Chapter 4

Which statement is accurate?

• Proofreading involves using only a spell checker.

• Revision should always occur after you have completed writing.

• Business messages must be clear, concise, and readable.

• Revising and proofreading involve the same steps.

Which of the following is true about writing and revising business documents?

• Rarely is the first version satisfactory, but usually the second version is excellent.

• Experts say only amateurs expect writing perfection on the first try.

• Revision is not necessary for informal documents such as internal memos or e-mail messages.

• The real work of revision should happen in the writing stage as you select words and form sentences.

Monica lost a promotion due to poor writing skills. Which phase of the writing process should she most focus on to demonstrate better writing skills?

• Improving content and research

• Revising and proofreading

• Formatting and documenting

• Identifying her purpose and her audience

Which of the following statements about revision is most accurate?

• You must compose first drafts quickly (sprint writing) and return later for editing.

• Careful writers always revise as they write.

• Revision is required for only long and complex business documents.

• Some business writers prefer to compose first drafts quickly and revise later; others prefer to revise as they go.

Good business writing is concise. Concise means that the writing

• avoids the use of redundant phrases.

• is free of errors in grammar and punctuation.

• has been revised to include examples and research.

• contains proper documentation of resources.

Concise writing

• should be used only in informal business documents such as e-mail messages.

• is easier to read and comprehend.

• is improved during the proofreading step of the third phase of the writing process.

• should be avoided because it can come across as being abrupt and rude.

Which of the following sentences demonstrates concise writing?

• At this point in time, we will not build additional satellite offices.

• There are many candidates applying for the marketing position.

• Cherrie Hull will be our interim director effective May 1.

• You will learn the basic fundamentals of the new software package in today's seminar.

You can write the flabby phrase Due to the fact that more concisely as

• About.

• Although.

• While.

• Because.

Which of the following best avoids flabby expressions?

• In very few cases do job applicants perform adequate research about a company.

• The CEO is of the opinion that stock prices will increase next quarter.

• Although many employees have requested training, we can't afford the extra expense.

• We do not expect any pay raises at this point in time.

Effective communicators avoid the flabby expression in the near future by using the word

• now.

• soon.

• probably.

• for.