CHAPTER 3

Which of the following represents a sentence fragment?

• Career advisors suggest that you dress for the job you want, not the one you have.

• When you have a job interview, what does your appearance say about you?

• Although we have seen a gradual loosening of the rules surrounding how we dress for work.

• Business casual attire may sabotage your professional image.

The indirect strategy of message development works best when you

• have a lot of information to deliver quickly.

• are sending a short e-mail to a coworker.

• are delivering good news that will be eagerly received.

• must deliver bad news.

No smart businessperson would begin writing a message before

• conducting an Internet search.

• deciding how to format the message.

• researching to collect needed information.

• checking with the receiver to ensure that the message will be well-received.

Which of the following sentences illustrates passive voice?

• The hiring manager gave each candidate a writing test.

• Employers are usually looking for candidates with good communication skills.

• A communication skills test was given to every applicant for the job opening.

• College graduates with excellent writing skills earn more than three times those with the worst writing skills.

Which of the following illustrates a comma splice?

• Some employers offer full benefit packages, others do not.

• Some employers offer full benefit packages; others do not.

• Some employers offer full benefit packages, but others do not.

• Some employers offer full benefit packages; however, others do not.

An example of a compound-complex sentence is Starbucks utilizes social media to enhance sales.

• TRUE

• FALSE

A message is said to be frontloaded when the details, explanations, and background precede the opening.

• TRUE

• FALSE

You can emphasize ideas stylistically by using

• underlining

• tabulation

• vivid words.

• italics

When you expect the receiver of your message to be pleased, mildly interested, or neutral, you should place the main idea

• at the beginning of the message.

• in the body where it can be supported with explanations and background.

• in the closing where you can build up to it with sufficient explanation.

• anywhere it seems to fit into your writing most logically and gracefully.

Many communication experts regard poor organization as the greatest failing of business writers.

• TRUE

• FALSE