A Sense Of Style: Writing With Conciseness And Clarity

1. As a guideline for an effective writing style, it is recommended that writers use tone to show courtesy and respect.

True

False

It is recommended for writers to use tone to show courtesy and respect in their writing style. This means that they should use polite and respectful language, and avoid being rude or offensive. Using a courteous and respectful tone can help to create a positive and professional impression on the readers.

Explanation

It is recommended for writers to use tone to show courtesy and respect in their writing style. This means that they should use polite and respectful language, and avoid being rude or offensive. Using a courteous and respectful tone can help to create a positive and professional impression on the readers.

2. Which of the following words is simpler and preferred?

As per your request

As you requested

"As you requested" is simpler and preferred because it is more concise and direct. It eliminates the unnecessary use of "per" and "your" in "as per your request," making it a clearer and more straightforward phrase. Additionally, "as you requested" maintains the same meaning as the original phrase, conveying that something is being done or provided based on someone's specific request.

Explanation

"As you requested" is simpler and preferred because it is more concise and direct. It eliminates the unnecessary use of "per" and "your" in "as per your request," making it a clearer and more straightforward phrase. Additionally, "as you requested" maintains the same meaning as the original phrase, conveying that something is being done or provided based on someone's specific request.

3. Which of the following sentences is written in a positive tone?

Because you were late in sending us you tax information, we cannot complete you tax return by April 15.

The first sentence is written in a positive tone because it emphasizes the completion of the tax return and offers a solution to avoid fines.

Explanation

The first sentence is written in a positive tone because it emphasizes the completion of the tax return and offers a solution to avoid fines.

4. Which of the following words is simpler and preferred?

Provide continuous indication

Indicate continuously

The word "indicate continuously" is simpler and preferred because it uses fewer words and is more concise. It conveys the same meaning as "provide continuous indication" but in a more straightforward and efficient manner.

Explanation

The word "indicate continuously" is simpler and preferred because it uses fewer words and is more concise. It conveys the same meaning as "provide continuous indication" but in a more straightforward and efficient manner.

5. Which of the following sentences is concise?

This is to inform you that we are sending a check in the amount of $798.14.

We're sending a check for $798.14.

The second sentence "We're sending a check for $798.14." is more concise compared to the first sentence "This is to inform you that we are sending a check in the amount of $798.14." It conveys the same information in a shorter and more direct manner, eliminating unnecessary words and phrases.

Explanation

The second sentence "We're sending a check for $798.14." is more concise compared to the first sentence "This is to inform you that we are sending a check in the amount of $798.14." It conveys the same information in a shorter and more direct manner, eliminating unnecessary words and phrases.

6. Writers are generally encouraged to use jargon your readers don't understand it.

True

False

The given statement is false. Writers are generally encouraged NOT to use jargon that readers don't understand. The use of jargon can make the writing difficult to comprehend and exclude those who are not familiar with the specific terminology. It is important for writers to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively to a wide audience, and using jargon can hinder this objective.

Explanation

The given statement is false. Writers are generally encouraged NOT to use jargon that readers don't understand. The use of jargon can make the writing difficult to comprehend and exclude those who are not familiar with the specific terminology. It is important for writers to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively to a wide audience, and using jargon can hinder this objective.

7. Which of the following sentences is written in a passive voice?

The auditors determined that the statements are in violation of GAAP.

A determination has been made that the statements are in violations of GAAP.

The correct answer is "A determination has been made that the statements are in violations of GAAP." This sentence is written in the passive voice because the subject of the sentence (a determination) is being acted upon (has been made) by an unspecified agent.

Explanation

The correct answer is "A determination has been made that the statements are in violations of GAAP." This sentence is written in the passive voice because the subject of the sentence (a determination) is being acted upon (has been made) by an unspecified agent.

8. Which of the following is an example of jargon?

GAAP

Accrual

Debit

Amortization

All of the above

All of the options provided in the question (GAAP, accrual, debit, amortization) are examples of jargon. Jargon refers to specialized terminology or language that is used within a specific field or profession. In this case, all the options are terms commonly used in accounting and finance, which may not be easily understood by individuals outside of that field.

Explanation

All of the options provided in the question (GAAP, accrual, debit, amortization) are examples of jargon. Jargon refers to specialized terminology or language that is used within a specific field or profession. In this case, all the options are terms commonly used in accounting and finance, which may not be easily understood by individuals outside of that field.

9. Which of the following sentences is written in an active voice?

Most corporations issue financial statements at least once a year.

Financial statements are issued at least once a year.

The sentence "Most corporations issue financial statements at least once a year" is written in the active voice because the subject (most corporations) is performing the action (issuing financial statements). In contrast, the sentence "Financial statements are issued at least once a year" is written in the passive voice because the subject (financial statements) is receiving the action (being issued).

Explanation

The sentence "Most corporations issue financial statements at least once a year" is written in the active voice because the subject (most corporations) is performing the action (issuing financial statements). In contrast, the sentence "Financial statements are issued at least once a year" is written in the passive voice because the subject (financial statements) is receiving the action (being issued).