OMST Business Communication 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which part of a business letter contains the writer's title and company name?
- Salutation
- Reference line
- Signature block (Correct answer)
- Body
Correct answer: Signature block
The signature block appears below the complimentary close and includes the writer's handwritten signature, typed name, and title.
Question 2: In the modified block letter format, where does the date line begin?
- At the left margin
- At the center of the page (Correct answer)
- At the right margin
- Two inches from the top
Correct answer: At the center of the page
Modified block format places the date and closing lines at the horizontal center of the page, while paragraphs begin at the left margin.
Question 3: What is the correct punctuation style when a business letter uses 'Dear Ms. Johnson:' as the salutation?
- Open punctuation
- Mixed punctuation (Correct answer)
- Closed punctuation
- Standard punctuation
Correct answer: Mixed punctuation
Mixed punctuation uses a colon after the salutation and a comma after the complimentary close — the most common US business letter style.
Question 4: Which type of business report is written by an outside authority at a company's request?
- Internal report
- Informational report
- Authorized report (Correct answer)
- Progress report
Correct answer: Authorized report
An authorized (or external) report is commissioned by the organization from an outside consultant or agency.
Question 5: The subject line in a business memorandum is introduced by which heading?
- RE:
- SUBJ:
- RE: or SUBJECT:
- Both RE: and SUBJECT: are standard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both RE: and SUBJECT: are standard
Both 'RE:' (regarding) and 'SUBJECT:' are widely accepted subject line headings in US business memos.
Question 6: Which communication channel is most appropriate for delivering sensitive negative feedback to an employee?
- Group email
- Company newsletter
- Face-to-face meeting (Correct answer)
- Text message
Correct answer: Face-to-face meeting
Face-to-face meetings allow for immediate clarification, nonverbal cues, and confidentiality when delivering sensitive feedback.
OMST Business Communication 1
Which part of a business letter contains the writer's title and company name?