Business Writing
Study Guide Questions
Course Introduction
Business Writing is a practical course designed to develop students skills in creating clear, concise, and effective written communication in a professional environment. The course covers essential forms of business correspondence, including emails, memos, reports, proposals, and executive summaries. Students will learn principles of audience analysis, tone, organization, and editing, and practice adapting their messages for various business contexts. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, this course aims to prepare students to communicate confidently and professionally in today's business world.
Recommended Textbook
Business Communication 16th Edition by Carol Lehman
Available Study Resources on Quizplus
19 Chapters
1308 Verified Questions
1308 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/study-set/1311
Page 2
Chapter 1: Establishing a Framework for Business Communication
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
75 Verified Questions
75 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26105
Sample Questions
Q1) List six barriers to intercultural communication and provide an example of each barrier.
Answer: Six barriers to intercultural communication are:
Stereotypes: North Americans are sometimes viewed as overly friendly,blunt,and childlike.
Interpretation of time: Many Latin Americans believe that important things take more time than unimportant things.
Personal space requirements: Arab business people stand very close to each other compared to U.S.business people.
Body language: The symbol for "okay" in the U.S.means "zero" in France and a vulgarity in Brazil.
Translation limitations: The Japanese concept of "indebtedness" has no direct English equivalent.
Lack of language training: Many non-Hispanics do not speak Spanish in areas of the U.S.with a high Hispanic population.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
3
Chapter 2: Focusing on Interpersonal and Group Communication
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
67 Verified Questions
67 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26106
Sample Questions
Q1) When a confidant shows that he or she can be trusted,it leads to an expansion of the open area of the Johari Window.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q2) Which of the following is true concerning Maslow's theory?
A)People are motivated to satisfy needs at various levels in no particular order.
B)Maslow recognized eight levels of human needs.
C)Most people in U.S.society have satisfied all their levels of needs.
D)Effective managers recognize ways to help people satisfy their needs.
Answer: D
Q3) Which of the following stages of team development is often NOT experienced,even in long-term teams?
A)Storming
B)Performing
C)Norming
D)Brainstorming
Answer: B
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 4
Chapter 3: Planning Spoken and Written Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
76 Verified Questions
76 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26107
Sample Questions
Q1) A message that will not likely interest the receiver should be organized in a deductive order.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q2) By adapting its products to fit a more culturally diverse group of consumers,Hallmark Cards,Inc.has demonstrated the need to analyze its audience.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q3) Using bias-free language permits the receiver to focus on your message rather than raising serious questions about your sensitivity.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q4) Fraud refers to errors that can occur in interpreting persuasive messages.
A)True
B)False Answer: False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 5
Chapter 4: Preparing Spoken and Written Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
74 Verified Questions
74 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26108
Sample Questions
Q1) To protect consumers,some states have passed "Plain English" laws that require businesses to write policies,warranties,and contracts in language an average reader can understand.
A)True
B)False
Q2) "The training session was worthwhile; it was worthwhile because employees learned to do the task correctly." is an example of which of the following techniques used for emphasis?
A)Position
B)Repetition
C)Words that label
D)Passive voice
Q3) Proofreading by reading a document aloud while another person verifies the copy is
A)recommended for every business document.
B)recommended for extremely important documents.
C)recommended only when time permits.
D)not recommended because it takes up two people's time.
Q4) Explain the value of using the reading level feature when word processing a document.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 6
Chapter 5: Communicating Electronically
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
70 Verified Questions
70 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26109
Sample Questions
Q1) Email is a channel of choice for business messages that must be sent to several recipients in a timely manner.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Government response to the threat of terrorism has resulted in erosion of privacy for Americans.
A)True
B)False
Q3) By adapting its reservation system for expanded web access by consumers,Wyndham Fairfield Resorts is using its website to respond to the needs of the end user.
A)True
B)False
Q4) You have been asked to develop guidelines for your company's new weblog.What are the major elements that you will include in the guidelines:?
Q5) When communicating with a colleague about the hiring or firing of an employee,you would be well advised to not use a cell phone.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 7
Chapter 6: Delivering Good and Neutral News Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
73 Verified Questions
73 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26110
Sample Questions
Q1) Zappos,an Internet business success story,has built its success on outstanding customer service.Which of the following is NOT part of Zappos' strategy?
A)free product shipping.
B)free return product shipping.
C)focus on repeat customers.
D)more products on their website than are in their warehouse.
Q2) Personalized form letters are a fast and efficient means to send frequently recurring messages that will likely result in a neutral or favorable reaction from the receiver.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Which is the recommended format for writing the date of February 10,2011,in an international business document?
A)2/10/11
B)10.2 2011
C)February 10, 2011
D)10th of February, 2011
Q4) Explain what is meant by resale and sales promotional material.How are they different from sales messages?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
8
Chapter 7: Delivering Bad-News Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
66 Verified Questions
66 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26111
Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following is NOT an advisable guideline for organizations that want to develop an effective crisis communication plan?
A)Control the flow of information from the command center.
B)Designate at least two official spokespersons.
C)Post immediate communication and responses on the corporate website.
D)Convey factual information regardless of how negative the news.
Q2) Explain how a counterproposal may be used to preserve a positive relationship when denying a request or when delivering bad news.
Q3) Because of the legal implications involved in refusing credit,you should avoid telling applicants the specific reason(s)why you must deny them credit.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Template letters,as featured by leading word processing software,eliminate the need to compose original documents.
A)True
B)False
Q5) List and explain three stylistic aspects of writing a bad-news statement.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
9
Chapter 8: Delivering Persuasive Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
78 Verified Questions
78 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26112
Sample Questions
Q1) Habitat for Humanity has used persuasion to effectively gain donations of time,talent,and resources.
A)True
B)False
Q2) An effective persuasive message employs concrete and specific language to create an accurate representation of the product,service,or idea.
A)True
B)False
Q3) While the majority of claims against companies come from unethical individuals,companies must still respond because of the few who believe they have a legitimate claim.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Paragraphs in a persuasive message are typically long in order to achieve the writer's persuasive purpose.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Explain how Maslow's need hierarchy can help you write a more effective persuasive message to the receiver.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 10
Chapter 9: Understanding the Report Process and Research Methods
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
76 Verified Questions
76 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26113
Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following is FALSE concerning the research efforts of Novartis?
A)Treatments have resulted for multiple sclerosis, kidney cancer, and lymphoma.
B)The majority of drugs tested advance to late stage development.
C)Various new drugs are in the company's research and development pipeline.
D)None of the above are false.
Q2) Briefly discuss four reasons for exercising caution in using information gathered from Internet sources.
Q3) Which of the following statements about Internet resources is correct?
A)Resources must be reliable and credible to appear on the Internet.
B)Internet resources may be used without concern for copyright, since materials must be cleared for posting before appearing on the Internet.
C)Because of the vast material available on the Internet, the technologically capable business researcher does not need to rely on traditional library research any longer.
D)Selected texts of articles and documents are often available via the Internet, while full texts may only be available in published form.
Q4) Hypothesis testing is appropriate only in observational research settings.
A)True
B)False
Page 11
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 10: Managing Data and Using Graphics
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
64 Verified Questions
64 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26114
Sample Questions
Q1) In formatting a report,you discover that an entire table will not fit on the bottom of a page.You should
A)continue the graphic interpretation to the bottom of the page and begin the next page with the table.
B)begin the table, allow an adequate margin at the bottom of the page, and complete the table at the top of the next page.
C)end the page with the introduction to the table, regardless of space left on the page.
D)place the table prior to the text reference to it if that placement will allow the entire table to appear on that page.
Q2) The extreme use of color,complicated symbols and art techniques,and unusual combinations of typefaces,should be avoided because they can distract and bury relevant data.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Explain why quantitative data from a research study must be condensed into a manageable size before you can interpret it.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 11: Organizing and Preparing Reports and Proposals
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
61 Verified Questions
61 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26115
Sample Questions
Q1) What is research credibility,and how can you enhance your credibility as a researcher?
Q2) Which of the following is applicable to the development of headings for a report?
A)Something must divide into at least three parts or it should not be divided into subdivisions.
B)Headings at the same level must be worded in parallel form.
C)Headings at the same level must be consistent in font and type style.
D)B & C are correct.
Q3) A report that recommends to management the adoption of a particular cell phone plan for company employees is an example of an internal proposal.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Which report parts are the primary focus of short reports? List some report features that may be incorporated into short reports.
Q5) Peyton,the new marketing director at his company,has been asked to write a report for the board of directors on a new corporate image for the company.The report must include an executive summary.What components should the executive summary include?
Page 13
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 12: Designing and Delivering Business
Presentations
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
79 Verified Questions
79 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26116
Sample Questions
Q1) Black text against a white background provides the greatest contrast.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Which of the following would BEST capture the attention of the audience in an introduction to a speech about diversity in the workplace?
A)First of all, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to speak today on "Diversity in the Workplace."
B)My name is John Smith, and today I will speak to you about managing intercultural workforces.
C)My name is John Smith, and I have 15 years of experience managing intercultural workforces.
D)How many of you were born outside the U.S.? Let's see a show of hands.
Q3) One effective way to elicit feedback about your presentation from an intercultural audience is to frequently ask them if they understand.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Improving Presentation Visuals
Q5) List five communication benefits of videoconferencing.
Page 14
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 13: Preparing Résumés and Application Letters
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
65 Verified Questions
65 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26117
Sample Questions
Q1) Electronic job searches are popular with human resource departments because A)the search costs are lower than traditional methods.
B)job candidates are more anonymous.
C)jobs can be filled more quickly.
D)interviews are unnecessary.
Q2) Which of the following statements BEST summarizes the role of online job searching?
A)Job seekers in the current job market can give up traditional means of searching for jobs and concentrate solely on online job search techniques.
B)Online employment search capabilities extend the range of possibilities previously available to the job seeker.
C)Online job searching is a trend that can be expected to further lose popularity over time.
D)Online job searching is important for technical job seekers in computer-related fields, but not for mainstream job seekers.
Q3) Describe three steps in the research phase of a job search.
Q4) Discuss five guidelines for producing a résumé for posting to YouTube.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
15
Chapter 14: Interviewing for a Job and Preparing
Employment Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
61 Verified Questions
61 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26118
Sample Questions
Q1) Since Pein has not received a response to his letter of application and résumé sent several weeks ago,it would be appropriate for him to send a follow-up message to the company.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Which of the following is an example of a desirable professional attitude during a job interview?
A)Focus on the benefits you will receive from a company.
B)Provide suggestions that may help turn the company around.
C)Show that you are strongly interested in the company.
D)Honestly admit that you are just taking interviewing for practice.
Q3) Practicing for a job interview is not generally recommended as it causes the candidate to sound rehearsed and insincere.
A)True B)False
Q4) List five types of employment interviews and describe when each would be used.
Q5) Discuss the implications of disclosing potentially damaging information in an employment reference.
Q6) Discuss appropriate ways to respond to illegal interview questions.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 16
Chapter 15: Document Format and Layout Guide
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
54 Verified Questions
54 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26123
Sample Questions
Q1) A letter with mixed punctuation has a comma after the salutation and no mark of punctuation after the complimentary close.
A)True
B)False
Q2) When addressing an envelope for a U.S.destination,the last line contains
A)the city.
B)the state.
C)the nine-digit zip code.
D)all of the above.
Q3) Open punctuation
A)omits the commas after the salutation and the complimentary close.
B)includes a colon after the salutation and a comma after the complimentary close.
C)leaves punctuation to the discretion of the writer.
D)omits the colon after the salutation and the comma after the complimentary close.
Q4) The writer's business title may be typed following or on the line below the writer's typed name.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 16: Referencing Styles
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
20 Verified Questions
20 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26122
Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following is FALSE concerning the Purdue OWL site?
A)The site contains examples for citing references in APA style only.
B)The site contains examples for citing printed sources.
C)The site contains examples for citing electronic sources.
D)All of the above are true.
Q2) Why can citing electronic sources be challenging? What is the best advice for citing electronic sources when you are unsure about the required format?
Q3) A reference list at the end of the paper that includes sources that provided information but did not result in citations is called
A)References
B)Works Cited
C)Bibliography
D)Resources
Q4) Both MLA and APA styles support the use of in-text citations.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Some word processing programs assist in the creation of reference pages.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 18
Chapter 17: Language Review and Exercises
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
49 Verified Questions
49 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26121
Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?
A)The shipment arrived too late for our sale; therefore, we are returning it to you.
B)The shipment arrived too late for our sale, therefore, we are returning it to you.
C)The shipment arrived too late for our sale therefore, we are returning it to you.
D)The shipment arrived too late for our sale: therefore, we are returning it to you.
Q2) Which of the following sentences is hyphenated correctly?
A)This is a device that is attention-getting.
B)He gave a lecture that was hard-to-follow.
C)We need an up-to-date price list.
D)She is a widely-quoted authority.
Q3) Use an adjective to modify
A)a noun or pronoun.
B)a verb.
C)another adjective.
D)any of the above.
Q4) Describe three situations in which numbers should be spelled out.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 19
Chapter 18: Extension Course Posttest
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26119
Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following statements about employment interviews is FALSE?
A)Preparation for the interview includes researching the organization.
B)A self-analysis of your own strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and challenges should be undertaken prior to interviewing.
C)You should go to the interview prepared to both answer and ask questions.
D)Most questions asked in interviews can be answered from the résumé.
Q2) Which of the following is FALSE concerning readability level?
A)A readability level of 10 means that a person would need to be able to read at the 10-grade level to understand the material.
B)The two factors affecting the readability level are the number of words in the passage and the complexity of the sentences.
C)Many word processing programs calculate readability levels automatically.
D)The writer should use feedback on readability level to revise appropriately.
Q3) Which of the following headings is NOT parallel with the others?
A)Housing Costs in the Midwest Soar
B)Housing Costs in the South are Level
C)Increasing Housing Costs in New England
D)All are parallel
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 20
Chapter 19: Extension Course Pretest
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
100 Verified Questions
100 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/26120
Sample Questions
Q1) While being interviewed for a job you really hope to be offered,the interviewer asks you about your ethnic background.What is the most effective way for you to handle the question?
A)Refuse to answer because it is your legal right to do so.
B)Attempt to answer the primary concern that motivated the question.
C)Answer it to be polite and take your chances with the effects it may have.
D)Let the interviewer know by changing the subject that you know the question is illegal and you do not intend to answer it.
Q2) Which graphic aid would be best to show the annual sales performance of five McDonald's restaurants in Tyler,Texas?
A)line graph
B)bar chart
C)pie chart
D)Gantt chart
Q3) Placing graphic aids in the appendix is
A)not recommended when the report is under 10 pages in length.
B)recommended the majority of the time to simplify text preparation.
C)recommended if the information is quantitative.
D)recommended if the content is not directly related to text discussion.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 21