Deck 3: Adapting Your Words to Your Readers

Question 1

According to studies of readability, long words generally communicate better than short words.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Using simple words that carry the intended meaning without offending the readers' intelligence makes a message clear and effective.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

"The project uses state of the art technologies." This sentence uses a cliché.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

To communicate clearly, you must use words that your readers are familiar with.

Question 5

"A customer who pays promptly is placed on our preferred list." This is an example of a gender-neutral sentence.

Question 6

"A complaint has been lodged against you." This sentence is written in active voice.

Question 7

"The company posted a significant loss." This sentence uses abstract words.

Question 8

Concrete words are vague in nature.

Question 9

The use of stiff words makes communication precise.

Question 10

"We take pride in our work." This sentence uses a slang word.

Question 11

Plain language is defined as the communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it.

Question 12

The word "affect" is used as a noun that means "a result" of something.

Question 13

"The interviews were conducted only during weekdays." This sentence is in passive voice.

Question 14

The use of specialized language can signal to other specialists that you are qualified to communicate on their level.

Question 15

"The report will be sent by 2.00 p.m." This sentence is vague.

Question 16

"The students of the seventh grade scored well in their math test." This is an example of a discriminatory sentence.

Question 17

To create an effective message, your choice of words needs to be guided by your audience and purpose.

Question 18

You can make your verbs more active by using the active voice.

Question 19

"Application of the mixture was accomplished." This sentence uses camouflaged verbs.

Question 20

Overuse of the verb "to be" and passive voice can sap the energy from your sentences.

Question 21

Which of the following sentences is the best example of the use of familiar words?

A) We are buying new computers this week.
B) We have a platonic relationship.
C) Karen was livid with anger because Rob was late for the meeting.
D) Please try to expedite the process.
E) He wore an immaculate suit to office.

Question 22

A heavy use of long words should be avoided as:

A) they tend to be familiar words.
B) they tend to be concrete words.
C) they leave an impression of difficulty.
D) they are not stiff and precise.
E) they do not vary widely in their connotations.

Question 23

Which of the following will most likely make a message clear and effective?

A) Using jargon to capture the attention of your audience
B) Using vague words so that your message can be interpreted in multiple ways
C) Adapting your choice of words to the purpose of the message
D) Avoiding the use of active verbs
E) Using the passive voice instead of the active voice

Question 24

Which of the following sentences does not use a cliché?

A) The company spent a fortune developing this cutting edge technology.
B) This hotel boasts of world class amenities.
C) The company has come up with a state of the art combustion engine.
D) Expenditures have risen by a total of two percent in the past five years.
E) At the end of the day, it's the customers who must be satisfied.

Question 25

Which of the following is true about using short words in business communication?

A) The use of short words hinders communication.
B) A heavy use of short words, even those that are understood, leaves an impression of difficulty.
C) Word length and word difficulty are not related to one another.
D) Short words are generally better at communicating meaning than long words.
E) The use of short words should be avoided as they tend to be unfamiliar words.

Question 26

Which of the following sentences uses a cliché?

A) A lot of property was destroyed in the fire.
B) The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell.
C) The company uses cutting edge technology to manufacture its products.
D) He wasn't online yesterday.
E) They would have been able to return the bottle if they hadn't torn off the labels.

Question 27

Which of the following is true about concrete words?

A) Concrete words are not easy to understand.
B) Concrete words are typically not informative.
C) Concrete wording should be avoided as it is not interesting.
D) Concrete words stand for things the reader can see, feel, taste, smell, or count.
E) Concrete words tend to be vague.

Question 28

Which of the following sentences does not use slang or a cliché?

A) The company spent a fortune developing this cutting edge technology.
B) This hotel has world class amenities.
C) Are you for real?
D) Going forward, please ensure you direct all customer queries to me.
E) They made plans to go to the park in the evening.

Question 29

Which of the following sentences uses a cliché?

A) The company has come up with a state of the art combustion engine.
B) Sally goes to the movie theater every Saturday.
C) People often drink tea in the morning.
D) Our friends have planned to go to the museum.
E) The children pestered their nanny for a story.

Question 30

Which of the following sentences is the best example of the use of unfamiliar words?

A) I'm so glad I didn't have to go to work today.
B) The memo was sent out to the employees.
C) The festivities will culminate with the display of fireworks.
D) My best try was not good enough.
E) I want to post these letters.

Question 31

Which of the following is true about slang words?

A) Slang words once established do not run the risk of becoming unpopular.
B) The heavy use of slang words in formal cross-cultural communication helps in breaking cultural barriers.
C) The use of slang in formal settings is usually considered politically correct.
D) Slang words should be used with caution in business communication.
E) Slang words should be used in written messages as they communicate meaning precisely.

Question 32

For writing to be clear and effective, you should:

A) avoid using familiar words.
B) avoid using stiff words.
C) avoid using active verbs.
D) use complex words to exhibit your knowledge to your readers.
E) use passive voice instead of active voice.

Question 33

Which of the following sentences uses technical words?

A) The children are playing in the garden.
B) The children were upset when the dog destroyed their toy.
C) He was killed in a road accident.
D) It is advisable to invest in an annuity.
E) Several students attended the meeting.

Question 34

Which of the following sentences uses a slang word?

A) The analyst said, "The economy is in recession and exports are declining."
B) My boss has asked me to submit a report.
C) The manager said, "No worries, I will do my best to help you."
D) The children were building sand castles on the beach.
E) The children were upset when the dog destroyed their sand castle.

Question 35

Clichés should be used sparingly because:

A) they signal to other specialists that you are qualified to communicate on their level.
B) they create problems in cross-cultural communication.
C) they represent unpopular concepts.
D) they are short in length.
E) they are familiar to most people.

Question 36

Which of the following sentences is the best example of the use of unfamiliar words?

A) John's computer tends to shut down when it becomes hot.
B) John's computer does not work properly when it heats up.
C) John's computer does not work properly when it runs hot.
D) John's computer has the tendency to shut down when operating at elevated temperatures.
E) John's computer tends to shut down when it runs hot.

Question 37

Which of the following will most likely enhance the effectiveness of your message?

A) Using familiar words
B) Using complex words to exhibit your knowledge to your readers
C) Avoiding active verbs
D) Using stiff words to make the communication precise
E) Avoiding plain language

Question 38

Which of the following sentences uses clichés?

A) What would you do if you had a million dollars?
B) If she had not stopped the boy, he would have run into the van.
C) This hotel has world class amenities.
D) If you'd turned down the volume of your stereo, the neighbors would not have complained.
E) We will lose our way if we do not refer to the map.

Question 39

Which of the following sentences is the best example of the use of familiar words?

A) The hotel room was immaculate.
B) The hotel room was impeccable.
C) The hotel room was unsoiled.
D) The hotel room was unsullied.
E) The hotel room was clean.

Question 40

Which of the following is true about clichés?

A) Business clichés once established do not run the risk of becoming unpopular.
B) The heavy use of clichés in formal cross-cultural communication helps in breaking cultural barriers.
C) Business clichés can sometimes increase your credibility with other businesspeople.
D) Clichés do not run the risk of sounding dated.
E) Clichés catch on because they represent unpopular concepts.

Question 41

Which of the following sentences is the best example of the use of concrete words?

A) Sally scored poorly in her last exams.
B) Sally fared poorly in her last exams.
C) Sally's last exams did not go very well.
D) Sally did not fare well in her last exams.
E) Sally got 20 points out of 100 in her last exams.

Question 42

Which of the following sentences correctly uses the words "further"?

A) How much further do you plan to walk now?
B) Carl threw the ball further than anyone else.
C) We need to explore this problem further.
D) How much further do I have to run, coach?
E) It's not that much further to the hospital.

Question 43

Which of the following sentences uses camouflaged verbs?

A) The cops investigated the theft.
B) She was assisted by Karen during the surgery.
C) The attorney recorded the conversations with his client.
D) The bank was forced to make an acquisition of that company on behalf of the client.
E) The company was forced to liquidate its assets.

Question 44

Which of the following sentences is the best example of the use of abstract words?

A) He drives a 1950 Buick.
B) She has a good attendance record.
C) He owns a semi-automatic handgun.
D) She will be back by Thursday evening.
E) He lives in New York.

Question 45

Which of the following sentences uses an idiom correctly?

A) The child was scolded for speaking out of turn.
B) They turned out at the wedding.
C) The car ran up a dog.
D) The accused was in the run for weeks.
E) He finally made of as an artist.

Question 46

Which of the following sentences uses an idiom inappropriately?

A) Jeff earns his living by working two jobs.
B) I can't stand such rude people.
C) Please keep in touch.
D) Please adhere with the rules of the organization.
E) Watch out for speeding cars!

Question 47

Which of the following sentences correctly uses the word "affect"?

A) One good affect of the new law is that the crime rate has declined.
B) This salary cut may affect his lifestyle.
C) Bridge washouts are often an affect of floods.
D) The major affect of the storm was felt by people settled near the shore.
E) The accident had an affect on my driving.

Question 48

Which of the following sentences is the best example of the use of abstract words?

A) He bought four computers.
B) She is happy with the proposal.
C) He has a dog named Pepsi.
D) I have been reading a novel for the past two days.
E) He lives in New York.

Question 49

Which of the following sentences does not have a camouflaged verb?

A) The actor was forced to make an appearance at the court.
B) The chairperson canceled the dinner which was to be held tomorrow.
C) Dale gave her assistance to Dave during the procedure.
D) The committee decided to have a discussion regarding pay rise for the employees.
E) She was asked to make a commitment on behalf of the company.

Question 50

Which of the following sentences is the best example of the use of specific words?

A) She seems to be happy.
B) We should visit the countryside sometime soon.
C) The woman has a serious disease.
D) It was such a nice thing to do.
E) When we grow old, our hair becomes thin and brittle.

Question 51

Which of the following sentences is the best example of the use of vague words?

A) The teacher wrote a letter to Jim's parents informing them of his week long absence from school.
B) She wore a blue shirt with a black skirt.
C) She made a potato salad for dinner and an apple pie for dessert.
D) The homecoming party was wonderful.
E) She bought two batteries for her car.

Question 52

Which of the following sentences uses an idiom inappropriately?

A) I can recite the poem from heart.
B) It's hard to believe that we lost our jobs.
C) She built this company from scratch.
D) The salesperson sweetened the deal by offering a huge discount.
E) When I bought my car, the dealer threw in free tires.

Question 53

Which of the following sentences is in active voice?

A) These cars are manufactured in Japan.
B) The houses have been built.
C) She is reading the newspaper now.
D) A lot of property was destroyed by the earthquake.
E) German is spoken in Austria.

Question 54

Which of the following sentences is the best example of the use of concrete words?

A) Sales have fallen drastically this year.
B) The company has incurred heavy losses.
C) The company has faced a major setback in terms of profit.
D) The company has suffered a significant loss.
E) The company has suffered a loss of 60 percent.

Question 55

Which of the following sentences correctly uses the word "farther"?

A) The product needs farther testing.
B) I can't argue any farther.
C) How much farther do you intend to take this matter?
D) Simon walked farther into the woods.
E) I wish the professor had discussed this farther.

Question 56

Which of the following sentences is in active voice?

A) The package will be delivered.
B) The grass has been trimmed.
C) The office is cleaned every day.
D) Cars are often stolen.
E) She writes articles for the newspaper.

Question 57

Which of the following sentences correctly uses the words "effect" and "affect"?

A) This policy will adversely effect the employees.
B) The recession had an affect on developing countries.
C) This salary cut may effect his living habits.
D) The major affect of the storm was felt by people settled near the shore.
E) The effect of the epidemic was very evident.

Question 58

Which of the following sentences uses an idiom correctly?

A) She is preoccupied by her vacation plans.
B) I have been looking up my keys for an hour now.
C) She looked up to her brother.
D) The neighbor could not put on with the noise from the party next door.
E) Vivian set down her shop near the farmer's market.

Question 59

Which of the following sentences is gender-neutral?

A) A teacher is responsible for his students' behavior in class.
B) He was elected as the chairman of the committee.
C) All the freshmen assembled outside the dean's office.
D) You can call a policeman when in need.
E) Please ask the coordinator for directions.

Question 60

Which of the following sentences correctly uses the word "effect"?

A) The patient asked the doctor how the treatment would effect her overall health.
B) This medicine will effect your digestion system.
C) Adding salt to the dough effects the taste of the dish.
D) The major effect of the storm was felt by those residing near the shore.
E) The global crisis effected a lot of people.

Question 61

Why is it important to adapt your message to the intended readers' situation?

Question 62

Why should camouflaged verbs be avoided?

Question 63

Rewrite the following sentences without slang and business clichés.

Question 64

Which of the following sentences is an example of a discriminatory sentence?

A) The writer was absent at the book-signing event.
B) The author was not happy with his publishers.
C) The lawyer asked her client to accept the deal.
D) The assistant must perform the experiment before she teaches it to her students.
E) It is the job of the secretary to stop people from barging into the chairperson's chambers.

Question 65

Correct the following sentences.

Question 66

Which of the following sentences is an example of a discriminatory sentence?

A) The lawyer conceded defeat.
B) The firefighters saved the children from the raging fire.
C) The architect lost the plans.
D) The salesperson offered freebies to close the deal.
E) The origin of mankind is a mystery.

Question 67

How can you make your writing nondiscriminatory?

Question 68

Rewrite the following sentences using short words.

Question 69

Which of the following is an example of nondiscriminatory sentence?

A) Miko, just like all Asian students, excels in academics.
B) Christina is a highly regarded poetess.
C) Though Earl is confined to a wheelchair, he is independent.
D) Natalie belongs to the Millennial Generation so it's only natural that she spends most of her time online.
E) Jeremy is developmentally disabled and attends a special school.

Question 70

Rewrite the following sentences using precise language.

Question 71

Rewrite the following sentences using the correct idioms.

Question 72

Discuss the appropriate ways of using technical words and acronyms.

Question 73

Rewrite the following sentences using familiar words.

Question 74

Which of the following is an example of a gender-neutral word?

A) Freshman
B) Manpower
C) Personnel
D) Poetess
E) Congressman

Question 75

Which of the following sentences is gender-biased?

A) The salesperson closed the deal.
B) It takes immense courage to be a firefighter.
C) This is how a common man lives his life.
D) The priest declared them as husband and wife at the end of the ceremony.
E) The mail carrier usually stops by our house at 4.00 p.m.