Business Communication Essentials, 8e (Bovee/Thill)
Appendix C Correction Symbols
1) When “Log” is noted on a piece of work, what is the flaw in the work?
A) A word is misspelled.
B) There is an incorrect citation.
C) There is a problem with the logic.
D) The message should be tailored to the reader.
2) What is the problem with this sentence? “We can give him a small raise, he deserves it.”
A) Comma splice
B) Sentence fragment
C) Dangling modifier
D) Nothing
3) Which one of the following is used to indicate the need for the writer to cite the source of their
information?
A) CT
B) APA
C) Ref
D) PV
4) Which of the following symbols indicates the need to review the assignment instructions?
A) Rev
B) Assign
C) Obv
D) Dir
5) If a paper is marked with H/E, there may be an honesty or ethics issue. How should the writer
correct this?
A) Reconsider the needs of the audience.
B) Use an active voice.
C) Revise the tone.
D) Revise the statement to reflect good business practices.
6) If there is an agreement issue, what should agree with the noun?
A) Subject
B) Verb
C) Adjective
D) Pronoun
7) What does it mean when an abbreviated word is circled, as part of a correction symbol?
A) The word should be spelled out.
B) The word needs punctuation.
C) The word is used incorrectly.
D) The word should be replaced with a better word.
8) When asked to rewrite something as a complete sentence, as indicated by the letters “Frag,”
what is most likely the problem?
A) There is a dangling modifier.
B) There is a sentence fragment.
C) There is a nonrestrictive clause or phrase.
D) There is an incorrect preposition.
9) Which of the following helps show connections between points?
A) Subordinate clauses
B) Adjectives
C) Transitions
D) Direct approach
10) If an idea is marked as being incomplete, what should happen to that idea?
A) It should be eliminated.
B) It should be cited.
C) It should be indicated as a personal point of view.
D) It should be developed further.
11) If writing is marked with the word “red,” the writer should increase the number of times the
point is explained.
12) “P” indicates the need for correct punctuation.
13) The abbreviation “WD” indicates a wrong word has been used.
14) Words such as “it is,” “there are,” “there is,” “this is,” and “these are” should be avoided at
the beginning of a sentence.
15) A comma splice is used to separate clauses.
16) Language that contributes to gender stereotypes should be avoided.
17) To avoid attributing blame, writing should use the direct approach, indicated by “Dir.”
18) When using a direct order, the good news goes first.
19) Most business documents are written using very formal language.
20) Longer sentences and transitional phrases will help eliminate choppy sentences.