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Chapter 8 Review Chapter 8 Review
Chapter Summary
Writing Style and Tone
• Writing style refers to the way in which a
writer uses language to convey an idea.
• Standard English is the norm in business
writing.
• Tone is an overall impression of the writing.
Choosing the Right Words
• Precise language adds clarity to the message.
• Sensitive language is neutral and free from bias.
• Personal pronouns, particularly you and your,
make the message more reader friendly.
• Positive or neutral words help to soften the
reader’s reaction to a negative message.
• Some words have shades of meaning or
connotations that the writer must be aware of
in order to avoid confusing or offending the
reader.
• The four C’s of communication can be
achieved by avoiding redundancies, avoiding
clichés, and using familiar words.
• Avoid trendy words that might make the
message sound dated or inappropriate.
Structuring Clear and Concise
Sentences
• Short, simple sentences are more
understandable than long, complex ones.
• Active voice is best when you need to be
direct and have no reason to soften the tone of
a sentence.
• Passive voice is used to downplay a situation
and soften the
tone.
• Good business writing has no frills.
Writing Effective Paragraphs
• Paragraphs have an introduction, body, and a
closing sentence.
• Effective paragraphs have logical
development, are short in length, and use
transitions to connect ideas.
• A direct or indirect approach can be used to
present the ideas in a message.
Review
Your Knowledge
1. What is Standard English?
2. Explain the term bias free and why bias-free
language is important.
3. Why use personal pronouns in writing?
4. Give an example of a positive/neutral word or
phrase and a negative word it can replace.
5. What does connotation mean?
6. What is a redundancy?
7. Give an example of a cliché in business
writing.
8. What advantage is offered by short sentences
compared to long sentences?
9. Describe the difference between active and
passive voice.
10. What are transitions?
Apply
Your Knowledge
1. Print an article from an online newspaper
or magazine. Determine the writing style
and tone of the article. Critique the writing
regarding word choice and sentence and
paragraph construction. Make a list of what
is good and bad about the writer’s style and
briefl y note why you came to that conclusion.
1 Wh i