Technical Writing for Accountant - Exam Questions

Plagiarism occurs when you use the language, ideas, or visual materials from another person or text without compensating the source. True False

False Page 138 (May). "Plagiarism occurs when you use the language, ideas,or visual materials from another person or text without acknowledging the source."

If included with a report, a letter or memo of transmittal should be written using the direct strategy. True False

True Page 309 (Guffey). A transmittal letter or memo follows the direct strategy and is usually less formal than the report itself.

Most communication is nonverbal. True False

True Page 12 (Guffey). Researchers believe that the bulk of any message we receive is nonverbal.

Text and instant messaging are replacing e-mail for short internal communication. True False

True Page 121 (Guffey). Text messaging and instant messaging are convenient alternatives to the telephone and are replacing e-mail for short internal communication.

Analyzing the purpose and audience for a report may be more difficult than it is for letters and memos because a report can have many groups of readers, and each group will have different interests and needs. True False

True Page 208 (May).

The introduction of a report should end with a plan of development that gives the reader an overview or forecast of the topics the report covers and the order in which they are presented. True False

True Page 211 (May).

Reports should be organized using the direct strategy when the readers are informed or supportive of the topic. True False

True Page 254 (Guffey). The direct strategy is appropriate when the readers are informed or supportive of the topic. The direct strategy is also appropriate when the readers are eager to have the results first.

The second paragraph of your letter of application should show the reader two things: that you are familiar with the organization doing the hiring and that you have the credentials the organization is looking for. True False

True Page 262 (May).

As interns in human resource management, Brad and his team are administering a professionally developed employee questionnaire to collect information on workplace violence. This type of research produces data that is considered firsthand information informal documentation supplementary, secondary information scientific experimentation

firsthand information Pages 64-65 (Guffey). This questionnaire produces firsthand information because the human resources team is collecting workplace violence information directly from employees

What are the 3 qualities of ethical communication of accounting information

Accuracy, clarity, and completeness are all qualities of the ethical communication of accounting information. Conciseness is NOT one

When you are planning to write an article for publication, which of the following is NOT considered to be a guideline for planning your article? Consider the publication that you want to write for and the topic you want to write about. Target your writing to the editorial practices and readers of the publication to which you're submitting the article. Always avoid controversial topics that may offend readers of the targeted publication. Consider the type of writing typically published by the targeted publication.

Always avoid controversial topics that may offend readers of the targeted publication. Pages 271-272 (May). You should not always avoid controversial topics. This depends on the editorial practices and readers of the publication.

Taylor must send a bad-news message to a client and indicate to her that he will be unable to meet a delivery deadline. What should Taylor do first? Select a soothing color of stationery for the message. Gather information about his reasons for not meeting the deadline. Write the opening of his message. Analyze the bad news to see how it will affect his reader.

Analyze the bad news to see how it will affect his reader. Page 187 (Guffey). First, Taylor should analyze the bad news so that he can anticipate its effect on the receiver. This analysis will help him choose techniques and words to reduce the pain of the bad news.

After determining your purpose for the presentation, what is your next important step? Conducting research Examining the room where the presentation will be made Preparing a multimedia presentation Analyzing the audience

Analyzing the audience Page 364 (Guffey). After determining your purpose, the second key element in preparation is analyzing your audience to understand key characteristics of the target receivers of your message. This allows you to best adapt your message to your audience to maximize message effectiveness.

In responding positively, you will want to focus your message first on resale or on the promotion of other business products. apply the same direct pattern used in making requests. start with an explanation of the reasons the request is granted. apply an indirect pattern to demonstrate respect for the recipient.

Apply the same direct pattern used in making requests Page 154 (Guffey). When you are responding positively, you should organize your message directly, just as the request was organized. Open the reply with a statement granting the request.

Which of the following is a complex sentence? Visit our website to learn more about our newest product line. The conference will be held on Monday, but few managers will be able to attend. Employers are now using social media sites to screen applicants; therefore, job seekers are advised to clean up their digital presence. Because of rising insurance premiums, many companies are offering employee-wellness incentives.

Because of rising insurance premiums, many companies are offering employee-wellness incentives. Page 68 (Guffey). "Because of rising insurance premiums, many companies are offering employee-wellness incentives" is a complex sentence. Complex sentences are often introduced by words such as "although," "since," "because," "when," and "if." Sentence patterns: Simple sentence - contains one complete thought (an independent clause) with a subject and prediicate verb: The entrepreneur saw an opportunity Compound Sentence - Contains two complete but related thoughts. May be joined by (a) a conjuction such as and, but, or or; (b) a semicolon; or (c) a conjunctive adverb such as however, consequently, and therefore: The entrepreneur saw an opportunity, and she responded immediately. Complex Sentence- Contains an independent clause (a complete thought) and a dependent clause (a thought that cannot stand by itself). Dependent clauses are often introduced by words such as although, since, because, when, and if. When dependent clauses precede independent clauses, they always are followed by a comma: When the entrepreneur saw the opportunity, she responded immediately. Compound-Complex Sentence= Contains at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause: When the entrepreneur saw the opportunity, she responded immediately; however, she needed capital

Kendra just attended a sales conference in Baltimore. She must now write a report summarizing her conference. What advice should she follow? Mention every topic that was discussed at the conference. Begin her report by identifying the event. Use a chronological organizational pattern. Avoid the use of headings or bullets so that the reader does not become distracted.

Begin her report by identifying the event. Page 263 (Guffey). Instead of being organized chronologically, trip, conference, or convention reports should focus on three to five main topics in which the reader will be most interested. In addition, the report should begin by identifying the event, summarize the main topics that might benefit others, include headings and bullets to enhance readability, close with appreciation, and include an itemized expense list, if requested.

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a technique to avoid writer's block? Plan before you write so that you know what you need to say. Write with an outline in view, but write the paper in any order you want. Begin with the most difficult sections to write. Don't strive for perfection in the draft stage.

Begin with the most difficult sections to write Page 27 (May). You should begin with the easiest sections to write, not with the most difficult sections to write.

Which of the following uses parallel structure? Our new paralegal must be smart, efficient, and have flexibility. The accident shattered her pelvis, dislocated her foot, and her spinal column was broken in three places. Big business demands superior forecasting, reporting, and analyzing. A good financial planner must be certified, competent, and must possess ethical standards.

Big business demands superior forecasting, reporting and analyzing Page 72 (Guffey). Only "Big business demands superior forecasting, reporting, and analyzing" uses parallel structure. Other choices fail to use similar grammatical structures to express similar ideas.

Corbin must inform employees that overtime pay will be reduced from the current 2.0 factor to a 1.5 factor. Because he anticipates a hostile reaction, which of the following sequences should Corbin use for the parts of his message? Bad news, explanation, reasons, and closing Bad news, reasons, buffer, and closing Buffer, reasons, bad news, and closing Buffer, explanation, reasons, and closing

Buffer, reasons, bad news, and closing Page 190 (Guffey). When a hostile reaction is anticipated, beginning with a buffer may keep the audience receptive enough to listen to Corbin's presentation of the reasons before he must present the bad news of the reduction in overtime pay. Using this indirect strategy for a bad-news message is recommended when the news is upsetting.

The closing of a bad-news message may include:

Closing a bad-news message may include any of the following: -references to an alternative if one exists -free materials, good wishes -forward look to future relations or business -resale or sales information. Do not restate the bad news Delivery bad news sensitively: buffer -> reasons -> bad news ->closing Cushioning the bad news: -position bad news strategicaly -use passive voice -highlight positive -imply the refusal -suggest compromise or an alternative Opening indirect messages with a buffer: -start with best news -compliment -appreciation -agreement -facts -understanding Apologizing -apologize promptly and sincerely -accept responsibility -use good judgment -show empathy

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a tip for the effective writer? Content: Be sure that the accounting content is correct and complete. Coherence: Structure the document so that it is coherent. Cohesiveness: Write so that all details are related to a common attribute. Clarity: Develop a style that is clear and readable.

Cohesiveness: write so that all details are related to a common attribute Page 5 (May). These are all considered to be tips for the effective writer except cohesiveness.

Lindsay is writing a property description for a new real estate brochure. To make her brochure more effective, Lindsay should anticipate her audience. This means she identifies the property's outstanding traits and describes them clearly. concentrates on the price and value of the property. writes using familiar words and a friendly, informal tone. considers what the readers are like and how they will react to the message.

Considers what the readers are like and how they will react to the message Page 42 (Guffey). When anticipating an audience, Lindsay should consider what the readers are like and how they will react. This will assist her in writing a description of the property and benefits that appeal to her audience.

Tips for helpful critiques:

DON'T Always point out the weaknesses of the writing, and then casually mention a few of the strengths Tips for helpful critiques: -reviews should be tactful and honest -point out strengths and make a few suggestions for improvements -make positive suggestions and be specific -ask if you can write your feedback on the paper itself

What advice should you follow when using down-editing to reply to an e-mail message? Do not include a courteous opening with your reply message. Avoid the use of different colors when inserting your comments. Delete the sender's message header, signature, and all unnecessary parts. Add a comment after every sentence in the original message.

Delete the sender's message header, signature, and all unnecessary parts Page 119 (Guffey). Down-editing involves inserting your responses to only parts of en e-mail message. When down-editing, begin with a courteous opening; delete the sender's message header, signature, and all unnecessary parts; and use a different color for your comments.

How should a group leader keep a meeting progressing effectively? Engage in most of the talking to ensure that the meeting ends on time. Allow group members to digress on a topic because other topics may be beneficial to explore. Discourage members who monopolize the discussion. Summarize only at the end of the meeting.

Discourage members who monopolize the discussion Page 347 (Guffey). Effective group leaders should not only discourage members who monopolize the discussion but also ask others for their contributions. Other effective techniques include minimizing their own contributions to the group and summarizing periodically.

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a step in the financial accounting research process? Identify all the issues involved. Evaluate alternative solutions and choose the one that can be best presented. Communicate your results to interested parties. Research the issues in the accounting literature.

Evaluate alternative solutions and choose the one that can be best presented Page 142 (May). A step in the financial accounting research process is the need to evaluate alternative solutions and choose the one that can be best defended.

Individuals in high-context cultures prefer direct verbal interaction, value individualism, rely on logic, say "No" directly, and give authority to written information. True False

False Page 16 (Guffey). Individuals in low-context cultures prefer direct verbal interaction, value individualism, rely on logic, say "No" directly, and give authority to written information. They also are generally less proficient in reading nonverbal cues and communicate in highly structured, detailed messages with literal meanings.

The body of a letter is divided logically into discussions of each topic. Arrange the topics in ascending order of importance from the reader's point of view. True False

False Page 164 (May). The topics should be arranged in descending order from the reader's point of view.

The following sentence is an effective apology statement to include in an adjustment message: I'm sorry for any inconvenience we may have caused. True False

False Page 165 (Guffey). This statement sounds mechanical and insincere. A better apology statement might be "We're sorry you didn't receive better service." Use the direct strategy

The following sentence is an example of an effective explanation: Company policy prevents us from exchanging your defective wireless router more than 30 days after you purchased it. True False

False Page 194 (Guffey). Readers resent blanket policy statements prohibiting something. They appreciate when you explain the reasoning behind it and how it benefits them.

In denial messages you must establish the proper tone and use you statements such as You would have known that cash refunds are not available if you had read the receipt. True False

False Page 201 (Guffey). The tone of a denial message is important. Therefore, you should avoid preachy "you" statements (You would have known that cash refunds are not available if you had read the receipt). Instead, use neutral, objective language to explain the reasons for the denial.

Feasibility reports analyze a problem, discuss options, and present a recommendation, solution, or action to be taken. True False

False Page 268 (Guffey). Justification/recommendation reports analyze a problem, discuss options, and present a recommendation, solution, or action to be taken.

The first step in preparing a report is to conduct research. True False

False Page 291 (Guffey). The first step of every report should begin with the writing of a purpose statement that defines the focus of the report and provides a standard that keeps the project on target. Purpose statements include action verbs that tell the reader what you intend to do.

The sentence Our company experienced an increase in profits during the last fiscal year uses precise, vigorous wording. True False

False Page 51 (Guffey). This sentence contains imprecise language: an increase in profits. It should be revised to give the receiver of the message more information: Our company experienced a 25 percent increase in profits during the last fiscal year.

The following sentence is clear and concise: There are many account representatives who can help you with your order. True False

False Page 90 (Guffey). "There are" is a useless filler. It takes up space and adds excess words to your writing. The sentence could be better expressed as "Many account representatives can help you with your order."

The following sentence demonstrates effective business writing: Our purchasing department will give consideration to the RFP submitted by Powertex. True False

False Page 94 (Guffey). This sentence needlessly converts a verb (consider) into a wordy noun expression (give consideration to), adding sentence length, draining verb strength, slowing the reader, and muddying the thought. Rewrite the sentence: Our purchasing department will consider the RFP submitted by Powertex.

In block letter style, headings are flush left, but paragraphs and some other elements are indented. True False

False Pages 151-152 (Guffey). Block formatted letters set all elements (inside address, date, salutation, body, complimentary close, and signature block) flush left. This format creates a professional appearance and helps to ensure that your letters will make a good impression.

The sentence You must submit your application by Friday is a more effective business message than Please submit your application by Friday. True or False

False Pages 47-49 (Guffey). Wording messages courteously by adding words like "please" is more effective than using words that sound demanding or preachy (You must).

Which of the following is NOT a helpful tip for apologizing in a negative-news message? Be sincere and explain what you will do to prevent recurrence. Accept responsibility. Focus on your regret. Use good judgment, and do not admit blame without consulting your supervisor.

Focus on your regret Pages 192-193 (Guffey). Helpful tips for effective apologies include being sincere, accepting responsibility, and using good judgment. Focusing on your regret will not convey sincerity or improve your message.

Which of the following is NOT considered to be an effective way to reply to a letter written by someone else? Reread carefully the letter you received, noting questions that need answers or ideas that need your comment. If your letter contains bad news, such as the denial of a request, identify the subject of the letter in the closing paragraph. Answer all your correspondent's questions fully and cover all relevant topics in sufficient detail. If your letter is good news, or at least neutral, state clearly and positively the letter's main idea.

If your letter contains bad news, such as the denial of a request, identify the subject of the letter in the closing paragraph. • If your letter contains bad news, such as the denial of a request, identify the subject of the letter in the opening paragraph. State the explicit refusal later in the body of the letter. • If your letter is good news, or at least neutral, state clearly and positively the letter's main idea.

Niccolo is nervous about his upcoming presentation. Which of these techniques will overcome his case of nerves and allow Niccolo to deliver a good presentation? Hold his breath as long as he can to clear his head. Tell the audience that he's nervous to get them to empathize with him. Ignore any stumbles and keep going. Avoid using visual aids.

Ignore any stumbles and keep going. Page 381 (Guffey). If Niccolo makes a mistake during his presentation, he shouldn't apologize or confess his nervousness. If he keeps going, the audience will forget any mistakes quickly. // Breathe deeply, convert your fear, know your topic and come prepared, use positive self-talk, take a sip of water, shift the spotlight to your visuals, feel proud when you finish

Katherine must use headings in a report. What should she do to make sure that her headings are effective? Place first- and second-level headings in all capital letters. Use a period after each stand-alone bolded heading. End a page with a heading to entice her audience to read the report further. Include at least one heading per report page.

Include at least one heading per report page Page 259 (Guffey). To make her headings effective, Katherine should use appropriate heading levels, use parallel construction in all levels, capitalize and underline headings carefully, keep headings short but clear, punctuate headings appropriately, and include at least one heading per report page.

When you organize an analytical report indirectly, in what order should the ideas be presented? Introduction/problem, conclusions/recommendations, facts/findings, and discussion/analysis Introduction/background, facts/findings, and summary Introduction/problem, facts/findings, discussion/analysis, and conclusions/recommendations The indirect strategy does not follow a set order of ideas.

Introduction/problem, facts/findings, discussion/analysis, and conclusions/recommendations Page 254 (Guffey). When the conclusions and recommendations, if requested, appear at the end of the report, the organizational strategy is indirect. Such reports usually begin with an introduction or description of the problem, followed by facts and explanations. They end with conclusions and recommendations.

Which sentence avoids redundant expressions? It is absolutely essential that our accounting records are accurate. Let's not repeat our competitor's mistakes. Please refer back to the June financial statements. I want to thank each and every stockholder.

Let's not repeat our competitor's mistakes Page 90 (Guffey). "Let's not repeat our competitor's mistakes" contains no redundancies. "Absolutely essential," "refer back," and "each and every" are all redundancies that could be replaced with more concise wording (essential, refer, each).

Which of the following sentences demonstrates clear writing? A supervisor asked everyone to work an extra day. A supervisor asked production employees to work an extra day. A supervisor asked everyone to work on Saturday. Lindsey Goulet asked production employees to work on Saturday.

Lindsey Goulet asked production employees to work on Saturday Page 95 (Guffey). The only clear sentence is "Lindsey Goulet asked production employees to work on Saturday." This sentence is clear because it uses concrete nouns (Lindsey Goulet, production employees, Saturday) rather than unclear nouns (Our supervisor, day) or pronouns (everyone).

In what phase of team development do members select alternatives, analyze effects, implement their plan, and manage their project? Forming Norming Storming Performing

Performing Page 340 (Guffey). When team members select alternatives, analyze effects, implement their plan, and manage their project, they are in the performing phase of team development. However, some teams may never reach this final stage.

Yolanda must include a long table in a report she is preparing on employee Internet use. What advice should she follow when creating the table? Avoid distracting her readers with shading. Place the table as close as possible to its text discussion. Leave missing data blank. Because the emphasis is on the data, avoid the use of headings for each row.

Place the table as close as possible to its text discussion. Page 304 (Guffey). Yolanda should place the table as close as possible to its text discussion. She should also use "N/A" to note missing data, use clear headings for each row and column, and shade alternate lines in longer tables.

All of the following are effective techniques for softening bad news except suggesting a compromise or an alternative. positioning the bad news at the beginning or end of a paragraph. placing the bad news in a subordinate clause. using passive-voice verbs.

Positioning the bad news at the beginning or end of a paragraph Pages 195-196 (Guffey). These techniques can cushion bad news: positioning the bad news in the middle of a paragraph, placing the bad news in a subordinate clause, using passive-voice verbs, highlighting the positive, implying the refusal, and suggesting a compromise or an alternative.

Irina will make her presentation to a large audience of members whose negative attitudes range from displeased to outraged. What advice should Irina follow in preparing her presentation for this audience? Include plenty of personal stories, several anecdotes, and lots of jokes or humor. Use facts, statistics, and expert opinions along with an energizing, upbeat delivery style. Be humorous, add colorful visuals and startling statistics, and keep the presentation brief. Present objective data and expert opinion in a calm, controlled delivery style

Present objective data and expert opinion in a calm, controlled delivery style. Page 364 (Guffey). See Figure 12.2. Because she faces a hostile audience, Irina should plan to present objective data and expert opinion in a calm and controlled delivery.

Business writing should be economical. In this context economical can best be defined as presenting ideas clearly and concisely. concentrating on the receiver's perspective instead of your own. solving problems and conveying information. getting your audience to believe and accept your message.

Presenting ideas clearly and concisely Page 39 (Guffey). Business writing should solve a problem, use the appropriate channel, and be written from the receiver's perspective. However, "economical" identifies the qualities of conciseness and clarity.

Which of the following is a talking heading? IT Outsourcing Savings Cost Savings Projected Cost Savings for IT Outsourcing

Projected Cost Savings for IT Outsourcing Page 259 (Guffey). "Projected Cost Savings for IT Outsourcing" is a talking heading. Talking headings describe content and provide more information to the reader than functional headings.

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a guideline when you are writing for a blog? Provide a summary statement at the end of your message. Review what has already been written on the topic. Keep it short. Write clear, descriptive headlines.

Provide a summary statement at the end of your message. Page 236 (May). These are all guidelines to follow when you are writing for a blog except the item that states that you should provide a summary statement at the end of your message.

Your boss is giving instructions for a new method of keeping expense accounts. However, you find it difficult to concentrate because you think the change is unnecessary. What type of barrier to effective listening are you experiencing? language problem barrier psychological barrier physical barrier nonverbal distraction barrier

Psychological barrier Page 10 (Guffey). You are experiencing a psychological barrier, which results from having different cultural, ethical, and personal values. Language barriers refer to word choices, physical barriers refer to problems in the setting, and nonverbal barriers refer to body language and other delivery dynamics.

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a guideline to keep in mind as you compose an email message? Put important ideas last. Begin with a salutation. Use conventional grammar and mechanics. Use an email signature.

Put important ideas last. Pages 228-229 (May). You should put important ideas first, not last.

When business writers request information or action that will likely be received positively, they should frontload their messages, which requires including an attachment. proofreading only the beginning of a letter. including a salutation or greeting. putting the most significant statement first

Putting the most significant statement first Page 153 (Guffey). When business writers request information or action that will likely be received positively, they should "frontload" their messages, which means putting the most significant statement first.

Which of the following sentences demonstrates active-voice verbs? Superior writing skills are required by many employers. Employee use of e-mail was monitored by management. Research indicates a correlation between strong writing skills and promotions. The proposals were carefully reviewed by the screening committee.

Research indicates a correlation between strong writing skills and promotions. Page 255-256 (Guffey). Using active-voice verbs is one way you can demonstrate an informal writing style. Only "Research indicates a correlation between strong writing skills and promotions" demonstrates active-voice verbs. In active-voice sentences, the subject (also called the actor) performs the action. In passive-voice sentences, the subject receives the action. Active-voice sentences are more direct because they reveal the performer immediately. Usually the sentences starts wit the subject followed by the verb

Workers who communicate successfully with diverse audiences must make few assumptions, learn about their own and other cultures, and seek common ground. help others conform. avoid noticing differences. encourage group thinking.

Seek common ground Page 23 (Guffey). Successful communicators avoid assumptions; learn about all cultures; invite, use, and give feedback; and seek common ground. Pretending differences don't exist or trying to help others conform will not improve your communication success with diverse populations who desire to be recognized and respected.

Professional behavior is comprised of six dimensions, including courtesy and respect, appearance and appeal, tolerance and tact, honesty and ethics, reliability and diligence, and soft and hard skills. self-actualization and self-control. sharing and collegiality. education and training.

Sharing and collegiality Page 329 (Guffey). The six dimensions of professional behavior include courtesy and respect, appearance and appeal, tolerance and tact, honesty and ethics, reliability and diligence, and sharing and collegiality.

Why do some employers forbid employees to use instant messaging (IM) and texting? Instant messaging and texting are more expensive to use than faxes or phone calls. Some employers consider IM and texting distractions. Delivery of instant and text messages takes longer than e-mail message delivery. According to federal regulations, businesses cannot conduct business using instant or text messaging.

Some employers consider IM and texting distractions Page 123 (Guffey). Many companies forbid instant messaging and texting because they fear the loss of productivity caused by frequent interruptions. Other fears include hackers gaining access to privileged information and company records or employing "phishing" schemes, viruses, malware, and spim (IM spam)

Which of the following is not an example of a soft skill? communicating effectively tabulating statistical information solving problems making ethical decisions

Tabulating statistical information Page 5 (Guffey). Soft skills are essential career attributes that include the ability to communicate, work well with others, solve problems, make ethical decisions, and appreciate diversity.

Which of the following should NOT be included in your résumé in the area for work experience? The dates of employment. The name and location of the organization for which you worked. The names of colleagues who are willing to provide favorable reviews of your performance. A description of your responsibilities, with emphasis on the ones that show you are qualified for the job you are now seeking.

The names of colleagues who are willing to provide favorable reviews of your performance. Page 260 (May). Each of these items should be included in the area for work experience except the names of colleagues who are willing to provide favorable reviews.

What advice should you follow when preparing a table of contents? Avoid leaders (spaced dots) on a table of contents to avoid confusing the reader. Include only the front matter components and the main body headings and subheadings. Center all major headings. Title the page Contents or Table of Contents.

Title the page Contents or Table of Contents. Page 309 (Guffey). Label this page "Contents" or "Table of Contents" and include all front matter components, the body section's main headings and subheadings, and any back matter sections. In addition, left-align all major headings, and include leaders to help the reader locate the appropriate page numbers.

All of the following are reasons businesses use wikis except to improve the brand image of a company. to generate feedback from employees before and after meetings. to collect and share information to large audiences creating a database for important company information. to facilitate project management.

To improve the brand image of a company Page 127 (Guffey). Businesses use wikis for the following reasons: to share information between corporate headquarters and satellite offices, to collect and share information to large audiences creating a database for important company information, to generate feedback from employees before and after meetings, and to facilitate project management.

Effective teams often have no formal leader. True False

True Page 342 (Guffey). Effective teams often have no formal leader. Instead, leadership rotates to those with the appropriate expertise as the team evolves and moves from one phase to another.

When a conflict develops between two members, allow each to make a complete case before the group. True False

True Page 347 (Guffey). Conflict typically develops when people feel unheard or misunderstood. If two people clash, the best approach is to encourage each to make a complete case while group members listen.

Good organization and intentional repetition are the two most powerful keys to audience comprehension and retention. True False

True Page 365 (Guffey). Good organization and intentional repetition are two powerful keys to audience comprehension and retention.

The following sentence effectively uses a stylistic device to de-emphasize the bad news: Although we don't have any available positions at this time, we were pleased to receive your application and will keep it on file for six months. True False

True Page 72 (Guffey). This sentence effectively de-emphasizes the bad news by placing it in the dependent clause. The good news is in the independent clause, which receives the major emphasis of the sentence. Other stylistic devises are: Use general words to de-emphasize harsh words or bad news. Subordinate the bad news. Place the bad news in a dependent clause connected to an independent clause that contains something positive.

The following sentence contains a dangling or misplaced modifier: Working all night, the brief was filed with the court on time. True False

True Page 73 (Guffey). This sentence contains a dangling modifier. This revision fixes the error: Working all night, we filed the brief with the court on time.

Millie needs to research customer reactions. She should consider a blog because blogs can produce unbiased consumer feedback more quickly and cheaply than familiar techniques like focus groups and surveys. True False

True Pages 128-129 (Guffey). Millie should consider a blog. Marketing firms and their clients are looking closely at blogs because blogs can produce unbiased consumer feedback faster and more cheaply than such staples of consumer research as focus groups and surveys.

Summary sentences are used throughout a memo to make it more coherent. True False

True Summary sentences are important in other places in a document, especially at the beginning of each section and in the conclusion.

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a situation in which to use a comma? Use a comma following an introductory adverbial clause. Use a comma following transitional expressions and long introductory phrases. Use a comma to set off restrictive clauses and phrases. Use a comma to set off contrasted elements.

Use a comma to set off restrictive clauses and phrases. Pages 91-92 (May). You must use a comma to set off nonrestrictive clauses and elements, not restrictive clauses and elements.

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a question to consider about the publication in which you hope to publish your writing? Who are the readers of the publication? What format, organization, and length do the publication's editors prefer? What writing style do the readers prefer? What style of documentation does the publication use?

What writing style do the readers prefer? Page 274 (May). You should consider the writing style preferred by the editors, not the readers.

Effective communicators avoid the flabby expression in addition to the above by using the word(s) in addition. also. as well as the previously mentioned. along with the aforementioned.

also Page 88 (Guffey). "In addition to the above" could be written more concisely as "also."

An effective proposal should do all of the following except showcase the writer's expertise and build credibility. emphasize how the writer's methods and products will benefit the reader. get the reader's attention. analyze findings, draw conclusions, and make recommendations intended to solve a problem. View question 12 feedback

analyze findings, draw conclusions, and make recommendations intended to solve a problem. Page 287 (Guffey). Proposals must get the reader's attention, emphasize how your methods and products will benefit the reader, showcase your expertise and build credibility, and present ideas clearly and logically. Formal reports, not proposals, analyze findings, draw conclusions, and make recommendations intended to solve a problem.

When you receive an assignment to write a report, you should begin the report-writing process by

analyzing or determining the purpose Pages 259 (Guffey). The first step in writing a report is analyzing or determining the problem the report will address.

Follow all of these guidelines to deliver your presentation effectively except present your first sentence from memory. begin speaking immediately; that is, speak as soon as you are behind the lectern. control your voice and your vocabulary. show enthusiasm.

begin speaking immediately; that is, speak as soon as you are behind the lectern. Pages 382-383 (Guffey). Use a silent pause before starting a presentation to establish control; then present the first sentence from memory. Other tips include showing enthusiasm, controlling your voice and vocabulary, and pausing and pacing the presentation effectively.

The emphasis on a technical memo is:

conclusions They might want to read about the facts you considered as well as your analytical reasoning; in fact, some readers will carefully evaluate the soundness of your data and methodology. However, their first concern is with the conclusions.

Tips for the Effective Writer

content critical thinking appropriateness for readers conciseness clarity - write as simply as possible coherence - logical, orderly relationship of ideas revision - polished and professional, free of errors

All of the following are helpful tips to deliver a bad-news message personally in the workplace except consider taking a partner if you fear a "shoot the messenger" reaction. focus on the future and avoid discussing the past or present. think about timing, and do not deliver bad news on a Friday afternoon. prepare and rehearse; outline what you plan to say.

focus on the future and avoid discussing the past or present. Pages 201-202 (Guffey). When delivering a bad-news message personally in the workplace, you should discuss the past, the present, and the future to provide a complete picture of the situation. It is also appropriate to be well prepared, to take a partner if a hostile reaction is likely, and to avoid a Friday afternoon.

Jessica tells her audience about her five years' experience as a social networking professional helping over 100 local businesses learn to use social networking as an effective marketing tool. Jessica is attempting to capture her listeners' attention and get them involved. preview the main points of her presentation. present the main goals of her presentation. identify herself and establish credibility.

identify herself and establish credibility. Page 365 (Guffey). Stating these facts in a presentation is a way to identify the speaker and establish credibility.

Speakers build audience rapport by researching thoroughly and organizing the speech effectively. establishing credibility and demonstrating authority. incorporating imagery, supplying verbal signposts, and using body language strategically. speaking loudly, clearly, and rapidly.d

incorporating imagery, supplying verbal signposts, and using body language strategically. Pages 369-370 (Guffey). Speakers can build rapport by connecting with their audiences through verbal and nonverbal techniques. Some of these techniques include providing effective imagery, supplying verbal signposts, and using body language strategically.

When granting a customer's claim, a business communicator should include an opening in an adjustment message that summarizes the reader's claim and request. presents the good news immediately. explains and clarifies the company's position. builds goodwill.

presents the good news immediately Page 163 (Guffey). Because the claim is being granted, the good news should be revealed immediately.

Which of the following is NOT considered to be one of the major sentence errors? subject-verb agreement fragments comma splices fused (or run-on) sentences

subject-verb agreement Page 81 (May). Each of these problems is a major sentence error except subject-verb agreement. Sentence Faults: (Fragments) Because most transactions require a permanent record. Good writing skills are critical. -> Because most transactions require a permanent record, good writing skills are critical (Run-on or Fused sentence) Many job seekers prepare traditional résumés some also use digital portfolio websites. -> Many job seekers prepare traditional résumés. Some also use digital portfolio websites. (Comma splice) Mack preferred his desktop computer, Nadia preferred her tablet. -> Mack preferred his desktop computer, but Nadia preferred her tablet.

In an effective presentation conclusion, you will strive to accomplish three goals: state your recommendation, prove your persuasion, and reinforce the purpose. remind the audience of your credibility, review the attention getter, and restate the purpose. summarize the main themes, give the audience a memorable take-away, and include a statement that allows for a graceful exit. promote your primary claim, advance your supporting claims, and elevate the most viable evidence.

summarize the main themes, give the audience a memorable take-away, and include a statement that allows for a graceful exit. Page 368 (Guffey). Your conclusion has three primary tasks: review the main themes of the presentation, leave the audience with a memorable take-away, and include a statement that allows you to exit the podium gracefully.

Empathic writers use more first-person pronouns than second-person pronouns in their messages. try to give something to the receiver. think about their needs before the receiver's needs. All answer choices reflect techniques used by empathic writers.

try to give something to the receiver Page 44 (Guffey). Empathic writers think about how a receiver will decode a message. They also try to give something to the receiver, solve the receiver's problems, save the receiver money, or just understand the feelings and position of the other person.