A record number of Japanese investors are purchasing real estate in the United States.
D) Mr. Hernandez, a Mexican, is my boss.

Question 59

When writing a business message, you should always write it from your perspective.

Question 60

The medium over which the message travels is called the channel.

Question 61

Whether your goal is to inform, persuade, or promote goodwill, the catchiest words you can use in your business writing are "you" and "your."

Question 62

The primary purposes of most business documents are to inform and to persuade. A common secondary purpose is sales growth.

Question 63

The final task in the third phase of the writing process is evaluating your message to decide whether it accomplishes your goal.

Question 64

Empathy, which increases the likelihood of a successful message, occurs when writers put themselves in the audience's shoes when creating the message.

Question 65

You should plan to spend equal amounts of time on each phase of the writing process.

Question 66

Following a systematic plan when preparing any document or presentation will make your job easier.

Question 67

The following sentence represents an audience focus: Our product guarantee becomes effective after we receive full payment.

Question 68

The ability to prepare concise, audience-centered, persuasive, and purposeful messages comes naturally.

Question 69

One of the most important questions you can ask yourself as you begin to compose a message is What do I hope to achieve?

Question 70

Although messages may have a primary and a secondary audience, the writer needs to profile only the primary audience to determine the best presentation of the message.

Question 71

Ben Franklin stated this opinion about business messages: To be good, it ought to have a tendency to benefit the reader. His opinion reflects the importance of analyzing the purpose of the message.

Question 72

In order to be an effective writer, you must follow the three phases of the writing process in sequence, moving from Phase 1 to Phase 2 to Phase 3 in order.

Question 73

Shannon is writing a proposal to the board of directors to upgrade the company's computer equipment. After completing the prewriting phase, Shannon should immediately start composing the proposal.

Question 74

To emphasize the "you" view in e-mail messages, you must avoid any phrases that include the "I/we" view such as I'm happy or We're delighted.

Question 75

The active voice is generally preferred in business writing.

Question 76

An important aspect of the first phase of writing a business message is anticipating the audience's reaction to the message.

Question 77

Face-to-face conversation is a richer medium than a written report.

Question 78

You are more likely to achieve your communication goals if you profile your audience and shape the message to that profile.

Question 79

One factor affecting channel choice is the importance of the message.

Question 80

Profiling your audience helps you tailor your words to your readers or listeners.