978-0073403267 Chapter 6 Answers to Textbook Assignments

Type

Quiz

Book Title

Business Communication: Building Critical Skills 6th Edition

ISBN 13

978-0073403267

April 6, 2019

Module 06 - You-Attitude

Part 2: Answers to Textbook Assignments

Questions for Comprehension

6.1 What is you-attitude? (LO 6-1)

You-attitude is a style of writing that looks at things from the reader’s point of view, respects the

6.2 How can you create you-attitude within sentences? (LO 6-1)

Talk about the reader, not about yourself, don’t talk about feelings, except to congratulate or

6.3 How can you create you-attitude beyond the sentence level? (LO 6-1, LO 6-3)

Beyond the sentence level, you-attitude should address issues of content and organization.

To create goodwill with content, be complete, anticipate and answer questions the reader is likely

6.4 Can you think of situations in which the four strategies would not create you-attitude?

If so, how would you create you-attitude in those situations? (LO 6-1, LO 6-2)

Students’ answers will vary. Look for threads of explanation that use terms and concepts from

this module. Challenge students to give detailed, complete answers. There are specific

situations where using the word you does not work, such as in negative situations. In addition,

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 06 - You-Attitude

6.5 Why do sentences starting “We give you” lack you-attitude? (LO 6-1, LO 6-2)

6.6 Think of a time when you felt a business cared about you. What words or actions made

you feel that way? (LO 6-1, LO 6-2)

6.7 Why doesn’t the word you always create you-attitude? (LO 6-2)

In three specific situations, using the word you does not create you-attitude:

In a positive message, focus on what the reader can do. “We give you” lacks you-attitude

because the sentence focuses on what we are doing.

6.8 Using Passives and Impersonal Constructions to Improve You-Attitude (LO 6-1)

1. You did not part your car in the appropriate lot.

The car was not parked in the appropriate lot.

2. You did not turn in the correct receipts for reimbursement.

The correct receipts were not turned in for reimbursement.

3. Because of your error, you cost this company $14,000 in extra charges.

The company was charged $14,000 in extra costs.

4. You did not provide a portfolio showing relevant work samples for this job.

Work samples were provided that are not relevant.

5. You did not submit your weekly report on time to your supervisor.

The weekly report was not submitted on time.

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 06 - You-Attitude

6.9 Improving You-Attitude (LO 6-1, LO 6-2)

Many different revisions are possible. Acceptable answers include the following.

1. The enclosed membership has been priced specially for you.

2. As a Pinnacle Marketing customer, you get the best and brightest talent to help with your

online promotions.

3. This exclusive offer is available to you for a limited time.

4. Your Cummings Brand tractor or lawnmower is backed by the personal guarantee of the

company’s president and CEO.

6.10 Improving You-Attitude (LO 6-1, LO 6-2)

Many different revisions are possible. Acceptable answers include the following.

1. As an employee, you will enjoy a generous package of company benefits.

2. You will receive a refund by the first week in May.

3. You will be offered the job tomorrow.

4. You should reread your letter before sending it.

5. You will be called by October 3 to schedule delivery.

6.11 Revising a Form Letter for You-Attitude (LO 6-1 to LO 6-3)

The memo is weak in both you-attitude and positive emphasis. Many different revisions are

possible, but at minimum they should correct the following problems:

“We are happy” in the first paragraph focuses on the writer’s feelings, not the reader.

6.12 Evaluating You-Attitude in Documents that Cross Your Desk (LO 6-1 to LO 6-4)

Most students have trouble recognizing and fixing problems with you-attitude. Using this as an

ungraded assignment (or just as a quiz rather than as a paper assignment) can raise consciousness

without penalizing students who have not yet mastered you-attitude and positive emphasis.

Polishing Your Prose: It’s/Its (Odd-numbered answers are in the back of the textbook.)

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 06 - You-Attitude

manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.

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