Business Writing Fundamentals And Skills! Trivia Quiz

1. A topic sentence explains what the paragraph is all about.

True

False

A topic sentence is a sentence that introduces the main idea or topic of a paragraph. It provides a clear and concise summary of what the paragraph will be discussing. Therefore, the statement that "A topic sentence explains what the paragraph is all about" is true.

Explanation

A topic sentence is a sentence that introduces the main idea or topic of a paragraph. It provides a clear and concise summary of what the paragraph will be discussing. Therefore, the statement that "A topic sentence explains what the paragraph is all about" is true.

2. Managers should expand their vocabulary because using complicated words will impress others.

True

False

Expanding vocabulary does not necessarily impress others. Effective communication is more about clarity and simplicity rather than using complicated words. Managers should focus on conveying their ideas and messages in a clear and concise manner, using language that is easily understood by their audience. Using complicated words unnecessarily can actually hinder effective communication and create confusion. Therefore, the statement is false.

Explanation

Expanding vocabulary does not necessarily impress others. Effective communication is more about clarity and simplicity rather than using complicated words. Managers should focus on conveying their ideas and messages in a clear and concise manner, using language that is easily understood by their audience. Using complicated words unnecessarily can actually hinder effective communication and create confusion. Therefore, the statement is false.

3. The pre-printed part of the letter that appears across the top margin and includes the name of the business is called the

Inside address

Letterhead

Addressee notation

None

The letterhead usually includes the business’s name (or logo), mailing address, email address, website address (if applicable) and phone and fax numbers. Letterhead is used only for the first page of a letter; any further pages should begin with a heading that includes the receiver’s name, the page number and the date:

Explanation

The letterhead usually includes the business’s name (or logo), mailing address, email address, website address (if applicable) and phone and fax numbers. Letterhead is used only for the first page of a letter; any further pages should begin with a heading that includes the receiver’s name, the page number and the date:

4. Which of the following sentences is an example of an active sentence?

Clients must feel comfortable that they have been taken care of by the sales staff.

. At small properties, the dining room is supervised by the dining room manager.

Bakers prepare a wide variety of bakery products following standard recipes.

Food servers are assisted by buspersons in clearing tables and re-setting them.

The sentence "Bakers prepare a wide variety of bakery products following standard recipes" is an example of an active sentence because the subject (bakers) is performing the action (prepare) on the object (a wide variety of bakery products).

Explanation

The sentence "Bakers prepare a wide variety of bakery products following standard recipes" is an example of an active sentence because the subject (bakers) is performing the action (prepare) on the object (a wide variety of bakery products).

5. Which of the following sentences is an example of a passive sentence?

Joseph escorted the guests to the hospitality suite.

Jennifer demonstrated how to use the in-room bar.

Martin finished his security rounds on the first floor before he called into the front desk.

Mary was given two days to study the employee manual.

The sentence "Mary was given two days to study the employee manual" is an example of a passive sentence because the subject, Mary, is receiving the action of being given two days to study the employee manual. In a passive sentence, the subject is acted upon by the verb, rather than performing the action themselves.

Explanation

The sentence "Mary was given two days to study the employee manual" is an example of a passive sentence because the subject, Mary, is receiving the action of being given two days to study the employee manual. In a passive sentence, the subject is acted upon by the verb, rather than performing the action themselves.

6. Managers spend time rewriting memos, reports, and letters.

True

False

Managers spend time rewriting memos, reports, and letters because they often need to review and revise these documents to ensure accuracy, clarity, and professionalism. Rewriting allows them to correct any errors, improve the overall quality of the content, and tailor the message to specific audiences. It also helps them to add their own insights, suggestions, or recommendations. Therefore, it is true that managers spend time rewriting memos, reports, and letters.

Explanation

Managers spend time rewriting memos, reports, and letters because they often need to review and revise these documents to ensure accuracy, clarity, and professionalism. Rewriting allows them to correct any errors, improve the overall quality of the content, and tailor the message to specific audiences. It also helps them to add their own insights, suggestions, or recommendations. Therefore, it is true that managers spend time rewriting memos, reports, and letters.

7. . Which of the following sentences is an example of specific, active language?

Their lunches will be brought to them soon.

Katarina arrived for her breakfast shift at 6 a.m. today.

The new executive housekeeper has many skills.

Lots of guests say good things about the food on the menu.

The sentence "Katarina arrived for her breakfast shift at 6 a.m. today" is an example of specific, active language because it provides specific details about what Katarina did and when she did it. The use of the verb "arrived" indicates an action, making the sentence active rather than passive. The inclusion of the specific time "6 a.m. today" adds further specificity to the sentence.

Explanation

The sentence "Katarina arrived for her breakfast shift at 6 a.m. today" is an example of specific, active language because it provides specific details about what Katarina did and when she did it. The use of the verb "arrived" indicates an action, making the sentence active rather than passive. The inclusion of the specific time "6 a.m. today" adds further specificity to the sentence.

8. While it is not easy to write effectively, the task will be less difficult if you ______ well.

Speak

Write

Plan

Organize

To write effectively, it is important to have a plan. Planning helps in organizing thoughts and ideas, creating a structure for the writing piece, and ensuring that the content flows logically. By planning before writing, one can outline the main points, decide on the order of ideas, and allocate appropriate time for each section. This allows for a more coherent and well-structured piece of writing, making the task of writing less difficult.

Explanation

To write effectively, it is important to have a plan. Planning helps in organizing thoughts and ideas, creating a structure for the writing piece, and ensuring that the content flows logically. By planning before writing, one can outline the main points, decide on the order of ideas, and allocate appropriate time for each section. This allows for a more coherent and well-structured piece of writing, making the task of writing less difficult.

9. What do we call the part of the letter that contains the receiver's name and mailing address?

Salutation

Addressee notation

Inside address

None

The inside address is placed at the left margin, four to eight lines below the date:T

Explanation

The inside address is placed at the left margin, four to eight lines below the date:T

10. Consulting files or speaking with others in your department will help you know what your topic is and determine a purpose for writing.

True

False

Consulting files or speaking with others in your department can help you gather information about your topic, but it does not necessarily determine a purpose for writing. Determining a purpose for writing involves understanding the goals and objectives of the writing task, considering the intended audience, and identifying the specific message or outcome that the writer wants to achieve. Therefore, the statement that consulting files or speaking with others in your department will help you determine a purpose for writing is false.

Explanation

Consulting files or speaking with others in your department can help you gather information about your topic, but it does not necessarily determine a purpose for writing. Determining a purpose for writing involves understanding the goals and objectives of the writing task, considering the intended audience, and identifying the specific message or outcome that the writer wants to achieve. Therefore, the statement that consulting files or speaking with others in your department will help you determine a purpose for writing is false.