TEST BANK
OF BCOM 6TH EDITION BY LEHMAN, DUFRENE
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Chapter 4—Preparing Spoken and Written Messages
TRUE/FALSE
1. Business writers normally use active voice
more frequently than passive voice because active voice conveys ideas more
vividly.
2. Slow, deliberative writing is recommended
when drafting a business message.
3. Passive voice is used in the following
sentence: “The stockholders read the annual report.”
4. Active voice is used in the following
sentence: “The report on current fundraising efforts was made available to the
committee.”
5. The imagery in a passive voice sentence is
less distinct than it would be if the sentence was in active voice.
6. To emphasize a word or an idea, position it
first or last in a sentence, clause, paragraph, or document.
7. All sentences in a business message should be
of approximately the same length.
8. For emphasis, one should place an idea in an
independent clause; for de-emphasis, place an idea in a dependent clause.
9. In the sentence “Even though your work was
late, we completed the project on time,” the negative information is in a
de-emphasized position.
10. Writer’s pride of ownership is a desirable characteristic that
results when the business writer takes sole responsibility for checking the
accuracy of material he/she has written.
11. Bullets are usually preferred over numerals in a document list
unless sequence is important.
12. Chunking breaks text down into blocks of information, introduces
reader-friendly white space, and increases retention by as much as 50 percent.
13. Bulleted lists are inappropriate in business writing because they
are too casual.
14. Writing a message with a reading index appropriate to the audience
guarantees that the message will be understood.
15. Talking headings recap the information presented in the preceding
paragraph.
16. Placing a border around a paragraph sets the text apart while
adding shading inside a box gives it greater impact.
17. An effective writer should try to write at the exact grade level
of the receiver.
18. The readability level of a passage is affected by the length of
the sentences and difficulty of the words.
19. Grammar and style checkers in word processing programs replace the
need for a human editor.
20. Using profanity on the job may be offensive to some or viewed as
creating a hostile working environment.
21. Cliches are handy verbal shortcuts that should be used whenever
possible to shorten business messages.
22. Avoiding the use of the second person and using subjunctive mood
are two writing techniques that worsen the tone of a negative idea.
23. The use of doublespeak may be either deliberate or unintentional.
24. The use of euphemisms eliminates the need to use negative terms
that may suggest unpleasant ideas.
25. Using bias-free language permits the receiver to focus on your
message rather than raising serious questions about your sensitivity.
26. The first step in proofreading a document that you have word
processed is to use the spell check.
27. When proofreading, reading a document from right to left is
recommended because it helps the writer focus on individual words and spacing
elements within the text.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Generally, when writing a first draft, you
should
a.
|
write slowly and deliberately, trying
not to make mistakes.
|
b.
|
write intermittently as you think of
new ideas.
|
c.
|
write rapidly with the intent to fix
mistakes during the editing process.
|
d.
|
write over a period of days to
maximize creativity.
|
2. Techniques to emphasize important ideas
include which of the following?
a.
|
Repetition
|
b.
|
Passive voice
|
c.
|
Inductive order
|
d.
|
All of the above
|
3. “When you complete the assignment” is an
example of
a.
|
an independent clause.
|
b.
|
a dependent clause.
|
c.
|
passive voice.
|
d.
|
deductive statement.
|
4. Which of the following sentences is most
emphatic?
a.
|
Brent works with customers daily.
|
b.
|
Although he works with customers on a
daily basis, Brent would prefer focusing on his administrative duties.
|
c.
|
Brent works with customer’s daily, but
he would prefer focusing on his administrative duties.
|
d.
|
Despite his other preferred duties,
Brent works with customers daily.
|
5. “The training session was worthwhile; it was
worthwhile because employees learned to do the task correctly.” is an example
of which of the following techniques used for emphasis?
a.
|
Position
|
b.
|
Repetition
|
c.
|
Words that label
|
d.
|
Passive voice
|
6. Which of the following sentences illustrates
passive voice?
a.
|
The clerk made five errors.
|
b.
|
Susan had been in sales for five
years.
|
c.
|
She asked for an adjustment.
|
d.
|
The report was completed by the entire
team.
|
7. Which of the following is NOT a
technique for linking sentences?
a.
|
Repeat a word used in a preceding
sentence.
|
b.
|
Use a pronoun representing a noun from
the preceding sentence.
|
c.
|
Use the passive voice.
|
d.
|
Use connecting words.
|
8. In a document that follows the deductive
pattern, the topic sentence
a.
|
precedes the details.
|
b.
|
comes after the details.
|
c.
|
contains the details.
|
d.
|
leaves out any details.
|
9. Which of the following is NOT a
technique for achieving coherence?
a.
|
Repeat a word used in a preceding
sentence.
|
b.
|
Use a pronoun to represent a noun from
the preceding sentence.
|
c.
|
Use connecting words.
|
d.
|
Use active voice.
|
10. Providing for coherence means
a.
|
using writing techniques that provide
conciseness.
|
b.
|
using various techniques to link ideas
together.
|
c.
|
varying the length of sentences and
paragraphs.
|
d.
|
selecting words that indicate the
communicator’s wide vocabulary.
|
11. In which situation would a communicator use an inductive outline?
a.
|
To explain how to get optimum
performance from a smart phone
|
b.
|
To outline procedures for logging into
a network
|
c.
|
To tell employees that a two-week
furlough is necessary for all employees.
|
d.
|
To respond positively to a request to
replace a defective treadmill
|
12. Which of the following is NOT appropriate advice for
effective revising and proofreading?
a.
|
Attempt to see things from your
reader's perspective rather than from your own.
|
b.
|
Revise your documents until you cannot
see any additional ways to improve them.
|
c.
|
Remember that allowing others to proof
your work is not helpful because you are the best judge of the accuracy of
your writing.
|
d.
|
All of the above are appropriate
advice.
|
13. Which of the following is NOT an effective attitude
when revising and proofreading documents?
a.
|
The perspective of the audience is not
as important as the writer’s viewpoint.
|
b.
|
Proofreading and revising documents is
essential to good writing.
|
c.
|
Other people can often make
suggestions for improving one’s writing.
|
d.
|
Spell check cannot catch all errors.
|
14. Enumerated or bulleted lists
a.
|
should be placed only in an appendix
section of a business document.
|
b.
|
detract from the flow of the written
message.
|
c.
|
can be used to add visual impact to
items in a series.
|
d.
|
result in too much wasted white space
in a business document.
|
15. Which of the following is true of text chunking in documents?
a.
|
Enumerated lists decrease visual
attention given to paragraphed material.
|
b.
|
Numerals are generally preferred over
bullets.
|
c.
|
Chunking makes the page look more
organized and increases retention by 50 percent.
|
d.
|
Placing a number, letter, or bullet
before elements in a series reduces readers’ attention to material.
|
16. Which of the following is an example of effective use of an
enumerated list?
a.
|
Three supervisors will travel to
Orlando. They are:
1. Bob,
2. Larry, and
3. John.
|
b.
|
Our company should provide access to
the security system to all managers because:
1. Most managers
have keys and will be entering the building during times when no one from the
security office is available to disarm the system.
2. Managers should
be able to allow other employees into the building.
3. Managers would
see the trust our company has in them and that would help boost employee
morale.
|
c.
|
When you are ready to log into the
network, you should:
1. Double-click the network icon
located in your desktop.
2. Type in your user ID and password
in the boxes indicated.
3. Click OK.
4. Select the network drive you wish
to access (e.g. X: Personnel).
5. Click OK.
|
d.
|
None of the above is an effective
example.
|
17. Which is the BEST technique for emphasizing to
stockholders the reasons for revenue increases?
a.
|
Place each reason in a separate
paragraph.
|
b.
|
Place each reason in a short, separate
line preceded by a bullet.
|
c.
|
Place all reasons in the first
paragraph.
|
d.
|
Place all reasons in the final
paragraph.
|
18. Hong’s memo that describes new steps for merchandise returns
should include which of the following techniques for emphasis?
a.
|
Bulleted list
|
b.
|
Talking heads
|
c.
|
Numbered list
|
d.
|
Boxed text
|
19. Writer's pride of ownership refers to
a.
|
the writer's desire to assure the
total accuracy of each document created.
|
b.
|
the reluctance many writers have in
sharing their writing with others and accepting constructive criticism about
it.
|
c.
|
the writer's reluctance to share
privileged information with the reader.
|
d.
|
the fact that documents belong solely
to the author, not the organization.
|
20. Roberto’s 10-page report on emerging international markets
contains important information that needs emphasis for the readers. Which of
the following techniques would LEAST improve the readability of
the report?
a.
|
Enumerated or bulleted lists
|
b.
|
Major and minor headings that are
equally emphasized.
|
c.
|
Tables and graphs
|
d.
|
Short talking headings
|
21. Which of the following is true of document headings?
a.
|
Readers are more motivated to pay
attention to a document with headings than one without headings.
|
b.
|
Headings should not reveal the
conclusions reached in the discussion.
|
c.
|
Major and minor headings should be
formatted to receive equal attention.
|
d.
|
All of the above are true.
|
22. Which of the following is the most effective report heading?
a.
|
Quarterly Sales
|
b.
|
4th Quarter Sales
|
c.
|
4th Quarter Sales Exceed Predictions
|
d.
|
Sales
|
23. Which of the following is the MOST effective heading
in a memo report to employees?
a.
|
Employee Benefits
|
b.
|
Benefits Will Undergo Radical
Alterations in Forthcoming Fiscal Year
|
c.
|
Benefit Cuts
|
d.
|
How Do Benefit Changes Affect You?
|
24. In business documents, a general rule for readability is that
paragraphs normally should be
a.
|
6 lines or less in length.
|
b.
|
7 to 12 lines in length.
|
c.
|
no longer than 20 lines.
|
d.
|
any desired length, as the number of
lines is not important.
|
25. Which of the following sentences reflects the use of active voice?
a.
|
The new product line was developed by
the Research and Development department.
|
b.
|
The secretary was promoted by her
supervisor to an assistant position.
|
c.
|
The land developer signed the contract
yesterday.
|
d.
|
It was determined that sales have
fallen significantly.
|
26. Which of the following statements is FALSE
concerning sentence and paragraph length in business writing?
a.
|
A two-word sentence is acceptable, as
is a 60-word sentence, as long as the message is clear.
|
b.
|
While compound sentences should be
used along with simple sentences, complex sentences should be avoided in
business writing.
|
c.
|
The first and last paragraphs are
typically shorter than other paragraphs.
|
d.
|
Paragraphs in business letters, memos,
and e-mail messages are typically shorter than paragraphs in business
reports.
|
27. Which of the following is FALSE concerning
readability level?
a.
|
A readability level of 10 means that a
person would need to be able to read at the tenth-grade level to understand
the material.
|
b.
|
The two factors that affect the
readability level are the number of words in the passage and the complexity
of the sentences.
|
c.
|
Many word processing programs
calculate readability measures automatically.
|
d.
|
The writer should use feedback on
readability level to revise appropriately.
|
28. When writing a business message, you generally should generally
a.
|
write at the exact grade level of the
receiver.
|
b.
|
manually calculate the readability
level of every message.
|
c.
|
write well within the reading level of
the audience.
|
d.
|
write what you need to say and not
consider readability.
|
29. Which of the following is FALSE concerning writing
analysis tools in word processing programs?
a.
|
Sentence fragments, passive voice,
jargon, and clichés are some types of errors that can be detected.
|
b.
|
After reviewing a document, the
program can generate the total word count, average sentence length, and
readability measures.
|
c.
|
They flag potential errors and require
the writer to accept or reject the change.
|
d.
|
Such programs eliminate the need for
the reader to check a passage for grammatical correctness.
|
30. Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement concerning
conciseness?
a.
|
To prepare a concise passage, include
only those details that the receiver needs, and state those details in the
fewest possible words.
|
b.
|
Conciseness means that the writer
should use as few words as possible when composing a message.
|
c.
|
Conciseness results in weakly worded
passages that indicate poor writing skills.
|
d.
|
Conciseness is not recommended in
formal business documents, such as business reports, because full disclosure
is needed in such situations.
|
31. Which of the following sentences illustrates passive voice?
a.
|
She served the customer the food.
|
b.
|
The food was served to the customer.
|
c.
|
The customer asked to change the
order.
|
d.
|
You took the customer’s order.
|
32. To project a positive, tactful tone in a written message,
a.
|
rely only on positive words.
|
b.
|
compliment the receiver in the first
and last paragraphs.
|
c.
|
avoid using second person when stating
negative ideas.
|
d.
|
use active voice when conveying
negative ideas.
|
33. Which of the following is an adequate reason for choosing passive
voice?
a.
|
To emphasize the “you” focus
|
b.
|
To avoid assessing blame
|
c.
|
To make the sentence more emphatic
|
d.
|
To make the sentence more descriptive
|
34. Which of the following best describes the appropriate use of
euphemisms?
a.
|
Eliminate euphemisms because people
can recognize such expressions for what they are--unpleasant ideas presented
with a little sugar coating.
|
b.
|
Avoid euphemisms with excessive sugar
coating and those that appear sarcastic.
|
c.
|
Use euphemisms whenever possible
because they show your attempt to be polite and positive.
|
d.
|
None of the above describes
appropriate use.
|
35. The politician seeking re-election referred to the importance of
“revenue enhancements” for providing additional community services. This is an
example of
a.
|
Doublespeak or corporate speak
|
b.
|
Denotative meaning
|
c.
|
Cultural bias
|
d.
|
Emphatic tone
|
36. Which statement is true concerning connotative meaning?
a.
|
Connotative meaning is the literal
meaning most people assign to a word.
|
b.
|
Connotative words help to build
positive human relations.
|
c.
|
Connotations exclude the sender’s
qualitative judgment.
|
d.
|
Connotations involve messages that are
implied.
|
37. Which of the following demonstrates a proper sensitivity in
wording?
a.
|
The black workers supply the manpower
we need to get the task accomplished.
|
b.
|
It was time for the 62-year-old judge
to leave his position.
|
c.
|
The administration has accepted six of
the new executive's recommendations.
|
d.
|
Only the overweight customers remained
at the buffet after the first hour.
|
38. Which is NOT recommended when communicating with or
about people with disabilities?
a.
|
Because the elevator was installed for
our handicapped employees and guests, all able-bodied personnel should use
the stairs.
|
b.
|
The management of Crystal Oil Products
has taken meticulous care to provide full access to all areas of the building
for its less-fortunate employees and guests.
|
c.
|
Because company finances have been
burdened to their limit, only the blind employees will have voice input
installed on their computers.
|
d.
|
Personnel with vision impairments may
request that voice input be installed on their computers.
|
39. Which of the following is NOT an effective way to
revise and proofread your message?
a.
|
Proofread the messages as many times
as necessary until you cannot see any additional ways to improve it.
|
b.
|
Allow someone else to read your
message to judge its content, style, and accuracy.
|
c.
|
Look for receiver-centeredness in your
message as part of the revising process.
|
d.
|
All of the above are appropriate
advice.
|
40. Your team has completed its analytical report for presentation to
the board of directors. Which of the following should be checked in the final
proofreading of the report?
a.
|
Content, organization, and style
|
b.
|
Mechanics
|
c.
|
Format and layout
|
d.
|
All of the above
|
41. From a managerial point of view, which is the BEST
advice?
a.
|
Leave proofreading to the
administrative help.
|
b.
|
Spot check documents for accuracy
before signing them.
|
c.
|
Read all documents carefully before
signing them.
|
d.
|
Key your own documents, even if you
have administrative help.
|
42. What proofreading procedure should Anthony use when proofreading a
technical support manual?
a.
|
Proofread only once, thoroughly
checking for errors of various types.
|
b.
|
Proofread twice, concentrating in the
first pass on content errors and in the second pass on format errors.
|
c.
|
Proofread three times, concentrating
on content, organization, and style in the first pass, on mechanical errors
in the second pass, and reading from right to left on the third pass.
|
d.
|
Allow the computer to do the
proofreading, as it is more thorough and accurate.
|
43. Visual enhancements in a business document
a.
|
are unnecessary when the writing is
effective.
|
b.
|
distract from important information in
long, complex documents.
|
c.
|
can be overused and create clutter.
|
d.
|
can be applied easily using word
processing features.
|
44. Proofreading by reading a document aloud while another person
verifies the copy is
a.
|
recommended for every business
document.
|
b.
|
recommended for extremely important
documents.
|
c.
|
recommended only when time permits.
|
d.
|
not recommended because it takes up
two people’s time.
|
45. Final proofreading of an important business document should
typically be done
a.
|
from the computer screen.
|
b.
|
from a draft paper copy.
|
c.
|
from a final copy on company
letterhead.
|
d.
|
from an archive file copy.
|
SHORT ANSWER
1. Discuss why the effective business
communicator should vary sentence and paragraph length.
2. List and briefly explain five visual
enhancements a writer can use to draw attention to important information.
3. Explain the value of using the reading level
feature when word processing a document.
4. How can proofreading be seen as an ethical
responsibility of a communicator?
CASE
1. Email Request to Employees
Revise the following paragraph from an email message to employees.
Focus on use of voice, appropriate sentence length, and word selection to make
the passage effective.
With the approach of the end of this fiscal year, it has been
recommended by our accountant that the monies allocated in the budget to
capital equipment be used as soon as is expedient. Therefore, as has been our
practice in the past, we are requesting that each of you compile a
comprehensive detailed list outlining your requests for new equipment which you
may have put on the back burner, so to speak. It would be appreciated if you
could provide this information to me by the first of next week so that I can
begin to process all orders prior to the expiration of the fiscal year. It is
anticipated that a multitude of requests will be simultaneously submitted by
departmental heads; it is highly probable that requests for equipment will be
processed in the order received and delayed requests may not be funded. I
sincerely appreciate your cooperation in our efforts to upgrade some of our
capital equipment.
.
2. 2. Revise for Visual Enhancements
Revise the following
paragraph to add appropriate visual enhancements, such enumerations or bullets,
headings, tables or graphs, and so forth.
TO:
|
John Henry, Personnel Director
|
|
|
FROM:
|
Lena Rose, Vice President
|
|
|
DATE:
|
April 29, 201x
|
|
|
SUBJECT:
|
EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION
|
You will recall the recent survey we conducted to determine why so
many of our workers leave our firm to take jobs elsewhere. The analysis of the data gathered on employee
terminations has been completed. Our
investigation resulted in two findings that are particularly noteworthy. Most workers who leave our firm to work
elsewhere do not leave because they believe they are poorly paid. Their primary complaint is that they did not
have satisfactory working relationships with their supervisors while working
for us. The need for better
communication throughout our work force is clear. Accordingly, the following steps will be
taken to meet this important need. All
supervisors will interview their subordinates once each quarter rather than
once each year, as in the past. Also,
seminars in management communication skills will be provided for all supervisors
and department heads to help them develop more effective communications
techniques. We believe these efforts
will open channels of communication among our employees and eliminate most of
the frustration revealed by former workers in our recent survey. We have also designated an employee-relations
officer to personally deal with worker complaints of a particularly serious
nature. Finally, a company newsletter
will be published monthly to provide an opportunity for employees to express
their views publicly and to improve the flow of information throughout the
firm. Appointments to the newsletter
staff will be announced shortly.
These changes will go into effect only July 1 and will be
officially announced to all employees the previous week in the first edition of
the newsletter. We believe these
initiatives will be effective in our efforts to improve communications among
employees, upgrade worker morale, and reduce the firm’s costly and disruptive
employee turnover problems. We will need
your support as well as that of other first-level officers if the desired
results are to be obtained in this undertaking.
Feel free to make suggestions or recommendations that you believe may be
helpful. We are hopeful that these
changes will be well received by employees at all levels.