Question 1

Which of the following statements are true and which are false?
A) The speaker's tone may be the opposite of his/her meaning.
B) Ironic speech means expressing meaning through language signifying the opposite. This cannot be done in writing.
C) The writer can express irony in words only, whereas the speaker can use his/her voice and gestures in an ironic way.
D) The speaker is wise to emphasise points through repetition, otherwise the audience may forget them.
E) In writing company reports, the professional communicator should use the language of magazines: cheerful, colourful and colloquial.

Accepted Answer

True: a, c, d;
False: b, e

Question 2

Professions are empowered by which of the following language devices?

Accepted Answer

A)   Doublespeak
B)   Jargon
C)   Medical terminology
D)   Algorisms
E)   Technical terminology E

Question 3

The Racial Hatred Act prevents discrimination and vilification of racial groups by:

Accepted Answer

A)   banning free speech.
B)   prohibiting the use of inflammatory language against racial groups in the public domain.
C)   insisting that all language used to discuss racial groups is positive and affirming.
D)   ensuring education is provided to individuals who have issue with certain racial groups.
E)   insisting that the racial heritage of individuals not be disclosed in public discussions. B

Question 4

What qualities do readers and listeners share in persuasion?

Accepted Answer

A)   Both writers and speakers should be formal and serious at all times.
B)   Readers and listeners like to be treated as equals, not patronised or bullied.
C)   Writing can never adopt the same tone as speech.
D)   In both writing and speech, humour is the most persuasive device.
E)   Anger and friendliness can be expressed equally well in both writing and speech.

Question 5

By 'rules of the language game', we mean which three of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   Using correct grammar in formal reports.
B)   Understanding words used by people who lecture to us.
C)   Being competent at word puzzles.
D)   Having fun with word games.
E)   Pronouncing words properly.

Question 6

Discourse is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

A)   spoken and written texts created within a certain social or cultural context.
B)   longwinded speeches at political meetings.
C)   arguments put forward in favour of one political party or another.
D)   written appeals that are too complicated for most readers.
E)   speeches within a professional group that are meant to be obscure to everyone else.

Question 7

An advantage of writing over speech is that:

Accepted Answer

A)   words can be carefully chosen, tried out and changed if they do not have an impact.
B)   people trust the written word more than the spoken word.
C)   non-verbal and verbal feedback can be instantly ascertained from the audience.
D)   good handwriting impresses many people.
E)   visual graphics can be used to support the written word.

Question 8

The term 'complex media' refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)   A message using written and visual elements.
B)   Using a computer network.
C)   A paper meant to be read silently.
D)   A message that is too complicated.
E)   A speech intended for publication."

Question 9

Which of the following statements is an opinion?

Accepted Answer

A)   The government should increase the legal age for drinking.
B)   Television dominates our lives.
C)   I'm sure a loving God is looking after me.
D)   I'm certain he didn't commit the crime.
E)   Rich people are savers.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT true about metaphors?

Accepted Answer

A)   A metaphor can influence the way we see reality.
B)   A metaphor can be a figure of speech.
C)   A metaphor can be a symbolic way of expressing an idea.
D)   A metaphor includes the word 'like' or 'as'.
E)   A metaphor can make an abstract comparison between one object and another.

Question 11

If you were addressing a hostile audience, you would:

Accepted Answer

A)   expect them to be easily persuaded to your view.
B)   expect them to act immediately on your wishes.
C)   aim to get them to at least consider your arguments sympathetically.
D)   begin by putting on a funny video.
E)   end by handing out chocolates to the children.

Question 12

Which of the following sentences is gender-inclusive?

Accepted Answer

A)   Every solicitor in this city should sit for her bar examination.
B)   Men have taken 50,000 years to invent the wheel.
C)   The top athlete needs his training to be tough; otherwise he can't expect to qualify for the Olympics.
D)   Our volunteer firefighters perform a great service; I congratulate every man and woman in the team for their work this season.
E)   From cavemen to footballers, sporting teams have always depended on luck and the environment.

Question 13

An important difference between speech and writing is that:

Accepted Answer

A)   poor pronunciation in speech is a more serious problem than poor spelling in writing.
B)   non-verbal communication is used more in writing than in speech.
C)   writing takes longer than speech.
D)   writing is always more formal than speech.
E)   writing requires more care in word selection than speech.

Question 14

Which of the following best illustrates the principles of the 'language game' (that is, 'winning the game')?

Accepted Answer

A)   Having plenty of exact facts and figures for your presentation.
B)   Speaking excitedly and with intensity.
C)   Using humour to disarm your critics in a magazine article.
D)   Informing an applicant that he/she has been unsuccessful, and making it clear that you don't want to hear from them again.
E)   Making sure that you have control of the conversation from start to finish.

Question 15

Textspeak:

Accepted Answer

A)   is common in all forms of modern communication.
B)   involves speaking like a textbook.
C)   is an abbreviated form of language.
D)   is another word for voice-recognition software.
E)   involves any device or program that translates written words into speech.

Question 16

When new technical terms are created in, say, computing, we call them:

Accepted Answer

A)   neologisms.
B)   slang.
C)   idioms.
D)   metaphors.
E)   similes.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT an example of a euphemism?

Accepted Answer

A)   'Pest control is undertaken in the Wellington area. '
B)   'Measures will be taken to ensure that Wellington is free from pest activity.'
C)   'Routine control of pest-infected areas will be carried out on a regular basis.'
D)   'All rats in the Wellington area will be poisoned to death using strong chemicals.'
E)   'Pest control will be undertaken in Wellington to improve the quality of life of our residents.'

Question 18

The difference between denotation and connotation of words is that:

Accepted Answer

A)   denotation is meant to be objective and unemotional; connotation is subjective and culture-dependent.
B)   denotation is simple speech; connotation always uses big words.
C)   denotation uses figures and statistics; connotation is poetic writing.
D)   denotation is technical jargon; connotation is vague and emotional.
E)   denotation is public; connotation is private.

Question 19

Doublespeak is a language device that:

Accepted Answer

A)   occurs when a person engages in repetitive speech.
B)   covers up criminal activity or breaches of human rights.
C)   covers up one meaning of a word by implying another meaning.
D)   occurs when two people are talking at the same time.
E)   covers up vulgar or rude ideas.

Question 20

Which of the following is a norm of communication in the Australian cultural context?

Accepted Answer

A)   Public speakers can tell lies wherever necessary and the audience will not mind.
B)   Public speakers may be found to verbally insult and abuse their audience. This is considered acceptable.
C)   Public speakers do not need to make eye contact with their audience; the audience will continue to listen regardless.
D)   Public speakers can insert personal anecdotes and humour into their speeches and it will often be well-received.
E)   Public speakers do not need to follow any rules when it comes to providing facts and evidence.

Exam 2: Language and Communication Practice