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Module 15 - Choosing the Right Word
Part 2: Answers to Textbook Assignments
Questions for Comprehension
15.1 What is the difference between denotation and connotation? (LO 15-1)
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Module 15 - Choosing the Right Word
15.2 What is bypassing? (LO 15-1)
15.3 Why are short, simple words generally best? (LO 15-1)
15.4 What are the two kinds of jargon? Which is OK to use at times? (LO 15-1)
Acceptable jargon includes technical terms common to a field and business slang. In many
cases, writers should choose a more common English equivalent for these terms; however,
15.5 If you were going to buy a new dictionary, would you want a descriptive or
prescriptive one? Why? (LO 15-3)
The answer depends on what the writer needs to know. Descriptive dictionaries are useful for
15.6 Why is it desirable to use technical jargon in a job letter and a job interview? (LO 15-4)
15.7 How can you avoid confusing words that sound or seem similar? (LO 15-5)
Whenever possible, writers should choose the simplest word that effectively conveys their
message. If the audience expects something else, then writers should adjust accordingly. With
15.8 Identifying Words with Multiple Denotations (LO 15-1)
The following list contains some, but not all, of the most common meanings.
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Module 15 - Choosing the Right Word
Browser:
Link:
a connection
a part of a chain
Sample:
a portion to be tested, analyzed, or surveyed
15.9 Explaining Bypassing (LO 15-1)
a. “Protection from Professionals” could be interpreted either as being protected by or
c. “Scanned” could be interpreted as manually or by machine.
15.10 Evaluating Connotations (LO 15-1)
Intelligent people of goodwill may differ in their evaluations of metaphors for a multicultural nation.
Melting Pot:
industry; negative; may suggest eradicating ethnicity
Mosaic:
art; positive; suggests diversity can be beautiful, purposive
Tapestry:
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Module 15 - Choosing the Right Word
15.11 Evaluating the Ethical Implications of Connotations (LO 15-1)
People of goodwill will disagree here.
Wastepaper/Recovered Fiber:
The second term is legitimate; it suggests that the material is useful.
Feedback/Criticism:
The first term is desirable. It suggests that feedback does not need to be negative or hurtful.
Scalper/Ticket Reseller:
15.12 Correcting Errors in Denotation and Connotation (LO 15-1)
1. The phrase, “for a guy from the south side,” implies that Louie comes from a less-desirable
2. The phrase, “literally exploded with joy,” seems inappropriate. Better word choice would be,
3. The phrase, “older than dirt,” implies Carl is exceedingly old. Revise the sentence to
4. The phrase, “for a woman,” has a sexist connotation. Better to eliminate the phrase from the
5. Because Marti’s airfare figure is exact, it would not qualify as an estimate. Change the word
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Module 15 - Choosing the Right Word
15.13 Using Connotations to Shape Response (LO 15-1)
Student answers will vary. Here are possible answers—the first indented sentence uses terms
with positive connotations; the second is negative.
Lee talks to co-workers about subjects other than work, such as last weekend’s ball game.
Lee builds good relationships with co-workers.
Lee wastes time talking about trivial topics.
15.14 Choosing Levels of Formality (LO 15-1, LO 15-3)
15.15 Identifying Jargon (LO 15-4)
Student answers will vary. Sticky website means “a site that people stay with for a long time.”
Alpha geek means “a high-status technical person.” Road warrior means “a business person who
15.16 Eliminating Jargon and Simplifying Language (LO 15-5)
1. We expect your order to ship by July 21.
2. Jordyn appreciates your comments about the recommendations.
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Module 15 - Choosing the Right Word
15.17 Choosing the Right Word (LO 15-1 to LO 15-5)
1. their
2. morale
3. Our
4. residents
15.18 Choosing the Right Word (LO 15-1 to LO 15-5))
1. They’re
2. inferred
3. lying
4. less
5. number
15.19 Choosing the Right Word (LO 15-1 to LO 15-5)
1. our/are
2. principals
3. Whether
4. unique
5. comprise
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Module 15 - Choosing the Right Word
Polishing Your Prose: Run-On Sentences (Odd-numbered answers are in the back of the
textbook.)
Several answers are possible—here are likely ones.
2. Many of our employees would trade vacations for shorter work days in general, but we’re not
sure the central office would approve of the idea.
4. A few of the employees nearing retirement age want us to hold planning seminars, but we
don’t really have the space. Please ask someone in HR to locate a room at a conference center.
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Module 15 - Choosing the Right Word
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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