You can avoid one of the biggest problems with most oral presentations if you focus
your speech on a few key ideas.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
When you deliver constructive criticism, you should use the word “we” instead of “you”
to avoid sounding accusatory.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
What information should you provide your references so that they can write a
recommendation?
a. Name of the company
b. Position title and expected job requirements
c. A copy of your résumé
d. You should provide all this information to your references.
Answer:
Proposals are informative documents used to educate readers.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
Which of the following demonstrates effective business writing?
a. I’m ticked! Credit my account now!
b. Will you please credit my account for $125 due to the computer error on May 1.
c. You should credit my account.
d. Please get it right and credit my account for $125.
Answer:
Which of the following is the most important element to consider when selecting an
appropriate graphic for a report?
a. Your communication channel
b. Your word processing abilities
c. Your report’s organizational pattern
d. Your objective
Answer:
If the interviewer begins a question with Tell me about a time when…, you should
a. recognize that this is a trick question and tactfully refuse to answer.
b. politely explain that you have never experienced such a situation.
c. make up any answer and wish that you had been better prepared.
d. describe a situation or task, tell what action you took, and emphasize a positive
result.
Answer:
There is a new software company that will be hiring employees is an example of a
sentence with
a. concise wording.
b. a wordy prepositional phrase.
c. a filler.
d. faulty parallelism.
Answer:
I have before me your e-mail inquiry dated October 9 is an effective opening for a reply
message.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
In which of the following situations should you send a letter instead of an e-mail
message?
a. You are planning a sales team meeting.
b. You are asking leading members of the community to contribute to a fundraising
event to improve local parks.
c. You are inviting employees to the annual sales seminar.
d. You are reminding employees of Friday’s divisional meetings.
Answer:
When you expect the reader to be pleased, mildly interested, or neutral, use the indirect
pattern of organization.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
Which of the following statements about online complaints or reviews is most accurate?
a. Individuals should give companies an opportunity to resolve the issue before writing
an online complaint.
b. Businesses and professionals cannot sue individuals for negative online comments.
c. Consumers who are offered payment to change an opinion or account should
willingly accept a company’s generous monetary gift.
d. Anonymous complaints or reviews cannot be traced.
Answer:
If you have submitted a résumé and cover letter, you will not be required to fill out a
job application form.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
Good speakers are born with an innate ability to give informative and persuasive
presentations to audiences of all sizes.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
The memo or e-mail format is appropriate for short informal reports that stay within
organizations.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
Probably the most frequently used visual aid in reports is the table.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
If you’ve been interviewed by more than one person, send one thank-you note to the
person who appeared to be in charge.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
Which of the following is the most important part of a bad-news message?
a. A positive, forward-looking closing
b. A neutral buffer
c. An explanation of the reasons for the bad news
d. The bad news itself
Answer:
A database is a collection of information stored digitally so that it is accessible by
computers and mobile electronic devices.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
What kind of résumé uses colorful charts, graphics, and time lines to illustrate a
candidate’s work history and experience?
a. Chronological résumé
b. Video résumé
c. Infographic résumé
d. Plain-text résumé
Answer:
Which of the following is not a purpose for a direct quotation?
a. To duplicate exact wording before criticizing an idea
b. To repeat identical phrasing because of its precise wording
c. To add length to a researched document
d. To provide objective background information
Answer:
The only factor to consider when deciding if a business letter is the appropriate
communication channel is if you are writing to a secondary audience.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
Jargon should never be used in business writing.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
The biggest error most applicants make when writing a cover message is
a. misspelling the receiver’s name or the company’s name.
b. forgetting to enclose their résumé.
c. making the letter too generic.
d. not asking for the interview.
Answer:
You should open the valve slowly in order to gradually vent excess pressure is an
example of an effectively worded imperative mood step in a set of instructions.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
Which of the following statements about social networking in the workplace is most
accurate?
a. Businesses use social networking sites only to connect with customers.
b. Social networking presents no risks for businesses.
c. Business professionals should always think twice before posting anything on social
networking sites.
d. All answer choices are accurate statements about the use social networking on the
job.
Answer:
Persuasive claim or complaint messages are often written when
a. products are damaged.
b. wrong shipments are delivered.
c. mistakes in billing occur.
d. All answer choices are correct.
Answer:
During the second phase of the writing process, you conduct research,
a. clarify the audience demographics, and edit word choices.
b. anticipate audience reaction, and adapt the message.
c. organize ideas, and compose the message.
d. evaluate message effectiveness, and revise as needed.
Answer:
The résumé format most popular with recruiters and hiring managers is the functional
résumé because it focuses on the job applicant’s skills and abilities related to the
position sought.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
Bennett is sending an e-mail message about a change in procedure for submitting work
hours. Which of the following represents the most direct opening?
a. Recently, the management staff discussed our process for submitting work hours.
b. A new procedure for submitting work hours will go into effect on April
c. Are you in the mood to try something a little different?
d. We all hate when procedures change, but this change is needed.
Answer:
Your claim message will be most effective if you make a reasonable and valid request,
present a logical case with clear facts, and display some anger and emotion.
a. True
b. False
Answer:
Peter must inform his employees that his company will need to let go of employees.
Which word would be best for Peter to use when conveying this idea to his employees?
a. Layoff
b. Streamlining
c. Paradigm shift
d. Rightsizing
Answer:
Which statement about the communication process is most accurate?
a. The use of digital networks as a means to transmit messages is declining in today’s
workplace.
b. Because the meanings of words are the same among people, participants in the
communication process need not worry about their word selection or usage.
c. Only senders are affected by their mood, frame of reference, background, or culture.
d. Feedback helps the sender know that the message was received and understood.
Answer:
Which of the following represents the most appropriate apology in an adjustment
message?
a. We understand your reliance on a high-performance router and apologize for the
incomplete installation of your DataServe router.
b. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
c. We regret the error that caused the system failure you claim on your DataServe
router.
d. It is unfortunate that your DataServe router has failed, and we promise that this
failure will never occur again.
Answer: