Question 1

According to Chapter 14, three elements should appear at the top of the second and subsequent pages of a memo. One is the page number. What are the other two?

Accepted Answer

The other two elements that should appear at the top of the second and subsequent pages of a memo are the date of the memo and the name of the recipient. This helps to identify the memo and ensure that it is being read by the intended recipient.

Question 2

Chapter 14 describes two common letter formats. One is modified block. What is the other format?

Accepted Answer

The other common letter format is full block, where all elements of the letter, including the date and closing, are aligned to the left margin without indentation.

Question 3

When it appears in a letter, memo, or email, what does the symbol "c" stand for?

Accepted Answer

When the symbol "c" appears in a letter, memo, or email, it stands for copy, indicating that a copy of the message is being sent to the recipient.

Question 4

Which of the following sentences effectively uses plain language appropriate for business correspondence?

Accepted Answer

Choice D is the most effective because it uses plain language and is straightforward in its message. The sentence is short and to the point, and it clearly states what is attached and what action is required. The use of active voice and simple language makes it appropriate for business correspondence. Choices A, B, and C use more formal and cumbersome language, which may not be easily understood by all recipients.

Question 5

According to Chapter 14, which of the types of correspondence below is generally considered the LEAST formal?

Accepted Answer

Microblogs, such as Twitter, are generally considered the least formal type of correspondence mentioned, as they are often used for quick, informal communication and social networking.

Question 6

Which of the following best defines writing that projects the "you attitude"?

Accepted Answer

The "you attitude" in writing focuses on the reader's perspective, aiming to communicate in a manner that is appealing and considerate to them, similar to how one would prefer to be addressed themselves. This approach enhances the effectiveness of the communication by making it more reader-friendly and engaging.

Question 7

Your company intends to open a new office on the other side of the country. The goal is to expand the company's operations and move into some new and more exclusive markets. This is a major step for the company, and you want your shareholders to be impressed. Which type of correspondence should you use to communicate with your shareholders?

Accepted Answer

A letter is the best choice for communicating with shareholders about a major step such as opening a new office. It is a formal and professional form of communication that can provide more detail and context than a memo, email, or microblog post. It also shows that the company takes the matter seriously and values the shareholders enough to put the information in writing.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Memos are commonly written to people within your own organization, such as colleagues or superiors. They are a type of internal communication that can be used for various purposes, such as providing information, requesting action or feedback, or making announcements. Memos can be less formal than other types of workplace correspondence, such as letters or reports, but they still follow a certain format and tone. It is common to use section headings in memos to organize the content and make it easier to read.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a netiquette guideline?

Accepted Answer

Taking a friendly, casual tone is not universally considered a netiquette guideline, especially in professional or formal contexts where a more formal tone may be appropriate. Netiquette generally emphasizes respect, privacy, and appropriateness, which can sometimes require a more formal tone.

Question 10

Which of the following should NOT be included in a memo?

Accepted Answer

Memos are typically used for communication within a single organization or department, so there is no need for an inside address (which is used in formal letters to indicate the recipient's name and address). A subject line, headings, and a clear statement of purpose are all important components of a memo.

Question 11

A writer working for the state department of agriculture wishes to educate farmers statewide about upcoming changes in irrigation policies. Which of the following types of communication would be most effective?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A writer working for the state department...

Question 12

Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Clichés are overused phrases that can make writing sound robotic and lacking in originality. It's important to avoid them in order to give your writing a more natural and genuine voice.

Question 13

You are one of four people on a search committee interviewing candidates for a marketing manager position in your department. The Human Resources (HR) department has asked each person on the committee to provide feedback after every interview. The candidate you interviewed this afternoon, Mr. Zoolander, did not seem at ease, and you were disappointed in several of his responses to questions. Which would be the best passage to include in your email to the HR department?

Accepted Answer

Option A provides a professional and constructive critique of Mr. Zoolander's performance during the interview, focusing on his responses and perceived lack of preparation without resorting to personal attacks or irrelevant information.

Question 14

What does it mean to "link generously" when posting to a microblog at work?

Accepted Answer

"Linking generously" means posting links to websites and articles that are relevant to a subject being discussed online. This helps to provide additional information and resources to others and shows a willingness to share knowledge and ideas.

Question 15

A small manufacturer of computer games discovers an error in the instructions shipped with the latest product. A writer at the company has been asked to write a letter to recent purchasers of the product explaining the correct information and apologizing for the mistake. Which of the following would NOT appropriately be included in this letter?

Accepted Answer

Blind-copy notation is not appropriate for a letter to customers as it is typically used in email communication to hide the recipients' email addresses from each other. A letter to customers about an error should be direct and personal, focusing on the issue, the correction, and the apology, without the need for blind-copy notations.

Question 16

What is the function of a claim letter?

Accepted Answer

A claim letter is used to make a complaint or to express dissatisfaction with a product or service. It provides a written record of the issue and can serve as a starting point for resolving the problem.

Question 17

You are writing a research paper on the impacts of hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") on groundwater in your state. Through your research, you have found that a professor at a university in another state, Dr. Thomas Henry Wright, has conducted extensive research on the subject. You decide to write an inquiry letter to ask him some questions. Which salutation is most appropriate for your letter?

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate salutation for a professional inquiry letter is "Dear Dr. Wright" as it shows respect for his position and academic achievements. Using "Dear Tom" may be seen as too informal, while "Dear Thomas Henry Wright" may come off as too formal and almost pretentious. "Dear Professor" is also a correct option, but using "Dr. Wright" specifically acknowledges his advanced degree and expertise on the topic.

Question 18

In what situation should you use an attention line in a letter?

Accepted Answer

An attention line is used when the sender does not know the name of the specific person to address the letter to within an organization. It helps direct the letter to the appropriate person or department.

Question 19

According to Chapter 14, which of the following is NOT a guideline for effective on-the-job microblogging?

Accepted Answer

Regarding your followers as solely a market for your company's products and services is not the purpose of microblogging. The focus should be on building relationships and providing valuable content, rather than solely promoting products or services.

Question 20

Memos and letters are often distributed electronically through which of the following means?

Accepted Answer

Memos and letters are most commonly distributed electronically as attachments to email messages. While they could potentially be distributed through other means such as online discussion forums, microblog posts, or file-sharing services, email remains the most common and efficient way to share documents in a professional setting.

Quiz 14: Corresponding in Print and Online

According to Chapter 14, three elements should appear at the top of the second and subsequent pages of a memo. One is the page number. What are the other two?

Chapter 14 describes two common letter formats. One is modified block. What is the other format?

When it appears in a letter, memo, or email, what does the symbol "c" stand for?

Which of the following sentences effectively uses plain language appropriate for business correspondence?

According to Chapter 14, which of the types of correspondence below is generally considered the LEAST formal?

Which of the following best defines writing that projects the "you attitude"?

Which of the following statements is true?

Which of the following is NOT a netiquette guideline?

Which of the following should NOT be included in a memo?

A writer working for the state department of agriculture wishes to educate farmers statewide about upcoming changes in irrigation policies. Which of the following types of communication would be most effective?

Which of the following statements is true?

What does it mean to "link generously" when posting to a microblog at work?

What is the function of a claim letter?

In what situation should you use an attention line in a letter?

According to Chapter 14, which of the following is NOT a guideline for effective on-the-job microblogging?

Memos and letters are often distributed electronically through which of the following means?