WorkKeys Business Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence is grammatically correct?
- The team submitted its report on time. (Correct answer)
- The team submitted their report on time and they was happy.
- The team submitted it's report on time.
- The team submitted there report on time.
Correct answer: The team submitted its report on time.
"Its" is the correct possessive pronoun and the verb agrees with the subject.
Question 2: In a memo, where should the most important information generally appear?
- At the beginning (Correct answer)
- At the very end
- Hidden in the middle
- In a footnote
Correct answer: At the beginning
Business writing puts key information first so busy readers grasp it quickly.
Question 3: Which revision fixes the wordiness in: 'At this point in time we are currently working'?
- We are working now. (Correct answer)
- At this current point we are presently working.
- Currently at this time we work now.
- We are, at the present moment, currently working.
Correct answer: We are working now.
Removing redundant phrases produces clearer, tighter writing.
Question 4: What is the best way to handle bad news in a business letter?
- State it clearly but with a respectful, considerate tone (Correct answer)
- Bury it so the reader misses it
- Blame the reader for it
- Avoid mentioning it at all
Correct answer: State it clearly but with a respectful, considerate tone
Delivering bad news clearly yet tactfully maintains professionalism and trust.
Question 5: Which punctuation is correct?
- Please review the attached file, and let me know your thoughts. (Correct answer)
- Please review the attached file and, let me know your thoughts.
- Please review the attached file; and let me know your thoughts.
- Please review the attached file: and let me know your thoughts.
Correct answer: Please review the attached file, and let me know your thoughts.
A comma before a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses is correct.
Question 6: Which sentence uses active voice?
- The manager approved the budget. (Correct answer)
- The budget was approved by the manager.
- Approval of the budget was given by the manager.
- The budget had been given approval.
Correct answer: The manager approved the budget.
Active voice puts the subject performing the action first, making writing direct.
Question 7: Before sending an important email, what should you do first?
- Proofread it for errors and clarity (Correct answer)
- Send it without reading it
- Add as many recipients as possible
- Use all capital letters
Correct answer: Proofread it for errors and clarity
Proofreading catches mistakes that could undermine your professionalism.
WorkKeys Business Writing 3
Which sentence is grammatically correct?