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Chapter 1-4 _Communication Skills Quiz

Total questions: 151

Worksheet time: 1hrs 16mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Communication barriers and ______ may cause the communication process to break down.

a)

decoding

b)

feedback

c)

noise

d)

channel direction

2.

The process of communication includes all but which of the following:

a)

coding.

b)

transmitting.

c)

decoding.

d)

feedback.

3.

To better compete and to reduce expenses, businesses have been flattening management hierarchies. This means that frontline employees will be

a)

making decisions and communicating more than ever before.

b)

promoted very quickly and will be giving orders.

c)

working with increased budgets but reduced staffs.

d)

All of these choices are correct.

4.

Every country has a unique culture, common heritage, joint experience, and shared learning that

a)

comes from an orderly system of government and laws.

b)

shapes behavior and conditions reactions.

c)

is regulated by a structured educational system.

d)

results from Western values being spread throughout the world.

5.

Despite attempts by employers to foster diversity, harmony and acceptance do not follow automatically when people who are dissimilar work together.

a)

True

b)

False

6.

In the communication process, feedback helps the receiver understand a message encoded by the sender.

a)

True

b)

False

7.

Most of us possess good listening skills since we listen at 25 percent efficiency.

a)

True

b)

False

8.

Rachel is listening to an outsider who has been brought in to teach sales reps how to improve their sales techniques. She can improve her comprehension by establishing an open mind-set, listening for main points, taking selective notes, and

a)

providing immediate feedback if she disagrees with the speaker or has an important point to add.

b)

judging ideas, not appearances.

c)

filling in lag time by organizing in her mind the other tasks she must perform that day.

d)

asking probing questions when as she hears something she doesn't understand.

9.

Today's workers communicate less than ever before because information technology and the Internet have greatly reduced the need for communication skills.

a)

True

b)

False

10.

To minimize oral miscommunication among cross-cultural audiences, businesspeople should use simple English, check frequently for comprehension, and

a)

speak louder if the listener does not seem to understand.

b)

accept blame for any misunderstandings.

c)

help a speaker finish sentences and fill out ideas if that person is searching for the best words.

d)

avoid smiling too much because this signals understanding and agreement.

11.

As a new employee, you are listening to the manager explain a new procedure for handling customer orders. You find it difficult to focus because you disagree totally with the new plan. What type of barrier to effective listening are you experiencing?

a)

Psychological barrier

b)

Physical barrier

c)

Language barrier

d)

Cognitive barrier

12.

When verbal and nonverbal messages conflict, receivers tend to put more faith in verbal cues.

a)

True

b)

False

13.

One cause of poor listening is that listeners can process thoughts more than three times faster than speakers can say them.

a)

True

b)

False

14.

Members of low-context cultures generally value independence and self-assertion whereas members of high-context cultures may resist independence because it fosters competition and confrontation instead of consensus.

a)

True

b)

False

15.

Communication is defined as the transmission of information and meaning from one individual or group to another.

a)

True

b)

False

16.

Mr. Lee, who owns a mid-sized company, can capitalize on workforce diversity by understanding the value of differences, not expecting conformity, creating zero tolerance for bias, and

a)

discouraging employee feedback, which can lead to disagreements and confrontations.

b)

seeking common ground in shared experiences and mutual goals.

c)

hiring people who are similar to himself.

d)

establishing a standard company culture that everyone follows.

17.

A survey conducted by the Malaysian government in 2005 revealed that ____________ were the main reasons for unemployment in Malaysia.

a)

poor command of the English language and inadequate communication skills

b)

poor command of the English language and poor dressing sense

c)

lack of suitable infrastructure and poor general knowledge

18.

Because people can transmit messages more rapidly, more often, and to greater numbers of people than ever before, ______ skills are particularly important in today's workplace.

a)

technology

b)

management

c)

writing

d)

cell phone

19.

When you realize that a person's nonverbal cues contradict what the person is saying, you should

a)

rely on the spoken words, which will be more nearly accurate.

b)

politely seek additional information.

c)

avoid probing more deeply because doing so may cause awkwardness or embarrassment.

d)

tell the speaker frankly that she or he is sending you mixed signals.

20.

Believing in the superiority of one's own culture is known as stereotyping.

a)

True

b)

False

21.

A huge number of ________ overwhelmed their two Web sites.

a)

inquiries

b)

inquirys

22.

Banks are installing multilingual ATMs to serve ________.

a)

customers'

b)

customers

23.

Some ________ are giving up land lines for cell phones.

a)

companys

b)

companies

24.

Business is better on ________ than on ________.

a)

Saturdays, Sundays

b)

Saturday's, Sunday's

25.

Frozen ________ fill the grocery's lockers at Thanksgiving.

a)

turkies

b)

turkeys

26.

Only the ________ and the Sanchezes brought their entire families.

a)

Bush's

b)

Bushes

27.

Both ________ instituted strict proofreading policies.

a)

editors in chief

b)

editor in chiefs

28.

Luxury residential ________ are part of the architect's plan.

a)

complexs

b)

complexes

29.

Voters in three ________ are likely to approve new gas taxes.

a)

countys

b)

counties

30.

The instructor was surprised to find two ________ in one class.

a)

Cassidy's

b)

Cass

31.

Voters in three ________ are likely to approve new gas taxes.

a)

countys

b)

counties

32.

The instructor was surprised to find two ________ in one class.

a)

Cassidy's

b)

Cassidys

33.

André sent digital photos of two ________ in France before we planned our trip.

a)

valleys

b)

vallies

34.

Most companies have copies of statements showing their assets and ________.

a)

liabilitys

b)

liabilities

35.

My flat-screen monitor makes it difficult to distinguish between ________.

a)

o's and a's

b)

os and as

36.

Both of her sisters-in-law were ________ with high principles.

a)

woman

b)

women

37.

Your clothing, grooming, and posture send an instant ______ message about you.

a)

comprehensive

b)

nonverbal

c)

contextual

d)

fashion

38.

An active listener capitalizes on 'lag' time. One way to do this is to

a)

focus on what the speaker is wearing and whether the attire is appropriate.

b)

interrupt the speaker with questions whenever you don't understand a point.

c)

mentally arrange your 'to do' list so that you can use your time efficiently.

d)

review the speaker's points and anticipate what's coming next.

39.

The communication process is more effective when senders discourage feedback, which may consist of verbal and nonverbal responses from the receiver.

a)

False

b)

True

40.

As a listener, you should NOT take notes because the note taking process interferes with your focus on the speaker's total message.

a)

True

b)

False

41.

Flattened management hierarchies, increased emphasis on teams, heightened global competition, and innovative communication technologies are trends that result in less and less need for workers to develop communication skills.

a)

False

b)

True

42.

Clay is discussing a business deal with an Asian person. Although Clay uses simple words and enunciates clearly, his Asian listener misunderstands what he is saying. Clay should

a)

nod graciously and ask his listener to repeat as much of the conversation as possible so that Clay can help with pronunciations and meanings.

b)

accept blame for not making himself clear.

c)

stop talking and engage a translator.

d)

start again, speaking more slowly and loudly for better comprehension.

43.

Translating a message from its symbol form into meaning involves

a)

networking.

b)

decoding.

c)

encoding.

d)

interpreting.

44.

A major problem in communicating any message verbally is that words have different meanings for different people.

a)

True

b)

False

45.

In the changing world of work, you will find increased emphasis on work teams. This means that you will be

a)

working only face-to-face with team members.

b)

acting as your own boss, resulting in individual decision making with less need for communication skills.

c)

gathering information, finding and sharing solutions, implementing decisions, and managing conflict.

d)

working inside cubicles with new rules of office etiquette and expectations for civility.

46.

An American businessperson who says that all Asians are good at math and computing is illustrating an example of

a)

ethnocentrism.

b)

stereotyping.

c)

a cultural norm.

d)

tolerance.

47.

It is natural for people to believe in the superiority of their own culture. This belief is called ethnocentrism.

a)

True

b)

False

48.

To become an effective, active listener, you should

a)

stop talking.

b)

establish a receptive mind-set.

c)

listen for main points.

d)

All of these choices are correct.

49.

Organizations that encourage diverse workforces experience more discrimination lawsuits, more union clashes, and more government regulatory action.

a)

True

b)

False

50.

Neil's company prides itself on building successful international partnerships and clients. As president, Neil encourages an attitude of tolerance, which means

a)

he encourages his employees to learn about the beliefs and practices that are different from theirs.

b)

he encourages his employees to practice empathy.

c)

he encourages his employees to be nonjudgmental.

d)

All of these choices are correct.

51.

North Americans consider time a precious commodity to be conserved. This is an important part of the cultural dimension of individualism.

a)

False

b)

True

52.

"Soft skills" include the ability to communicate, work well with others, solve problems, make ethical decisions, and appreciate diversity.

a)

False

b)

True

53.

North Americans speak at about 125 words per minute, but the human brain can process information at least three times that fast, thus allowing listeners to become bored.

a)

True

b)

False

54.

In the communication process, the medium over which a message is transmitted is called the

a)

channel.

b)

station.

c)

network.

d)

source.

55.

A poll of recruiters indicated that the skills most often sought in today's workplace are

a)

technology skills.

b)

organizational skills.

c)

oral and written communication skills.

d)

leadership skills.

56.

Successful communicators recognize the power of nonverbal messages.

a)

True

b)

False

57.

The writing process has three parts:

a)

planning, composing, and revising.

b)

designing, formatting, and proofreading.

c)

planning, formatting, and typesetting.

58.

Which of the following represents inclusive and correct language?

a)

Each homeowner must provide his own insurance.

b)

Several firemen fought the blaze and received commendations.

c)

Every student should receive their grades by January 1.

d)

None of these choices are correct.

59.

Many businesses today communicate with customers through live chat which means that communication skills are not very important.

a)

True

b)

False

60.

Business writing is

a)

essentially the same as academic writing (essays and term papers).

b)

harder than academic writing because business writing must be creative.

c)

audience oriented, purposeful, persuasive, and economical.

d)

purposeful, economical, and writer oriented.

61.

Within many organizations, e-mail messages have replaced hard-copy memos because e-mail is best for messages that require persuasion, permanence, or formality.

a)

True

b)

False

62.

Which of the following statements employ precise and vigorous language?

a)

Our team has experienced a change in profits.

b)

The meeting will take place as soon as possible

c)

Sales for January indicated a 10 percent plunge in profits.

d)

The team manager has decided to think about the problems.

63.

Adapting a message to reflect audience benefits means that you must try to show receivers how you're going to save them frustration or help them meet their goals.

a)

True

b)

False

64.

In adapting your message to the audience, you should include words that are familiar and meaningful to receivers such as 'remuneration' and 'obfuscate.'

a)

True

b)

False

65.

To sound conversational but professional, business writers should include

a)

a formal and pretentious tone.

b)

personalized expressions with IM abbreviations, sentence fragments, and slang.

c)

a warm, conversational tone that avoids low-level diction.

d)

legal terminology, long sentences, and third-person constructions.

66.

Negative language sounds more forceful and conveys more information than positive language.

a)

True

b)

False

67.

Whether your goal is to inform, persuade, or promote goodwill, the most powerful words you can use are 'I' and 'we.'

a)

True

b)

False

68.

The job titles 'letter carrier,' 'police officer,' and 'worker' represent inclusive language because they include rather than exclude people.

a)

True

b)

False

69.

The first phase of the writing process involves

a)

asking the right questions to profile the writer.

b)

shaping the message for the primary audience.

c)

analyzing the audience to determine your purpose for writing.

d)

analyzing the purpose, anticipating how the audience will react, and adapting the message to the audience.

70.

Which of the following best illustrates the 'you' view recommended for business writers?

a)

You may not return items without a cash register receipt.

b)

We have selected you to join the management trainee class.

c)

You have been selected to join the management trainee class.

d)

We have shipped your order, and it will arrive within five days.

71.

In business writing, length is more important than brevity. Longer messages are better received than shorter ones.

a)

True

b)

False

72.

The writing process involves three phases

a)

that are roughly equal in the time devoted to each.

b)

with the most time being spent on the last phase.

c)

with the most time being spent on the first phase.

d)

with the most time being spent on the middle phase.

73.

Although most instant messages, e-mail messages, business letters, memos, and reports replace conversation, they should not sound conversational. They should be formal and professional.

a)

True

b)

False

74.

Weak verbs and abstract nouns give receivers more information and keep them interested.

a)

True

b)

False

75.

Using plain English means that you should

a)

shun pompous and pretentious language.

b)

consistently use jargon to impress your readers.

c)

use unfamiliar words.

d)

never use big words.

76.

Which of the following illustrates the most positive business writing?

a)

Employees may not park in Lot A until construction is completed April 1.

b)

Your order will be sent as soon as we receive your shoe size.

c)

We are sorry that we must reject your application for credit at this time.

d)

None of these choices represents good business writing.

77.

I hoped Rhonda would call. Was it ________ who left the message?

a)

she

b)

her

78.

Everyone on the men's soccer team must be fitted for ________ uniform.

a)

his

b)

their

79.

Even instant messages sent between the manager and ________ will be revealed in the court case.

a)

he

b)

him

80.

Does anyone in the office know for ________ these CDs were ordered?

a)

who

b)

whom

81.

It looks as if ________ is the only report that cites electronic sources correctly.

a)

her's

b)

hers

82.

Thomas asked Matt and ________ to help him complete his report.

a)

I

b)

me

c)

myself

83.

My friend and ________ were also asked to work on Saturdays.

a)

I

b)

me

c)

myself

84.

Both printers were sent for repairs, but ________ will be returned shortly.

a)

yours

b)

your's

85.

Give the budget figures to ________ asked for them.

a)

whoever

b)

whomever

86.

Everyone except the broker and ________ claimed a share of the commission.

a)

I

b)

me

c)

myself

87.

No one knows that problem better than ________.

a)

he

b)

him

c)

himself

88.

Investment brochures and information were sent to ________ shareholders.

a)

we

b)

us

89.

If any one of the female tourists has lost ________ scarf, she should see the driver.

a)

their

b)

her

90.

Neither the glamour nor the excitement of the position had lost ________ appeal.

a)

its

b)

it's

c)

their

91.

Any new subscriber may cancel ________ subscription within the first month.

a)

their

b)

his or her

92.

The following statement is an example of disability bias: Our prospective client is confined to a wheelchair.

a)

True

b)

False

93.

Writers should recognize the value of the 'you' view and insert this second person pronoun as much as possible into business messages so that the focus is totally on the reader.

a)

True

b)

False

94.

Which of the following best demonstrates the 'you' view?

a)

You can still apply to have your tuition completely reimbursed so that you can continue your learning and expand your job skills.

b)

You did not apply in time, but we are still accepting applications for the tuition reimbursement plan.

c)

We need all applications immediately if employees wish to apply for tuition reimbursement.

d)

The deadline for applying for

95.

Which of the following statements employ precise and vigorous language?

a)

The board president plans to give his views on the project.

b)

The research team will meet very soon.

c)

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 3, at 3:00 p.m.

d)

Revenues for this quarter indicated a huge change in profits.

96.

Adapting a message to the receiver's needs means putting yourself in that person's shoes. This skill is called "ethnocentrism."

a)

False

b)

True

97.

Your goal as a business writer is to create messages with a warm, friendly tone that still sounds professional.

a)

False

b)

True

98.

To fully implement the "you" view, writers should

a)

delete phrases such as I'm happy or We're delighted.

b)

emphasize second-person pronouns without overusing or misusing them.

c)

sterilize their writing and avoid any first-person pronouns.

d)

focus on the reader and use "you" in most sentences.

99.

The third phase of the writing process involves revising, proofreading, and evaluating your message.

a)

False

b)

True

100.

Generally, you can avoid gender-biased language by leaving out the words man and woman, by using plural nouns and pronouns, or by changing to a gender-free word.

a)

False

b)

True

101.

In profiling the audience, writers are trying to determine how to tailor a message to a particular reader because when most readers receive a message, they are thinking, "What's in this for me?"

a)

True

b)

False

102.

Which of the following represents the best business writing?

a)

Employees may use the Market Street entrance once again beginning June 1.

b)

Employees may not sign up for vacations until a schedule is posted April 15.

c)

We regret that employees may not use the Market Street entrance during May.

d)

The computer training session cannot begin until after the winter holidays.

103.

The words commensurate, materialize, and interrogate are familiar words that would be appropriate in most business messages.

a)

True

b)

False

104.

The second phase of the writing process involves

a)

organizing and composing the message.

b)

organizing information, adapting it to the audience, and proofreading.

c)

analyzing the purpose of the message and deciding what is to be accomplished.

d)

profiling the audience to be able to create receiver benefits.

105.

Business writers are encouraged to use plain English, which means

a)

using only short words.

b)

using high-sounding language and legalese.

c)

using plain language and familiar words.

d)

using only jargon.

106.

Mei Yit must send a message to fellow employees. In choosing a communication channel, she should consider the importance of the message, need for a permanent record, cost of the channel, degree of formality desired, and the

a)

time she should spend on all three phases of the writing process.

b)

research and organization of primary and secondary data.

c)

five stages of the communication process.

d)

amount and speed of feedback and interactivity required.

107.

Because business writing is different from academic writing, business communicators can expect to spend more time ensuring proper length and developing creative ideas that will impress readers.

a)

True

b)

False

108.

Business writers should strive for a conversational and _______ tone.

a)

personal

b)

professional

c)

informal

d)

formal

109.

Which of the following demonstrates inclusive language?

a)

Each homeowner must engage his own insurance carrier.

b)

Every mailman must park his truck legally when delivering mail.

c)

All letter carriers must park their trucks legally when delivering mail.

d)

All executives and their wives may attend the conference banquet.

110.

Business communicators strive to produce messages that are audience oriented, purposeful, persuasive, and

a)

economical.

b)

company oriented.

c)

impressive.

d)

creative.

111.

Positive wording in a business message tells what is and what can be done rather than what isn't and what can't be done.

a)

True

b)

False

112.

Which of the following represents a sentence fragment?

a)

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

b)

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

c)

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

d)

Business casual attire may sabotage your professional image.

113.

The indirect strategy of message development works best when you

a)

have a lot of information to deliver quickly.

b)

are sending a short e-mail to a coworker.

c)

are delivering good news that will be eagerly received.

d)

must deliver bad news.

114.

No smart businessperson would begin writing a message before

a)

conducting an Internet search.

b)

deciding how to format the message.

c)

researching to collect needed information.

d)

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

115.

Which of the following sentences illustrates passive voice?

a)

The hiring manager gave each candidate a writing test.

b)

Employers are usually looking for candidates with good communication skills.

c)

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

d)

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

116.

Which of the following illustrates a comma splice?

a)

Some employers offer full benefit packages, others do not.

b)

Some employers offer full benefit packages; others do not.

c)

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

d)

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

117.

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

a)

True

b)

False

118.

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

a)

True

b)

False

119.

You can emphasize ideas stylistically by using

a)

underlining.

b)

tabulation.

c)

vivid words.

d)

italics.

120.

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

a)

at the beginning of the message.

b)

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

c)

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

d)

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

121.

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

a)

True

b)

False

122.

The following sentence illustrates a dangling modifier: To be sure to get a ticket, send your check immediately.

a)

True

b)

False

123.

Which of the following represents a compound sentence type?

a)

Good writing skills are essential in today's business world.

b)

Although the meeting began later than expected, it was productive.

c)

Isaac's presentation was outstanding; it was obvious he was prepared.

d)

Since the manager reviewed the report, we revised our initial plan, and we made many improvements to it.

124.

Emphasis in writing can be achieved primarily in two ways: mechanically and directly.

a)

True

b)

False

125.

Which of the following is considered a formal research method?

a)

Looking in the files

b)

Talking to your boss

c)

Brainstorming

d)

Accessing data electronically

126.

Business, technical, and professional people are exchanging fewer messages than ever before.

a)

True

b)

False

127.

The following sentence illustrates parallelism: My boss is quick-witted, well-organized, and she is intelligent.

a)

True

b)

False

128.

In passive-voice sentences, the doer of the action may be revealed or may be left unknown.

a)

True

b)

False

129.

Typical business messages that could be developed indirectly include messages that refuse requests, reject claims, and deny credit.

a)

True

b)

False

130.

Before starting a message, business writers should organize their ideas using a

a)

system of internal patterning.

b)

scratch list or an outline.

c)

comprehensive matrix.

d)

table of contents or an index.

131.

Fragments often begin with words such as although, if, and which.

a)

True

b)

False

132.

A large group of our e-mail messages ________ recently blocked by spam filters.

a)

was

b)

were

133.

Although Mark acts as if he ________ the manager, he doesn't know what to do about the e-mail disruption dilemma.

a)

was

b)

were

134.

If even one of my e-mail messages ________ blocked by spam controls, I am unhappy.

a)

is

b)

are

135.

Verizon, together with many other large ISPs, ________ singled out for using overzealous spam blockers.

a)

was

b)

were

136.

Neither the sender nor the receiver of blocked messages ________ what has happened.

a)

know

b)

knows

137.

A typical e-mail user has ________ several messages that were never delivered.

a)

wrote

b)

written

138.

Time and energy ________ are required to follow up on e-mail messages.

a)

is

b)

are

139.

Either the message or its attachment ________ triggered the spam-blocking software.

a)

has

b)

have

140.

After many of its customers had ________ to complain about lost messages, one company sued.

a)

began

b)

begun

141.

If you could have ________ the number of nondelivery error messages, you would have been upset also.

a)

saw

b)

seen

142.

Ramon discovered that a lot of his legitimate e-mail had ________ to junk folders that he never checked.

a)

went

b)

gone

143.

Which of the following sentences illustrates consistency in subject, voice, and verb form?

a)

When Mason sent an e-mail message, its delivery was expected.

b)

When Mason sent an e-mail message, he expected it to be delivered.

144.

Which of the following sentences illustrates consistency in subject, voice, and verb form?

a)

First, check all computers for viruses; then, install a firewall.

b)

First, check all computers for viruses; then, a firewall must be installed.

145.

Which of the following sentences illustrates consistency in subject, voice, and verb form?

a)

When Tina examined the computers, the spyware was discovered.

b)

When Tina examined the computers, she discovered the spyware.

146.

To avoid frustration and inaccurate messages, business writers should begin by asking themselves questions such as What does the receiver need to know and What is the receiver to do?

a)

False

b)

True

147.

A message that is frontloaded saves the reader's time, sets a proper frame of mind, and prevents frustration.

a)

False

b)

True

148.

Which of the following represents a sentence fragment?

a)

Although it is a complex process with the goal of making a target group think that a product is the best of its kind and the one the group should choose.

b)

People relate to others who are like them, and your appearance is an important first step.

c)

To be successful, you need to present yourself as a professional.

d)

In the field of marketing, a crucial activity is 'positioning.'

149.

Most business writing should be in the active voice, as illustrated here: The check was sent yesterday.

a)

False

b)

True

150.

The following sentence illustrates a comma splice: Greg works the night shift, Gina works the day shift.

a)

False

b)

True

151.

In making an outline, define the main topic in the title and divide the topic into _____ main points.

a)

two to four

b)

three to five

c)

five to eight

d)

four to six