Deck 4: Writing Style and Lapses

Question 1

When writing to a client, a report writer should never use a hesitant tone.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Which sentence contains a writing lapse?

A) Having completed its study, the committee presented a recommendation to the company's president.
B) The committee cited three reasons they chose the site.
C) The company's president was pleased with the committee's selection.
D) The president is eager to move into a new building; construction will begin soon.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Because style is an individual matter, a writer should base style decisions primarily on personal preferences.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

A writer's attitude toward the message and receiver is reflected in the writing tone.

Question 5

Courtesy in writing is the mark of a weak-willed person.

Question 6

First-person pronouns should be avoided in all written reports.

Question 7

Which of the following statements is least descriptive of an effective writing style?

A) It is based on empathy.
B) It is unrelated to tone.
C) It includes use of colloquial speech.
D) It is influenced by the reader's ego needs.

Question 8

Compared with formal reports, informal reports tend to be written in a more personal tone.

Question 9

In Microsoft Word 2010, spell check is designed to detect lapses such as adopt for adapt and there for their.

Question 10

In Microsoft Word 2010, the Spelling and Grammar function is on which tab?

A) Home
B) Proofing
C) Review
D) View

Question 11

A person who tends to act informally can safely choose to write in an informal style.

Question 12

Considering what you have learned about writing style and writing lapses, which sentence demonstrates the best overall construction?

A) Since I have learned how to modify my writing style-a skill I didn't know could be developed-I have been able to write every report effectively.
B) Having learned how to modify my writing style, my reports have improved.
C) Having learned how to modify my writing style, I now write with greater confidence.
D) Learning to modify my writing style, has increased my confidence.

Question 13

Any checker on the Web checks for lapses in both grammar and spelling.
B. Multiple Choice - For these items, circle the most appropriate choice (a-d).

Question 14

The following sentence involves exclusionary language: Announcements will invite all managers and their wives to attend the dinner and hear the speaker.

Question 15

In Microsoft Word 2010, a green, wavy line under text indicates:

A) a potential capitalization error
B) a potential grammar error
C) a potential spelling error
D) a potential usage error, like to for two

Question 16

Select the item that BEST demonstrates an appropriate level of confidence.

A) I hope you will accept the recommendations made in this report.
B) You cannot fail to see the value of the recommendations I have made.
C) If you have questions about the recommendations, I will discuss them with you.
D) A careful reading of my analysis should leave no questions in your mind.

Question 17

Lapses in grammar may reduce the success of a written report but have little effect in an oral report.

Question 18

In general, the accuracy rate of spelling and grammar checkers is 50 percent or less.

Question 19

Which sentence contains no writing lapses?

A) There is four factors to consider when choosing a writing style.
B) The company's profits have fallen during the passed year.
C) Carol and myself planned the office party.
D) Have you ever visited Eric's Web site?

Question 20

During a collaborative writing project, style issues should be resolved at the beginning of the project.

Question 21

Explain each of the following statements, using examples to support your discussion.
a. Some writers mistakenly think that long, complex sentences will impress the reader.
b. Since writing style involves choice, choosing a style may have ethical implications.
c. The only way to prevent lapses in English grammar and spelling in your reports is to learn grammar and spelling.

Question 22

Compose a paragraph to demonstrate appropriate application of each of the following writing guides.
a. Parentheses or dashes may be used to show an interruption or shift of thought, to provide additional explanation, or to show emphasis. However, excessive use of parentheses or dashes may obstruct the main idea of the sentence.
b. An expletive is a word or phrase used to fill out a sentence or to provide emphasis. Unless emphasis is desired and can be achieved in no other way, expletives should be avoided. In fact, a more direct style may strengthen the impact of a sentence.

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT an online grammar/spelling checker?

A) Grammarly
B) Spellchecker.net
C) Stylecheck
D) WhiteSmoke