Grammarly Certified Advanced Grammar and Language Specialist Professional and Business Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses hedging language appropriately in a business report?
- Sales will definitely increase next quarter.
- The data indicates that sales may increase next quarter. (Correct answer)
- Sales might possibly perhaps increase next quarter.
- We cannot be certain that sales will not fail to increase.
Correct answer: The data indicates that sales may increase next quarter.
Appropriate hedging ('may indicate') acknowledges uncertainty without over-qualifying or making false certainties.
Question 2: In a business report executive summary, what should appear first?
- Detailed methodology
- Conclusions and key recommendations (Correct answer)
- A full list of data sources
- An extensive background section
Correct answer: Conclusions and key recommendations
An executive summary leads with conclusions and recommendations so busy executives can grasp the key takeaways immediately.
Question 3: Which is the most professional way to decline a request in a business email?
- No, that won't work for us.
- I'm afraid we are unable to accommodate this request at this time; however, we would be happy to explore alternative solutions. (Correct answer)
- That's not my department. Good luck.
- We'll think about it and get back to you eventually.
Correct answer: I'm afraid we are unable to accommodate this request at this time; however, we would be happy to explore alternative solutions.
Professional declinations are polite, direct, and, where possible, offer an alternative to maintain goodwill.
Question 4: What is the purpose of an action item list at the end of a meeting summary?
- To recap everything that was discussed in detail
- To assign specific tasks, owners, and deadlines clearly (Correct answer)
- To evaluate the performance of meeting participants
- To list all attendees alphabetically
Correct answer: To assign specific tasks, owners, and deadlines clearly
Action item lists clarify who is responsible for each next step and by when, ensuring accountability after a meeting.
Question 5: Which is an example of passive voice that could weaken a business proposal?
- Our team will deliver the project by March 31.
- The project will be delivered by our team.
- Mistakes were made during the implementation phase. (Correct answer)
- We identified three areas for improvement.
Correct answer: Mistakes were made during the implementation phase.
'Mistakes were made' uses passive voice to obscure responsibility; strong business writing uses active voice to show accountability.
Question 6: Which is the correct way to handle jargon in a business report intended for a mixed audience?
- Avoid all jargon entirely
- Use jargon freely since business readers understand it
- Define technical terms on first use, then use the abbreviation throughout (Correct answer)
- Replace all jargon with everyday synonyms even if inaccurate
Correct answer: Define technical terms on first use, then use the abbreviation throughout
Best practice is to define specialized terms at first use so all readers can follow, then use the term or abbreviation consistently.
Grammarly Certified Advanced Grammar and Language Specialist Professional and Business Writing 2
Which sentence uses hedging language appropriately in a business report?