2 Chapter Adaptation and the Selection of Words
True/False Questions
1. A good rule is to write so that a person just like you can understand the message.
Answer: False Page: 25 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: You should adapt the writing to your readers.
Learning Objective: 1 AACSB Standard: 1
2. In many business situations, adapting to your readers means writing on a level lower
than your own.
Answer: True Page: 25 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: One should adapt and adapting sometimes means writing at a lower level.
Learning Objective: 1 AACSB Standard: 1
3. Adaptation of writing means writing in the simplest language possible.
Answer: False Page: 25 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: It means fitting the words to the specific reader, which does not always
mean simplifying the writing.
Learning Objective: 1 AACSB Standard: 1
4. Using familiar words means using the language of normal conversation.
Answer: True Page: 28 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: We use the familiar words in normal conversation.
Learning Objective: 1 AACSB Standard: 1
5. In adapting writing to a wide range of educational backgrounds, one should write for
those in the middle.
Answer: False Page: 26 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: One should write for the lowest level in order to communicate with all in
the group.
Learning Objective: 1 AACSB Standard: 1
6. Readability research supports simplifying writing.
Answer: True Page: 28 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: The readability techniques mentioned in the book are based on extensive
research.
Learning Objective: 1 AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 2 Adaptation and the Selection of Words
7. It is good to use unfamiliar words in business because they help readers improve their
vocabulary.
Answer: False Page: 28 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Only familiar words communicate clearly, and the goal of communicating
in business is to communicate.
Learning Objective: 2 AACSB Standard: 1
8. Because the short words tend to communicate better than the long ones, you should
prefer them in your writing.
Answer: True Page: 29 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: A statement explained in the text.
Learning Objective: 2 AACSB Standard: 1
9. You should use the short words because all the long ones are difficult.
Answer: False Page: 29 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Although length and difficulty are correlated, some exceptions exist. Some
long words are easy and some short ones are difficult.
Learning Objective: 2 AACSB Standard: 1
10. Although they may be misunderstood, some words not in the reader's vocabulary
should be used as a device to gain his or her respect.
Answer: False Page: 29-30 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: Such words do not communicate.
Learning Objective: 2 AACSB Standard: 1
11. The heavier the proportion of long words to short words, the harder the writing is to
understand.
Answer: True Page: 29 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: This concept has been verified by readability research.
Learning Objective: 2 AACSB Standard: 1
12. Only the truly technical fields such as engineering, physics, accounting, and computer
science have a technical language.
Answer: False Page: 30 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: Every field has its technical language.
Learning Objective: 3 AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 2 Adaptation and the Selection of Words
13. Because they are so widely used and well known, legal words should be used freely in
business communication.
Answer: False Page: 31 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Such words are not well known and rarely should be used in business.
Learning Objective: 3 AACSB Standard: 1
14. Because technical words are difficult to understand, they have no place in business
writing.
Answer: False Page: 31 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: They may be used when they are clearly understood.
Learning Objective: 3 AACSB Standard: 1
15. Of the parts of speech, the noun is the strongest.
Answer: False Page: 31 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: The verb is the strongest; the noun is second.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
16. Verbs are stronger words than adjectives.
Answer: True Page: 33 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: See discussion of word strength on in the chapter.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
17. Abstract words are fuzzy and vague.
Answer: True Page: 31 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: This is a definition of abstract words.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
18. Words that stand for things the reader can see, feel, taste, or smell are abstract.
Answer: False Page: 29 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: This is a definition of concrete words.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
19. To say very early Saturday is more concrete than "Saturday at 3:30 a.m."
Answer: False Page: 31 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: "Saturday at 3:30 a.m." is more specific, thus more concrete.
Learning Objective: 1 AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 2 Adaptation and the Selection of Words
20. Verbs are at their strongest when skillfully cast in passive voice.
Answer: False Pages: 31-33 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Active voice is stronger.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
21. Passive voice has a definite place in business writing.
Answer: True Page: 34 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: It should not be overused, but is has a place.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
22. It is stronger wording to say "appraise" than to say "make an appraisal."
Answer: True Page: 31 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: The latter is a camouflaged form of appraise.
Learning Objective: 5 AACSB Standard: 1
23. In passive voice, the subject receives the action.
Answer: True Page: 30 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: This definition is explained in the chapter.
Learning Objective: 34
AACSB Standard: 1
24. Active-voice sentences are stronger than passive-voice sentences.
Answer: True Page: 33 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: This point is made in the chapter.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
25. To write, "make an investigation" generally is preferable to "investigate."
Answer: False Page: 34 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: The first wording illustrates a camouflaged verb.
Learning Objective: 5 AACSB Standard: 1
26. Much of our idiom (the way we say things) has little rhyme or reason.
Answer: True Page: 36 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: This point is discussed in the chapter.
Learning Objective: 5 AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 2 Adaptation and the Selection of Words
27. Two words that stand for the same thing may not have precisely the same meaning in
one's mind.
Answer: True Page: 36 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Shades of difference in meaning exist in the mind.
Learning Objective: 5 AACSB Standard: 1
28. Even though such words as tired, weary, and exhausted can refer to the same
condition, they do not mean the same to all people.
Answer: True Page: 36 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Words do not mean the same to all people. Shades of difference exist in the
mind.
Learning Objective: 5 AACSB Standard: 1
29. It is a more acceptable idiom to say, "listen at" than "listen to."
Answer: False Page: 36 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: See the list of correct and faulty idioms in the chapter.
Learning Objective: 5 AACSB Standard: 1
30. All idiom (the way we say things) is based on a clear system of logical thinking, which
the writer should learn.
Answer: False Page: 36 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Idiom is based as much on custom as on logic.
Learning Objective: 5 AACSB Standard: 1
31. As the pronoun he is classified as generic (refers to both sexes), one can avoid charges
of sexism in writing by using it to refer to either sex.
Answer: False Page: 37 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: Some people object to this usage, contending that it shows male
dominance.
Learning Objective: 6 AACSB Standard: 1, 5
32. One effective way to avoid sexism is to use plural pronouns.
Answer: True Page: 38 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Using they, them, their shows no sexual bias.
Learning Objective: 6 AACSB Standard: 1, 5
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Chapter 2 Adaptation and the Selection of Words
33. If a statement is true, it cannot be discriminatory toward a member of a minority
group.
Answer: False Page: 37-41 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: True statements can report a fact about a group that applies only to small
portion of the group; but by implication the statement applies to the entire group.
Example: "We had to fire the lazy Hispanic employee." "We were please to learn that
we had hired a hardworking black."
Learning Objective: 6 AACSB Standard: 1, 5
34. In those rare cases in which minority membership (black, Hispanic, etc.) is a vital part
of the message, it is appropriate to write this information.
Answer: True Page: 40 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: This exception is noted in the chapter.
Learning Objective: 6 AACSB Standard: 1, 5
35. The language of this sentence discriminates against women: "A good secretary
organizes her work carefully."
Answer: True Page: 40 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: use The of her suggests that only women can be secretaries and supports a
stereotype that is offensive to women.
Learning Objective: 6 AACSB Standard: 1, 5
Multiple Choice Questions
36. In adapting writing to a group ranging from college-graduate to grade-school level of
education, one should write for the:
A) lowest level in the group.
B) middle one-third.
C) upper two-thirds.
D) upper one-third.
E) highest member of the group.
Answer: A Page: 26 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: One must aim at the lowest member of the group if he or she is to
communicate with all in the group.
Learning Objective: 1 AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 2 Adaptation and the Selection of Words
37. Mark the statement that describes the best practice concerning word length in writing.
A) Challenge the reader with long words.
B) Alternate long and short words as much as possible.
C) Be concerned with precision and forget length.
D) Concentrate on the short words and use the long ones with caution.
E) Never use long words in business writing.
Answer: D Page: 29 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: This advice appears in the chapter.
Learning Objective: 1 AACSB Standard: 1
38. Mark the most concrete of the following wordings.
A) Later in the week
B) By Thursday
C) By Thursday afternoon
D) By Thursday without fail
E) By 3:30 p.m. Thursday
Answer: E Page: 31 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: The most specific is the wording indicating both hour and date.
Learning Objective: 2 AACSB Standard: 1
39. Mark the most concrete of the following wordings describing the speed of an
automobile.
A) The fastest car on the road
B) An exceptionally fast car
C) A very fast car
D) Holds a record speed on 167 miles per hour
E) Exceeds 160 miles per hour
Answer: D Page: 32 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: By mentioning the exact speed, these words are the most concrete.
Learning Objective: 2 AACSB Standard: 1
40. Choose the most concrete of the following phrases.
A) Runs fast
B) Runs like an antelope
C) Runs 100 yards in 9.1 seconds
D) Runs like lightning
E) Runs with lightning speed
Answer: C Page: 32 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Only this one has the facts specifying how fast the subject runs.
Learning Objective: 2 AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 2 Adaptation and the Selection of Words
41. Which of the following wordings is the most concrete?
A) A majority
B) Over half
C) 52.3 percent
D) Most
E) Excess of 50 percent
Answer: C Page: 32 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: This one is precise and, therefore, concrete.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
42. The part of speech that produces the strongest communication effect is the:
A) verb.
B) noun.
C) adjective.
D) preposition.
E) adverb.
Answer: A Page: 33 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: Verbs are action words and are strongest.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
43. Mark the sentence that generally is best for interesting writing.
A) The process was discovered by Ace chemists.
B) Ace chemists discovered the process.
C) Ace chemists were responsible for discovering the process.
D) This discovery of process was made by Ace chemists.
E) Discovery of this process was made by Ace chemists
Answer: B Page: 33 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: Only this sentence is in the active voice and therefore, in interesting form.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
44. Which of the following conveys the most concrete meaning?
A) In the near future
B) Soon
C) On July 17
D) Next Thursday
E) At 9:00 a.m. on July 17
Answer: E Page: 32 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: By giving time and date it is the most specific, therefore the most concrete.
Learning Objective: 2 AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 2 Adaptation and the Selection of Words
45. Choose the sentence containing the most vigorous wording.
A) We will cancel your order.
B) We will effect a cancellation of your order.
C) Your order will be canceled.
D) Your order will be canceled by us.
E) We will bring about cancellation of your order.
Answer: A Page: 33 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: Only this one uses a pure verb. Two use camouflaged verbs, and two are in
passive voice.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
46. Mark the sentence that has the strongest wording.
A) It is believed that their prices will increase.
B) We believe that their prices will be increased.
C) We believe that they will increase prices.
D) It is believed that they will increase prices.
E) It is believed that their prices will be increased.
Answer: C Page: 33 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: Only this sentence has all verbs in active voice.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
47. Which of the following sentences presents its subject matter in the strongest wording?
A) Mr. Henderson canceled the story.
B) Mr. Henderson was responsible for cancellation of the story.
C) The story was canceled by Mr. Henderson.
D) Mr. Henderson effected a cancellation of the story.
E) Cancellation of the story was effected by Mr. Henderson.
Answer: A Page: 33-34 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: All except one are either passive or camouflaged verbs.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
48. Which of these sentences gives the most vigor to the content?
A) The sales increase for 2006 was 10.1 percent.
B) An increase of 10.1 percent was recorded for sales in 2006.
C) Sales increased 10.1 percent in 2006.
D) A significant increase in sales was made in 2006.
E) 2003 sales were reported to be 10.1 percent.
Answer: C Page: 33 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: Only this one uses a strong, active verb.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
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Chapter 2 Adaptation and the Selection of Words
49. Mark the sentence that conforms best to clear writing principles.
A) He made an application for the job.
B) He applied for the job.
C) He made an application for employment.
D) An application for the job was made by him.
E) His application has been submitted for the job.
Answer: B Page: 33-34 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: Only this sentence is clear and concise. Two sentences have camouflaged
verbs, and two sentences are in passive voice.
Learning Objective: 5 AACSB Standard: 1
50. Choose the sentence with the weakest verb construction.
A) The economy expanded 10 percent last year.
B) The 4-D Company suffered a serious loss.
C) Department 417 received a slight increase.
D) Sales are expected to increase.
E) Mr. Harris sold seven policies.
Answer: D Page: 33-34 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: All are in active voice except one.
Learning Objective: 4 AACSB Standard: 1
51. Of the following wordings, which is not in correct idiom?
A) In search of
B) Listen to
C) Seldom or ever
D) Superior to
E) Equally bad
Answer: C Page: 36 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: The correct idiom is "seldom if ever."
Learning Objective: 5 AACSB Standard: 1
52. Of the following wordings, which is not in correct idiom?
A) Comply with
B) In search of
C) Listen at
D) Superior to
E) Possessed of ability
Answer: C Page: 36 Difficulty: Medium
Rationale: See list of faulty and correct idioms in the chapter.
Learning Objective: 5 AACSB Standard: 1, 2
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Chapter 2 Adaptation and the Selection of Words
53. Mark the sentence with the least suggestion of sexism.
A) If a student follows these instructions, he will benefit.
B) The fishermen around here usually keep their boats in good order.
C) A secretary in our company rarely needs to use her shorthand skills.
D) When our customers pay promptly, they earn discounts.
E) Lattimer was represented by a lady lawyer.
Answer: D Page: 37-38 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: All except one use male dominated words: he, fishermen, secretary--she,
lady lawyer.
Learning Objective: 6 AACSB Standard: 1, 2
54. Mark the least discriminatory of these five references to an occupational group.
A) postman
B) lady doctor
C) salesman
D) letter carrier
E) policeman
Answer: D Page: 37-38 Difficulty: Easy
Rationale: Three answers suggest that only men are in the group; and one suggest that
women doctors are unusual--that doctor used alone refers to men.
Learning Objective: 6 AACSB Standard: 1, 2
55. Mark the sentence that is the least discriminatory of these five:
A) The lady carpenter was not dismissed.
B) The production department had a Chinese manager.
C) Ms. Martinez was selected for the position.
D) Only hardworking blacks need apply.
E) He was a generous Jew.
Answer: C Page: 37-38 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: All except this one suggest that the subjects referred to are different from
the group.
Learning Objective: 6 AACSB Standard: 1, 2
56. Which of the following sentences is constructed most illogically?
A) We planted the trees, and then they were watered.
B) Wilson saw the error, and he corrected it.
C) This material is durable, but one pays for its quality.
D) Because we want to be fair, we will replace the broken part.
E) Knowing that the project was late, we assigned additional people to it..
Answer: A Page: 33-34 Difficulty: Hard
Rationale: This sentence mixes active and passive voice.
Learning Objective: 6 AACSB Standard: 1, 2
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