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Set 2 Written Communication Revision

Part A
Part A consists of FIVE questions. Answer all questions.
September 2009
1. State FOUR types of written communication. (4%) (Topic 1) p.6
Letters, faxes, Email, reports, memos and advertisements
2. Give TWO reasons why it is important to revise a report. (4%) (Topic 7, p.96)
i.
To check the structure, style and content.
ii.
To ensure that the report is effective
3. List FOUR research resources where you can get data for your research. (4%)
(topic 9, pp.130-131) (secondary data)
i.
Reference works
v. News, magazines and newspapers
ii.
Books
vi. Electronic resources
iii.
Journal articles
iv.
Government publications
September 2010, May 2010, May 2011
4. There are four major elements in the communication process: sender, receiver, message
and feedback. There are two major forms of feedback that a person may receive from the
person he is talking to: verbal and non-verbal.
List FOUR types of non-verbal language. (4%) (Topic 1)
i.
Facial expressions eg. frowning
ii.
Body contacts eg shaking hands
iii.
Eye movements eg. winking
iv.
Ways of talking eg pauses
5. When we prepare a report or write a thesis, we refer to some sources. At the end of the
report or thesis, we should list the sources. Some people write references or
bibliographies for the sources. (4%) (Sept 2010)
What is the difference between the two?
The term "reference" used for works from which a part of material is used or
specific material is located. All information about the work along with page
numbers are included in the "references" of a thesis or dissertation.
A bibliography encompasses all works you consult in writing your paper, whether or not
you quote the authors of those works or refer to their ideas.
In a reference, all the specific materials used are listed whereas for bibliography, the
authors are listed down even though the works are not referred to.
January 2011
6. Written messages may be misunderstood by readers when there are errors in the
language used. (topic 1, p.9-10)
State FOUR types of errors or pitfalls in written communication. (4%)
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a. Confusing language , words that mislead the reader and cause communication
breakdown
b. Verbosity that is the use of too many words that may interfere, confuse readers.
c. Poor Sentence Structure which leads to fragmented writing and choppy sentences that
may affect understanding.
d. Information Overload that is giving so much information
7. Discourse markers help readers to understand the flow of ideas in an essay or letter.
These markers are also known as transitional devices that connect ideas from one
paragraph to another. Select appropriate markers and place them in according to the
functions: (4 %) p.32
consequently , on the other hand, next, however, in fact, apparently, furthermore, finally
N

Functions

Markers

To show emphasis

In fact

ii

To show addition

Furthermore

iii

To conclude

Finally

Iv

To show contrast

On the other hand

The student is not bright enough. However, he worked hard and finally obtained
excellent results. (To show contrast)
8. We cannot not to communicate means that we always send messages to people whom
we communicate with although we may not use verbal messages. (Topic 1) p.2
Name FOUR major elements in the communication process. (4%)
Sender, message, receiver, feedback
9. Is the written report the same as a research proposal? The answer is NO. Describe each
one briefly. (4%) (topic 8,9)
No, they are not the same. The written report is written by people to present findings of
a research or experiment to internal or external audience whereas a research proposal is
a plan of action that describes in detail how you plan to carry out a research and request
permission to proceed with the plan.
10. What is a research paper? (4%) (May 2008)(May 2011) (Topic 9)p.123
It is an extended essay, usually between 10 and 25 pages in length and is a sustained
inquiry in a particular subject. It presents summarised information about the subject to
prove a point. To do this, it cites outside sources of information to support its stand.
Part B
(Answer 3 questions)
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May 2011
1. a. Providing a few citations in a research report is a MUST. However, most students
are careless about the format of writing for the citations. Complete information about
the citations is usually listed in the reference section at the end of the paper. There are
certain rules in the arrangement of the information in the reference list that we have to
follow.
Place a number (from 1 to 5) in each box for the following items according to the
correct sequence. (5%)
Number

Information for books

Title of article or chapter

Name of the publisher

Author(s) or editor(s) names in full; or the group, body, organization


responsible

Place of publication(for books)

Year of publication

b. When listening to lectures, students should take notes. Provide THREE tips for
note-taking. (3%) (Topic 9)p.141
i. Be accurate and honest when you take notes. Do not distort the authors meaning.
ii. Collect things that will support your thesis and other facts or opinions.
Get facts, not just opinions.
iii. Note methods and procedures and do not be afraid to criticise them.

c. Producing an effective report requires a writer to employ persuasive strategies.


Name TWO of persuasive strategies. (4%) (Topic 6 pp.84-85)
i. Emphasing Readers Benefits
ii. Addressing readers concern
iii. Showing sound reasoning
iv. Presenting reliable evidence
d. Elaborate the TWO strategies you mentioned in (c).(8%) (Topic 6)
i.
Emphasing Readers Benefits that is how readers will benefit from taking the
position or purchasing the products or stress on organisational objectives and
growth needs.
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ii.

Addressing readers concern that is to -predict readers responses so that negative


thoughts or arguments could be counteracted
iii. Showing sound reasoning which is the best weapon to persuade readers that the
decisions or actions recommended will bring benefits and explain why
iv. Presenting reliable evidence that readers are willing to accept depending on
situations and using common sense to determine type of evidence.

Part C
September 2009
2.
Feasibility Study and its report are important as they provide a lot of information for
a business plan. For example, a good market analysis is necessary in order to
determine a projects feasibility. As a successful entrepreneur, you are asked to give
a speech entitled The Importance of Feasibility Study and its report to a group of
apprentice entrepreneurs at a workshop. (20%)
In your speech, you should talk about:
i.
The definition
ii.
The benefits
iii. Possible outcomes if they do not include feasibility studies in their business plan;
and
iv.
Any relevant points related to feasibility study

Parts of a Speech
i.
The Opening / Introduction
ii. Body of the talk
which includes definition of terms, describing the conclusion, points in favour and points
against
iii.The Ending/ Conclusion
where the main points are summarized
- concluding with an appeal or proposal
Opening /introduction
Good morning to everyone here especially the young entrepreneurs. I am Ir.
..the Chief Executive Officer of Namhill Ltd. As entrepreneurs, I am sure
everybody here is aware of the Feasibility Study and its report which are important as
they provide a lot of information for a business plan. For example, a good market
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analysis is necessary in order to determine a projects feasibility. So, today, I am deeply


honoured to be given the opportunity to share with you on the importance of The
Importance of Feasibility Study and its report. The focus of my talk will be on what are
feasible studies , the benefits, possible outcomes if feasibility studies are not included in
business plan and other relevant matters related to feasibility study.
Body of the talk
A feasibility study looks at the viability of an idea with an emphasis on
identifying potential problems and attempts to answer one main question: Will the idea
work and
should you proceed with it?
Before you begin writing your business plan you need to identify how, where, and
to whom you intend to sell a service or product. You also need to assess your competition
and figure out how much money you need to start your business and keep it running until
it is established.
Feasibility studies address things like where and how the business will operate.
They provide in-depth details about the business to determine if and how it can succeed,
and serve as a valuable tool for developing a winning business plan.
Feasibility Studies so important because the information you gather and present in
your feasibility study will help you to list in detail all the things you need to make the
business work, identify logistical and other business-related problems and solutions,
develop marketing strategies to convince a bank or investor that your business is worth
considering as an investment and serve as a solid foundation for developing your
business plan.
Even if you have a great business idea you still have to find a cost-effective way
to market and sell your products and services. This is especially important for store-front
retail businesses where location could make or break your business.
For example, most commercial space leases place restrictions on businesses that
can have a dramatic impact on income. A lease may limit business hours/days, parking
spaces, restrict the product or service you can offer, and in some cases, even limit the
number of customers a business can receive each day.
The Components of a Feasibility Study include description of the business, the
product or services to be offered and how they will be delivered. Next is which includes
a description of the industry, current market, anticipated future market potential,
competition, sales projections, potential buyers, etc. Then, is Technical Feasibility:
Details how you will deliver a product or service (i.e., materials, labor, transportation,
where your business will be located, technology needed, etc.). Next, Financial Feasibility:
Projects how much start-up capital is needed, sources of capital, returns on investment,
etc. Finally, is Organizational Feasibility: which defines the legal and corporate structure
of the business (may also include professional background information about the
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founders and what skills they can contribute to the business). Finally, there should be
which discuss how the business can succeed. Be honest in your assessment because
investors wont just look at your conclusions they will also look at the data and will
question your conclusions if they are unrealistic.
Conclusion
Summary: Feasibility studies contain comprehensive, detailed information about
your business structure, your products and services, the market, logistics of how you will
actually deliver a product or service, the resources you need to make the business run
efficiently, as well as other information about the business.

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