25 Jan A clear, well-organized description

Week 8 Final Exam

Question 1

(TCO 4) The ABC format stands for

abstract, body, conclusion.

analysis, body, content.

appendix, block, conclusion.

attention, build, conclude.

Question 2

(TCO 1) Parallelism in a list refers to

using bullets and numbers.

using no more than 10 items in a list.

keeping all points grammatically the same.

keeping all points as short as possible.

Question 3

(TCO 1) Graphics receive the most attention when they are placed where on a page?

Near the bottom of the page

In the center of the page

Near the top of the page

On the right-hand side of the page

Question 4

(TCO 2) In a report, expanded definitions are most often placed

in the appendix.

in the main body.

in the introduction.

in the conclusion.

Question 5

(TCO 2) Effective instructions include

placing only one action in each step.

beginning each step with a noun.

avoiding the use of lists.

first-person references.

Question 6

(TCO 3) Anticipating questions your reader might raise

is an example of using the “you” attitude.

is an example of using a reader’s perspective.

is good practice for any document you write.

All of the above

Question 7

(TCO 3) The best way to open a bad-news message would be to

provide a point of common bond or area of agreement.

state the bad news, then the reasons.

offer an apology.

make a plea for a continued relationship.

Question 8

(TCO 5) At a presentation, most listeners remember information best when it is grouped in

threes.

fives.

equal pairs.

None of the above

Question 9

(TCO 5) All of the following are ways to help reduce nervousness when giving a presentation, except

picture yourself giving a great presentation.

practice deep breathing exercises before you speak.

avoid casual banter with the audience before the presentation begins.

have a glass of water nearby.

Question 10

(TCO 6) When you paraphrase information you found from an outside source,

no formal documentation is necessary.

it’s good practice to cite the source in-text but it is not required.

this is considered common knowledge and does not require documentation.

you must provide a citation both in-text and on the reference page.

Question 11

(TCO 4) The three essential pieces of information in the abstract section of an informal document are

buffer, appeal, and background.

purpose, scope, and summary.

conclusion, recommendations, and next step.

ethos, pathos, and logos.

Question 12

(TCO 6) Most readers of formal reports

include very mixed audiences.

read selectively each time they pick up the document.

get frustrated if important information is not placed first.

All of the above

Question 13

(TCO 6) Which of the following statements is most accurate about feasibility studies?

They do not guide readers toward a specific action.

They are usually solicited by the reader who needs to make a decision.

They are generally written for internal or in-house audiences.

They are basically the same as recommendation reports.

Question 14

(TCO 6) What is the difference between a solicited proposal and an unsolicited proposal?

A solicited proposal is always an in-house proposal, while an unsolicited proposal is always sent to people outside of the company.

A solicited proposal is one that no one has requested, while an unsolicited proposal is one that you have been requested to write.

A solicited proposal is one that you have been requested to write, while an unsolicited proposal is one that no one has requested.

The audience for both types of proposals can be either in-house or sent to people or organizations outside of the company.

Question 15

(TCO 6) Which is NOT true about the technical section in a formal solicited proposal?

There is only one organizational plan that must be followed.

Subheadings with specific wording should be used frequently.

All claims should be backed up with facts.

The client’s concerns should be responded to thoroughly.

Question 16

(TCO 7) In reference to a website, a content chunk is defined as

a poorly written paragraph.

a stand-alone unit of text and graphics.

an illustration.

a bulleted list.

Question 17

(TCO 7) Common website navigation types include all of the following except

hyperlinks.

site maps.

graphic identities.

tool bar menus.

Question 18

(TCO 8) Team writing projects can share documents through

e-mail.

computer conferencing.

groupware.

All of the above

Question 19

(TCO 8) When working with a subject matter expert (SME), a writer should

put questions in writing.

do background research before contacting the SME.

treat the SME with respect.

All of the above

Question 20

(TCO 4) Which of the following is an example of sexist language?

Each student is responsible for his own work.

All employees should submit their preferences for lunch by noon.

Everyone is responsible for his or her own transportation.

They are all examples of sexist language

Question 21

Global Warming: WRAP Prompt 2013

You are a consultant for Con-Glom Inc., an industrial equipment manufacturing firm. A coalition of concerned scientists and environmental groups has issued a report on global warming, the theory that the recent gradual heating of the earth’s atmosphere is a result of human and industrial activity. The scientists point to several climate change risks: rising ocean levels, erosion of shorelines, disruption of agriculture, and loss of animal habitat. The coalition’s report suggests that Con-Glom and other large corporations are using loopholes to avoid complying with federal emissions standards because they are more concerned with profits and jobs than environmental preservation.

In response to the report and the public outcry it produces, Con-Glom faces a decision about whether or not to install filtering systems at its plants. The filtering systems are expensive to purchase and install (about $75,000 per site), and their use would initially decrease the productivity of Con-Glom’s manufacturing plants at a time when the company already faces serious financial problems. Nevertheless, the company is seriously considering installing the filtering systems and publicizing its action as a means of countering the negative publicity generated by the report.

However, the decision is likely to be unpopular among employees and their families. The cost of the filtering systems and the loss of manufacturing output would force Con-Glom to scale back production by 5% and close one of its eleven production facilities. If the filtering systems are installed at ten facilities, the company will be forced to close its oldest and least efficient manufacturing plant, located in Greenwich, Illinois. This action would put 1,400 employees out of work, in an area already suffering from high unemployment. Alternatively, the company could install the filtering systems at only five of its plants. In this case, the Greenwich, Illinois plant would not need to be closed, but production would still need to be scaled back and 700 employees would be laid off.

Directions:

The company’s CEO, William B. Friedman, has asked you to assess the situation facing the company and suggest a solution to the problem. Write a memo to Mr. Friedman in which you discuss your solution. A secondary audience might be the members of his Management Committee.

Elements of a desired response:

A clear, well-organized description of the problem and explanation of your solution

Inclusion of specific supporting details and evidence

Demonstration of a clear purpose and awareness of the audience

Effective development of your ideas

Appropriate style and tone for a business document

Standard written English grammar, spelling, and punctuation