Solutions – Chapter 2 ⚫ 1
CHAPTER 2 SOLUTIONS
Writing Improvement Exercises
Although the solutions to all Writing Improvement Exercises appear in the Annotated
Instructor’s Edition, we provide them here as well so that instructors may send them to
students or use them as handouts.
Audience Benefits and the “You” View (Obj. 4)
16. You may use the enclosed form to report identity theft to your creditors.
17. To have your orders processed more quickly and efficiently, please fill out your
customer information on our website.
18. You can now provide your employees and customers with instant technical support
through the RapidAssist website.
19. All employees with “A” permits may park in the new company lot.
Conversational but Professional (Obj. 4)
24. We’re pleased that we will be able to participate in the Toys for Tots drive.
25. Your shipment was sent August 14.
26. Hi, Jeff: Please persuade Ramona to take over the budget preparation.
Positive and Courteous Expression (Obj. 5)
30. Employees may use instant messaging as soon as a company policy is established.
31. When our CPA confirms that your work is complete, we will authorize payment of
your consultant’s fees.
32. Plans for the new health center will move forward as soon as the community gives
full support.
Solutions – Chapter 2 ⚫ 2
35. Please begin using new passwords as of midnight, June 15, to protect your personal
information and company records.
Bias-Free Language (Obj. 5)
36. All employees must wear their photo identifications on the job. OR: Every employee
must wear a photo identification on the job.
37. The conference will offer special excursions for the spouses (or guests) of
executives.
Plain Language and Familiar Words (Obj. 5)
42. The salary we are offering is equal to the salary of other managers.
43. To speed approval of this agreement, we urge you to vote yes.
Precise, Vigorous Words (Obj. 5)
47. Government economists predict that employment will stabilize next year.
48. The growing number of consumers with smartphones provides an indicator of
economic growth.
Activities
2.1 Channel Selection: Various Business Scenarios
a. A wiki is the best channel to maintain a file of digital information and provide a place
where team members can add, remove, and edit content.
b. Don’t even think about texting him! Although it might relieve your responsibility,
texting business messages after hours is bad manners. It forces the receiver to answer
and to remember the message the next day. A better channel is e-mail, which enables
you to follow up if necessary.
Solutions – Chapter 2 ⚫ 3
d. When persuasion is required and when you are close to the receiver, a face-to-face
conversation is probably best. Face-to–face conversation is considered the richest of
channels.
e. If all the team members are online, you could use instant messaging to see whether
they are available. Sending an e-mail is also possible, but it may not be answered
immediately.
Solutions – Chapter 2 ⚫ 4
2.2 Radical Rewrite
Watch Your Tone!
Writing Faults
a. Begins with a negative tone (I have the decidedly unpleasant task).
b. Continues the negativity (you may NOT utilize company computers).
c. Uses unprofessional, degrading language in addressing employees (some of you
boys and girls).
d. Employs unfamiliar language (necessary to amplify and extrapolate that policy).
e. Fails to employ courtesy; sounds accusatory and commanding (you must return this
form).
Revision
To: All Employees
From: Sybil Montrose <smontrose@syracuse.com>
Subject: Implementing Revised E-Mail and Internet Policy
Cc:
Bcc:
Attached: Revised E-Mail and Internet Policy
Effective immediately, we will be implementing a revised policy regarding e-mail and
Internet use. This policy allows you to continue using e-mail and the Internet for work-
related business and for essential personal messages.
Our IT managers, however, tell me that our bandwidth has been seriously compromised
as a result of employee gaming, blogging, shopping, chatting, and downloading of
streaming video. These activities are definitely not work related.