Question 1

Which strategy does your text reccommend for delivering unwelcome or negative news?

Accepted Answer

A) Explain how the reader or, if not the reader, somebody else will benefit. 
B) Give the bad news first and then provide reasons or explanation so that the reader will better understand the bad news. 
C) Cite reasons for the bad news even if they are confidential because it is more important for the reader to understand why the bad news is necessary than to respect confidentiality. 
D) Include a statement that says the bad news is a result of company policy. Most readers will understand this explanation. 
A) Explain how the reader or, if not the reader, somebody else will benefit. 
B) Give the bad news first and then provide reasons or explanation so that the reader will better understand the bad news. 
C) Cite reasons for the bad news even if they are confidential because it is more important for the reader to understand why the bad news is necessary than to respect confidentiality. 
D) Include a statement that says the bad news is a result of company policy. Most readers will understand this explanation.

Question 2

Which statement best expresses the advice offered in the textbook about using a buffer in a negative message?

Accepted Answer

A) An apology is an ineffective buffer. 
B) A buffer should not convey a false impression. 
C) Buffers should be placed in the closing of a bad-news letter. 
D) A buffer should be as long as possible to delay the bad news. 
A) An apology is an ineffective buffer. 
B) A buffer should not convey a false impression. 
C) Buffers should be placed in the closing of a bad-news letter. 
D) A buffer should be as long as possible to delay the bad news.

Question 3

You need to write a message refusing a request to act as master of ceremonies at a silent auction for a charitable cause. Which sentence would be most appropriate for the closing?

Accepted Answer

A) Please call or send me an e-mail if you have further questions. 
B) Because you invited me on such short notice, I will not be available. 
C) Once again, I am very sorry that I cannot assist with your silent auction. I apologize sincerely. 
D) Please keep me in mind if I can assist with this worthwhile event next year. 
A) Please call or send me an e-mail if you have further questions. 
B) Because you invited me on such short notice, I will not be available. 
C) Once again, I am very sorry that I cannot assist with your silent auction. I apologize sincerely. 
D) Please keep me in mind if I can assist with this worthwhile event next year.

Question 4

The writing plan for refusing requests or claims recommends using a _________________ between the buffer and the reasons or explanation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The writing plan for refusing requests or...

Question 5

Which sentence would be the best buffer for a bad-news letter declining an invitation to speak at an annual Chamber of Commerce awards banquet?

Accepted Answer

A) Thank you so much for inviting me to speak at your annual awards dinner. 
B) I am honoured by your invitation to speak at your annual chamber of commerce awards dinner. 
C) I'm afraid I won't be able to accept your invitation to speak at your annual awards dinner. 
D) Your annual awards dinner honouring outstanding members of the chamber of commerce is a prominent event that benefits our community in significant ways. 
A) Thank you so much for inviting me to speak at your annual awards dinner. 
B) I am honoured by your invitation to speak at your annual chamber of commerce awards dinner. 
C) I'm afraid I won't be able to accept your invitation to speak at your annual awards dinner. 
D) Your annual awards dinner honouring outstanding members of the chamber of commerce is a prominent event that benefits our community in significant ways.

Question 6

Bad news can be de-emphasized by putting it in an independent clause or by using active-voice verbs.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Which would be the best closing sentence for a message to employees telling them that the company will no longer provide a free parking space for each employee in the company lot, but will instead issue a limited number of parking passes based on evidence of ride-sharing?

Accepted Answer

A) As of next Monday, you may not park in the free staff parking lot unless you are ride-sharing with at least one other employee. 
B) If you have difficulties with or complaints about this new policy, please contact the Human Resources department. 
C) Convenience is not an acceptable reason for continuing to contribute to pollution and traffic congestion on our roads. 
D) We hope that you will take this opportunity to conserve fuel and contribute to a safer, cleaner environment by sharing transportation with your co-workers. 
A) As of next Monday, you may not park in the free staff parking lot unless you are ride-sharing with at least one other employee. 
B) If you have difficulties with or complaints about this new policy, please contact the Human Resources department. 
C) Convenience is not an acceptable reason for continuing to contribute to pollution and traffic congestion on our roads. 
D) We hope that you will take this opportunity to conserve fuel and contribute to a safer, cleaner environment by sharing transportation with your co-workers.

Question 8

Most reputable businesses never grant questionable claims because they don't want to appear to be in the wrong.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

It is usually NOT necessary or appropriate to explain or give reasons for the bad news in a negative message.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

It is usually best to deal with a business problem by first sending a letter or e-mail so that everything is documented.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Which strategy does your text reccommend for delivering unwelcome or negative news?

Which statement best expresses the advice offered in the textbook about using a buffer in a negative message?

You need to write a message refusing a request to act as master of ceremonies at a silent auction for a charitable cause. Which sentence would be most appropriate for the closing?

The writing plan for refusing requests or claims recommends using a _________________ between the buffer and the reasons or explanation.

Which sentence would be the best buffer for a bad-news letter declining an invitation to speak at an annual Chamber of Commerce awards banquet?

Bad news can be de-emphasized by putting it in an independent clause or by using active-voice verbs.

Which would be the best closing sentence for a message to employees telling them that the company will no longer provide a free parking space for each employee in the company lot, but will instead issue a limited number of parking passes based on evidence of ride-sharing?

Most reputable businesses never grant questionable claims because they don't want to appear to be in the wrong.

It is usually NOT necessary or appropriate to explain or give reasons for the bad news in a negative message.

It is usually best to deal with a business problem by first sending a letter or e-mail so that everything is documented.

Career Success Begins With Communication Skills

Before You Write

Writing and Revising

E-Mails, Instant Messages, Memos

Letters

Persuasive Messages

Informal Reports

Proposals and Formal Reports

Communicating in Person: Professionalism, Etiquette, Teamwork and Meetings

Oral Presentations

The Job Search, Résumés, and Cover Letters

Interviews and Follow-Up

Filters

Exam 7: Negative Messages

Which strategy does your text reccommend for delivering unwelcome or negative news?

Which statement best expresses the advice offered in the textbook about using a buffer in a negative message?

You need to write a message refusing a request to act as master of ceremonies at a silent auction for a charitable cause. Which sentence would be most appropriate for the closing?

The writing plan for refusing requests or claims recommends using a _________________ between the buffer and the reasons or explanation.

Which sentence would be the best buffer for a bad-news letter declining an invitation to speak at an annual Chamber of Commerce awards banquet?

Bad news can be de-emphasized by putting it in an independent clause or by using active-voice verbs.

Which would be the best closing sentence for a message to employees telling them that the company will no longer provide a free parking space for each employee in the company lot, but will instead issue a limited number of parking passes based on evidence of ride-sharing?

Most reputable businesses never grant questionable claims because they don't want to appear to be in the wrong.

It is usually NOT necessary or appropriate to explain or give reasons for the bad news in a negative message.

It is usually best to deal with a business problem by first sending a letter or e-mail so that everything is documented.

Career Success Begins With Communication Skills

Before You Write

Writing and Revising

E-Mails, Instant Messages, Memos

Letters

Persuasive Messages

Informal Reports

Proposals and Formal Reports

Communicating in Person: Professionalism, Etiquette, Teamwork and Meetings

Oral Presentations

The Job Search, Résumés, and Cover Letters

Interviews and Follow-Up

Filters