BWQ: Core Communication and Employability Skills

In the study of communication, noise is best defined as _____.

• a. people interrupting someone who is thinking

• b. anything that interferes with the message being heard or understood

Folding your arms in front of you makes it seem as if you are _____.

• c. distant and unwilling to talk

• d. the group leader

If someone does not understand what a speaker is saying, he or she should _____.

• c. ask other people what they think the speaker means

• d. ask the speaker questions for clarification

When listening to instructions, the best way for listeners to make sure they get all the

information is to _____.

• c. ask questions, but wait until the person has stopped talking

• d. take notes, ask questions, and repeat a summary of the instructions

An important attribute of an effective speaker is the ability to _____.

• a. inject humor on the job site with practical jokes

• b. explain and simplify complex topics

Common documents that construction professionals need to read on the job include _____.

• a. construction drawings, code books, and installation manuals

• b. legal briefs, permits, and subpoenas

Special features in books that help readers locate information include _____.

• c. tables of content, indexes, and glossaries

• d. safety-related cautions and warnings

When reading instructions or a series of steps, one should _____.

• c. read the directions completely

• d. skim the directions quickly

The rough draft of a document you are writing should _____.

• a. follow an outline and incorporate your research

• b. be as close to perfect as possible

What is an important practice in writing to avoid errors that can cost time and money?

a. Handwriting

• c. Proofreading the work for accuracy.

• d. Writing at a high reading grade level.