Deck 11: Editing for a Professional Style and Tone

Question 1

Sentences using active voice

A) include a clear agent performing the action.
B) might be too blunt to be effective.
C) might be inappropriate if the object is more important than the subject.
D) have the recipient of the action in the subject slot of the sentence.
E) a, b, and c.

Answer 1

a, b, and c.

Question 2

In choosing the appropriate tone,

A) use a semiformal tone when you want to sound conversational.
B) use a formal tone with subordinates.
C) use an informal tone with superiors.
D) use a negative tone when conveying bad news.
E) when in doubt, avoid being too casual.

Answer 2

when in doubt, avoid being too casual.

Question 3

is the accepted phrases, terms, and shorthand individuals in a profession use to communicate with each other efficiently.

Answer 3

Jargon

Question 4

Using the term "Ms." is an out-of-date strategy that should be avoided.

Question 5

Nominalizations add credibility and efficiency to your writing.

Question 6

Digital editing tools

A) are able to identify words that are used incorrectly.
B) will not search for clutter words.
C) will not catch an instance of "its" that should be "it's."
D) always give the best advice to a writer.
E) a and d.

Question 7

Inefficient style is not only difficult to read but also potentially unethical when it confuses the audience.

Question 8

Avoid using short sentences in technical writing.

Question 9

Whenever possible, you should preface your assertions with "I think," "In my opinion," "I believe," or some other qualifier.

Question 10

An example of sexist language is

A) Ms.
B) poetess.
C) chairperson.
D) flight attendant.
E) Both Ms. and poetess are sexist.

Question 11

To write fluently

A) use long sentences for special emphasis.
B) use a consistent sentence length.
C) use a consistent sentence construction.
D) combine related ideas.
E) All of these answers are correct.

Question 12

A noun that has been formed from a verb and often ends in ion is called a
.

Question 13

Each step in a list of instructions should begin with a noun.

Question 14

Whereas repetition is saying the same thing twice using the same words,
is saying the same thing twice but using different words.

Question 15

Avoid person-first language for people with disabilities.

Question 16

Jargon can be useful in communications among specialists.

Question 17

Combining sentences can help de-emphasize some ideas and emphasize others.

Question 18

All of the following are common sources of wordiness except

A) strong verbs.
B) qualifiers.
C) prepositional phrases.
D) nominalizations.
E) weak verbs.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about tone is most accurate?

A) Never use contractions.
B) Vary the tone of a document from section to section as needed.
C) Never use "I" or "we" in a technical document.
D) Using "you" and "your" will help a writer connect with readers.
E) All of these answers are accurate.

Question 20

The passive voice should always be avoided.