6: Writing for Your Readers

Which of the following examples shows a comma splice?

The 728B polo shirt is our most popular model, it offers an unequaled blend of comfort and durability.

What is an advance organizer?

any text that indicates the background, purpose, scope, and organization of the discussion that follows it

Of the options below, which is the most effective way to organize a discussion highlighting important events in your company's 31-year history?

chronological

Of the options listed below, which is the most effective way to organize a document describing the events that led to an Internet company's bankruptcy?

chronological

Of the options listed below, which is the most effective way to organize a document explaining which of three different trucks your company ought to buy for its fleet?

comparison and contrast

Chapter 6 suggests that the passive voice is generally more appropriate than the active voice in four circumstances. One is when the agent is clear from the context, as in "Students are required to take both writing courses," in which it is clear that the college sets the requirements. Under what other circumstances is the passive voice generally more appropriate?

All responses are correct.

A writer at ColdTec Accounting has just completed a draft of an internal report describing a recent drop in enrollment in a training course for new employees entitled "Web Linking and Publishing with Microsoft Excel 2007." Which of the following titles would be most appropriate for the report?

An Analysis of Declining Enrollment in "Web Linking and Publishing with Microsoft Excel 2007"

Which of the following words or phrases should be used in the excerpt below to signal to readers that because land-use problems are causing high bacteria levels, landowners must take action? Bacteria levels are often above state standards and are due to localized, specific land-use problems. _______, landowners must take action to address these problems and reduce the high bacteria levels.

Consequently

According to Chapter 6, long, complex arguments can most often be organized according to one pattern.

False

In a passive-voice sentence, the subject of the sentence performs the action expressed by the verb.

False

New and important information should come at the beginning of a sentence, where readers will be sure to notice it.

False

The only proper way to create a sentence list is by using bullets.

False

Whenever possible, you should combine two or more ideas into one paragraph to create a paragraph of 75 to 125 words—the ideal paragraph length.

False

According to Chapter 6, one benefit of using a conventional pattern to organize technical information is that the pattern serves as a template or checklist, helping you remember what information to include. What is the main benefit for your readers, according to the chapter?

None of the responses are correct.

Which of the following sentences illustrates the best approach to writing about people with disabilities?

People with advanced cases of scleroderma should avoid cold climates.

To test a title, you should ask whether readers will be able to paraphrase it in a clear, meaningful sentence.

True

Which of the changes listed below would make the following paragraph more coherent? As an undergraduate student, you can satisfy the university writing requirement and meet an important graduation requirement by scoring a 4 or 5 on either of the Advanced Placement English exams (Language & Composition or Literature & Composition). You can also meet this requirement by receiving transfer credit for an approved college-level writing or writing-intensive course you have taken elsewhere and in which you have received a grade of B or higher. Finally, you can meet this requirement by taking and receiving a passing grade in a writing course at this university. The following two courses, for example, are dedicated primarily to the development of writing skills and can be used to meet the writing requirement: English 205 (Technical Communication) or English 200 (Rhetoric and Writing). If you have any further questions, please call Professor Lee Klein, Director of Writing Programs, in the Department of English at (518) 555-8122.

Turn the paragraph into a list.

To create an effective title for your document, what should you focus on?

key words that describe the document's subject and purpose