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183. Explain how omission of information and choice of words can affect the accuracy of a message.
184. Substitute a shorter word for each of the following: (a) enumerate, (b) recapitulate, (c) utilization, and (d)
modification. Use each substitute word correctly in a sentence.
185. Revise the following sentences to conform to standard business communication principles. Add appropriate details
as needed to complete the ideas.
a. After extensive recapitulation, the committee implemented a substantial modification in the
company.
b. The researcher should endeavor to measure how much the two groups deviate from each other
on indispensable characteristics.
c. The results of Cynthia's research are indispensable to the victorious completion of the
communication project.
186. Define(a)clichés,(b)slang,and(c)buzzwords.Whyshouldtheytypicallybeavoidedinbusinesscommunication?
187. What is the difference between redundancy and repetition? Provide an example of each.
188. Identify the wordy expressions and redundancies in the following sentence: "Each and every manager is of the
opinion that we must reduce expenses in order to increase revenue." Rewrite the sentence and compute the lard
factor.
189. What is a hidden verb? Why should you avoid hidden verbs? Give an example of a hidden verb and an appropriate
revision.
190. What is an expletive? Why should you avoid expletives in business writing?
191. Revise the following sentences to conform to standard business communication principles. Add appropriate details
as needed to complete the ideas.
a. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your participation in our focus group last week.
b. During the year 2003, the Smith Corporation bought a new building for the amount of $15
million.
c. If we do not plan ahead for national security, past history will repeat itself again with severe
consequences.
d. Each and every customer receives a free gift when opening a checking account.
e. The new sick-leave policy was implemented due to the fact that several employees were
abusing the privilege.
f. In the event that the customer makes a payment in the amount of $500, the company will not
report her to a credit agency.
g. We held a meeting yesterday so Terry could make a demonstration of the new computer
system.
h. After the dean made an analysis of the college's budget, the department chairs came to an
agreement on how to decrease expenditures.
i. There are fewer than 500 people who are admitted to the nursing program per year.
192. What are the three main types of sentences? Explain the level of emphasis achieved in each type.
193. Write a compound sentence from this sentence: "Halvor analyzed the data that Victoria gathered."
194. Combine the following two sentences into one sentence that subordinates the cost of the computer: "The computer
system costs $3,850. Its efficiency will improve data entry productivity."
195. Explain when the active voice is preferred and when the passive voice is preferred in business communication.
Provide one effective example of each voice.
196. Rewrite the following sentence using the active voice: "The manuscript was proofread by an English major."
197. Rewrite the following sentence using the active voice: "A new product line will be introduced by the Fireball team
next week."
198. Rewrite the following sentence using the passive voice: "Your failure to submit the report on time delayed the
project."
199. Rewrite the following sentences using parallel structure:
a. The intern is efficient and pays attention to details.
b. The new system accepts data entry, processes customer orders, and it can prepare financial
statements.
c. The student either should study for the major test or accept an undesirable grade on the test.
d. The board recommends either selling the home appliance division to a competitor or creation of
an independent subsidiary.
e. George is not only capable of writing a formal report but also a snappy tweet.
200. Rearrange the sentences in the following paragraph to achieve paragraph unity.
[1] The primary objective is to prepare the class schedule for the next semester. [2] If time permits, faculty will
review scholarship applications. [3] The Information Systems Department will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. [4]
In addition to preparing the class schedule, faculty will be assigned particular sections.
201. Insert transitional words and phrases in the following paragraph to achieve coherence.
Jill has two years' experience in advertising. Marianne has six years' experience in advertising. Jill's experience
involved a national advertising campaign; Marianne's experience is limited to a small region. Marianne's limited
regional experience should be evaluated for quality and effectiveness. Jill has made some influential connections
with her work in New York. The search committee will have a difficult time deciding which job applicant to hire.
202. Why are paragraphs that are too long or too short ineffective in business writing?
203. How can you achieve a confident writing style?
204. Discuss the following communication principle: "Use a courteous and sincere tone." Explain how to achieve this
tone and what to avoid. Include examples to illustrate your discussion.
205. Describe the levels of emphasis conveyed by (a) a simple sentence, (b) a compound sentence, and (c) a complex
sentence.
206. Explain how the placement of an idea affects its emphasis. Discuss how much emphasis each section of a message
receives, and provide examples of what types of information should be placed in each section.
207. List five of the seven strategies for emphasizing ideas.
208. Discuss the following principle: "Prefer positive language." Specifically, what are the general assumptions and
guidelines? What words should you avoid?
209. Revise the following sentences to conform to standard business communication principles. Add appropriate details
as needed to complete the ideas.
a. There is no reason for the manager to criticize the intern's performance.
b. The warranty does not cover labor charges.
c. Your account will be delinquent if you do not pay the amount owed by March 1.
d. Our company is unable to contribute to your charitable organization.
210. What is the "you" attitude? What are the major principles of the "you" attitude?
211. In what situations should you not focus attention on the reader?
212. Revise these sentences to conform to standard business communication principles. Add details as needed.
a. If you want to order a copy of the training video, call 1-800-555-1234.
b. I hope that my analogies help you understand the hierarchical structure of a file server.
c. Perhaps you'd like to try the facial cream for a 30-day trial period. You might be pleased with
the results.
d. I realize that you are a busy account executive, but we would appreciate your completing this
questionnaire.
e. I know that my qualifications are worthy of an interview.
f. Customers like you are this company's most valuable asset.
g. Surely you realize that our business can't exist if you do not pay your bills on time.
h. I am very surprised that you didn't think you'd win the election for student body president.
i.
Assume you are comparing the following features of two computer systems. Write a sentence
that emphasizes the best feature of each system. Then write a sentence that compares the two
systems in terms of memory. Finally, write a sentence comparing them in terms of capacity and
stating that the lower hard-drive space is sufficient for your needs.
Feature 21 st Century Wizard
Hard drive 40.5 GB 35 GB
Cost $2,850 $2,500
RAM (memory) 64 MB 64 MB
Monitor Size 15" 19"
j. The well-written report was prepared by the new assistant. (Emphasize the doer of the action.)
k. The female supervisor will discuss the dress code for male assistants.
l. We need more manpower to get the project done on time.
m. Businesswomen like the extended mall hours during the holiday season.
n. Mr. Johnson and Emily Warden will attend the board meeting.
o. Each restaurant waiter and waitress must purchase his or her own attire.
p. Each student must submit his report by the end of the month.
q. The plaintiff's 60-year-old Hispanic attorney is known for winning cases.
The snack machine gypped me out of my money.
r. The snack machine gypped me out of my money.
s. Teresa and Mindy, two lesbian secretaries, are great proofreaders.
t. I mailed the money order on Monday.
u. We have already budgeted money for another charity.
v. You failed to indicate the number of dependents on the tax form.
w. You need more evidence to support your claim.
213. Microsoft Word now has an icon to edit written documents. This feature is called:
a. Change Icon
b. Doc Edit
c. Dictionary
d. Track Changes
e. Edit Changes
