late window

Quiz Instructions
Answer the multiple choice and true/false questions from chapters 1-4. This is an open-book exam with 2 attempts allowed. Exams do not have a “late window.” Both attempts must be taken before the posted due date and time.

Question 1 1pts Many of us are poor listeners because
Many of us are poor listeners because

the brain can process information at least three times as fast as people talk.

we tend to “tune out” speakers whose ideas run counter to our own.

we would rather talk than listen.

All answer choices are correct.

Question 2 1 pts Working with people from other cultures will require tolerance. One of the best ways to become more tolerant is by
Working with people from other cultures will require tolerance. One of the best ways to become more tolerant is by

practicing empathy.

increasing your individualism.

encouraging ethnocentrism.

knowing your communication style.

Question 3 1 ptsWhich of the following statements about feedback is <i>most</i> accurate?
Which of the following statements about feedback is most accurate?

Feedback is the verbal response from the receiver.

Senders should provide as much information as they can to their receivers to show their intellectual capabilities.

Paraphrasing a speaker’s message is a waste of time.

Feedback can include both nonverbal and verbal responses.

Question 4 1 pts Communication noise
Communication noise

includes anything that disrupts the transmission of a message.

is also called feedback.

describes only externally produced sounds.

occurs only during the encoding process.

Question 5 1 pts Communication skills
Communication skills

are not as important as technical skills for career success.

are not necessary in today’s competitive job market.

are ranked by recruiters at the top of qualities they most desire in job seekers.

cannot be learned; they are innate.

Question 6 1 pts Peter must inform his employees that his company will need to let go of employees. Which word would be best for Peter to use when conveying this idea to his employees?
Peter must inform his employees that his company will need to let go of employees. Which word would be best for Peter to use when conveying this idea to his employees?

Layoff

Streamlining

Downsizing

Rightsizing

Question 7 1 ptsWhich of the following countries would likely view a business contract as a binding document?
Which of the following countries would likely view a business contract as a binding document?

Mexico

Greece

Japan

Germany

Question 8 1 ptsWhich of the following is a common trait of a business communicator from a low-context culture?
Which of the following is a common trait of a business communicator from a low-context culture?

Valuing relationships, harmony, status, and saving face

Relying on relationships and group decisions

Keeping business and social relationships separate

Assuming listeners require little background information

Question 9 1 ptsThe manager noticed that Stephen slammed his desk drawer right after he said that he was happy to work late. The manager should
The manager noticed that Stephen slammed his desk drawer right after he said that he was happy to work late. The manager should

tell Stephen that he should behave more professionally.

respond to the verbal message only and thank him for working late.

politely seek additional information by saying, I’m not sure that you really want to stay late. Do you have somewhere you need to be?

fire Stephen for insubordination.

Question 10 1 pts Learning about beliefs and practices different from our own and appreciating them means displaying
Learning about beliefs and practices different from our own and appreciating them means displaying

tolerance

individualism.

stereotyping.

gender norming.

Question 11 1 pts An American businessperson who thinks that all Swiss are hardworking, efficient, and neat is illustrating an example of
An American businessperson who thinks that all Swiss are hardworking, efficient, and neat is illustrating an example of

ethnocentrism.

tolerance.

stereotyping.

a cultural norm.

Question 12 1 ptsWhile conducting business with a customer from Italy, Zoe was careful to speak slowly and clearly, using short sentences and familiar words. However, she noticed that the customer had a glazed expression and did not understand her. Zoe should
While conducting business with a customer from Italy, Zoe was careful to speak slowly and clearly, using short sentences and familiar words. However, she noticed that the customer had a glazed expression and did not understand her. Zoe should

repeat what she has said in a louder voice.

graciously accept the blame for not making her meaning clear.

end the conversation until an interpreter can be found.

require the Italian businessperson to restate the message in simple words.

Question 13 1 ptsSkip to question text.
Megahertz Technology Solutions, Inc., recently suffered a discrimination lawsuit. Advice to improve its workforce diversity is likely to include understanding the value of differences, providing diversity training for employees, building on similarities, and

hiring a more homogenous work group.

making fewer assumptions.

requiring all employees to use jargon that conveys stereotypes.

making sure all employees conform to a standard company culture.

Question 14 1 ptsIn making hiring decisions, employers often rank communication skills among the most-requested competencies.
In making hiring decisions, employers often rank communication skills among the most-requested competencies.

True

False

Question 15 1 pts Most Americans communicate with business associates at approximately 1½ feet.
Most Americans communicate with business associates at approximately 1½ feet.

True

False

Question 16 1 pts Psychological barriers to listening include hearing disabilities, poor acoustics, and noisy surroundings.
Psychological barriers to listening include hearing disabilities, poor acoustics, and noisy surroundings.

True

False

Question 17 1 pts Brooke is listening to a difficult presentation on nanotechnology development. As a good listener, she should take complete notes of everything said.
Brooke is listening to a difficult presentation on nanotechnology development. As a good listener, she should take complete notes of everything said.

True

False

Question 18 1 ptsWhen verbal and nonverbal messages conflict, listeners tend to believe the verbal message.
When verbal and nonverbal messages conflict, listeners tend to believe the verbal message.

True

False

Question 19 1 pts Most communication is nonverbal.
Most communication is nonverbal.

True

False

Question 20 1 pts The more you know about culture in general and your own culture, the better able you will be to adopt an intercultural perspective.
The more you know about culture in general and your own culture, the better able you will be to adopt an intercultural perspective.

True

False

Question 21 1 ptsBoth your personal appearance and the physical appearance of your business documents transmit immediate and important nonverbal messages.
Both your personal appearance and the physical appearance of your business documents transmit immediate and important nonverbal messages.

True

False

Question 22 1 pts The United States is an example of a low-context culture.
The United States is an example of a low-context culture.

True

False

Question 23 1 ptsBijan and his family place great emphasis on tradition, ceremony, and social rules. Bijan is most likely a member of a low-context culture.
Bijan and his family place great emphasis on tradition, ceremony, and social rules. Bijan is most likely a member of a low-context culture.

True

False

Question 24 1 ptsAs a frontline employee, you can expect to have more managers in the workforce.
As a frontline employee, you can expect to have more managers in the workforce.

True

False

Question 25 1 pts Despite their popularity among teens, social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are rarely used in today’s business world.
Despite their popularity among teens, social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are rarely used in today’s business world.

True

False

Question 26 1 pts<i>Writer’s block</i> can best be defined as
Writer’s block can best be defined as

a block of time set aside to compose documents and projects.

the organization of research and ideas into an outline or scratch list.

an inability to produce a first draft because of poor preparation.

a neighborhood in a city or town where writers live and work together.

Question 27 1 ptsWhat kind of sentence contains at least two independent clauses and a dependent clause?
What kind of sentence contains at least two independent clauses and a dependent clause?

Simple sentence

Compound sentence

Complex sentence

Compound-complex sentence

Question 28 1 ptsWhat is a sentence fragment?
What is a sentence fragment?

Two independent clauses connected without punctuation or a conjunction

Two independent clauses connected by a comma without a conjunction

A broken-off part of a complex sentence

The part of a sentence containing the verb

Question 29 1 pts Effective paragraphs
Effective paragraphs

usually present the main idea in the first sentence.

are coherent.

include supporting sentences that expand and explain the main idea.

All answer choices are correct.

Question 30 1 pts Paragraphs should
Paragraphs should

focus on as many ideas as necessary.

avoid the repetition of key or similar words.

contain long, solid chunks of print.

contain eight or fewer printed lines.

Question 31 1 ptsWhich of the following is a simple sentence?
Which of the following is a simple sentence?

If health insurance costs continue to rise, employee copays may increase.

Having healthy employees decreases the cost of monthly premiums; therefore, we will be implementing a wellness program.

HMO and PPO insurance plans offer additional cost savings.

Because we will be reducing employee health insurance benefits, some employees may be unhappy; however, we must make sure that they understand the reason for the change.

Question 32 1 ptsYou will create clear, readable messages if you
You will create clear, readable messages if you

proceed free form from one idea to the next for maximum creative effect.

avoid emphasizing important ideas to allow readers to judge for themselves.

group similar items together and emphasize important ideas.

do not follow any pattern that restricts the free flow of your ideas.

Question 33 1 pts According to communication experts, what is the greatest failing of business writers?
According to communication experts, what is the greatest failing of business writers?

Poor spelling

Unclear sentence structure

Ambiguous wording

Poor organization

Question 34 1 ptsWhat kind of sentence contains an independent clause and a dependent clause?
What kind of sentence contains an independent clause and a dependent clause?

Simple sentence

Compound sentence

Complex sentence

Compound-complex sentence

Question 35 1 pts Matthew must develop a proposal for his supervisor that will describe the cost savings for an automated call center. Where should he begin?
Matthew must develop a proposal for his supervisor that will describe the cost savings for an automated call center. Where should he begin?

Writing the proposal

Locating other proposals that he can copy

Researching the proposal

Determining an appropriate layout

Question 36 1 ptsTo emphasize an idea through style, place it
To emphasize an idea through style, place it

in a simple sentence.

in a dependent clause.

in the middle of a sentence.

Any of these techniques would emphasize the idea.

Question 37 1 ptsWhich of the following uses only active voice in a complete sentence?
Which of the following uses only active voice in a complete sentence?

The company’s rigid return policy was criticized by a few unhappy customers.

Because a few unhappy customers criticized the company’s rigid return policy.

Managers were told about the unhappy customers who criticized the company’s rigid return policy.

A few unhappy customers criticized the company’s rigid return policy.

Question 38 1 pts How should the following be classified? <i>Liana called ReliaCare she also requested a new bid for health insurance premiums.</i>
How should the following be classified? Liana called ReliaCare she also requested a new bid for health insurance premiums.

Complete sentence

Fused or run-on sentence

Fragment

Comma splice

Question 39 1 ptsThe primary purposes of most business documents are to inform and to promote goodwill. A common secondary purpose is sales growth.
The primary purposes of most business documents are to inform and to promote goodwill. A common secondary purpose is sales growth.

True

False

Question 40 1 ptsYou should plan to spend equal amounts of time on each phase of the writing process.
You should plan to spend equal amounts of time on each phase of the writing process.

True

False

Question 41 1 pts To be effective, the three phases of the writing process must be performed in sequence, moving from Phase 1 to Phase 2 to Phase 3 in order.
To be effective, the three phases of the writing process must be performed in sequence, moving from Phase 1 to Phase 2 to Phase 3 in order.

True

False

Question 42 1 ptsThe active voice is generally preferred in business writing.
The active voice is generally preferred in business writing.

True

False

Question 43 1 pts Profiling your audience helps you tailor your words to your readers or listeners.
Profiling your audience helps you tailor your words to your readers or listeners.

True

False

Question 44 1 pts Alonso needs to get feedback from sales representatives located across the US and Europe. Because he needs to have the most interactivity and feedback possible, the best channel of communication for Alonso is videoconferencing or teleconferencing.
Alonso needs to get feedback from sales representatives located across the US and Europe. Because he needs to have the most interactivity and feedback possible, the best channel of communication for Alonso is videoconferencing or teleconferencing.

True

False

Question 45 1 pts One factor affecting channel choice is the importance of the message.
One factor affecting channel choice is the importance of the message.

True

False

Question 46 1 ptsDon’t send a message unless you know exactly who your audience is.
Don’t send a message unless you know exactly who your audience is.

True

False

Question 47 1 ptsThe goal of persuasive writing is to make your audience believe and accept your message.
The goal of persuasive writing is to make your audience believe and accept your message.

True

False

Question 48 1 pts A message that is shorter and more conversational is less likely to achieve its goal than a message that is longer and more formal.
A message that is shorter and more conversational is less likely to achieve its goal than a message that is longer and more formal.

True

False

Question 49 1 pts Shannon is writing a proposal to the board of directors to upgrade the company’s computer equipment. After completing the prewriting phase, Shannon should immediately start composing the report.
Shannon is writing a proposal to the board of directors to upgrade the company’s computer equipment. After completing the prewriting phase, Shannon should immediately start composing the report.

True

False

Question 50 1 pts Proofreading and revising are the same.
Proofreading and revising are the same.

True

False

Question 51 1 ptsThe first phase of the writing process involves analyzing the audience and your purpose for writing, anticipating your audience’ reaction to your message, and
The first phase of the writing process involves analyzing the audience and your purpose for writing, anticipating your audience’ reaction to your message, and

investigating background information.

composing your message.

adapting your message to the audience.

looking for previous company documents on the topic.

Question 52 1 ptsThe primary purpose of business writing is typically to inform or persuade; a common secondary purpose is to
The primary purpose of business writing is typically to inform or persuade; a common secondary purpose is to

promote goodwill.

comply with governmental regulations.

create written documentation.

avoid lawsuits.

Question 53 1 pts According to writing experts, approximately what percentage of time should you spend on the prewriting phase of a business message?
According to writing experts, approximately what percentage of time should you spend on the prewriting phase of a business message?

90 percent

50 percent

25 percent

5 percent

Question 54 1 pts Travis must determine the appropriate channel for an important business message. In this context <i>channel</i> refers to the
Travis must determine the appropriate channel for an important business message. In this context channel refers to the

individuals who will receive the message.

degree of formality required.

medium through which the message is sent.

tone and approach needed to accomplish his purpose.

Question 55 1 ptsYou are selecting a channel for sending your message. Which of the following is <i>not</i> a factor to consider when making this decision?
You are selecting a channel for sending your message. Which of the following is not a factor to consider when making this decision?

Amount and speed of feedback and interactivity required

Cost of the channel

Confidentiality and sensitivity of the message

Your competitors’ channel use

Question 56 1 pts Human Resources Manager Claire Siu must inform Anthony that company job changes will require him to seek retraining or lose his position. The best channel for Ms. Siu to deliver this message is
Human Resources Manager Claire Siu must inform Anthony that company job changes will require him to seek retraining or lose his position. The best channel for Ms. Siu to deliver this message is

an e-mail message.

face-to-face communication.

voice mail.

an instant message.

Question 57 1 ptsWhat communication channel would be most appropriate when a written record or formality is required?
What communication channel would be most appropriate when a written record or formality is required?

Report or proposal

Letter

E-mail

Blog

Question 58 1 pts Create a conversational but professional tone in letters, e-mail messages, instant messages, and memos by
Create a conversational but professional tone in letters, e-mail messages, instant messages, and memos by

choosing a clear format and effective document layout.

using emoticons.

using familiar words, occasional contractions, and pronouns such as you and I.

using slang and abbreviations such as IMHO and BTW.

Question 59 1 ptsWhich of the following sentences demonstrates effective business writing?
Which of the following sentences demonstrates effective business writing?

Hey, Bob. Ur proposal is rad!

Your proposal demonstrates how our call center can better meet the needs of our customers.

FYI, i liked your proposal :).

Congrats on the proposal. You rock!

Question 60 1 ptsWhich of the following demonstrates effective business writing?
Which of the following demonstrates effective business writing?

Victoria uses a wheelchair.

Victoria is confined to a wheelchair.

Crippled by multiple sclerosis, Victoria uses a wheelchair.

Victoria is suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Question 61 1 ptsWhich of the following represents the best business writing?
Which of the following represents the best business writing?

We regret that we are unable to accept you as a credit customer at this time.

You will never be sorry that you opened a checking account with our bank.

We cannot accept the returned merchandise because it is not resalable.

You can return all resalable merchandise for a store credit.

Question 62 1 pts Business writers are encouraged to use plain English, which means
Business writers are encouraged to use plain English, which means

using active-voice verbs, personal pronouns, short sentences, and familiar words.

writing without weakening qualifiers.

avoiding all negative expressions.

including slang and low-level diction that everyone understands.

Question 63 1 pts Business writing should be persuasive. In this context <i>persuasive</i> can best be defined as
Business writing should be persuasive. In this context persuasive 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.

Question 64 1 ptsAnother name for the direct method is <i>frontloading</i>.
Another name for the direct method is frontloading.

True

False

Question 65 1 pts Many communication experts regard poor organization as the greatest failing of business writers.
Many communication experts regard poor organization as the greatest failing of business writers.

True

False

Question 66 1 pts When you fail to collect all needed research before beginning to organize and write your business document, you may end up starting over and reorganizing.
When you fail to collect all needed research before beginning to organize and write your business document, you may end up starting over and reorganizing.

True

False

Question 67 1 pts Research is necessary only when composing formal documents.
Research is necessary only when composing formal documents.

True

False

Question 68 1 pts Words such as <i>although</i>, <i>as</i>, <i>because</i>, and <i>which</i> often introduce dependent clauses.
Words such as although, as, because, and which often introduce dependent clauses.

True

False

Question 69 1 pts A compound-complex sentence contains two complete but related thoughts.
A compound-complex sentence contains two complete but related thoughts.

True

False

Question 70 1 pts Writers can use words and phrases such as <i>on the other hand</i>, <i>as opposed to, and conversely</i> to show contrast in business messages.
Writers can use words and phrases such as on the other hand, as opposed to, and conversely to show contrast in business messages.

True

False

Question 71 1 pts Modifiers must be close to the words they describe or limit.
Modifiers must be close to the words they describe or limit.

True

False

Question 72 1 pts The following sentence contains a dangling or misplaced modifier: <i>Working all night, the brief was filed with the court on time.</i>
The following sentence contains a dangling or misplaced modifier: Working all night, the brief was filed with the court on time.

True

False

Question 73 1 pts Good writers should avoid repetition of words or key ideas because it shows lack of creativity.
Good writers should avoid repetition of words or key ideas because it shows lack of creativity.

True

False

Question 74 1 ptsMost routine business writing tasks allow you to use informal research techniques to gather sufficient information.
Most routine business writing tasks allow you to use informal research techniques to gather sufficient information.

True

False

Question 75 1 pts Conducting scientific experiments is a method to gather formal research.
Conducting scientific experiments is a method to gather formal research.

True

False

Question 76 1 pts Clichés are
Clichés are

words originating from the French language.

overused expressions.

descriptive expressions used in business writing.

informal words with arbitrary and extravagantly changed meanings.

Question 77 1 ptsWhich of the following sentences demonstrates clear writing?
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.

Question 78 1 pts<i>I am writing this letter to inform you that </i>is an example of
I am writing this letter to inform you that is an example of

a flabby expression.

an effective introductory statement.

a long lead-in.

strong business writing.

Question 79 1 ptsWhich of the following statements about revision is <i>most</i> accurate?
Which of the following statements about revision is most accurate?

You must compose first drafts quickly (sprint writing) and return later for editing.

Careful writers always revise as they write.

Revision is required for only long and complex business documents.

Some business writers prefer to compose first drafts quickly and revise later; others prefer to revise as they go.

Question 80 1 ptsWhich of the following statements regarding bulleted or numbered lists is accurate?
Which of the following statements regarding bulleted or numbered lists is accurate?

Lists decrease a reader’s comprehension of the main ideas.

Lists allow readers to review main ideas quickly.

Lists confuse readers because they are visually distracting.

Lists decrease the readability level of a document.

Question 81 1 pts Well-designed documents enhance readability and comprehension and
Well-designed documents enhance readability and comprehension and

make readers think the writer is a well-organized and intelligent person.

guarantee reader acceptance.

increase the intelligence level of the reader.

avoid the use of white space.

Question 82 1 pts How many typefaces should you use in a business document?
How many typefaces should you use in a business document?

No more than two

At least three

Up to five

At least ten

Question 83 1 ptsWhich of the following sentences is accurate?
Which of the following sentences is accurate?

PDF stands for “Proofreading Direct Files.”

PDF files cannot be edited.

Businesses are using PDF files more than ever.

All businesses use PDF files.

Question 84 1 pts Dylan is designing his document to enhance readability and comprehension. What is the best advice you can give Dylan?
Dylan is designing his document to enhance readability and comprehension. What is the best advice you can give Dylan?

Justify the left and right margins so they are both even.

Create white space by using headings, bulleted or numbered lists, short paragraphs, and effective margins.

Use multiple typefaces within the document.

Use ALL CAPS anywhere in a document you want to emphasize your point.

Question 85 1 ptsYou can write the flabby phrase <i>Due to the fact that </i>more concisely as
You can write the flabby phrase Due to the fact that more concisely as

About.

Although.

While.

Because.

Question 86 1 pts Good business writing is concise. <i>Concise</i> means that the writing
Good business writing is concise. Concise means that the writing

avoids the use of redundant phrases.

is free of errors in grammar and punctuation.

has been revised to include examples and research.

contains proper documentation of resources.

Question 87 1 ptsConcise writing
Concise writing

should be used only in informal business documents such as e-mail messages.

is easier to read and comprehend.

is improved during the proofreading step of the third phase of the writing process.

should be avoided because it can come across as being abrupt and rude.

Question 88 1 ptsWhich of the following is the <i>best</i> advice to follow when you proofread a document?
Which of the following is the best advice to follow when you proofread a document?

Proofread both routine and complex documents from your computer screen to save time.

Read the document at least twice.

Concentrate on ideas rather than words.

Increase your reading speed.

Question 89 1 pts Once you master your business writing skills, you will begin to write perfect first drafts.
Once you master your business writing skills, you will begin to write perfect first drafts.

True

False

Question 90 1 ptsEvery field has its own special vocabulary.
Every field has its own special vocabulary.

True

False

Question 91 1 pts In describing sexual harassment in the workplace, Julia explains that <i>Supervisors are getting burned in harassment lawsuits.</i> Julia is using slang in this statement.
In describing sexual harassment in the workplace, Julia explains that Supervisors are getting burned in harassment lawsuits. Julia is using slang in this statement.

True

False

Question 92 1 pts Nearly all text in Western cultures is aligned at the left and reads from left to right.
Nearly all text in Western cultures is aligned at the left and reads from left to right.

True

False

Question 93 1 pts The following sentence contains clear and precise wording: <i>In some businesses they won’t let you accumulate sick leave.</i>
The following sentence contains clear and precise wording: In some businesses they won’t let you accumulate sick leave.

True

False

Question 94 1 pts Smart business communicators use cliché