Question 1

You should eliminate phrases like basic fundamentals and combined together because they represent ____________ expressions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You should eliminate phrases like basic fundamentals...

Question 2

______________ involves correcting the grammar, spelling, punctuation, format, and mechanics of your messages.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ______________ involves correcting the grammar, spelling, punctuation,...

Question 3

You can streamline your writing and make it more emphatic by using vivid adverbs such as very, extremely, and actually as often as possible.

Accepted Answer

Writers should not use these adverbs excessively. These adverbs can add emphasis, but they do not streamline the writing.

Question 4

Effective business communicators should use jargon only when communicating with others in the field or profession.

Accepted Answer

Every field has its own special vocabulary, called jargon. Using that vocabulary within the field is acceptable and even necessary for accurate, efficient communication. Don't use specialized terms, however, if you think your audience may misunderstand them.

Question 5

I am sending this e-mail message to inform you that is an example of a long __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of I am sending this e-mail message to...

Question 6

Smart business communicators use clichés such as think outside the box to show that they are familiar with current business terminology.

Accepted Answer

Clichés are expressions that have become exhausted by overuse. Clichés lack not only freshness but also clarity. Instead of repeating clichés such as think outside the box, try to find another way to say what you mean.

Question 7

Converting a verb into a noun creates stronger, more professional business writing (e.g., made a decision instead of decided).

Accepted Answer

The power of a verb is diminished when it is needlessly converted into a noun.

Question 8

Sans serif typefaces, such as Times New Roman, have small features at the ends of strokes and are frequently used for body text in business messages and longer documents.

Accepted Answer

Serif typefaces, such as Times New Roman, have small features at the ends of strokes and are frequently used for body text in business messages and longer documents. Sans serif typefaces, such as Arial, are cleaner and are widely used for headings, signs, and material where continuous reading is not required.

Question 9

You are more likely to find errors when proofreading on screen than on a printed copy.

Accepted Answer

When you proofread from printed copy, you're more likely to find errors and to observe the tone.

Question 10

A colleague says during a meeting, Meeting this year's budget guidelines will be easier said than done. He has used jargon.

Accepted Answer

Easier said than done is an example of a cliché, not jargon.

Question 11

In describing sexual harassment in the workplace, Julia explains that Supervisors are getting burned in harassment lawsuits. Julia is using slang in this statement.

Accepted Answer

"Getting burned" is an example of slang.

Question 12

As you revise, make your writing clear by using specific verbs, concrete nouns, and vivid adjectives.

Accepted Answer

As you revise, make sure your words are precise so that the audience knows exactly what you mean. Clear writing creates meaningful images in the mind of the reader. Such writing uses specific verbs, concrete nouns, and vivid adjectives. Foggy messages include sloppy references that may result in additional inquiries to clarify what was meant.

Question 13

Business writers should consider document design during the revision process because well-designed documents improve readability and comprehension.

Accepted Answer

Well-designed documents improve your messages in two important ways. First, they enhance readability and comprehension. Second, they make readers think you are a well-organized and intelligent person. In the revision process, you have a chance to adjust formatting and make other changes so that readers grasp your main points quickly.

Question 14

When designing documents, try to place as much text as possible on a page so that you can save paper and printer toner.

Accepted Answer

Empty space on a page is called white space, and ample white space is desirable in business documents. A page crammed full of text or graphics appears busy, cluttered, and unreadable.

Question 15

You should proofread every sentence of a document as soon as you write it.

Accepted Answer

Once your message is in its final form, set aside time to proofread. Don't proofread earlier because you may waste time checking items that eventually are changed or omitted.

Question 16

In order to sound current, fresh, and trendy, effective business communicators make ample use of slang when writing and speaking.

Accepted Answer

Effective business communicators avoid slang when writing and speaking because slang is too informal, can obscure meaning, and quickly goes out of fashion.

Question 17

One careful proofreading of any document is sufficient.

Accepted Answer

Long, complex, and important documents should be read at least twice, once for word meanings and once for grammar/mechanics. Very long documents should be read a third time to check for format consistency.

Question 18

_____________, which occurs during the third phase of the writing process, means improving the content and sentence structure of your message. It may include adding, cutting, recasting, reformatting, and redesigning what you have written.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____________, which occurs during the third phase...

Question 19

When right margins are "ragged"-that is, without alignment or justification-they provide more white space and improve readability..

Accepted Answer

When right margins are "ragged"-that is, without alignment or justification-they provide more white space and improve readability. Therefore, it is better to use left-justified text and ragged right margins without justification.

Question 20

There are three building sites we are considering. This use of There are is an example of a ___________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of There are three building sites we are...

Quiz 4: Revising Business Messages