NCRC Business Writing Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the most professional way to begin a business email to an unfamiliar recipient?
- Hey there,
- Yo,
- Dear Ms. Johnson, (Correct answer)
- To Whom It May Concern,
Correct answer: Dear Ms. Johnson,
Using 'Dear' followed by the recipient's title and last name is the most professional and personalized greeting.
Question 2: A workplace memo should include which of the following standard header elements?
- TO, FROM, DATE, SUBJECT (Correct answer)
- Dear, Sincerely, Date, Address
- Header, Body, Footer, Appendix
- Introduction, Problem, Solution, Conclusion
Correct answer: TO, FROM, DATE, SUBJECT
Standard business memos begin with TO, FROM, DATE, and SUBJECT header fields.
Question 3: Which sentence uses the most active and direct voice appropriate for workplace writing?
- It was decided by the team that the meeting would be rescheduled.
- The meeting was rescheduled.
- The team decided to reschedule the meeting. (Correct answer)
- A decision regarding rescheduling the meeting was made.
Correct answer: The team decided to reschedule the meeting.
Active voice names the subject performing the action: 'The team decided' is clear, direct, and concise.
Question 4: When writing a professional email, the subject line should be:
- Left blank to appear casual
- Vague to encourage the reader to open it
- Specific and descriptive of the email's purpose (Correct answer)
- As long as possible to include all details
Correct answer: Specific and descriptive of the email's purpose
A specific, descriptive subject line helps the recipient understand the email's purpose and prioritize their response.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a complete sentence?
- Running to the supply room.
- The supervisor and the new employees.
- The order was shipped yesterday. (Correct answer)
- Because the machine was broken.
Correct answer: The order was shipped yesterday.
'The order was shipped yesterday' has both a subject ('the order') and a predicate ('was shipped yesterday').
Question 6: In workplace writing, using jargon or technical terms is appropriate when:
- Writing to a general audience unfamiliar with the field
- Writing to colleagues who share the same technical background (Correct answer)
- Writing to customers for the first time
- Writing a public announcement
Correct answer: Writing to colleagues who share the same technical background
Technical jargon is appropriate only when your audience shares the same knowledge base and will understand the terms.
NCRC Business Writing Skills 1
Which of the following is the most professional way to begin a business email to an unfamiliar recipient?