Clear Communication: A Refresher
A short quiz to test how much to you remember from our course.
Beware! Some questions have more than one right answer! :)
- 1.
In business relationships, whether with employees or colleagues or with clients and partners, the level of __________ is the greatest determinant of success.
- A.
Trust
- B.
Technical competence
- C.
Fees
- D.
Stress
Correct Answer
A. TrustExplanation
Trust is the greatest determinant of success in business relationships because it establishes a strong foundation of reliability, transparency, and mutual understanding. When there is trust, employees and colleagues are more likely to collaborate effectively, clients and partners are more likely to be loyal and satisfied, and overall communication and decision-making processes become smoother. Trust fosters a positive work environment, promotes open and honest communication, and allows for the building of long-lasting relationships based on integrity and credibility.Rate this question:
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- 2.
To build trust in a professional relationship, it is important that we display a high level of
- A.
Empathy.
- B.
Formality.
- C.
Flexibility on price.
Correct Answer
A. Empathy.Explanation
In a professional relationship, displaying a high level of empathy is crucial for building trust. Empathy allows us to understand and relate to others' emotions and experiences, showing that we genuinely care about their well-being. By demonstrating empathy, we create a safe and supportive environment, fostering open communication and collaboration. This helps establish trust, as individuals feel heard, understood, and valued. Empathy also enables us to anticipate and address others' needs effectively, further strengthening the professional relationship. Overall, empathy plays a significant role in building trust and fostering positive connections in professional settings.Rate this question:
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- 3.
When dealing with native speakers, if in doubt, it is better to use language that is
- A.
Neutral or slightly less formal.
- B.
Highly formal.
- C.
Informal.
- D.
Impersonal.
Correct Answer
A. Neutral or slightly less formal.Explanation
Writing too formally can prevent you from developing a good rapport with a client. While casual language may give the impression you are not as careful as you should be, excessive formality may give the impression that you are not interested in your reader.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The '4 hats' approach to writing involves:
- A.
The madman
- B.
The architect
- C.
The carpenter
- D.
The judge
- E.
The lawyer
- F.
The circus performer
Correct Answer(s)
A. The madman
B. The architect
C. The carpenter
D. The judgeExplanation
The '4 hats' approach to writing involves different roles that a writer takes on during the writing process. The madman represents the creative and imaginative side of writing, where ideas flow freely without any restrictions. The architect is responsible for organizing and structuring these ideas into a coherent framework. The carpenter focuses on the details and craftsmanship of the writing, ensuring that sentences are well-crafted and polished. The judge evaluates the writing objectively, looking for any flaws or inconsistencies. Together, these roles help the writer approach their work from different perspectives and create a well-rounded piece of writing.Rate this question:
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- 5.
"It should be underlined that", "It should be noted that", "It is worth noting that". These sentences may be a sign of...
- A.
Losing the main points among unnecessary detail and language.
- B.
Great English
- C.
Emphasizing the main points.
- D.
Informal style.
Correct Answer
A. Losing the main points among unnecessary detail and language.Explanation
Overused "throat clearing phrases" may mean you need to reconsider the relevance of all of your points. Ideally, everything should be 'worth noting'; otherwise why write it?Rate this question:
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- 6.
Linking words (e.g. so, but, although, because, as, since) should go in the middle of your sentences. This helps make your text easier to follow.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Think of linking words as signposts: a sign at the beginning of a road helps you know where you are going; putting one further down the road won't stop you from getting lost...Rate this question:
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- 7.
Throw the biggest stone
- A.
First.
- B.
Last.
- C.
In the middle.
Correct Answer
A. First.Explanation
Lead with the most important information - from your reader's point of view. Don't save the main point till last; your reader may not get there!Rate this question:
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- 8.
KISS means
- A.
Keep it simple, stupid!
- B.
Keep it short and simple.
- C.
Keep it secret; keep it safe.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Keep it simple, stupid!
B. Keep it short and simple.Explanation
The correct answer is "Keep it simple, stupid!" and "Keep it short and simple." The acronym KISS is often used as a reminder to avoid overcomplicating things and to strive for simplicity. It emphasizes the importance of keeping things straightforward and easy to understand. This approach helps in improving efficiency, communication, and problem-solving.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Keep the average length of your sentences down to
- A.
10 words.
- B.
20 words.
- C.
30 words.
- D.
40 words.
Correct Answer
B. 20 words.Explanation
Keeping your sentences short - to twenty words on average - will help make make sure you don't lose your reader.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A __________ sentence is the sentence that summarizes the main idea of a paragraph. It is usually the first sentence in a paragraph.
- A.
Topic
- B.
Concluding
- C.
Summary
- D.
Last
Correct Answer
A. TopicExplanation
Well-planned paragraphs often start with a topic sentence; topic sentences focus the reader's attention as well as disciplining the writer to keep relevant to the main points from her plan.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The passive voice should be used in professional writing because it is more formal.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
No. The passive voice often features in professional writing because it is more formal. But that doesn't make it superior to the active. In fact, the active voice is more direct and less abstract, making your message clearer and more memorable.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which options correctly complete this sentence?A commercial power of attorney must be granted by means of a management board resolution _________ it may be revoked by an individual board member.
- A.
However
- B.
, however,
- C.
; however,
- D.
. However,
Correct Answer(s)
C. ; however,
D. . However,Explanation
Use a semi-colon (;) or a full stop after the first part; don't use a comma to connect to complete sentences.Rate this question:
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- 13.
This memorandum __________ a general overview and does not discuss all the details of the obligations imposed by the Act.
- A.
Shall be treated as
- B.
Should be treated as
- C.
Shall be
- D.
Is
Correct Answer
D. IsExplanation
Keep it short and simple!Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which ways of closing an email are friendly in tone and help you build a rapport with your client?
- A.
Should you have any questions or doubts, please do not hesitate to contact us.
- B.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
- C.
If you have any questions, let me know.
- D.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
- E.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Correct Answer(s)
B. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
C. If you have any questions, let me know.
D. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.Explanation
While "Should you have any questions..." is of course 'correct' it is slightly formalistic. If you want to warm up the tone, use one of the other alternatives.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The acronym WIIFM - what's in it for me? - refers to:
- A.
The feeling we have when asked to stay late at work.
- B.
The reluctance we feel when someone asks us for a favour.
- C.
The question our reader asks herself when beginning to read our correspondence.
- D.
The question you ask yourself when someone gives you a present.
Correct Answer
C. The question our reader asks herself when beginning to read our correspondence.Explanation
Asking ourselves what the reader expects from our advice/correspondence disciplines us to be as clear, relevant and helpful as possible.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The term 'nominalisation' refers to
- A.
The establishment of a par value for a share in a limited company.
- B.
Creating a noun from a verb or other part of speech.
- C.
The act of nominating or state of being nominated.
- D.
The act of assigning a number to something.
Correct Answer
B. Creating a noun from a verb or other part of speech.Explanation
Nominalisations are typical of abstract, academic and hard-to-follow prose. Strong verbs are the antithesis of nominalisations; place the at the core of your writing.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following is an example of parallelism?
- A.
The company offers retraining to help employees move into careers like management, software development, service technicians, and sales trainees.
- B.
The problem was not in planning or in development, but rather in production.
- C.
The presentation was informative, lively, and a source of inspiration.
Correct Answer
B. The problem was not in planning or in development, but rather in production.Explanation
The company offers retraining to help employees move into careers like management, software development, technical service and sales.
The presentation was informative, lively, and inspiring.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which option best reflects a modern business style? ___________________ I have amended the articles of association.
- A.
In accordance with your request,
- B.
As requested,
- C.
Pursuant to your request,
- D.
In accordance with the arrangements
Correct Answer
B. As requested,Explanation
Keep it short and simple!Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 15, 2016Quiz Created by
Charlieirodzina
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