Business Writing Exam Review
Course Introduction
Business Writing is designed to equip students with the essential skills required to communicate effectively in professional environments. The course focuses on the principles of clear, concise, and purposeful writing tailored to business contexts, including emails, memos, reports, proposals, and executive summaries. Through practical exercises and real-world case studies, students learn to adapt their message to specific audiences, apply appropriate tone and style, and organize information logically. Emphasis is also placed on editing and proofreading to ensure clarity and professionalism, preparing students to produce documents that enhance workplace communication and support organizational goals.
Recommended Textbook
Business Communication Today 11th Global Edition by Courtland Bovee
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22 Chapters
1959 Verified Questions
1959 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/study-set/1170
Page 2
Chapter 1: Achieving Success Through Effective Business Communication
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/23157
Sample Questions
Q1) Above all, the ________ communication model for business communication is more interactive and conversational than a traditional publishing or broadcasting approach.
Answer: social
Q2) "Stealth marketing" involves promoting products and services to customers who don't know they're being marketed to.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q3) All of the following are examples of unethical communication except A) distorting visuals.
B) using jargon.
C) selective misquoting.
D) plagiarism.
Answer: B
Q4) A ________ ________ is the mixture of values, traditions, and habits that give a company its atmosphere or personality.
Answer: corporate culture
Q5) An ethical ________ involves making a clearly unethical choice.
Answer: lapse
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Chapter 2: Mastering Interpersonal Communication
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99 Verified Questions
99 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/23158
Sample Questions
Q1) If you are listening mainly to understand the speaker's message, you are engaging in A) empathic listening.
B) active listening.
C) content listening.
D) critical listening.
Answer: C
Q2) When it comes to personal appearance in the workplace, it's best to match your style to the expectations of your organization.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q3) You and several coworkers serve on a task force charged with updating the company personnel policy manual. To proceed effectively, you should concentrate on A) ensuring that all members have a clear and shared sense of purpose.
B) making other team members feel good.
C) pointing out as many typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors as possible.
D) doing all of the above.
Answer: A
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4
Chapter 3: Communicating in a World of Diversity
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) Cultural ________ is an appreciation for cultural differences that affect communication and the ability to adjust one's communication style to ensure that efforts to send and receive messages across cultural boundaries are successful.
Answer: competency
Q2) Following the "Golden Rule" is not an effective strategy for adapting to other cultures.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q3) Associating youth with strength and age with declining powers is
A) an outdated practice.
B) common in European cultures, but not in the U.S.
C) a universal trait that characterizes all cultures.
D) common in the U.S., but not in many Asian societies.
Answer: D
Q4) Culture is inborn, not learned. A)True
B)False
Answer: False
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Chapter 4: Planning Business Messages
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100 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) Poorly organized messages are unlikely to be effective, regardless of their content.
A)True
B)False
Q2) You've been asked to prepare a report on whether or not your company should consider other health insurance providers. List four informal techniques for gathering information to include in your report.
Q3) In today's fast-paced environment, traditional business messages rely primarily on graphical elements, with occasional support from text.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Explain each phase of the three-step writing process.
Q5) When analyzing your audience, you should ignore everyone except the key decision makers.
A)True
B)False
Q6) How can your audience's level of understanding help you determine the appropriate amount of information to include in a business message?
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Page 6
Chapter 5: Writing Business Messages
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) Using the ________ attitude allows you to establish empathy with your audience.
Q2) List at least two types of biased language and explain how to avoid each type.
Q3) Briefly explain the difference between the active voice and the passive voice. Include an example of each one.
Q4) A(n) ________ is a cluster of sentences related to the same general topic.
Q5) List three situations in which the passive voice can help you demonstrate the "you" attitude.
Q6) In general, the word "you" should be avoided when you are assigning responsibility for a mistake or problem.
A)True
B)False
Q7) Clichés are a valuable tool in business writing, as readers find such words and phrases to be comfortable and familiar.
A)True
B)False
Q8) The rules of grammar and usage do not change over time.
A)True
B)False
Q9) Give the definition of a complex sentence, then provide an example of one.
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Chapter 6: Completing Business Messages
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) An example of an informative heading would be "Redesigning to Cut Material Costs."
A)True
B)False
Q2) Skilled business writers
A) use long sentences to emphasize important information.
B) vary the length of their sentences.
C) keep their sentences to an average length of 40 words or fewer.
D) do all of the above.
Q3) Briefly describe at least three advantages of using lists in business documents.
Q4) When evaluating the work of others, you should
A) talk with the writer about his or her intent only after you suggest changes, since this is a good way to test the effectiveness of the document.
B) make sure you understand the writer's intent before you begin suggesting or making changes.
C) avoid talking with the writer about the document, since other readers may not have that opportunity.
D) compare the other person's writing style with your own, and if yours is better, rewrite the document in your own style.
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Page 8
Chapter 7: Crafting Messages for Electronic Media
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) Unlike other business presentations, podcasts require little planning and are most effective when delivered impromptu.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Instant messaging is a faster communication tool than email.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Because each electronic medium has unique requirements, basic communication skills do not usually transfer from one system to another.
A)True
B)False
Q4) It is best to read from a prepared script when creating podcasts for business.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Email can be used for external communication
A) regularly, although it is replaced in many cases by other tools.
B) only if a superior approves the message.
C) only for formal documents that you need to keep a record of.
D) in response to letters your customers have sent.
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Chapter 8: Writing Routine and Positive Messages
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) If you have strongly negative information to deliver as part of a positive message, you should
A) apologize for having to spoil the moment.
B) open with the negative information.
C) put the negative information in a separate message.
D) use the indirect approach.
Q2) Even when you grant a dissatisfied customer's request for adjustment, he or she will most likely not return to your business.
A)True
B)False
Q3) In positive recommendation letters, it's important to back up your general points with specific examples of the candidate's fitness for the job.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Many routine requests have several parts. What guidelines should you keep in mind when your request contains a series of questions?
Q5) In a routine request, the ________ of the message should contain an explanation of what you are asking the audience to do.
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Chapter 9: Writing Negative Messages
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/23165
Sample Questions
Q1) Whether or not you should apologize when delivering bad news about transactions depends mainly on
A) how long it has been since the problem occurred.
B) the medium you are using for the message.
C) how much the customer has purchased from your company in the past.
D) none of the above.
Q2) Explain the characteristics of an effective letter rejecting a job applicant.
Q3) A woman returns a formal dress to your store. It is stained and has a rip at the hem line, but she says she is returning it unworn because it doesn't fit. Which of the following would be the best way to inform her of your refusal to give a refund?
A) Use humor to soften the blow of your refusal.
B) State that company policy prevents you from accepting the return but that if you had anything to say about it you'd take it back, no questions asked.
C) Restate her complaint to let her know you understand it, explain as positively as possible that you are unable to accept the return of damaged merchandise, and recommend a tailor who can fix the tear and alter the dress for her.
D) Challenge the woman to try on the dress and prove that it doesn't fit.
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11
Chapter 10: Writing Persuasive Messages
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/23166
Sample Questions
Q1) Deductive reasoning moves from specific evidence to a general conclusion.
A)True
B)False
Q2) A(n) ________ appeal is based on the audience's feelings or sympathies rather than its rational assessment of the facts.
Q3) When it comes to persuasive messages, an up-front hard-sell approach is usually the most successful.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Most persuasive messages take the direct approach.
A)True
B)False
Q5) If the audience for your marketing or sales message promoting a new security system is made up of wealthy professionals, the consumer benefit you would most want to emphasize is
A) the low cost of the system.
B) the low monthly payments for the service.
C) easy, do-it-yourself installation.
D) protection of the consumer's property.
Q6) What are three methods of reasoning you can use when making a logical appeal?
Page 12
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Chapter 11: Finding, Evaluating, and Processing Information
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/23167
Sample Questions
Q1) A metacrawler enables you to use multiple search engines simultaneously.
A)True
B)False
Q2) When using search engines, Boolean operators enable you to define search queries with greater precision.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Online ________ ________ identify individual webpages that contain a specific word or phrase you've asked for.
Q4) A(n) ________ ________ search lets you ask questions in normal, everyday English.
Q5) The number 29 is the ________ in this set of figures: 25, 29, 34, 29, 29, 42, 8.
A) mode
B) mean
C) median
D) correlation
Q6) Unlike a paraphrase, a(n) ________ presents the gist of the material in fewer words than the original.
Q7) A(n) ________ is a simultaneous change in two variables that you're measuring.
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Q8) Briefly explain the difference between primary research and secondary research.
Chapter 12: Designing Visual Communication
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/23168
Sample Questions
Q1) One potential disadvantage of using a photograph to help explain a repair procedure is that it shows too much detail.
A)True
B)False
Q2) A(n) ________ is a type of chart that uses symbols instead of words or numbers to portray data.
Q3) A Gantt chart is a type of
A) time line chart.
B) line chart.
C) pictogram.
D) pie chart.
Q4) Using video to enhance business messages
A) has become difficult and expensive, since audiences now have such high expectations.
B) is effective for tech-savvy audiences, but a turn-off for most others.
C) is easier than ever, thanks to low-cost video cameras and video sharing sites such as YouTube.
D) is generally a bad idea, since it takes away from the main idea.
Q5) In a line chart, what do the vertical and horizontal axes normally illustrate?
Q6) How are Gantt charts used in business documents?
Page 14
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Chapter 13: Planning Reports and Proposals
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following is not a useful strategy in preparing business reports?
A) Keep your report as short as possible.
B) Understand and meet audience expectations.
C) Use the same format for reports, regardless of topic.
D) All of the above are useful strategies.
Q2) Which of the following is not a strategy for structuring reports focused on logical arguments?
A) Yardstick method
B) 2 + 2 = 4 approach
C) Direct approach
D) An approach that compares a solution to a set of predetermined standards
Q3) Information architecture refers to the structure and navigational flow of all parts of a website.
A)True
B)False
Q4) The statement of ________ defines why you are preparing a report.
Q5) Give three reasons that writing analytical reports presents a greater challenge than writing informational reports.
Q6) Describe the elements of a formal business plan.
Q7) List the three most common strategies for structuring analytical reports.
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Chapter 14: Writing Reports and Proposals
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/23170
Sample Questions
Q1) Smooth transitions between sections and links to other documents and sources of information are important
A) whether your report appears in print or online.
B) in online reports, but not usually necessary in written ones.
C) in any report longer than 2 pages.
D) in print reports, but not in those published online.
Q2) In a business report, what options do you have in terms of defining terms that might be unfamiliar to your audience?
Q3) Words or phrases that tie ideas together and show how one thought relates to another are known as ________ and are useful for keeping readers on track as they read your report.
Q4) Whereas a(n) ________ file in a report requires readers to be online so the file can be updated, a(n) ________ file does not.
A) embedded; linked
B) Microsoft Word; pdf
C) linked; embedded
D) pdf; Microsoft Word
Q5) In the ________ of a business report, include only enough detail to support your conclusions and recommendations.
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Chapter 15: Completing Reports and Proposals
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100 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) The letter of ________ conveys the essence of the report to the readers in a manner that can be less formal than the rest of the report.
Q2) Which of the following is not a typical function of the introduction to a report?
A) Outlining how the report is organized
B) Documenting sources
C) Telling the audience what the report is about
D) Explaining to readers why they should be concerned about the topic
Q3) What considerations should guide you when selecting an effective title for your report?
Q4) If a proposal is unsolicited, the letter of transmittal should follow the format for persuasive messages.
A)True
B)False
Q5) A bibliography and an index are the ________ parts of a formal report.
Q6) Describe the primary function of the letter of transmittal.
Q7) The cover, title page, and table of contents are among the ________ parts of a formal report.
Q8) A(n) ________ ________ is a fully developed "mini" version of the report itself.
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Chapter 16: Developing Oral and Online Presentations
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Sample Questions
Q1) Offer some practical suggestions for overcoming anxiety related to public speaking.
Q2) To make your presentation memorable, your ending should be spontaneous and impromptu.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Define "backchannel" and describe the risks and benefits it provides for business presenters.
Q4) Speeches and oral presentations are much like any other messages in that
A) they require no planning.
B) they deal with emotional or personal issues to a similar extent.
C) the interaction between the audience and speaker is similar.
D) they require similar planning.
Q5) The most effective and easiest mode of speech delivery in nearly all situations is A) speaking from an outline or notes.
B) memorization.
C) impromptu speaking.
D) reading from a prepared script.
Q6) List two goals to achieve in the body of a business presentation.
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Chapter 17: Enhancing Presentations With Slides and Other
Visuals
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100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/23173
Sample Questions
Q1) The title slide of your presentation should contain
A) your name.
B) your company affiliation (for external audiences).
C) your department affiliation (for internal audiences).
D) all of the above.
Q2) A "title slide" is a basic slide with just the word "Introduction" on it that serves as the first slide in your presentation.
A)True
B)False
Q3) An advantage of electronic presentations is
A) they are relatively easy to create and edit.
B) the equipment is easy to use.
C) they can be projected in full daylight.
D) they are relatively inexpensive to prepare and display.
Q4) Overusing clip art can give your slides an unprofessional, cartoony appearance.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Briefly explain the function builds play in electronic presentations.
Page 19
Q6) Unlike free-form slides, ________ slides follow the same basic format throughout the presentation.
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Page 20
Chapter 18: Building Careers and Writing Résumés
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Sample Questions
Q1) Showing up a few minutes late to an interview sends a strong message that you are a busy person.
A)True
B)False
Q2) The purpose of a résumé is to
A) list all your skills and abilities.
B) take the place of an application letter.
C) get you an interview.
D) induce the reader to hire you.
Q3) Networking is not simply putting yourself in contact with powerful people and asking them for a job.
A)True
B)False
Q4) The most common file format for uploading résumés directly to websites such as Monster.com is
A) Microsoft Publisher.
B) PDF.
C) WordPerfect.
D) Microsoft Word.
Q5) List at least seven of the nine most common problems with résumés.
Page 21
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Chapter 19: Applying and Interviewing for Employment
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Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/23175
Sample Questions
Q1) When you receive a job offer that you want to accept, you should reply within ________ days.
Q2) Many interviewers begin making a decision about the applicant
A) during the question-and-answer stage.
B) during the final minutes of the interview. C) within the first 20 seconds of the interview.
D) after the candidate has left.
Q3) In ________ interviews, candidates are asked pointed questions designed to upset or unsettle them.
Q4) If you haven't heard from an employer by the promised date or within two weeks after an interview, you should send a message of ________.
Q5) For most interviews, asking your own questions is
A) risky and a bad idea unless you are certain the interview is going well.
B) usually viewed as a sign of arrogance-after all, the employer is in charge.
C) just as important as answering the employer's questions effectively. D) necessary only if you are interviewing for a management position.
Q6) ________ interviews, such as those on college campuses, are a means of eliminating unqualified applicants and identifying promising candidates.
Q7) Explain the dual purposes of employment interviews.
Page 22
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Chapter 20: Format and Layout of Business Documents
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Sample Questions
Q1) The quality of paper is measured by
A) weight and cotton content.
B) length and width.
C) whether or not it is imprinted with the name and address of the company.
D) color and texture.
Q2) In business documents, abbreviations such as U.S.A. and M.B.A. must always contain periods.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Three blank lines are left between the complimentary close and the sender's typed name.
A)True
B)False
Q4) If you include an attention line in a business letter, you should place it
A) two lines below the complimentary close.
B) below the salutation.
C) at the top of the page, centered under the letterhead.
D) on the first line of the inside address.
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Chapter 21: Documentation of Report Sources
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Sample Questions
Q1) With Chicago humanities style, the bibliography
A) can include annotations.
B) lists only those works actually cited in the text.
C) lists works in the order in which they were cited in the text.
D) does all of the above.
Q2) With MLA style, you should wait to compile the works cited list until the rest of your report is completed.
A)True
B)False
Q3) A content note
A) documents direct quotes.
B) offers additional information or provides a cross-reference.
C) documents visual aids.
D) documents paraphrased passages.
Q4) If a newspaper article doesn't have an author, your citation begins with the title of the newspaper.
A)True
B)False
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Chapter 22: Correction Symbols
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Sample Questions
Q1) Punctuation goes inside quotation marks if the whole sentence is quoted but outside the quotation marks if only the last part of the sentence is a quote.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Which of the following italicized words is an adjective?
A) silent movie
B) too dark
C) badly missed
D) into the theater
Q3) Which of the following is a sentence fragment?
A) Moxie, depending on his friends for support.
B) Come here.
C) He put the package in the mail right away.
D) The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Q4) Which of the following possessive phrases is not correct?
A) The team's contract with the players
B) The teams' contract with the players
C) It's advantages to the players
D) Its advantages to the players
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