Question 1

Which of the following is true for creating readable lists?
A)Long sentences should be used to increase the likelihood that readers will find the key points.
B)Use one-sentence paragraphs for emphasis.
C)Skimming is more difficult with bulleted lists.
D)Introductions are avoided as lists enable skimming.
E)Using parallelism makes it easier for readers to skim through lists.

Accepted Answer

E)Lists help simplify complex subjects, highlight the main points, enable skimming, and give readers a visual break. Make your lists easy to read by making all the items parallel and keeping individual items as short as possible.

Question 2

Long sentences ________.
A)are easier for nonnative speakers to interpret
B)are the best way to convey complex ideas
C)can make writing choppy and disconnected
D)are easier to understand than short sentences
E)are easier to skim through than short sentences

Accepted Answer

B)Long sentences are often the best way to convey complex ideas, to list a number of related points, or to summarize or preview information.

Question 3

Which of the following statements is true regarding the revision process?
A)The first draft should be put aside for some time before beginning the revision process.
B)Documents that use electronic media do not need revision as the messages are only stored for a short while.
C)A completed first draft must be revised only if there is a change in the message that needs to be communicated.
D)Communications using short-message tools such as IM and email require no revision at all.
E)Informal messages to internal audiences need as much revision as formal messages do.

Accepted Answer

A)Whenever possible-particularly with important messages-put your first draft aside for a day or two before you begin the revision process so that you can approach the material with a fresh eye.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about using paragraphs in business writing is true?
A)One-sentence paragraphs should be used rarely, and only for emphasis.
B)Using short paragraphs is preferred, as this makes the use of transitions unnecessary.
C)One-sentence paragraphs are not recommended and should never be used in business writing.
D)For complicated subjects, long paragraphs help readers maintain a train of thought and prevent distraction.
E)Long paragraphs are easier to read and can help to emphasize an idea or concept.

Accepted Answer

A)Be careful to use one-sentence paragraphs only occasionally and only for emphasis.

Question 5

Which of the following is an advantage of long sentences?
A)Long sentences can be processed quickly.
B)Long sentences are the best way to list a number of related points.
C)Long sentences are easier for nonnative speakers to understand.
D)Long sentences are easier for readers to skim through.
E)Long sentences are useful when writing needs "punch" and a quick pace.

Accepted Answer

B)Short sentences can be processed quickly and are easier for nonnative speakers and translators to interpret. Medium-length sentences are useful for showing the relationships among ideas. Long sentences are often the best way to convey complex ideas, to list a number of related points, or to summarize or preview information.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about sentence length is true?
A)Medium sentences can lack the punch of short sentences and the informative power of longer sentences.
B)Medium-length sentences are often the best way to convey complex ideas, to list a number of related points, or to summarize or preview information.
C)Long sentences can be processed quickly and are easier for nonnative speakers and translators to interpret.
D)Too many long sentences in a row can make your writing feel choppy and disconnected.
E)Short sentences are often the best way to convey complex ideas or to summarize or preview information.

Accepted Answer

A)Medium-length sentences are useful for showing the relationships among ideas. Medium sentences can lack the punch of short sentences and the informative power of longer sentences.

Question 7

When revising a document,you must ________.
A)first read it to evaluate its overall effectiveness and tone
B)first look carefully for grammatical errors
C)read it just once to finish quickly
D)pay closest attention to spelling
E)only skim through it to check formatting

Accepted Answer

A)When you begin the revision process, focus on content, organization, and tone. Start with the "big picture," making sure that the document accomplishes the overall goals, before moving to finer points such as readability, clarity, and conciseness.

Question 8

Clare has been asked to edit and revise a document written by her colleague,Megan.Which of the following should Clare do?
A)She should rewrite the document according to her own impression of Megan's intent.
B)She should concentrate more on the style of writing than on the readability of the message.
C)She should rewrite the document to suit her own style of writing in order to make the piece more effective.
D)She should stick to Megan's style of writing unless absolutely necessary and ask Megan about the intention of the message.
E)She should avoid asking Megan about her intent so that she can revise the document from a fresh perspective.

Accepted Answer

D)Unless you've specifically been asked to rewrite something in your own style, keep in mind that your job is to help the other writer succeed at his or her task, not to impose your writing style or pursue your own agenda.

Question 9

In order to improve readability,one must avoid ________.
A)keeping sentences uniform in length
B)using bullets to organize information
C)writing short paragraphs
D)using lists to clarify points
E)adding headings and subheadings

Accepted Answer

A)Varying sentence length is a good way to maintain reader interest and control the emphasis given to major and minor points.

Question 10

Graphical elements that precede each item in a list are known as ________.
A)call-outs
B)wikis
C)buttons
D)bullets
E)captions

Accepted Answer

D)Graphical elements that precede each item in a list are known as bullets.

Question 11

Which of the following is a disadvantage of long sentences?
A)They can be processed quickly and are easier for readers to skim through.
B)Too many long sentences in a row can make writing choppy and disconnected.
C)They lack the informative power of short sentences.
D)They are difficult for nonnative speakers to understand.
E)They have more informative power than short sentences.

Accepted Answer

D)Short sentences can be processed quickly and are easier for nonnative speakers and translators to interpret. Long sentences are usually harder to understand than short sentences because they are packed with information.

Question 12

Short sentences ________.
A)are the best way to convey complex ideas
B)are harder to skim than medium-length sentences
C)are more difficult for nonnative speakers to interpret
D)have more informative power than medium-length sentences
E)are capable of making writing seem choppy and disconnected

Accepted Answer

E)Too many short sentences in a row can make your writing choppy and disconnected.

Question 13

In which of the following cases would a numbered list be more appropriate than a bulleted list?
A)You are listing the benefits of a new software application that was installed for all employees.
B)You are listing the ten largest countries in the world in terms of area.
C)You are listing the advantages of globalization for Third World countries.
D)You are listing the items you need to take on holiday.
E)You are listing the causes of the Second World War.

Accepted Answer

B)Bullets are generally preferred over numbers, unless the list is in some logical sequence or ranking, or specific list items will be referred to later on.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about improving readability is true?
A)Grammatically parallel headings and bullets reduce readability and should not be used.
B)The greater the complexity of a document, the fewer headings and subheadings it should have.
C)Long sentences are the best way to convey complex ideas or list a number of related points.
D)One-sentence paragraphs are easy to understand and should be used widely in business writing.
E)Bulleted lists should only be used when items are ranked; numbered lists are preferred.

Accepted Answer

C)Long sentences are the best way to convey complex ideas or list a number of related points.

Question 15

In a list,bullets are preferred over numbers,unless ________.
A)the list is brief-less than five items long
B)specific list items will be referenced later
C)the list deals with complex concepts
D)the list uses parallelism
E)individual items in the list are long

Accepted Answer

B)When creating a list, you can separate items with numbers, letters, or bullets. Bullets are generally preferred over numbers, unless the list is in some logical sequence or ranking, or specific list items will be referred to later on.

Question 16

Robert is writing an instruction manual for a line of power tools.Though the manual is in English,it will be used by people from many different countries.What should Robert do to improve the readability of the document?
A)He should use mostly medium-length sentences to show relationships among ideas.
B)He should use only short sentences in order to explain the concepts clearly.
C)He should use only long or medium-length sentences as the processes are complex.
D)He should primarily use short sentences, but vary sentence length as required.
E)He should use mainly long sentences, as he is explaining complicated processes.

Accepted Answer

D)Short sentences can be processed quickly and are easier for nonnative speakers and translators to interpret. Medium-length sentences are useful for showing the relationships among ideas. Long sentences are often the best way to convey complex ideas, to list a number of related points, or to summarize or preview information.

Question 17

In which of the following cases would a list be the most effective way of organizing information?
A)You are describing your favorite TV show.
B)You have to write about a person who inspired you.
C)You are writing to a friend about your holiday plans.
D)You have to describe a recent victory by your home team.
E)You are documenting the steps in a process.

Accepted Answer

E)Lists simplify complex subjects, highlight the main point, enable skimming, and give readers a breather. When creating a list, bullets are generally preferred over numbers, unless the list is in some logical sequence or ranking, or specific list items will be referred to later on.

Question 18

Which of the following statements about the organization of a message is true?
A)Formal or academic messages do not need strong opening or closing sections, the audience only notices the middle portion.
B)The beginning and end of messages have the greatest impact on the audience and hence should receive the most attention during revision.
C)The subject and purpose of the message should be confined to the middle portion, while the conclusion should help readers understand how the message is organized.
D)The middle portion of the message contains the main idea and argument, and hence has the greatest impact on the audience.
E)The end of the message should convey the subject and purpose of the message, while the beginning of the message has the least impact on the audience.

Accepted Answer

B)The beginning and end of your message usually have the greatest impact on the audience. Be sure that the opening of your document is relevant, interesting, and geared to the reader's probable reaction. The opening should also convey the subject and purpose of the message.

Question 19

Which of the following sets of activities are part of the final step of the three-step writing process?
A)gathering information; selecting a medium
B)revising; proofreading; distributing
C)adapting the message; analyzing the situation
D)writing; analyzing; researching
E)organizing information; composing the message

Accepted Answer

B)The final step of the three-step writing process includes revising your message to achieve optimum quality and then producing, proofreading, and distributing it.

Question 20

Jamie has completed the first draft of a document for her company and must now revise it.What advice should you give Jamie about the revision process?
A)She should begin by checking the message for spelling and grammar errors and concentrate on increasing readability.
B)She should begin revising the first draft as soon as she completes it, so that the material is fresh in her mind.
C)She should check the message to see if all the points are in logical order and the content is organized correctly.
D)Grammar and spelling are not very important if the message uses electronic media, as modern audiences are pressed for time.
E)Messages using print media must first be checked for formatting to ensure that the document is visually pleasing.

Accepted Answer

C)When you begin the revision process, focus on content, organization, and tone. To evaluate the content of your message, make sure it is accurate, relevant to audience's needs, and complete. When you are satisfied with the basic content of your message, review its organization.

Quiz 5: Completing Business Messages

Which of the following is true for creating readable lists?

Long sentences ________.

Which of the following statements is true regarding the revision process?

Which of the following statements about using paragraphs in business writing is true?

Which of the following is an advantage of long sentences?

Which of the following statements about sentence length is true?

When revising a document,you must ________.

Clare has been asked to edit and revise a document written by her colleague,Megan.Which of the following should Clare do?

In order to improve readability,one must avoid ________.

Graphical elements that precede each item in a list are known as ________.

Which of the following is a disadvantage of long sentences?

Short sentences ________.

In which of the following cases would a numbered list be more appropriate than a bulleted list?

Which of the following statements about improving readability is true?

In a list,bullets are preferred over numbers,unless ________.

Robert is writing an instruction manual for a line of power tools.Though the manual is in English,it will be used by people from many different countries.What should Robert do to improve the readability of the document?

In which of the following cases would a list be the most effective way of organizing information?

Which of the following statements about the organization of a message is true?

Which of the following sets of activities are part of the final step of the three-step writing process?

Jamie has completed the first draft of a document for her company and must now revise it.What advice should you give Jamie about the revision process?