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Unit Test 1 – Chapters 1–4
EBC, 7e Unit Test 1, Chapters 1–4
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Name _______________________
Write your answers in this booklet ONLY if your instructor directs.
True-False
Circle T or F on this sheet OR record your answers on a machine form, if so directed.
1. Many of the changes in today’s dynamic workplace revolve around
processing and communicating information.
1. T F
2. Communication is best defined as the transmission of information and
meaning from one individual or group to another.
2. T F
3. Most people have good listening skills because they listen with 75
percent efficiency.
3. T F
4. Because nonverbal messages are more difficult to interpret than verbal
messages, it is unwise to attach specific meanings to most gestures or
actions.
4. T F
5. Although North Americans emphasize group- and team-oriented
values, other cultures value individualism and personal responsibility.
5. T F
6. Excellent communicators first concentrate on looking at a problem from
the sender’s perceptive and, second, on their purpose for communicating.
6. T F
7. Because revising is the most important phase of the writing process,
you should plan to spend the most time in this phase.
7. T F
8. Since writers today expect rapid responses, their channel of choice for
most workplace communication is instant messaging.
8. T F
9. Smart communicators profile their audience before writing because it
helps them choose appropriate tone, language, and channels for their
messages.
9. T F
10. Every lawyer must submit his legal brief to the clerk of courts is an
effective example of using inclusive language to promote goodwill.
10. T F
11. To organize your ideas for a complex project, use a scratch list to
clarify the hierarchy.
11. T F
12. Frontloading is the pattern of choice when your audience may be
uninterested, hostile, or displeased.
12. T F
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Unit Test 1 – Chapters 1–4
13. Because your goal is to communicate clearly, you’re better off limiting
your sentences to about 20 or fewer words.
13. T F
14. Although active-voice verbs are preferred in business writing, using
the passive voice can be an effective method to de-emphasize negative
news.
14. T F
15. Zigzag sentences that twist or turn unexpectedly away from the main
thought should often be broken into two sentences.
15. T F
16. Revising content and sentence structure of a message focuses
primarily on eliminating outdated expressions and needless adverbs.
16. T F
17. This message is being written to inform you that is a recommended
and professional way to begin business letters and memos.
17. T F
18. Protocols and asynchronous transmission are examples of jargon
acceptable for use within the telecommunication field.
18. T F
19. Careful writers avoid clichés because they lack not only freshness but
also clarity.
19. T F
20. To proofread complex documents, writers should print a doublespaced copy and begin proofreading immediately while the topic is
still fresh.
20. T F
Multiple-Choice
Write the appropriate answer in the blank OR record your answers on your machine
form.
21. Job recruiters often rank communication skills
a. near the top of competencies sought.
b. essential only for advancement into management positions.
c. in the middle of a long list of competencies.
d. lower than technical skills in terms of competencies needed for
success.
21. ____
22. Many business today are flattening their management hierarchies. This flattening
means that
a. information must flow through more layers of management.
b. it takes longer to make decisions.
c. management hierarchies are more authoritarian than ever before.
Unit Test 1 – Chapters 1–4
d. employees at all levels need excellent communication skills.
23. The communication process begins when
a. a message is put into words.
b. a message is sent over a communication channel to a receiver.
c. the sender has an idea.
d. the receiver actually receives the message and decodes it.
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22. ____
23. ____
24. Several barriers may cause poor listening. Which of the following is one of those
barriers?
a. People frequently speak at least twice as fast as most people can
think.
b. We tend to use nonverbal signals and paraphrasing excessively.
c. Most people would rather talk than listen.
d. We tend to “tune out” speakers whose ideas match our own.
24. ____
25. When you have a conversation with someone from another culture, you can
reduce misunderstandings by using simple English, speaking slowly and clearly,
and
a. waiting until you have finished your explanation to request
feedback.
b. accepting a yes or a nod to affirm comprehension.
c. placing blame for miscommunications on others.
d. remembering to smile.
25. ____
26. In preparing business messages, your writing needs to be economical, audience
oriented, and
a. direct.
b. purposeful.
c. procedural.
d. impressive.
26. ____
27. During the prewriting phase of the writing process, you should
a. research and organize background information.
b. compose the document using precise and concrete language.
c. analyze the audience for and the purpose of the message.
d. evaluate the effectiveness of your message.
27. ____
28. Choosing an appropriate channel for your business message depends upon the
importance of the message, feedback needed, and
a. the degree of formality required.
b. your interest in media-richness.
c. the use of primary or secondary research.
d. a focus on audience benefits.
28. ____
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Unit Test 1 – Chapters 1–4
29. Shipping clerk Mimi included this sentence in her message to a customer: Pertaining to
your returns, we must verify the shipping numbers and lot codes of all outstanding
merchandise prior to issuance of a refund. This sentence is an example of
a. an unprofessional tone.
b. overly formal language.
c. a conversational style.
d. plain English.
29. ____
30. Which of the following sentences best demonstrates the “you” view?
a. You will receive a complimentary printer with your purchase of a
Dell notebook computer.
b. Dell offers free printers with the purchase of any Dell notebook
computer.
c. We can’t provide a free printer with your purchase of a PDA.
d. The offer for a free printer expired on September 30; you should
have checked the advertisement before ordering.
30. ____
31. Collecting information before beginning to compose assists the writer in
a. shaping the message.
b. identifying transitional expressions.
c. developing a sprint writing technique.
d. creating unified sentences and coherent paragraphs.
31. ____
32. Brianna has begun her memo with background information and explanations
before announcing a reduction in insurance coverage. The pattern Brianna used
is called
a. frontloading.
b. direct.
c. passive voice.
d. indirect.
32. ____
33. Which of the following is an independent clause?
a. When you receive the request for your budget reduction plan.
b. After closing several branch offices to conserve resources.
c. The restructuring plan will save money but cost jobs.
d. Because we are hoping to retain as many positions as possible.
34. Which of the following uses active voice in a complete sentence?
a. The company’s rigid return policy was criticized by a few
unhappy customers.
b. Because a few unhappy customers criticized the company's rigid
return policy.
c. Managers were told about the unhappy customers who criticized
the company's rigid return policy.
33. ____
Unit Test 1 – Chapters 1–4
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d. A few unhappy customers criticized the company’s rigid return
policy.
34. ____
35. How should the following be classified? Jessica called Reliacare she also
requested a new bid for health insurance premiums.
a. Complete sentence
b. Fused or run-on sentence
c. Fragment
d. Comma splice
35. ____
36. Which of the following identifies the tasks involved in revision?
a. Improving content and sentence structure
b. Correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, format, and mechanics
c. Selecting the appropriate pattern for good or bad news messages
d. Searching for graphics and photos
36. ____
37. Which of the following best avoids flabby phrases?
a. Job applicants should be fully cognizant of the work environment
dangers.
b. The directors are of the opinion that HAZMAT training is
essential.
c. Although this training is a company requirement, it must be
completed at the employee’s expense.
d. Until such time as training is completed, pay raises will be
withheld.
37. ____
38. Which of the following sentences avoids noun conversion?
a. Your supervisor must give approval of all capital budget
purchases.
b. The committee worked on the establishment of a fund for
scholarships.
c. The benefits committee will be responsible for the acquisition of
an endowment.
d. The scholarship committee approved the plan.
38. ____
39. This memo is being sent to all of you to inform you of is an example of
a. a misplaced modifier.
b. an effective introductory statement.
c. a long lead-in.
d. strong business writing.
39. ____
40. Which of the following is the best advice for proofreading long, complex
documents?
a. Proofread complex documents immediately after writing because
your thoughts are still fresh.
b. One thorough proofreading is typically adequate.
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Unit Test 1 – Chapters 1–4
c. Expect to find mistakes.
d. Proofread on-screen for most efficiency.
40. ____
Composition and Short-Answer Questions
41–43. List and describe three techniques for improving communication with diverse
workplace audiences.
44. List two techniques involved in active listening.
45. Revise the following sentence so that it is expressed in the “you” view:
We have approved your credit application.
46. Rewrite the following sentence to focus on audience benefits:
We cannot process your business loan application because you did not provide
complete information on current assets and liabilities.
47. Revise the following sentence to use inclusive language:
A nurse must follow directions carefully when administering medication to her
patients.
48. Revise the following sentence to achieve parallelism:
Jennifer is responsible for all cold-call telephone sales; calls to established
customers are made by Rachel.
49. Revise and improve the following sentence:
Enclosed please find a copy of the signature page of the complete offer to
purchase, which is being sent under separate cover.
50. Revise and improve the following sentence:
There are many managers who help employees make improvement in their
communications skills.
Unit Test 1 – Chapters 1–4
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