Chapter 02 Adaptation and the Selection of Words

Chapter 02 - Adaptation and the Selection of Words

Chapter 02

Adaptation and the Selection of Words

True / False Questions

1.A good rule is to write so that a person just like you can understand the message.
TrueFalse

2.Adapting your writing means writing in the simplest language possible.
TrueFalse

3.In adapting writing to a wide range of educational backgrounds, one should write for those in the middle.
TrueFalse

4.Using familiar words means using the language of normal conversation.
TrueFalse

5.It is good to use unfamiliar words in business because they impress readers.
TrueFalse

6.Readability research supports preferring short words over long ones.
TrueFalse

7.You should use short words because all the longer ones are difficult to understand.
TrueFalse

8.In general, using slang and popular expressions in business writing is a good idea because it creates a friendly bond with the reader.
TrueFalse

9.Although they may be misunderstood, some words not in the reader's vocabulary should be used as a device to gain his or her respect.
TrueFalse

10.Only the truly technical fields such as engineering, physics, accounting, and computer science have a technical language.
TrueFalse

11.Because technical words are difficult to understand, they have no place in business writing.
TrueFalse

12.Abstract words are fuzzy and vague.
TrueFalse

13.Words that stand for things the reader can see, feel, taste, or smell are abstract.
TrueFalse

14.To say "very early Saturday" is more concrete than "Saturday at 3:30 a.m."
TrueFalse

15.Of the parts of speech, the noun adds the most strength to a sentence.
TrueFalse

16.Verbs are stronger words than adjectives.
TrueFalse

17.Verbs are at their strongest when skillfully cast in passive voice.
TrueFalse

18.In passive voice, the subject is the receiver of the action.
TrueFalse

19.Passive voice is incorrect in business writing.
TrueFalse

20.It is stronger wording to say "appraise" than to say "make an appraisal."
TrueFalse

21.To write "make an investigation" generally is preferable to "investigate."
TrueFalse

22.Even though such words as tired, weary, and exhausted can refer to the same condition, they do not mean exactly the same thing.
TrueFalse

23.It is easy to choose words with the right denotation; the hard part is finding words with the right connotation.
TrueFalse

24.Idioms are illogical expressions that should be avoided.
TrueFalse

25.Many of our idioms (word combinations that have become standard) have little rhyme or reason.
TrueFalse

26.It is more acceptable to say "independent from" than "independent of."
TrueFalse

27.Since the pronoun he is considered a generic pronoun (referring to both sexes), one can avoid charges of sexism in writing by using it to refer to either sex.
TrueFalse

28.One effective way to avoid sexist use of pronouns is to use plural pronouns.
TrueFalse

29.The language of this sentence discriminates against women: "A good secretary organizes her work carefully."
TrueFalse

30.If a statement about a member of a minority group is true, it cannot be discriminatory.
TrueFalse

31.In those rare cases in which minority membership (black, Hispanic, etc.) is a vital part of the message, it is appropriate to include this information.
TrueFalse

Multiple Choice Questions

32.In adapting writing to a group ranging from college graduates to those with a grade-school level of education, one should write for the
A.lowest level in the group.
B.middle one-third.
C.upper two-thirds.
D.upper one-third.
E.highest member of the group.

33.Select the statement that describes the best practice concerning word length in writing.
A.Challenge the reader with long words.
B.Alternate long and short words as much as possible.
C.Be concerned with precision and forget length.
D.Prefer short words and use the long ones with caution.
E.Never use long words in business writing.

34.Select the most concrete of the following wordings.
A.later in the week
B.by Thursday
C.by Thursday afternoon
D.by Thursday without fail
E.by 3:30 p.m. Thursday

35.Select the most concrete of the following wordings describing the speed of an automobile.
A.the fastest car on the road
B.an exceptionally fast car
C.a very fast car
D.holds a record speed of 167 miles per hour
E.exceeds 160 miles per hour

36.Which of the following wordings is the most concrete?
A.A majority
B.Over half
C.52.3 percent
D.Most
E.In excess of 50 percent

37.The part of speech that produces the strongest communication effect is the
A.verb.
B.noun.
C.adjective.
D.preposition.
E.adverb.

38.Select the sentence that uses the most direct, vigorous style.
A.The process was discovered by Ace chemists.
B.Ace chemists discovered the process.
C.Ace chemists were responsible for discovering the process.
D.This discovery of process was made by Ace chemists.
E.Discovery of this process was made by Ace chemists

39.Choose the sentence containing the most vigorous wording.
A.We will cancel your order.
B.We will effect a cancellation of your order.
C.Your order will be canceled.
D.Your order will be canceled by us.
E.We will bring about cancellation of your order.

40.Select the sentence that has the strongest wording.
A.It is believed that their prices will increase.
B.We believe that their prices will be increased.
C.We believe that they will increase prices.
D.It is believed that they will increase prices.
E.It is believed that their prices will be increased.

41.Which of the following sentences presents its subject matter in the strongest wording?
A.Mr. Henderson canceled the story.
B.Mr. Henderson was responsible for cancellation of the story.
C.The story was canceled by Mr. Henderson.
D.Mr. Henderson effected a cancellation of the story.
E.Cancellation of the story was effected by Mr. Henderson.

42.Which of these sentences uses the most vigorous wording?
A.The sales increase for 2006 was 10.1 percent.
B.An increase of 10.1 percent was recorded for sales in 2006.
C.Sales increased 10.1 percent in 2006.
D.A significant increase in sales was made in 2006.
E.2003 sales were reported to be 10.1 percent.

43.Select the sentence that conforms best to clear writing principles.
A.He made an application for the job.
B.He applied for the job.
C.He made an application for employment.
D.An application for the job was made by him.
E.His application has been submitted for the job.

44.Of the following five words, which has the least formal connotation?
A.Fired
B.Dismissed
C.Downsized
D.Canned
E.Terminated

45.Of the following wordings, which is not in correct idiom?
A.In search of
B.Listen to
C.Seldom or ever
D.Superior to
E.Equally bad

46.Of the following wordings, which is not in correct idiom?
A.Comply with
B.In search of
C.Listen at
D.Superior to
E.Collided with

47.Which of the following expressions would a businessperson from a non-English-speaking country probably have the most trouble understanding?
A.Declining sales
B.Thinking outside the box
C.Thanking the customer
D.Expanding the market
E.A joint venture

48.Select the sentence that is the least sexist in its wording.
A.If a student follows these instructions, he will benefit.
B.The fishermen around here usually keep their boats in good order.
C.A secretary in our company rarely needs to use her shorthand skills.
D.When our customers pay promptly, they earn discounts.
E.Lattimer was represented by a lady lawyer.

49.Select the least discriminatory of these five references to an occupational group.
A.postman
B.lady doctor
C.salesman
D.letter carrier
E.policeman

50.Select the sentence that is the least discriminatory of these five:
A.The lady carpenter was not dismissed.
B.The production department had a Chinese manager.
C.Ms. Martinez was selected for the position.
D.Only hardworking blacks need apply.
E.He was a generous Jew.

Chapter 02 Adaptation and the Selection of Words Answer Key

True / False Questions

1.(p.25)A good rule is to write so that a person just like you can understand the message.
FALSE

You should adapt the writing to your readers.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Analysis
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-1
Topic: Importance of Adaptation

2.(p.25)Adapting your writing means writing in the simplest language possible.
FALSE

It means fitting the words to the specific reader, which does not always mean simplifying the writing.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Application
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-1
Topic: Importance of Adaptation

3.(p.26)In adapting writing to a wide range of educational backgrounds, one should write for those in the middle.
FALSE

One should accommodate all readers, including those at the lowest level, in order to communicate with them all.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-1
Topic: Importance of Adaptation

4.(p.27)Using familiar words means using the language of normal conversation.
TRUE

We use the familiar words in normal conversation.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 02-2
Topic: Selecting Words

5.(p.27)It is good to use unfamiliar words in business because they impress readers.
FALSE

Familiar words communicate more clearly, and the main goal of communicating in business is to convey a message effectively.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-2
Topic: Selecting Words

6.(p.28)Readability research supports preferring short words over long ones.
TRUE

Short words take less energy to read and are usually more familiar to the reader than long ones.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 02-2
Topic: Selecting Words

7.(p.28)You should use short words because all the longer ones are difficult to understand.
FALSE

Although length and difficulty are correlated, some exceptions exist. Some long words are easy and some short ones are difficult.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-2
Topic: Selecting Words

8.(p.29)In general, using slang and popular expressions in business writing is a good idea because it creates a friendly bond with the reader.
FALSE

Because slang and popular expressions quickly go out of date and are not universally known, they should be used with caution.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-3
Topic: Selecting Words

9.(p.29-30)Although they may be misunderstood, some words not in the reader's vocabulary should be used as a device to gain his or her respect.
FALSE

Such words do not communicate clearly.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-4
Topic: Selecting Words

10.(p.29)Only the truly technical fields such as engineering, physics, accounting, and computer science have a technical language.
FALSE

Every field has its technical language, or unique jargon.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 02-4
Topic: Selecting Words

11.(p.29)Because technical words are difficult to understand, they have no place in business writing.
FALSE

They may be used when they will be clearly understood.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-4
Topic: Selecting Words

12.(p.30)Abstract words are fuzzy and vague.
TRUE

This is a definition of abstract words.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-5
Topic: Selecting Words

13.(p.29)Words that stand for things the reader can see, feel, taste, or smell are abstract.
FALSE

This is a definition of concrete words.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 02-5
Topic: Selecting Words

14.(p.30)To say "very early Saturday" is more concrete than "Saturday at 3:30 a.m."
FALSE

"Saturday at 3:30 a.m." is more specific and thus more concrete.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Application
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-5
Topic: Selecting Words

15.(p.32)Of the parts of speech, the noun adds the most strength to a sentence.
FALSE

When chosen well, the verb adds the most strength and vigor.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-5
Topic: Selecting Words

16.(p.32)Verbs are stronger words than adjectives.
TRUE

As the chapter says, verbs are the strongest words.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-5
Topic: Selecting Words

17.(p.32-33)Verbs are at their strongest when skillfully cast in passive voice.
FALSE

Active voice is stronger.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-5
Topic: Selecting Words

18.(p.32)In passive voice, the subject is the receiver of the action.
TRUE

This is the definition of passive voice.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-5
Topic: Selecting Words

19.(p.32-33)Passive voice is incorrect in business writing.
FALSE

It should not be overused, but it is more appropriate than active voice in some situations, such as when active voice would accuse the reader.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-5
Topic: Selecting Words

20.(p.32)It is stronger wording to say "appraise" than to say "make an appraisal."
TRUE

The latter is a camouflaged form of appraise.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Application
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 02-5
Topic: Selecting Words

21.(p.32)To write "make an investigation" generally is preferable to "investigate."
FALSE

The first wording illustrates a camouflaged verb.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Application
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 02-5
Topic: Selecting Words

22.(p.35-36)Even though such words as tired, weary, and exhausted can refer to the same condition, they do not mean exactly the same thing.
TRUE

These words have different connotations.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Application
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 02-6
Topic: Selecting Words

23.(p.35-36)It is easy to choose words with the right denotation; the hard part is finding words with the right connotation.
FALSE

The English language contains many pairs of words, such as effect and affect, that have different denotations but are often confused.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 02-6
Topic: Selecting Words

24.(p.36)Idioms are illogical expressions that should be avoided.
FALSE

Idioms are conventional and accepted word combinations in a language.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-6
Topic: Selecting Words

25.(p.36)Many of our idioms (word combinations that have become standard) have little rhyme or reason.
TRUE

This point is made in the chapter.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-6
Topic: Selecting Words

26.(p.36)It is more acceptable to say "independent from" than "independent of."
FALSE

This is an example of an idiom that is often misused.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-6
Topic: Selecting Words

27.(p.37)Since the pronoun he is considered a generic pronoun (referring to both sexes), one can avoid charges of sexism in writing by using it to refer to either sex.
FALSE

Most people now object to this practice, contending that it discriminates against women.

AACSB: Communication, Diversity
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 02-7
Topic: Nondiscriminatory Writing

28.(p.38)One effective way to avoid sexist use of pronouns is to use plural pronouns.
TRUE

Because the plural pronouns are not gender specific, their use shows no sexual bias.

AACSB: Communication, Diversity
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-7
Topic: Nondiscriminatory Writing

29.(p.39)The language of this sentence discriminates against women: "A good secretary organizes her work carefully."
TRUE

The use of her suggests that only women can be secretaries and supports a stereotype that is offensive to women.

AACSB: Communication, Diversity
Bloom's: Application
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-7
Topic: Nondiscriminatory Writing

30.(p.40)If a statement about a member of a minority group is true, it cannot be discriminatory.
FALSE

It can still be considered discriminatory if it implies that all members of that group share a certain negative trait (e.g., "He was a fussy gay man who was fired from the team because he couldn't work with others").

AACSB: Diversity
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 02-7
Topic: Nondiscriminatory Writing

31.(p.40)In those rare cases in which minority membership (black, Hispanic, etc.) is a vital part of the message, it is appropriate to include this information.
TRUE

This exception is noted in the text.

AACSB: Communication, Diversity
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 02-7
Topic: Nondiscriminatory Writing

Multiple Choice Questions

32.(p.26)In adapting writing to a group ranging from college graduates to those with a grade-school level of education, one should write for the
A.lowest level in the group.
B.middle one-third.
C.upper two-thirds.
D.upper one-third.
E.highest member of the group.

One must aim at the lowest members of the group if he or she is to communicate with all in the group.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Application
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-1
Topic: Importance of Adaptation

33.(p.28)Select the statement that describes the best practice concerning word length in writing.
A.Challenge the reader with long words.
B.Alternate long and short words as much as possible.
C.Be concerned with precision and forget length.
D.Prefer short words and use the long ones with caution.
E.Never use long words in business writing.

Short words usually communicate better and more efficiently than long words.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Comprehension
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-2
Topic: Selecting Words

34.(p.30-32)Select the most concrete of the following wordings.
A.later in the week
B.by Thursday
C.by Thursday afternoon
D.by Thursday without fail
E.by 3:30 p.m. Thursday

The most specific is the wording indicating both hour and date.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Application
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-5
Topic: Selecting Words

35.(p.30-32)Select the most concrete of the following wordings describing the speed of an automobile.
A.the fastest car on the road
B.an exceptionally fast car
C.a very fast car
D.holds a record speed of 167 miles per hour
E.exceeds 160 miles per hour

By mentioning the exact speed, these words are the most concrete.

AACSB: Communication
Bloom's: Application
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 02-5
Topic: Selecting Words

36.(p.30-32)Which of the following wordings is the most concrete?
A.A majority
B.Over half
C.52.3 percent
D.Most
E.In excess of 50 percent

This one is the most precise and therefore the most concrete.