FBLA Introduction to Business Communication (Use This)

What is the proper use of parentheses? a. remember the parentheses emphasizes the information b. avoid other marks of punctuation in the paragraph c. use them in pairs, not spacing after the opening or before the closing one d. always place a mark of punctuation in front of the opening parenthesis

c. use them in pairs, not spacing after the opening or before the closing one

How do you write AM and PM?

(a.m. & p.m.) lowercased and separated by periods

Adverse

(adj) unfavorable, negative; working against, hostile

Adjective

A word that describes a noun

Verb

An action word

In proofreading, "stet" means . . .

Cancel the correction (Ignore)

Relative Pronoun

Linked group of words preceding noun or pronoun (Examples: who, which, that)

In proofreading, the "/" means . . .

Lowercase

Noun

A person, place, thing, or idea

Action Verb

A verb that expresses action

Adverb

A word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb

Conjunction

A word used to join words or groups of words

Transitive Verb

An action verb that has a direct object

In proofreading, the three horizontal lines under a letter means . . .

Capitalize

In proofreading, the horizontal parentheses means . . .

Close the space

Linking Verb

Connects the subject to a word or word group that identifies or describes the subject

In proofreading, the scribble means . . .

Delete

Helping Verb

Helps the main verb express action or a state of being

Demonstrative pronoun

Points out a person, place, thing, or idea (this, that, these, those)

Interrogative pronoun

Pronoun that asks a question; examples: who, whom, whose, what, which

Indefinite pronoun

Pronoun that does not refer to a specific, person, place, thing, or idea (everyone, everything, everybody, anybody, many, most, few, each, some, someone, all, nothing, nobody, and no one)

Personal Pronoun

Refers to the one speaking (first person), the one spoken to (second person), or the one spoken about (third person).

In proofreading, the "~" means . . .

Reverse Words or letters

What is a complex sentence?

Sentence with one independent clause and one dependent clause. Ex. Although she was considered smart, she failed all her exams.

In proofreading, the "sp." means . . .

Spelling Mistake

Select the synonym for the fuselage of a plane. a. body b. tail c. propeller d. wings

a. body

Averse

having a deep-seated distaste; opposed, unwilling

Reflexive Pronoun

pronoun that ends in -self or -selves

Which is the group in the following sentence? Norway is one of the Scandinavian countries. A) small B) countries C) Scandinavian D) Denmark

B) countries

Pronoun

A word that takes the place of a noun. (She, He)

In proofreading, the two lines with a C means . . .

Begin a new paragraph

Hong's memo that describes new steps for merchandise returns should use which one of the following techniques for emphasis? A) phrases B) numbered list C) bulleted list D) talking heads

B) numbered list

Interjection

A word that expresses emotion and has no grammatical relation to the rest of the sentence.

Preposition

A word that shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun to another word. (In, at, on, around)

Which sentence has the correct verb usage? A) A number of clients are requesting refunds. B) A number of clients is requesting refunds. C) A number of our clients is requesting refunds. D) A number of our clients is refunds requesting?

A) A number of clients are requesting refunds.

Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly? A) The women's room is just around the corner. B) The womens' room is just around the corner. C) The womens room is just around the corner. D) The women room is just around the corner.

A) The women's room is just around the corner.

Which one of the following is not a prefix? A) ed B) pseudo C) re D) un

A) ed

Communication can flow within an organization A) horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. B) just vertically in most organizations. C) inside or outside departments only. D) Just horizontally in most organizations.

A) horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

In proofreading, the period with circle around it means . . .

Add a period

When is a colon used?

Before a list or something important or a quotation (but never right after a verb). To introduce lists or to explain/clarify the first sentence

Which one of the following sentences does not use proper capitalization? A) Bryan Morris, vice president, is responsible for that account. B) Students entering the MBA program must complete accounting 6093 and finance 5133. C) The manager approved the quarterly report. D) It is a difficult winter for traveling.

B) Students entering the MBA program must complete accounting 6093 and finance 5133.

Should we stay in Miami or should we stay in Tampa? The word "or" is a(n): A) verb B) conjunction C) pronoun D) interjection

B) conjunction

Which one of the following is the most effective heading in a memo report to employees? A) Benefits Will Undergo Radical Alterations in Forthcoming Fiscal Year B) How Do Benefit Changes Affect You? C) Employee Benefits D) Benefit Cuts

B) How Do Benefit Changes Affect You?

When you are unsure about word pronunciation and the dictionary shows two choices: a. the first one listed is the preferred pronunciation b. realize that all words listed may not be appropriate in the business c. decide if you want to review the syllables and the accent marks d. alternate the two pronunciations to give variety

a. the first one listed is the preferred pronunciation

Which sentence contains a punctuation error? A) Did you respond to the R.S.V.P. yet? B) My neighbor is a manager at Williams Bros. in Danville. C) They will be visiting in Saint Croix. D) The building materials cost $1200.00 for each building.

C) They will be visiting in Saint Croix.

What punctuation mark is missing in the following sentence? The President needed the entire new cabinet including Secretary of State, Secretary Treasurer, and Attorney General. A) dash B) semicolon C) colon D) hyphen

C) colon

The following phrase can have more than one implied meaning. A) send an email B) no way! C) stand your ground D) select your dessert

C) stand your ground

Major clarifying questions include: A) do, which, what, and when B) how, does, what, and where C) what, when, where, and why D) how much, which ones, when, and why

C) what, when, where, and why

Give the password to _______ you please. A) however B) whoesever C) whomever D) whoever

C) whomever

Which one of the proofreading marks below is incorrect? A) ^ means insert something here B) = means align at the top or bottom C) @ means at D) # means insert the word pound

D) # means insert the word pound

Which one of the following sentences is hyphenated correctly? A) This is a device that is attention-getting. B) She is a widely-quoted authority. C) He gave a lecture that was hard-to-follow. D) We need an up-to-date price list.

D) We need an up-to-date price list.

Reports typically A) include opinions. B) are vague by design. C) include detailed information. D) evaluate a specific topic.

D) evaluate a specific topic.

Critical listening involves: A) interaction among the audience B) raising your hand to indicate you have a question about the current topic C) knowing what to expect before the presentation begins D) examining and analyzing a spoken message for accuracy and reliability

D) examining and analyzing a spoken message for accuracy and reliability

What is enunciation? A) mumbling words B) freedom C) speaking quickly D) speaking clearly and emphasizing each syllable

D) speaking clearly and emphasizing each syllable

When is a dash used?

Dashes are used to separate groups of words, not to separate parts of words like a hyphen does.

When is a hyphen used?

If two like vowels occur between word roots

Ellipses

Indicated by a series of three periods (...) Shows that words have been omitted or pause in speech.

In proofreading, the mark "^" means . . .

Insert

Coordinating Conjunctions

Join two sentences of equal importance. FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)

In proofreading, the "#" means . . .

Make a space

indefinite pronouns (plural)

both, few, many, others, several

8 Parts of Speech? Which is NOT a part of speech?

Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Adjective, Adverb, Conjunction, Preposition, Interjection Subject is NOT a part of speech

Experts recommend that sentences used in business and technical documents not exceed __ words. a. 35 b. 20 c. 17 d. 25

c. 17

When is a semicolon used?

To combine 2 independent clauses that convey closely related ideas.

What is a compound sentence?

Two or more independent clauses joined with a comma and coordinating conjunction. Ex. I like coffee, and Mary likes tea.

Jargon

Vocabulary distinctive to a particular group of people.

In a report, visual aids should be acknowledged: a. as a source just as in other documentation of sources b. if the visual is a chart c. if the chart has a source note already on it d. only if the author requires it legally

a. as a source just as in other documentation of sources

The Cs of good communication are commonly known as: a. clear, correct, concise b. complete, consistent, and courteous c. comprehensive d. computer-friendly

a. clear, correct, concise

Select the word that means to be mentally awake. a. conscious b. conscience

a. conscious

Which verb completes this sentence correctly? By the time the company expanded, James ___ there for three years. a. had worked b. worked c. will be working d. will have worked

a. had worked

Randy is very ___ that does not mean he is always right. a. intelligent, but b. intelligent; But c. intelligent; but d. intellgent but

a. intelligent, but

Proofread carefully all names and addresses because: a. most of us immediately dislike seeing our name misspelled b. addresses are automated by the post office c. addresses cannot be changed except by the postal office d. names are an impersonal part of a letter

a. most of us immediately dislike seeing our name misspelled

A listening barrier can be anything that interferes in the process such as: a. physical distractions b. hearing clearly c. appropriate preparation d. analyzing the process

a. physical distractions

Your contractor indicated the old house would be: a. razed b. raised

a. razed

If the receiver senses a difference between the sender's verbal and nonverbal message, the receiver: a. will believe what he or she sees b. may file a discrimination claim c. may ask for a clarification once d. will believe what he or she hears

a. will believe what he or she sees

When presenting a feasibility study, your role is not to persuade the reader to accept the decision so: a. you will present the decision immediately b. look at the benefits briefly c. exclude the background to save time d. minimize any costs of the proposal

a. you will present the decision immediately

Indefinite pronouns (singular)

another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, little, much, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, other, somebody, someone, something

Which sentence contains a correct verb-preposition combination? a. I wish this project were over with. b. Did you agree with the president's statement? c. The team always argues with something in the playbook. d. He felt he could not agree with that plan.

b. Did you agree with the president's statement?

Which one of the following organization techniques is recommended by speech experts? a. Preview the topic, develop the main points, and thank the audience. b. Repeat your main points in the introduction, body, and conclusion. c. Use no formal structure because it makes the speech too stiff. d. State the topic in the introduction, a thesis in the body, and your main points in the conclusion.

b. Repeat your main points in the introduction, body, and conclusion.

In which sentence is the word "near" used as an adjective? a. We will probably find the store map near the entrance. b. Since the holidays are near, we must finish the road repair as quickly as possible. c. The new headquarters is near my uncle's office. d. If you sit near me in the meeting, I will introduce you to the others.

b. Since the holidays are near, we must finish the road repair as quickly as possible.

Which sentence contains an error in the use of a preposition? a. The director was accompanied by two assistants. b. The driver took us in a newly developed office park. c. I will be available every morning except Friday. d. That hotel is not convenient to the conference site.

b. The driver took us in a newly developed office park.

Which one of the following is likely to cause an audience to have no opinions? a. ego b. apathy c. values d. disinterest

b. apathy

Words that end in sis form plurals by: a. changing the word to another one that is easier b. changing sis to ses c. hyphenating each word d. adding an apostrophe and s

b. changing sis to ses

Upon starting its ___ into the Denver airport, the plane began to rock violently. a. dissent b. descent

b. descent

The first step to prepare for a presentation is to: a. secure materials for the presentation b. determine the purpose c. analyze the audience d. organize and select visual aids

b. determine the purpose

Pleasant sounding words that take the place of unpleasant or awkward subjects are: a. facts b. euphemisms c. opinions d. motivators

b. euphemisms

When you need to discuss items that can be counted, you use the word: a. less b. fewer

b. fewer

Applying the rule of i before e except after c, select the correctly spelled word. a. recieve b. grief c. retreive d. decieve

b. grief

Your boss has just told you that you speak in a monotone when you give sales presentations. What do you need to work on? a. pronunciation b. pitch c. voice quality d. volume

b. pitch

Before the advent of computers, to show the title of a complete work such as books, ______was (were) often used. a. dashes b. underlining c. quotes d. parentheses

b. underlining

Planning, writing, and revising are the three main stages of the: a. practice session b. writing process c. audience participation d. spell check

b. writing process

_________ and _______ are placed inside quotation marks. a. Italics; brackets b. Question marks; exclamation marks c. Periods; commas d. Semi-colons; colons

c. Periods; commas

Determine the sentence below that shows a correct infinitive usage. a. To seriously write checks to pay bills is my method. b. Joseph needs to carefully study the rules. c. Raymond made the decision to train for the Olympics. d. Taking care of business means to consistently work late hours.

c. Raymond made the decision to train for the Olympics.

Decide which sentence below represents the present tense of the verb. a. They will have moved into their new apartment by June. b. Javier talked to Saip yesterday also. c. Saip is talking to his brother on the computer. d. The brothers have written to each other several times.

c. Saip is talking to his brother on the computer.

The following phrase is usually considered trite: "Thank you in advance". Which alternate below would you use instead? a. Let me thank you in advance b. Thanking you in advance, I am c. Thank you for d. I want to take the opportunity to thank you for

c. Thank you for

Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly? a. The mens room is just around the corner. b. The mens' room is just around the corner. c. The men's room is just around the corner. d. The men room is just around the corner.

c. The men's room is just around the corner.

You have analyzed your audience and believe that audience members will be hostile. What should you avoid during your presentation? a. visual aids and startling statistics b. objective data and expert opinions c. a question-and-answer period d. a delivery style that includes direct eye contact or slow, even speech

c. a question-and-answer period

A proper punctuation mark to use after a salutation in a business letter is the: a. semi-colon b. comma c. colon d. dash

c. colon

Which word in this sentence is a preposition? The data that you requested last Friday should arrive in tomorrow's mail. a. that b. mail c. in d. last

c. in

Reports usually a. include opinions of the author b. evaluate how people will receive the report c. include facts based on research d. follow an agenda

c. include facts based on research

Subordinating conjunction

connects an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses (since, before, unless, however)

Select the sentence that shows proper capitalization. a. I spent a week in the City of Rome. b. Did you eat French Fries for lunch today? c. She owns a house in cook county in Georgia. d. A popular website is Google which can be accessed on the Internet.

d. A popular website is Google which can be accessed on the Internet.

Which one of the following sentences is punctuated correctly? a. For the holidays, I'm going to Chicago, Illinois to visit my grandparents. b. For the holiday's, I'm going to Chicago, Illinois, to visit my grandparents. c. For the holidays I'm going to Chicago, Illinois, to visit my grandparents. d. For the holidays, I'm going to Chicago, Illinois, to visit my grandparents.

d. For the holidays, I'm going to Chicago, Illinois, to visit my grandparents.

Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly? a. Stacy's car which is twelve years old still runs just fine. b. Stacy's car, which is twelve years old still runs just fine. c. Stacys car, which is twelve years old, still runs just fine. d. Stacy's car, which is twelve years old, still runs just fine.

d. Stacy's car, which is twelve years old, still runs just fine.

Which sentence makes a comparison? a. This company is also more productive than any company of its size. b. The atmosphere at this company is more friendlier than the atmosphere where I worked previously. c. In addition, the benefits here are better than Cromwell Company. d. The employees here are the friendliest employees that I have ever met.

d. The employees here are the friendliest employees that I have ever met.

Select the sentence below that has the correct object of the preposition. a. Who did you speak to? b. I did see you at the meeting with he and she. c. Did you send the check to myself? d. With whom did you work on the FBLA project?

d. With whom did you work on the FBLA project?

The body of a short, 20-minute presentation should focus on: a. up to ten main points b. as many points as necessary to get your point across c. at least five to eight main points d. approximately two to four main points

d. approximately two to four main points

If you drop flabby expressions, unnecessary introductory words, get rid of redundant expressions, and eliminate useless words, your writing will be: a. cautious b. comprehensive c. complete d. more concise

d. more concise

Oral presentations are often enhanced by software such as: a. database software b. spreadsheet software c. word processing software d. presentation software

d. presentation software

Human resources refer to the criteria about discrimination and its groups as: a. discrimination criteria b. quid pro quo c. sexual harassment studies d. protected groups

d. protected groups

A colleague mentioned that she had trouble understanding your most recent presentation to the staff because you spoke too quickly. What should you focus on during your next presentation? a. volume b. uptalk c. pitch d. rate

d. rate

Words can be concrete or abstract. Select the concrete word. a. privacy b. value c. efficiency d. telephone

d. telephone

What is plagiarism? a. not likely to result in a lawsuit b. required to become a good researcher c. a legal option in research d. using someone's materials without giving credit

d. using someone's materials without giving credit

Compound-Complex Sentence

two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses