Business Writing
Mock Exam
Course Introduction
Business Writing is a course designed to develop the essential written communication skills necessary for success in the professional world. Through the analysis and practice of various business documents such as emails, memos, proposals, reports, and persuasive correspondence students learn to craft clear, concise, and effective messages tailored to diverse audiences and purposes. Emphasizing real-world scenarios, the course covers organization, tone, style, formatting, and the use of digital tools, while also addressing issues of ethics, cross-cultural communication, and professional etiquette. By the end, students will be equipped to communicate ideas confidently and professionally across a range of business contexts.
Recommended Textbook
Essentials of Business Communication 7th Canadian Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey
Available Study Resources on Quizplus
13 Chapters
654 Verified Questions
654 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/study-set/1423 Page 2
Chapter 1: Career Success Begins With Communication Skills
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
49 Verified Questions
49 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28242
Sample Questions
Q1) People who develop the habit of faking attention to a listener often find it hard to concentrate even when they want to pay attention.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q2) Based on the information in the textbook, what has Amina likely learned about her communication skills in the past six months?
A)Texting and instant-messaging are not used at all in the workplace.
B)The Human Resources Manager, who is 56 years old, is just as proficient as she is with these new technology-based communication channels.
C)Nobody that she communicates with pays much attention to conventional spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
D)She needs to develop appropriate communication skills for a wider range of purposes, audiences, and situations.
Answer: D
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 3
Chapter 2: Before You Write
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
50 Verified Questions
50 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28243
Sample Questions
Q1) Positive language generally conveys more information than negative language.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q2) The definition given in your text of an empathetic writer is one who strives to write messages that exclude rather than include individuals.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q3) The ability to prepare concise, audience-centred, professional, and purposeful messages comes naturally to most people.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q4) Your text stresses that the most effective messages focus on the audience.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 4
Chapter 3: Writing and Revising
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
50 Verified Questions
50 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28244
Sample Questions
Q1) You are writing an unsolicited sales message to a group of college students. The best pattern to use is the direct pattern.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q2) As he thinks about organizing his e-mail message to Alyson, Thom remembers reading in his business communications textbook about the benefits of using the direct pattern in a message. Which of the following benefits identified in your text might Thom be considering when he decides to use the direct pattern?
A)It encourages a fair hearing.
B)It prevents reader frustration.
C)It minimizes a negative reaction.
D)It respects the feelings of the reader.
Answer: B
Q3) Your text argues that writing slowly and carefully will usually guarantee that you won't need to revise or proofread a message.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 5
Chapter 4: E-Mails, Instant Messages, Memos
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
50 Verified Questions
50 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28245
Sample Questions
Q1) A _________ is a digital media file that is distributed over the internet and downloaded on portable media players and personal computers.
Q2) E-mails and hard-copy memos are similar in content and development, but the ________ of each is slightly different.
Q3) Because an e-mail message does not include ______________ cues, humour can easily be misunderstood.
Q4) A writing plan is effective for helping organize memos, but not e-mails, as they are less formal.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Which of the following channels is most commonly used for internal communication?
A)memo
B)phone
C)e-mail
D)meeting
Q6) In the ______________ phase of the writing process, the writer decides whether the memo or e-mail message even needs to be written.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 6
Chapter 5: Letters
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
50 Verified Questions
50 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28246
Sample Questions
Q1) When writing letters of recommendation, it is important to be honest and sincere.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Most business correspondence deals with ____________ matters that require straightforward answers.
Q3) Which of the following claims does your text make about goodwill messages?
A)It's not important when we send a goodwill message; it's just important that we send it.
B)The longer a goodwill message is, the more effective it will be at achieving its goal.
C)If we find it hard to come up with the right words for a letter, it's just as effective and appropriate to send a signed card.
D)Many people find writing goodwill messages more difficult than writing other kinds of business documents.
Q4) Your text says that a business letter is usually more persuasive than the same message sent by e-mail.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 7
Chapter 6: Persuasive Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
50 Verified Questions
50 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28247
Sample Questions
Q1) You are writing a sales message and realize that your target audience may see the price of your product as an obstacle. Which sentence would be most effective?
A)Our new model XK244 photocopier is more costly than competing models with similar features but is worth the price.
B)You can now lease our new model XK244 for five years for $1250.00.
C)We know that you don't want to invest in a high-priced photocopier.
D)The model XK244 photocopier now copies 100 pages per minute, and comes with a more extensive, longer-term warranty, ensuring years of guaranteed hassle-free performance.
Q2) Organizations of all sizes generally write their sales letters internally.
A)True
B)False
Q3) You should take into account a reader's objections and questions and try to translate them into selling points when composing a sales message.
A)True
B)False
Q4) The central selling point should be emphasized in the ___________________ of a sales letter.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 8
Chapter 7: Negative Messages
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
50 Verified Questions
50 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28248
Sample Questions
Q1) This sentence is an effective buffer: Thanks for telling us about your experience when dining at our restaurant and for giving us a chance to look at the situation.
A)True
B)False
Q2) Messages that break bad news should be written in a way that explains the bad news and retains goodwill at the same time.
A)True
B)False
Q3) The indirect pattern is almost always perceived as honest and ethical.
A)True
B)False
Q4) It is usually NOT necessary or appropriate to explain or give reasons for the bad news in a negative message.
A)True
B)False
Q5) The ________________ pattern appeals to efficiency-oriented writers who do NOT want to waste time trying to soften the effects of bad news.
Q6) The most important part of a bad-news message is the _____________________.
Page 9
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 8: Informal Reports
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
50 Verified Questions
50 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28249
Sample Questions
Q1) What should you do first when you begin to write the report?
A)define the project
B)begin conducting research
C)analyze the audience
D)gather data
Q2) Analytical reports provide information and data as well as analysis, conclusions, and/or recommendations.
A)True
B)False
Q3) The headings of a report should be constructed using balanced words or phrases.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Feasibility reports document an idea or action and provide a written record of conversations, directives, and decisions.
A)True
B)False
Q5) The ______________________ section of a report will include observations, results, facts, and/or discussion.
Q6) Discussion of Findings is an example of a ____________________ heading.
Page 10
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 9: Proposals and Formal Reports
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
50 Verified Questions
50 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28250
Sample Questions
Q1) Primary data result from reading what others have experienced and observed.
A)True
B)False
Q2) ___________________ proposals are those that are published in newspapers or Web sites.
Q3) Juliette tells Sylvia that she is considering creating a Facebook account. She thinks that people who link to her site may provide some insights about how to market her firm's legal services more effectively. Sylvia, however, is reluctant to agree. What ethical problem raised in the textbook may be causing Sylvia's reluctance?
A)People aren't usually honest on social network sites, so the information Juliette gets may be misleading.
B)Using a social networking site such as Facebook as a marketing tool without letting the audience know how the information will be used may be dishonest and manipulative.
C)Using a Facebook page to collect information would break federal laws.
D)Legal professionals should not profit from the private thoughts and opinions of the people who post their comments.
Q4) Companies use ___________________ to solicit competitive bids on projects.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
11
Chapter 10: Communicating in Person: Professionalism,
Etiquette, Teamwork and Meetings
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
50 Verified Questions
50 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28251
Sample Questions
Q1) What claim does the textbook make about the relationship between "etiquette" and "ethics"?
A)They refer to very different concepts; "etiquette" refers to polite behaviour, while "ethics" refers to behaviour that is just and moral.
B)"Etiquette" refers to actions, while "ethics" refers to beliefs.
C)"Etiquette" relates to being sensitive to others' feelings while "ethics" relates to the outcome of our actions.
D)There is really very little difference between the two concepts.
Q2) When you __________________________ the criticism you are hearing, you re-state it objectively and in your own words.
Q3) In order to be _________________________, criticism should be specific and focus on the behaviour rather than the person.
Q4) The best praise is a general comment, such as "Good work."
A)True
B)False
Q5) Teams with members who come from _____________________ backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures can often produce more innovative solutions than homogeneous teams.
Page 12
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 11: Oral Presentations
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
50 Verified Questions
50 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28252
Sample Questions
Q1) Which statement would be placed most appropriately in the introduction to your presentation to the unhappy suppliers?
A)We've talked about how to access the online proposal form. Now let's talk about how to enter information in the form.
B)When you complete the new form, please be sure to identify your product or service with the appropriate code, which you can find by clicking the "code" link. When complete, submit the form to me at the email address below.
C)The former version of our proposal, which we used from 1998 until last year, did not provide us with sufficient information on which to base our purchasing decisions.
D)I hope to simplify and clarify the proposal process for you. I will take you step-by-step through the process of completing the new form.
Q2) You should preview your main points in the _______________________ of your presentation.
Q3) An effective presentation should include as many ideas and details as possible. A)True B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 13
Chapter 12: The Job Search, Résumés, and Cover Letters
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
50 Verified Questions
50 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28253
Sample Questions
Q1) Which is the best opening sentence for the cover letter Sarah is writing in response to an advertised job opening?
A)I read your advertisement for a human resources administrative assistant, which appeared in the careers section of the Globe and Mail on October 19, with great interest.
B)I would be an ideal fit for the position you advertised last week.
C)Please consider me for a position in your human resources department.
D)Do you need an energetic, resourceful employee in your human resources department?
Q2) Your résumé emphasizes what you have done; your cover letter emphasizes what you can do for the employer.
A)True
B)False
Q3) You shouldn't waste your time contacting companies that have no current job listings.
A)True
B)False
Q4) Experts don't always agree on the best length for a résumé.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 14
Chapter 13: Interviews and Follow-Up
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
50 Verified Questions
50 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/28254
Sample Questions
Q1) _________________ interviews are often conducted to decide which applicants to bring in for face-to-face interviews.
Q2) An interviewer asks you to tell her about a time when you worked successfully as part of a team. Which of the following would be your best response?
A)Respond with a story about how much fun you had when you travelled to Vancouver with your hockey team to play in a tournament.
B)Tell the interviewer that you think teamwork is a very important skill and you are looking forward to meeting and working with new colleagues.
C)Explain that you usually work best independently.
D)Tell a story that you prepared using the STAR technique.
Q3) If you are taken off guard by a prospective employer's call, it's okay to ask if you can call back in a few minutes and return the call when you have organized your materials and yourself.
A)True
B)False
Q4) What are your weaknesses? is an example of a(n) __________________ question.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
15