MCM301 Communication Skills OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. Careful outlining of topics is helpful for all of the given reasons EXCEPT:

• It improves the clarity of message
• It saves writing time
• It enables to emphasize properly the various topics in the message
• It keeps the suspense in message ✔

2. All of the following statements about groups are true, EXCEPT:

• Group members strive to achieve some common purpose
• Group members influence and are influenced by one another
• Group members are interdependent
• Group members must interact face-to-face ✔

3. While determining the order of the topics, one should review the outline, keeping all of the following questions in mind. EXCEPT:

• Are the ideas of equal importance presented in a parallel manner?
• Is the sequence of the topics appropriate for the development method I am using?
• Is the sequence of the topics likely to add clarity to my message?
• Are related topics properly shuffled? ✔

4. Writing with you-attitude shows sincere ___ for the reader.

• Apathy
• Concern ✔
• Sympathy
• Curiosity

5. When do you think groups, rather than individuals working alone, should be used to solve a problem?

• When the task requires a limited amount of information and skills
• When a quick resolution is essential
• When commitment to the decision is important ✔
• When the task is fairly simple and straightforward

6. Which of the following is NOT the stage of effective business writing?

• Planning Stage
• Organizing Stage
• Drafting Stage
• Theater Stage ✔

7. Which one of the following would not be interpreted to mean brevity which will result in an incomplete message?

• Conciseness ✔
• Correctness
• Consideration
• Courtesy

8. When applied to business messages ‘correctness’ means all of the following EXCEPT:

• Use the right level of language
• Check accuracy of words, information, and data
• Use correct grammar and punctuation
• Check font style ✔

9. What is the basic requirement of Coordinating behavior?

• It requires that group members be in the same geographic area
• It requires the use of verbal communication only
• It requires the use of nonverbal communication only
• It requires the exchange of messages whether verbal or nonverbal ✔

10. ___ is the language of business correspondence written for a general readership.

• Informal English ✔
• Formal English
• Common English
• African English

11. While writing a letter to inquire about the people, one should keep in mind all of the following except:

• Respect human rights, both legal and moral
• Ask only for info related to the job
• Stress unrelated information/facts ✔
• Structure the questions around the job

12. Bcc stands for:

• Blind carbon copy ✔
• Blind compiled copy
• Branded carbon copy
• Branded compiled copy

13. While you plan to make a good speech, you must be engaged in which of the following?

• Audience-centered approach ✔
• Self-centered approach
• Theme or idea of the subject
• Results

14. When people ask you for information and you can’t honor the request, you may answer with:

• Direct approach only
• Indirect approach only
• None
• Both direct and indirect approach ✔

15. In a well written disappointing newsletter all of the following points are important, except:

• Enough detail to make the reason for the refusal logically acceptable
• Explaining the company’s policy as logical rather than rigid
• Offering an apology for the decision ✔
• Avoiding negative personal expressions

16. Which of the following is not a part of the writing plan of a reservation letter?

• A fast-start opening which identifies the type of room desired and the days needed
• A section which mentions arrival and departure times
• A section describing the quality of the room you booked in the other hotel ✔
• A courteous, action-oriented closing, which mentions your desire for a confirmation

17. The letters written to book some place like room, hall etc. are called

• Informal social invitation letters
• Reservation letters ✔
• Claim letters
• Order letters

18. Which of the following is not suggested for an appropriate ending of business writing (request letters)?

• Keep the ending paragraph as long as circumstances allow ✔
• State who is to perform the desired action if the action is to be performed by someone other than the reader
• Include reader-benefit material, if appropriate

19. In a direct request letter, request can be presented in:

• Middle paragraph
• Closing paragraph
• First sentence ✔
• Closing paragraph

20. Which of the following is NOT the stage of effective business writing?

• Planning stage
• Organizing stage
• Drafting stage
• Body composition stage ✔

21. While preparing for effective business writing Drafting stage involves all of the following EXCEPT:

• Develop appropriate beginning paragraph
• Compose the body
• Develop appropriate ending paragraph
• Editing ✔

22. Which of the following is NOT a result of incomplete messages?

• Loss of goodwill
• Loss of valued customers
• Loss of sales 
• Gaining the good name ✔

23. “His GPA in 2000 (MBA) was 3.9 on a four point scale”. Which of the following is a correct and more concrete form of this statement?

• His GPA was 3.9 on a four point scale ✔
• His GPA was good in 2000
• He got a good score in his MBA Program
• All of the given

24. The vocabulary of informal writing is:

• Less difficult ✔
• Tricky
• Intricate
• All of given

25. Which of the following is not a fallacy about resume?

• The purpose of a resume is to list all your skills and abilities
• The more good information you present about yourself in your resume, the better
• If you want a really good resume, have it prepared by a resume service
• The objective of a resume is to kindle the employer interest and generate an interview ✔

26. The suggested plan for a sales letter includes all of the following elements, EXCEPT:

• An opening that could detract the reader’s attention ✔
• A section that captures the reader’s interest in the product or service you are selling
• A section designed to establish desire and conviction on the part of the reader
• A courteous, action-oriented closing

27. Where do cultural styles of audience in persuasion tend to differ?

• Differ in their responses to persuasive appeals
• Differ in their levels of visible emotion
• Differ in how they regard supporting materials
• All of given ✔

28. Which of the following must NOT be adopted in preparing disappointing news messages?

• Use sales-promotion material whenever appropriate
• Consider using an implicit refusal rather than explicit refusal
• Capitalize on what you can do for the reader rather than what you cannot do
• Use negative words or phrases ✔ 

29. All of the following functions are performed by a good buffer, except:

• Compliments the reader
• Expresses your appreciation for being thought of
• Assures the reader of your attention to the request
• Indicates your lack of understanding of the reader’s needs ✔

30. All of the following is achieved by adopting audience centered tone in a disappointing news message, EXCEPT:

• Accepting that your disappointing-news represents a firm decision
• Understand that, under the circumstances, your decision was fair and reasonable
• Remain well disposed toward your business
• Destroying the receiver’s pride ✔

31. Which of the following is true about goodwill messages?

• Seemingly informative
• Presented to change attitudes
• Presented to change behaviors 
• All of the given ✔

32. Which statement would be the best close for an adjustment letter?

• We regret the trouble that the faulty keyboard caused you
• Your new keyboard is being air expressed to you ✔
• Your business is appreciated
• You may be interested in upgrading your internal memory with our inexpensive chips

33. The direct plan can be used for:

• Sales messages
• Request refusals
• Claims ✔
• None 

34. BC is an abbreviation of which of the following?

• Blind copy ✔
• Branded copy
• Begged copy
• Before copy

35. With the use of which of the following, we reason from specific evidence to specific evidence?

• Analogy ✔
• Logic
• Induction
• Deduction

36. All of the following are correct when it comes to writing disappointing news letters EXCEPT:

• Avoid the use of negative words or phrases 
• Avoid making suppositions that are not likely to occur
• Avoid a meaningless closing
• Avoid a neutral or buffered opening ✔

37. Which of the following calls on human reason?

• Emotional appeals
• Logical appeals ✔
• Irrational appeals
• Unreasonable appeals

38. Almost every customer who makes a claim is emotionally involved; therefore; the ___ is usually the best approach for a refusal

• Direct method
• Callous method
• Straight method
• Indirect method ✔

39. All of the following are the different types of buffer EXCEPT:

• Agreement
• Fairness
• Cooperation
• Bad news ✔

40. Which of the following is to make a neutral, non-controversial statement that is closely related to the point of the message?

• Buffer ✔
• Feedback
• Communication
• Talk

41. With the use of which of the following, we reason from a generalizing to a specific conclusion?

• Analogy
• Logic
• Induction 
• Deduction ✔

42. To say a clear no or writing a straight refusal in a disappointing news letter; all of the following techniques are useful EXCEPT:

• De-emphasize the disappointing news
• Use a conditional statement
• Tell the audience what you did, can do, or will do, rather than what you did not do, cannot do, or will not do
• Use a non-courteous tone ✔

43. Which of the following is the most correct statement about the interest section of the indirect plan for persuasion?

• Downplay any negative points
• Be positive and brief
• Make action easy
• Show benefits to receiver ✔

44. Which type of goodwill message is most likely to use an RSVP?

• Condolence ✔
• Invitation
• Appreciation
• Holiday greeting

45. Which of the following is NOT true about a congratulatory message?

• The message may be sent to a company relocating to a new building
• The message may be sent to an individual for being elected to an office in a social organization
• The message should focus on the receiver from start to finish
• The message may close by referring to the writer’s assistance to the receiver in his or her achievement ✔

46. Which of the following is the characteristic of good news letter?

• Begin with good news ✔
• Use slow opening
• Begin with explanatory details or information
• Don’t incorporate a you-viewpoint

47. Which of the following method is the best approach for refusing a claim?

• Direct method
• Callous method
• Straight method
• Indirect method ✔

48. Which of the following calls on human feeling, basing the argument on audience needs or sympathies?

• Emotional appeals ✔
• Logical appeals
• Irrational appeals
• Unreasonable appeals

49. Checking for the accuracy of dated figures, amounts and numbers, misspelled words, topographic errors etc. is done in which stage of writing?

• Organizing
• Drafting
• Editing
• Proofreading ✔

50. Which of the following is the informal report used to communicate with individuals outside of organization?

• Letter ✔
• Memo
• Periodical
• Magazine

51. Letters of invitation include:

• Speaking invitations
• Informal social invitations
• Formal social invitations
• All of the given ✔

52. All of the following are Essential parts of a letter EXCEPT:

• Letterhead
• Salutation
• Subject line ✔
• Signature

53. The courteous close of a direct request letter contains all of the following EXCEPT:

• A specific request
• Information about how you can reached
• An expression of appreciation or goodwill
• Information about your city ✔

54. “Would you please send me information about points of interest and scheduled events for families visiting Murree?” Which kind of letter would be suitable for the given information?

• Direct request letter
• Indirect inquiry letter ✔
• Claim letter
• Order letter

55. In routine requests, it is advised to use direct approach which means:

• Placing the main idea in opening ✔
• Placing the main idea in middle
• Placing the main idea in the end
• Placing the main idea anywhere according to writer’s choice

56. Which of the following is the most appropriate opening for an invitation to a fund raising event?

• Explain the purpose of the event ✔
• Give details of the event
• Extend the invitation
• Remind the recipient to bring a checkbook

57. To begin a disappointed newsletter with a negative information, ___ a negative situation

• Eases
• Reduces
• Complicates ✔
• Relieves

58. Which one of the following options refers to complimentary close?

• Dear Sir/Madam
• Yours sincerely, ✔
• Confidential
• Head, Communication Dept.

59. Which of the following is not suggested to improve the effectiveness of the opening paragraph of business writing?

• Use a U-viewpoint in the opening
• Use a fast-start beginning rather than slow beginning
• Use a U-viewpoint and I-viewpoint together in the opening ✔
• Keep the beginning paragraph fairly short

60. Order letters are usually written, when ___ are not available

• Order reports 
• Order blanks ✔
• Purchase reports
• Purchase slips

61. All of the following are non essential parts of letter EXCEPT:

• Addressee notation
• Attention line
• Complimentary close ✔
• Subject line

62. All of the following are qualities of effective claim letters EXCEPT:

• An effective claim letter contains you attitude material
• An effective claim letter presents all the facts pertinent to the situation
• An effective claim letter contains threat ✔
• An effective claim letter makes a definite request

63. Like all routine messages, routine requests have all of the following EXCEPT:

• An opening
• A body
• A close
• A center ✔

64. All of the following suggestions help improve the effectiveness of the opening paragraph EXCEPT:

• Make sure the beginning is appropriate for the reader
• Make sure the beginning is inappropriate for the situation ✔
• Use a fast-start beginning rather than a slow beginning
• Keep the beginning paragraph fairly short

65. Due to which one of the following reason the claim letter differs from other positive and neutral messages using the direct plan

• Contains a sales appeal
• Have its explanation omitted
• Places blame on the receiver
• Contains negative information ✔

66. Bpc is an abbreviation of which of the following?

• Blind photo copy ✔
• Blind paper copy
• Blind person copy
• Blind pasted copy

67. Writing a letter to inquire about people involve two considerations. First is the need to respect the rights – legal and moral; second is:

• The need to structure the questions around the job involved ✔
• The need to structure the question according to your own personality and frame of mind
• The need to structure the question keeping in mind the organization you are writing to
• The need to structure the questions with heavy vocabulary

68. All of the following are Important details to include in the letter of invitation EXCEPT:

• The topic of the presentation
• The date and time of presentation
• The venue of the presentation
• The menu of lunch to be given in the end of presentation ✔

69. Order letters are comprised of all of the following distinct content components except:

• Pertinent information about the items being ordered
• Directions for shipping the merchandize
• Quality report of the items ✔
• Method of payment

70. Which of the following type of letter is used to request general information rather than answers to specific questions?

• Direct request
• Indirect request ✔
• Claim
• Order

71. How can the credibility of a presenter be increased?

• Being well dressed and well groomed
• Complimenting the audience
• Demonstrating your sincerity
• All of the given ✔

72. Which one of the following is not required to keep conciseness in writing?

• Including only relevant material
• Adding extra and unrelated information ✔
• Eliminating wordy expressions
• Avoiding unnecessary repetition

73. All of the following steps are found in the planning stage of business writing, EXCEPT:

• Determine your purpose
• Consider your reader
• Choose your idea
• Proofreading ✔

74. Which one of the following information is true about bar charts, simple column charts and multi-column charts?

• can be used effectively for the same purpose ✔
• can be used to illustrate varied values
• Are usually illegal for visual aids
• Are usually not good visual aids

75. To find the right media for your presentation you need to first determine which one of the following?

• The size of your audience
• Equipment and supply limitations
• The presentation budget
• All of the given ✔

76. All of the following are the characteristics of concrete writing EXCEPT:

• Specific
• Definite
• Vivid
• Vague ✔

77. All of the following are considered as some basic truths about human nature that helps us humanize our business messages, EXCEPT:

• People are self-centered
• People are defensive
• People are perfect ✔
• People expect courtesy

78. All of the following are the elements of effective written communication EXCEPT:

• Courtesy
• Correctness
• Conciseness
• Cleanliness ✔

79. All of the following factors bring the element of completeness in a message EXCEPT:

• Providing all necessary information
• Answering all questions asked
• Giving something extra, when desirable
• Using vivid, image-building tools ✔

80. Which of the following method of outlining speech is generally preferred for negative news messages?

• Direct method
• Indirect method ✔
• Supporting method
• Sustaining method

81. “His black assistant speaks more clearly than he does”. Which kind of biasness this sentence shows?

• Gender biasness
• Racial biasness ✔
• Age biasness
• Disability biasness

82. Which one of the following group often meets face to face with a common purpose in mind?

• Informal group ✔
• Formal group
• Universal group
• Standard group

83. ___ is often regarded as an undesirable thing, which prevents the best ideas from being adopted

• Compromise ✔
• Compulsion
• Impulsion
• Perception

84. While using a flip board in presentation, 6×6 formula is used. What does it refers to?

• 6 sentences with 6 different colors on one chart
• 6 words in every sentence written in 6 different colors
• 6 sheets on flip board
• 6 lines, each having 6 words on a sheet ✔

85. The sender analyzes the receiver’s knowledge so that he/she could:

• Compose the message at the proper level
• Emphasize receiver benefits
• Choose the approach to use in the message
• Avoid making a negative impression ✔