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Chapter 6 Solutions to Activities
Zooming In: Applying Your Skills at Taco Bell
Revised Memo
Date: Current
To:Taco Bell, Executive Council
From: Erin Jackson, Culinary Product Manager
Subject: Fast-Food Trends and Menu Options
As you requested, I am submitting the following ideas based on my observation and
Mexican cuisine is increasingly popular from coast to coast, and in a depressed economy
Current Eating Trends
Low-fat, healthful choices. With as many as one in five U.S. consumers on a diet, our
Spices. Consumers are appreciating more highly spiced foods and hot sauces. Spicy
Freshness. As consumers become more knowledgeable and more discriminating, they
Tasty food but at low prices. In an economic downturn, consumers are looking for
Given the increasing acceptance of Mexican cuisine and the rich array of flavors and
New Menu Concepts
Spicy grilled items. Selections might include chicken marinated in lime juice,
Fresco menu. I suggest that we offer an entire menu of ten or more items that cater to
Fruit-flavored frozen drinks. Mango and strawberry-flavored frozen beverages topped
I would be happy to discuss these ideas with you in greater detail and to demonstrate them
6.1 Flabby Expressions (Obj. 1)
c. Seldom has it been advisable for us to borrow money for 90 or fewer days.
6.2 Long Lead-Ins (Obj. 1)
a. All computer passwords must be changed every six months for security purposes.
b. Anyone who wants to apply for telecommuting may submit an application immediately.
6.3 There is/are and It is/was Fillers (Obj. 1)
a. A password-checker is now available that can automatically evaluate the strength of your
password.
6.4 Redundancies (Obj. 1)
a. Because his laptop was small, he could carry it everywhere.
b. A fundamental of computer safety is to avoid storing your password in a file on your
computer because criminals will look there first. OR: Don't store your password on your
6.5 Empty Words (Obj. 1)
a. Are you aware that social media can drive brand awareness and customer loyalty? OR: Did
you know that social media can drive brand awareness and customer loyalty?
6.6 Condensing for Microblogging (Obj. 1)
a. @HTWilson94 We strongly endorse Whole Trade certified–flowers and carry them year
b. @AmyJean64 I work for Bank of America. Please DM the property address, your name, and
c. @VickiK Congratulations! We don't have closets on our planes, but you might consider
d. @ChrisC I'm so sorry. We are frustrated too! The site functionality is improving so hopefully
e. @JamesR. Sorry for the delay. We try to deliver by 3 p.m. to offices and by 7 p.m. to
f. @calinelb Sorry to hear you feel that way. DM @HRBlockAnswers, and we can check on
6.7 Trite Business Phrases (Obj. 2)
a. As you request, I will submit your repair request immediately.
b. Enclosed is the list of customers to be used in our promotion.
6.8 Clichés, Slang, and Wordiness (Obj. 2)
Note: Acceptable student responses may vary from the suggested responses.
a. Our manager insists that we must think creatively in promoting our new kitchen tool.
b. Although we were hurt in the last contract, you can be sure we will be firm this time.
6.9 Buried Verbs (Obj. 2)
a. After investigating, the fire department concluded that the blaze was set intentionally.
b. Our committee promised to consider your proposal at its next meeting.
6.10 Lists, Bullets, and Headings (Obj. 3)
a. You can build your online following, reputation, and customers' trust with three simple
Twitter practices:
b. Computer passwords are a way of life today. To create a strong password, follow these steps:
c. Auto accidents account for a high number of accidental deaths. Common causes are the
following:
Distracted drivers. Applying makeup, talking on cell phones, texting, eating, and
d. Many people today want to improve their credit scores. Here are some simple tips for doing
so:
Fix mistakes. Check your credit at least once a year and dispute any errors.
Pay on time. At least 35 percent of your score is based on your payment history.
6.11 Document for Analysis: Ineffective E-Mail Suggestion to Boss
Documents for Analysis are available at the student premium website (www.cengagebrain.com).
Weaknesses
Buries many verbs (e.g., improvement of customer relations instead of improving
customer relations; making a change instead of changing; made the discovery instead of
discovered).
Revision
To: Roger M. Karjala <r.m.karjala@firstbank.com>
From: Keiko Kurtz <k.kurtz@firstbank.com>
Subject: Suggestion for Improving Customer Relations
Cc:
Bcc:
Roger,
Because you asked for suggestions on how to improve customer relations, I am submitting my
Last December glass barriers were installed at our branch. Tellers are on one side and customers
However, customers were surprised by these large glass partitions. Communication through them
is difficult. Both the customer and the teller have to raise their voices to be heard. It's even more
Keiko Kurtz_______________
E-mail: k.kurtz@firstbank.com
Support Services
(455) 549-2201
6.12 Document for Analysis: Poor E-Mail Message Re PowerPoint (Objs. 1-5)
Documents for Analysis are available at the student premium website (www.cengagebrain.com).
Weaknesses
Begins with long lead-in (This message is being written because ).
Includes trite expression (pursuant to your request).
Revision
To: Sanders Watson <swatson @circa.com>
From: Monique Vance <mvance@circa.com>
Subject: Avoiding Death by PowerPoint
Cc:
Bcc:
Sanders,
As you requested, I attended a seminar about presentation techniques. You suggested that I might
Create the message, not the slide, first. Only after preparing the entire script should you
Prepare slides with short lines. Your slides should have only four to six words per line.
Don’t put everything on the slide. If you put too much on the slide, your audience will
Think in terms of headlines. What is the main point? What does it mean to the
Monique
6.13 Document for Analysis: Poor Response to Customer Inquiry Re Improving Security
(Objs. 1-5)
Documents for Analysis are available at the student premium website (www.cengagebrain.com).
Weaknesses
Says the obvious (We have received your request for information.)
Uses trite business phrase (as per your request)
Revision
Dear Mr. Perez:
At your request I am sending you the attached materials about improving security in your
Because we feel you will want to protect both equipment and data, we can suggest a number of
prudent steps to deter crime. First, install defensive lighting. Our lighting expert can design both
Sincerely,
Alternate Revision for Activity 6.13
Dear Mr. Perez:
At your request, I am sending you the attached materials about improving security in your
1. Install defensive lighting. Our lighting expert can design both outside and inside
Sincerely,
Note: Enumerated paragraphs may be indented or typed flush left.
6.14 Document for Analysis: Poor Response to Customer Inquiry About Social Media
(Objs. 1-5)
Documents for Analysis are available at the student premium website (www.cengagebrain.com).
Weaknesses
Starts with a long lead-in (This is a message to thank you)
Includes a flabby expression (Due to the fact that, in addition to the above)
Suffers from excessive exuberance (exceedingly smart, fabulous marketing opportunity)
Revision
To: Melanie Jackson <mjackson @mediasolutions.com>
From: Dakota Dalquist <ddalquist@mediasolutions.com>
Subject: Expanding Your Marketing by Joining the Social Media Buzz
Cc:
Bcc:
Using social media tools and networks involves connecting, interacting, and sharing with people
How can social media help your business?
Drive brand awareness
Social media on the Web today is a logical extension of what people have been doing for
centuries: communicating! Whether you are building a community to support your customers or
6.15 How Much Do People in Your Field Write? (Objs. 1–5)
This activity could be one of the best possible for convincing students that writing is very
important to their future success. Be sure to have students either present their findings orally or
6.16 Pruning the Deadwood (Objs. 1, 2)
This activity provides an entertaining way for students to locate “deadwood” phrases on the Web.
Students may work individually or in teams on this activity. Individuals may locate ten
Deadwood Phrase Substitute
a majority of most
a sufficient amount of enough
6.17 Analyzing the Readability of an Apartment Lease (Objs. 1−3)
Apartment leases are a part of most people’s lives. Renters have problems with maintenance,
appliances, security, and cleaning deposits. This activity requires students to study rental
agreements, most of which are difficult to read. Your class members will probably be relieved
