SSC101 - Chapter 4
d
) Which of the following statements about the "you" attitude in business communication is NOT true? A) It emphasizes an audience-centered approach. B) It focuses on your audience's wishes, interests, and preferences. C) It replaces terms that refer to your company with terms that refer to your audience. D) It always uses the active voice, with "you" as the subject. E) It considers the point of view of the audience.
d
1) Select the sentence with the best "you" attitude. A) G&B's savings scheme is the best of its kind in the country. B) The new savings scheme from G&B can help customers save money. C) G&B has offerings tailored to every need. D) Learn how to save your money with G&B's new savings scheme. E) Helping customers save money is our aim at G&B.
c
10) Bias-free language ________. A) is often unethical and can obscure the truth B) often makes the speaker or writer sound dictatorial C) avoids words and phrases that unfairly or unethically stigmatize people D) uses milder synonyms in place of stronger words to minimize negative emotions E) communicates in terms of the point of view of the audience, using the audience's interests and preferences
e
11) Biased language ________. A) often leads listeners to disbelieve unfair stereotypes B) conveys meaning without carrying negative connotations C) avoids words and phrases that unfairly categorize or stigmatize people D) is an effective way of communicating negative news E) perpetuates the underlying stereotypes and prejudices that it represents
b
12) Identify the type of bias in the sentence "It requires great dedication to be a doctor because a doctor must always put his patient's interests before his own." A) ethnic bias B) gender bias C) racial bias D) age bias E) disability bias
d
13) Select the sentence that is bias-free. A) All salesmen and their wives are invited to the reception. B) All sales representatives and their wives are invited to the reception. C) All salesmen and their spouses are invited to the reception. D) All sales representatives and their guests are invited to the reception. E) All salesmen and their guests are invited to the reception.
d
14) Using the term chairperson for women and chairman for men is an example of ________. A) racial bias B) ethnic bias C) sexual bias D) gender bias E) euphemism
d
15) Which of the following sentences uses bias-free language? A) Despite Ms. Curtis's disability, she does a good job. B) Ms. Curtis's disability does not prevent her from doing a good job. C) For a disabled person, Ms. Curtis does a good job. D) Ms. Curtis's employee evaluations rank among the top five in the company. E) Ms. Curtis is disabled, but she does a good job nonetheless.
c
16) "For an older person, he knows a lot about computers." This statement is an example of ________ bias. A) gender B) disability C) age D) racial E) ethnic
b
17) Which of the following is NOT a way to avoid bias in communications? A) rewording sentences to use "they" or to use no pronoun at all B) putting the disability first and the person second C) avoiding sexist language D) mentioning the age of a person only when it is relevant E) avoiding identification on the basis of race or ethnic origin
c
18) Matthew heads the HR team at his workplace. Two team members, Alex and Brianna, are involved in a conflict regarding work. Matthew supports Alex, because he and Alex often go bowling together. In this case, Matthew's lack of ________ can undermine his credibility with his coworkers. A) discernment B) honesty C) objectivity D) sincerity E) competence
b
19) Which of the following is NOT a way to establish credibility with an audience? A) emphasizing your knowledge and expertise B) using hyperbole to discuss your achievements C) showing that you can distance yourself from emotional situations D) demonstrating confidence in your skills E) using an endorsement
b
20) Daniel is a lawyer who has shifted to a new town. He needs to build his credibility with the residents of the town in order to establish a client base. Which of the following methods is most likely to help Daniel build his credibility? A) familiarizing himself with the town's history B) establishing his qualifications and expertise C) honing his communication skills D) bragging about his previous record and successes E) using hyperbole when discussing his achievements
c
21) A(n) ________ is a statement on your behalf by someone who is accepted by your audience as an expert. A) qualification B) buzzword C) endorsement D) credential E) euphemism
b
22) David has to send out a press release about a new service his company is introducing. Which of the following must David avoid? A) modifying his communication style to suit the company image B) letting his personal views and communication style dominate a message C) following the communication guidelines set by his company D) building the company's image among stakeholders E) putting his company's reputation before his personal style
b
23) Most business messages today aim for a ________ tone. A) casual B) conversational C) abstract D) formal E) laid-back
e
24) Ben needs to send an e-mail to his superior, describing the progress of a project. Which of the following styles should Ben use to communicate in a businesslike tone? A) using a laid-back, informal tone to reflect friendliness B) sharing personal details to create rapport C) using acronyms to communicate quickly and efficiently D) using humor to create a receptive state of mind E) using plain language to make messages simpler
b
25) Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for an effective business message? A) avoiding obsolete language B) using an elevated and formal tone C) avoiding preaching and bragging D) using plain English E) avoiding acronyms and informal language
b
26) Which of the following methods will help ensure a conversational tone suitable for business messages? A) adopting a casual, laid-back style B) using plain language C) using an intimate, personal tone D) using humor to make a point E) using formal words and complex sentences
a
27) The passive voice can be effectively used to ________. A) create an impersonal tone B) point out faults or attribute blame C) write stronger sentences D) make writing more direct and lively E) make writing easier to read
d
28) Which of the following statements about using the passive voice is true? A) The passive voice is usually stronger than the active voice. B) In a passive sentence, the subject performs the action. C) The passive voice is usually grammatically incorrect. D) The passive voice is used when the subject receives an action. E) The passive voice can be used to personalize messages.
b
29) Which of the following sentences is in the active voice? A) An acknowledged success, the program to improve attendance was first implemented by the mayor. B) The mayor, who is very popular in the area, has implemented a number of educational policies. C) The program to make school lunches healthier was undertaken by the mayor. D) Despite initial reluctance from schools, the school lunch program was undertaken by the mayor. E) The school lunch program in the city was spearheaded by the mayor, who is very popular.
d
3) Which of the following sentences is the best illustration of the "you" attitude? A) Because your report was poorly written, we cannot accept it. B) Your report failed to meet company requirements. C) When we receive a report that is professional, we can act on your recommendations. D) Once the report includes the necessary estimates, the project can proceed. E) You missed out on a number of important points in the report.
e
30) Which of the following statements about the passive voice is NOT true? A) It leaves the performer of the action completely out of the sentence. B) It can be used to create an impersonal tone. C) In the passive voice, the subject receives the action. D) It can be used to avoid sounding accusatory. E) It can make writing more direct and easier to read.
e
31) In which of the following cases would you prefer the active voice to the passive voice? A) when you want to point out mistakes without attributing blame B) when you want to be diplomatic about pointing out a problem or an error C) when you want to point out what's being done without taking credit D) when you want to avoid personal pronouns in order to create an objective tone E) when you want to make a subject livelier and more direct
a
32) Which of the following is true for abstract words? A) They are often used to express qualities or philosophical concepts. B) Abstract words are used to make a sentence more specific. C) Their meaning is unambiguous; they cannot be misinterpreted D) They are used when giving detailed descriptions. E) They refer to things that are tangible.
d
33) Which of the following are examples of concrete words? A) practicality and convenience B) truth and beauty C) honesty and integrity D) database and software E) profits and motivation
d
34) Words such as liberty, love, motivation, or happiness are examples of ________. A) transitions B) clichés C) buzzwords D) abstractions E) jargon
c
35) Which of the following sentences uses abstract words? A) The company database has personal information about all employees. B) The new software has helped employees save time. C) The organization values honesty and integrity. D) The employees have requested a new coffee machine. E) The organization acquired three other companies in April.
b
36) Newly coined terms often associated with technology, business, or cultural changes are known as ________. A) concrete words B) buzzwords C) abstractions D) clichés E) transitions
e
37) Which of the following is true for a business message? A) Clichés are often the quickest and best ways to communicate a simple message. B) With the increasing informality in the business world, correct grammar has become unimportant. C) Abstract terms are widely used in business writing as they are the most effective and correct choices for the subject. D) Familiar, simple words do not set the right tone for business writing. E) Jargon is an effective way of communicating with certain specialized groups.
d
38) A sentence that has two main clauses, at least one of which contains a subordinate clause, is called a ________. A) simple sentence B) compound sentence C) complex sentence D) compound-complex sentence E) simple-compound sentence
e
39) Which of the following is NOT true for a simple sentence? A) A simple sentence may be expanded by modifying phrases. B) A simple sentence has only one main clause. C) Using predominantly simple sentences may make writing sound choppy and abrupt. D) A simple sentence may be expanded by nouns and pronouns serving as objects of the action. E) A simple sentence sometimes has a subordinate clause.
c
4) In general, written and electronic communication ________. A) cannot use the "you" attitude B) allow the writer to adjust the message according to the audience's reaction C) require more tact than oral communication D) offer immediate feedback for a message E) are only used when an informal approach is required
a
40) A sentence that has only a single subject and a single predicate is called a ________ sentence. A) simple B) compound C) complex D) compound-complex E) simple-compound
b
41) Which of the following is a simple sentence? A) Although John taught James the piano, James is the better player. B) James plays both the piano and the violin excellently. C) James plays the piano well, but is not as skilled at the violin. D) Though he studied the piano with a tutor, James learned the violin on his own. E) James plays the piano well, but not as well as John.
a
42) A sentence that has one independent and one dependent clause is known as a ________ sentence. A) complex B) compound-complex C) simple D) compound E) simple-complex
d
43) A sentence that expresses two or more independent but related thoughts of equal importance, usually joined by and, but, or or, is called a ________ sentence. A) simple B) compound-complex C) complex D) compound E) simple-complex
b
44) "There have been many storms this year, and the agricultural yield has been poor." Which type of sentence is this? A) compound-complex B) compound C) simple D) complex E) simple-compound
a
45) Which of the following is true for a complex sentence? A) A complex sentence may have more than one subordinate clause. B) A complex sentence may have two or more independent clauses. C) The subordinate clause in a complex sentence can stand alone. D) A complex sentence has two or more main clauses, and at least one subordinate clause. E) A complex sentence need not have a main clause.
c
46) "While you may disagree with Joan's recommendations, you must admit that her suggestions would save the company money." This is an example of a ________. A) simple sentence B) compound sentence C) complex sentence D) compound-complex sentence E) simple-compound sentence
c
47) Which of the following is a complex sentence? A) Madrid has many museums and art galleries. B) The city is well known for its nightlife, and its cafes are popular with tourists and locals alike. C) Though bullfighting is censured by some, its popularity in Madrid continues unabated. D) Madrid is a historical and cultural center in Spain. E) The nightlife of Madrid is deservedly famous, but classical music still finds firm followers.
c
48) Which of the following is NOT a way of emphasizing an idea? A) putting it at the end of a sentence B) devoting more words to the idea C) putting it in the middle of a sentence D) putting it at the beginning of a sentence E) making it the subject of the sentence
d
49) If you want to downplay an idea, you must ________. A) make it the subject of the sentence B) place it at the end of the sentence C) add more detail to the idea D) place it in the middle of the sentence E) devote more words to it
b
5) Select the sentence with the best positive emphasis. A) We failed to complete the process audit on time. B) We will complete the process audit by Friday. C) We haven't completed the process audit. D) Because of Joan's inaccurate figures on the Haymen project, we have not finished the process audit. E) The process audit was delayed due to operational reasons.
c
50) The ________ sentence, usually the first one in the paragraph, gives readers a summary of the general idea that will be covered in the rest of the paragraph. A) compound B) transition C) topic D) support E) complex
a
51) Which of the following is the best example of a topic sentence for a paragraph on the disadvantages of urban living? A) Though urbanization offers us several benefits, it comes with its own costs. B) The number of cities in the developing world is increasing by the day. C) A city is generally an urban settlement with a large population. D) Increasing urbanization is a feature of our times. E) Urbanization is the physical growth of urban areas as a result of global change.
d
52) In a paragraph, the support sentences ________. A) need not be connected to the topic sentence B) are usually the first sentence of the paragraph C) are less specific than the topic sentence D) provide examples or evidence for the topic E) introduce the topic to be covered
e
53) "Though fully electric cars are gaining popularity, their practicality for long-distance travelers remains in some doubt." Which of the following is the best support sentence to follow this topic sentence? A) Fully electric cars could be the next big development in automotive history. B) Most large auto manufacturers are concentrating on the development of electric vehicles. C) A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system. D) Solar cars are primarily demonstration vehicles, while hybrid cars are quite common. E) Electric cars can travel only a limited distance on a single charge and charging stations are rare.
c
54) Words or phrases that connect ideas by showing how one thought is related to another are called ________. A) clichés B) jargon C) transitions D) coherent E) slang
c
55) All of the following methods can be used to establish transitions, EXCEPT ________. A) echoing a word/phrase from the previous sentence B) using a pronoun that refers to a previously used noun C) using clichés to establish familiarity with the subject D) using words that are frequently or commonly paired E) using connecting words such as and, therefore, although, etc.
b
56) When you want to use similarities or differences to develop the main idea in a paragraph, which of these methods would you use? A) illustration B) comparison or contrast C) cause and effect D) classification E) repetition
c
57) Which of the following sentences does NOT make use of transitional elements to show how one thought is related to another? A) He was very tired that day, yet he volunteered to help out. B) Although the Greens are the stronger team, the Blues have the home advantage. C) Hannah and Chloe went shopping yesterday. D) The house is dilapidated, hence no one will buy it. E) If they move out immediately, they will have trouble finding a new place.
e
58) "Jamie and Emma have been very busy recently, so we haven't met them for some time." The transitional element used in this sentence serves to ________. A) intensify an idea or thought B) contrast two thoughts C) compare two ideas D) provide additional detail E) establish a cause-and-effect relationship
d
59) You have to write an article explaining why a particular candidate for president is, in your opinion, better than another. Which of the following transitional methods is the best option to structure your article? A) additional detail B) repetition C) a cause-and-effect relationship D) contrast E) condition
e
6) Milder synonyms are sometimes used in place of strong words to convey meaning without carrying negative connotations. These milder words are known as ________. A) hyperboles B) metaphors C) transitions D) comparisons E) euphemisms
b
60) Which of the following statements about the elements of a paragraph is true? A) A topic sentence need not be related to the general idea of the paragraph. B) Transitions tie together related points and ease the shift from one distinct thought to another. C) The topic sentence provides examples, evidence, and clarification of the general idea. D) A support sentence need not be related to the general idea of the paragraph, but must be more specific than the topic sentence. E) A transition provides examples, evidence, and clarification of the general idea.
d
61) When you want to develop a paragraph by providing examples of a general idea, which of these methods would you use? A) contrast B) comparison C) cause and effect D) illustration E) repetition
d
62) Which of the following refers to a standard block of text that is reused in multiple documents? A) template B) theme C) style set D) boilerplate E) style sheet
b
63) All the employees of Magus Enterprises are required to have a block of text containing a few standard lines about the company at the bottom of all work e-mails. This is known as ________ text. A) template B) boilerplate C) theme D) transcript E) facsimile
b
64) ________ are collections of formatting choices for words, paragraphs, and other elements. A) Typecasts B) Style sheets C) Boilerplates D) Themes E) Typescripts
e
65) ________ tend to address the overall look and feel of the page or screen, including color palettes and background images. A) Illustrations B) Style sheets C) Boilerplates D) Style sets E) Themes
c
66) The five members of Elena's team are working on five different parts of a report. Elena needs to make sure that the formatting for paragraphs and certain words remain consistent throughout, so that when it's ready, all five parts of the report can be integrated seamlessly. Which of the following tools can Elena's team use to achieve this consistency? A) typescripts B) themes C) style sheets D) boilerplate E) mail merge
c
67) A piece of text copied from the main body of the document and formatted as a large, eye-catching visual element is known as a ________. A) theme B) tagline C) pull quote D) boilerplate E) template
b
68) Elena's team members are working on five different parts of a report. Which of the following tools will help them put the five parts together once the report is complete? A) templates B) file merge C) themes D) style sheets E) mail merge
e
69) Sarah needs to send out an e-mail to all the clients of her firm. The content of the mail will remain the same; all that needs to be changed is the names and addresses of the recipients. Which of the following should Sarah use? A) file merge B) templates C) style sheets D) themes E) mail merge
d
7) Elena is the director for a retirement home. She is writing material that will be included in the brochure promoting the home. When referring to the residents of the home, she is careful to use "senior citizens" instead of "old people," to avoid the unpleasant connotations of the word. This is an example of the use of ________. A) comparison B) metaphors C) transitions D) euphemisms E) similes
d
70) Which of the following statements about writing technology and tools is true? A) Style sets address the overall look and feel of the page, including color palettes and background images. B) Both autocompletion and autocorrection refer to the same function. C) Standard blocks of text that are reused in multiple documents are known as style sheets. D) Templates set overall document parameters such as page size and provide a set of styles to use. E) The autocompletion tool makes it easy to combine several files.
f
71) Using the "you" attitude means putting the sender's priorities first.
t
72) Euphemisms are milder synonyms that can express an idea while triggering fewer negative connotations.
t
73) Using "senior citizens," rather than "old people" when referring to people beyond a certain age is an example of euphemism.
f
74) When communicating across cultures it is important to include humor in order to put your audience at ease.
t
75) In the active voice, the subject performs an action.
t
76) Active sentences are usually stronger than passive ones.
t
77) The active voice creates more direct, shorter sentences and makes your writing easier to understand.
t
78) The passive voice combines the helping verb "to be" with a form of the verb that is usually the past tense.
f
79) An abstract word stands for something you can touch, see, or visualize.
a
8) Which of the following is a euphemistic way of saying that someone is stubborn? A) Marina is very tenacious. B) Alice is often pigheaded. C) Jules is a very unyielding person. D) Joshua has an inflexible way of working. E) Sylvia is obstinate about certain matters.
t
80) Concrete words are far more specific than abstractions
f
81) The words "kick," "increase," "dog," and "desk" are examples of abstract words.
f
82) Small, numerous, near, and good are all examples of concrete words.
t
83) Jargon is an efficient way to communicate within the specific groups that understand these terms.
f
84) It is important to use a great deal of technical jargon in all business messages to build credibility with the reader.
f
85) A compound sentence has one main clause and one subordinate clause.
t
86) A compound-complex sentence has two main clauses and at least one dependent clause.
t
87) To draw attention to important ideas in a sentence, put them either first or last.
t
88) Echoing a word from a previous sentence is one way to establish a transition.
f
89) Topic sentences are generally more specific than support sentences.
c
9) Which of the following negative effects can result from the use of euphemisms? A) Euphemisms often convey disrespect or rudeness. B) Negative news is conveyed in a negative way. C) There is a risk that the truth might be obscured. D) Euphemisms can trigger negative connotations. E) Euphemisms usually offend the listener.
f
90) Autocompletion software is essentially the same thing as autocorrection software.
