Comm Midterm Review (updated) Flashcards

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

technical writing focuses on products and services.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Collaboration is more important than solo building in the workplace

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

The top five skills employers want include communication skills, honesty/integrity, internship/co-op experience, strong work ethic, and teamwork

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

When team members from varied disciplines provide their input, it is called collaboration.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Knowing how to communicate in the workplace will help you influence people.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

HPI can be used to solve problems in teamwork.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

To communicate successfully, you must adapt to different channels of communication.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Poorly written correspondence wastes time.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Part of prewriting is to determine your communication channel.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Answering the “reporter’s questions” helps you create the content of your correspondence.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Flowcharting is an effective visual technique that does not organize data chronologically.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Usability testing helps determine the success of a draft.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

The most important phase in the writing process is gathering documentation.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Accuracy in technical writing requires that you proofread your text.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Half your audience will be female, so avoid sexist language.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Proper tone of a communication is not a product of successful audience recognition.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

You should factor in your audience’s unique traits when determining the most effective way to communicate.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

When writing to multiple audiences on Web sites, you can use glossaries and extended definitions to clarify technical words.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

We live in a global world. Coca Cola, for example, generates 58 percent of its income from outside the United States

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

When technical communicators write reports that will be translated, they must be sure their readers will be able to distinguish between nouns and verbs.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Creators of products, images or inventions are protected by intellectual property rights.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Failure to consider ethics can result in dissatisfied customers, lost sales or loss of goodwill.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Types of intellectual property include copyrights and trademarks.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed by Congress in response to ethical issues in corporate accounting practices.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Ethical issues, like legal issues, can be answered easily by reading related laws.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Employees should follow company Internet policies only during work hours.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

You should assume information is covered under copyright law unless proven otherwise.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Never consult colleagues regarding an ethics situation.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

When writing or speaking hold yourself responsible for how well the audience understands the message.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Short-term benefits are an important consideration in ethics situations.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

A document you write should be legal, practical, and ethical, which are three separate and unrelated issues.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Research is a necessary component of longer reports.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

The audience’s level of technical knowledge is an important consideration in writing a report.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Primary research could include developing a questionnaire for a target audience.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

A paraphrase is taken word for word from a sentence.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Researching with the Internet presents issues of trustworthiness.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Google lets you search millions of web pages by a key word or phrase in a group of search engines at once.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Reports are always formal, internal documents.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

The discussion section is usually the largest section of the report.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

All reports share certain similarities in format, development, and style.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Some writers skip the introductory portion of reports and go directly to the discussion section. This is okay if they believe that their readers know why the reports were written and who is involved.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

You should use highlighting techniques in a report.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

The purpose section of a report is usually one of the longest sections.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

The purpose statement is like a topic sentence.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Short reports are not informal or routine communications.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

The discussion section of a long report constitutes its body and typically may be 85% of the text.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

You do not need to give a source when using primary research.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

An appendix is a good place to file data that the reader may not immediately need but that provides documentation for future reference.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Secondary research includes using personal studies and findings along with published materials.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

You might write a long, formal report that only informs.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

When you analyze for your audience, you begin with factual information.

TRUE/FALSE. Write ‘T’ if the statement is true and “F” if the statement is false.

Cascading headings help your readers to navigate the material in your report.

Diverse teams consist of

A) people with different areas of expertise, such as engineers, accountants, technical communicators, and graphic artists.

B) people with different academic credentials, such as a GED, high school diploma, or some college coursework.

C) people who represent different cultures, ages, genders, and races.

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and C

The reason(s) dispersed teams may be used by a corporation is

A) employees are located across time and space.

B) employees work in different cities, states, or countries.

C) employees work different shifts.

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and B

How can you use a Wiki in your dispersed team?

A) to create a Web site and to track group projects

B) for group authoring, editing, and reviewing older versions of text

C) for e-mailing and instant messaging

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and B

Written communication channels include which of the following?

A) memos, letters, reports, and essays

B) brochures, proposals, resumes, and journal entries

C) e-mail, letters, newsletters, and Web sites

D) letters, reports, poetry, and memos

Oral communication channels in the field of technical communication include

A) a corporate Web site.

B) training sessions.

C) online help screens.

D) blogs

E) instant messaging.

In communication, smartphone technology has an impact on

A) availability of messaging.

B) workplace professionalism.

C) audience awareness in writing.

D) size, speed, and tone of correspondence.

The textbook provides various reasons why technical communication is important. From an employer’s perspective, which of the following is most important?

A) Technical and business writing differ from other types of writing.

B) This type of writing costs and earns money.

C) Technical and business writing depend on factual documentation.

D) Your purpose is determined by your audience.

Which of the following is a guideline for establishing teamwork?

A) Establish a team leader.

B) Hold yourself responsible for how well your audience understands your message.

C) Watch for cultural biases.

D) Avoid shun words.

Technical communication uses two main types of communication channels. Sometimes the channels can overlap. Which type of channel(s) would be best suited for initially informing an employee of a forthcoming layoff?

A) Written

B) Oral

C) Either A or B

D) Both A and B

Some mobile apps that are helpful for writing include

A) Quickoffice Mobile.

B) Documents To Go.

C) BlogWriter

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and B only

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (2006), the most important quality/skill employers want is

A) analytical skills.

B) strong work ethic

C) communication skills.

D) computer skills.

Electronic conferencing tools are one type of groupware used for collaboration in virtual teams. Such electronic tools include

A) message and discussion boards.

B) videoconferences and teleconferences.

C) instant messaging and e-mail.

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and B only

A Wiki can be used to

A) create Web sites.

B) collaborate on peer review.

C) group author documents.

D) All of these answers are correct.

Google Documents is a collaborative writing tool. By using this tool, you can

A) edit Word documents.

B) post documents to a blog.

C) add new team members and delete writers.

D) edit HTML files.

E) All of these answers are correct.

When you are given a writing assignment, usability testing is designed to be used for the

A) prewriting phase.

B) formatting phase.

C) writing phase.

D) rewriting phase.

E) All of these answers are correct.

The objectives of the prewriting process include

A) organizing content.

B) examining purposes.

C) proofreading.

D) formatting content.

The writing process is subdivided into the following three-part sequence:

A) prewriting, rewriting, and revising.

B) prewriting, drafting, and proofreading.

C) prewriting, writing, and rewriting.

D) prewriting, revising, and rewriting.

E) None of these answers is correct

Two examples of prewriting techniques are

A) flowcharting and reformatting.

B) branching and enhancing.

C) mind mapping and brainstorming.

D) usability testing and simplifying.

E) None of these answers is correct.

Probably the most important stage in the writing process is

A) proofreading.

B) rewriting

C) writing

D) prewriting

E) All phases are equally important.

During the writing process,

A) once the purpose and goal of the document are determined, the steps can be completed in any order.

B) all three steps may occur simultaneously.

C) it is important to work through each of the three steps one at a time.

D) the prewriting step must be completed before moving on to any other step.

Single sourcing is

A) producing a document that is intended for one source.

B) using one source for data gathering.

C) producing documents that are intended to be recombined and reused across projects and various media.

D) None of these answers is correct.

Storyboarding

A) is especially useful for preparing instructions.

B) answers the reporter’s questions.

C) allows you to look at your topic from multiple perspectives.

D) allows you to see what your document might look like.

Mind mapping

A) answers the reporter’s questions.

B) is especially useful for preparing instructions.

C) allows you to look at your topic from multiple perspectives.

D) allows you to see what your document might look like

If, before a staff meeting, you asked employees for agenda items, you are using which of the following techniques?

A) mind mapping

B) storyboarding

C) outlining

D) brainstorming or listing

Content should be formatted for readability during which step in the writing process?

A) prewriting

B) rewriting

C) writing

D) None of these answers is correct.

If your purpose for writing was to complain about the poor quality of a coat you purchased at your favorite clothing store, what kind of letter would you write?

A) a letter to build rapport

B) a letter to instruct

C) a letter to persuade

D) a letter to inform

The National Commission of Writing identified essential skills in technical communication that employers want. The most important was

A) documentation and supporting data.

B) spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

C) accuracy

D) logic.

The definition of a technical term usually includes its type and distinguishing characteristics, but it can also include

A) descriptions.

B) examples.

C) procedures.

D) All of these answers are correct.

When writing a letter or memo, it is best to explain the benefit of the memo to the reader

A) in the middle portion of the material.

B) after an introductory paragraph.

C) in the first paragraph or in the conclusion.

D) wherever the information fits logically in the memo or letter

The best way to personalize correspondence is through the use of pronouns. When using the pronouns “you” and “your,” the focus is on

A) the ego.

B) the team.

C) the staff.

D) the reader.

Appealing to a diverse audience is important because

A) diversity is good for business.

B) diversity is protected by law.

C) most cultures share the same values and understanding.

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and B

Remember that translations may take up more or less space. The word count of a report written in English will expand more than ________ when translated into some European languages.

A) 20 percent

B) 40 percent

C) 25 percent

D) 30 percent

The world is changing. S&P 500 companies report international sales at

A) 50 percent

B) 22 percent

C) 60 percent

D) 83 percent

Multilingual reports create unique communication challenges, which include

A) ensuring that each version has identical content.

B) ensuring that each language version is identical "in readability."

C) ensuring that the tone and style are consistent in the translated version.

D) ensuring that the versions are tested for accuracy and usability.

E) All of these answers are correct.

If you are writing for a lay audience and must clarify a term, you can provide a sentence definition that includes

A) the term, type, and distinguishing characteristics.

B) acronyms and abbreviations.

C) examples.

D) procedures and descriptions.

Correspondence geared to ________ readers will not contain extended definitions.

A) lay

B) multiple

C) high-tech

D) low-tech

When writing an e-mail to multiple audience readers, you may

A) define your terms parenthetically within the text.

B) define your terms in a glossary.

C) define your terms as a footnote.

D) Don’t define terms in this type of correspondence.

E) A and B

________ audiences might include your co-workers in other departments, your supervisors, and colleagues who work for other companies.

A) Lay

B) Low-tech

C) High-tech

D) SME’s

Diversity includes

A) gender

B) race

C) religion

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and B

Multiculturalism requires employers to recognize that

A) nearly 20 percent of the population speaks a language other than English at home.

B) by 2050, Hispanics will represent nearly half of the United States’ population.

C) Hispanics number 48.4 million in the United States.

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and C

Three important things to consider when faced with a question of ethics are where the action takes place, whether the person in question holds a position of power, and

A) if there is a company policy regarding the issue.

B) the amount of damage the action could cause.

C) the importance of the people involved.

D) whether criminal or civil actions are at stake.

Business product communication should cover liabilities, practical issues, and

A) ensure transparency.

B) customer welfare issues.

C) possible negligence.

D) All of these answers are correct.

Boilerplate content includes

A) graphics and text from Web sites.

B) out of date copyrighted items.

C) existing copies of past company writings.

D) None of these answers is correct

To keep an audience safe from potential product dangers, writers should

A) provide clear instructions for product use.

B) ensure that warnings are clearly stated.

C) condense hazard language to not cause alarm.

D) avoid illustrations and color in the text.

E) A and B

The United States’ international copyright laws protect

A) every element on a Web page.

B) text, graphics, and HTML only.

C) procedures, systems, or methods of operation.

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and B only

When confronted with an ethical challenge,

A) define the problem.

B) consider the big picture.

C) let it work itself out.

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and B only

Keeping excellence and ethical behavior in the workplace includes

A) simple, direct expression of ideas.

B) respect for the work of colleagues.

C) satisfying the audience’s need for information.

D) All of these answers is correct.

E) A and B

Three of the most commonly used styles of formatting research reports are MLA, CSE, and

A) APA

B) ABA

C) UPI

D) IEEE

As with all types of technical communication, writing using research material requires that you

A) determine objectives.

B) conduct research to gather data.

C) rewrite to ensure your goals are successfully met.

D) All of these answers are correct.

The list of sources used in APA and CSE formatted documents is titled

A) Works Cited.

B) Bibliography.

C) References.

D) None of these answers is correct.

When you summarize a source you should

A) condense the original material by presenting the basic idea in your own words.

B) include pertinent facts and avoid technicalities.

C) include your own opinions and thoughts along with the author’s.

D) completely rewrite the original version, but keep it the same length.

E) A and B

When you quote from a document

A) quote the author word for word.

B) use ellipses correctly in quotes.

C) use brackets to assist clarity.

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and B

Research can include primary and secondary sources. Which of the following are examples of primary research? It is

A) conducted or generated by you.

B) obtained from already printed and published information.

C) obtained from personal interviews.

D) obtained from a Web site.

E) A and C only

A team of engineers is preparing a report for a highway project. They are reading statutes regarding eminent domain, real estate, and environmental considerations. They are doing

A) secondary research.

B) both primary and secondary research.

C) primary research.

D) None of these answers is correct.

Plagiarism could occur when a writer

A) misuses quotation marks.

B) intentionally uses another person’s words.

C) neglects to use reference citations

D) uses pictures or ideas from another author.

E) All of these answers are correct.

As a writer, when you establish a “focus,” you are in which of the three stages of the writing process?

A) writing

B) rewriting

C) investigating

D) prewriting

If you want to search for information online and use a directory, which of the following would you select?

A) Northern Light

B) Infomine

C) Google

D) Dogpile

In what phase of the communication process will you organize your report?

A) writing

B) prewriting

C) rewriting

In the rewriting phase of your report, you should

A) review material for clarity of focus.

B) delete research that does not support your ideas effectively.

C) simplify wording.

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and B

At what stage in the writing process would you add graphics, such as pie charts and line drawings, to your report?

A) rewriting

B) prewriting

C) writing

If you were using ERIC at your library, you would be using a(n) ________ for your research.

A) directory

B) metasearch engine

C) search engine

D) index

What type of report shows work actually accomplished to date?

A) trip

B) progress

C) lab

D) feasibility

E) incident

What type of report shows the steps followed in performing a test?

A) trip

B) progress

C) lab

D) feasibility

E) incident

What type of report is a review of your travel and activities?

A) trip

B) progress

C) lab

D) feasibility

E) incident

What type of report covers specifications, costs, potential problems, etc.?

A) trip

B) progress

C) lab

D) feasibility

E) incident

What type of report would discuss the apparatus used?

A) trip

B) progress

C) lab

D) feasibility

E) incident

A report that answers the question, “Is a particular project developing on schedule?” is what type of report?

A) trip

B) progress

C) lab

D) feasibility

E) incident

A report that answers the question “Is labor sufficient and efficiently used?” is referred to as what type of report?

A) trip

B) progress

C) lab

D) feasibility

E) incident

A report that addresses the situation where “John Smith cut his arm” is what type of report?

A) trip

B) progress

C) lab

D) feasibility

E) incident

When writing a short, informal report to an external audience, it is best to use

A) letter formats.

B) e-mail.

C) memo formats.

D) All of these answers are correct.

What type of report studies the practicality of a proposed plan and recommends action?

A) trip

B) progress

C) lab

D) feasibility

E) incident

Are headings and talking headings suited for short reports?

A) yes

B) no

Reports are written to

A) internal audiences.

B) external audiences.

C) A and B

What is not included in an abstract?

A) report summary

B) benefits derived

C) problems

D) solutions

E) processes used

Unfamiliar terms are often defined at the end of the report in a section called a(n) ________

A) recommendations.

B) appendix.

C) glossary.

D) summary.

Informative reports provide

A) conclusions

B) findings and results.

C) A and B

Figures and tables enhance your report by providing

A) cosmetic appeal.

B) clarity.

C) conciseness.

D) All of these answers are correct.

The front matter in a formal report includes

A) title page.

B) Table of Contents.

C) abstract or executive summary.

D) purpose

E) A, B, and C only

The text section in a formal report includes

A) discussion

B) background.

C) issues.

D) All of these answers are correct.

Are Executive Summaries and Abstracts the same thing?

A) yes

B) no

Which of the following is not true of the purpose section in the introduction for a formal report?

A) It is usually one to three sentences long, or a short paragraph.

B) It is a reiteration of the abstract.

C) It informs your readers why or what you hope to achieve.

D) All of these answers are correct.

E) A and C

The purpose or intent of a report is shown in the

A) back matter.

B) recommendation
C) discussion.

D) purpose statement.

References should be included in what section of your report?

A) front matter.

B) text.

C) back matter.

D) None of these answers is correct.

Long, researched reports require

A) time

B) people.

C) money.

D) All of these answers are correct.

The actual page pagination (page 1) of your formal report begins with the

A) title page.

B) cover letter.

C) introductory section.

D) Table of Contents.

A list of illustrations should be placed

A) below the Table of Contents, on the same page.

B) on a separate page that follows the Table of Contents.

C) None of these answers is correct.

D) A or B, as appropriate