Wordsmith Wizards
What is a dangling modifier, and how do you fix it?
A modifier that doesn’t clearly refer to the word it’s supposed to modify. Fix it by adding the missing subject or rewriting the sentence.
True or False: It’s acceptable to exaggerate results in a report if it helps your team look better.
False
How can technology both help and hurt the writing process?
Helps: collaboration, quick feedback, shared docs.
Hurts: too many edits, distractions, overreliance on tools.
How does a memo differ from an email?
Memos are more formal, longer, and used for internal announcements; emails are shorter and semi-formal for direct communication.
What step of the writing process corrects grammar and punctuation?
Proofreading
Why is audience awareness important in workplace writing?
It ensures the message is understood, relevant, and acted upon; prevents confusion and misinterpretation.
What is one ethical issue that can occur in workplace writing?
Misrepresenting data, plagiarism, exaggeration, omitting facts, bias, or offensive language.
Why is planning so important before drafting?
Saves time, clarifies purpose and audience, ensures alignment with business goals.
What makes a DM different from a text in workplace communication?
DMs are slightly more professional and used within platforms (e.g., Slack); texts are more casual and personal.
Why is wordiness a problem in workplace writing?
It wastes the reader’s time and buries the main idea; concise writing improves clarity and efficiency.
How should your tone change when writing to a supervisor vs. a coworker?
Supervisor: formal, respectful, solution-oriented.
Coworker: collaborative, efficient, slightly less formal.
How can a writer avoid ethical problems in their communication?
Be accurate, cite sources, avoid exaggeration, proofread carefully, and use professional tone.
Which step is most often skipped, and what’s the risk?
Planning or Revising — leads to unclear, unfocused, or disorganized writing.
Why is document design (headings, bullets, visuals) so important?
It improves readability, helps readers scan quickly, and supports comprehension by organizing information clearly.
Revise this for concision: “At this point in time, we are currently in the process of making a decision.”
“We are making a decision now.” or “We are deciding.”
Give one example of how you would adapt for a global or multicultural audience.
Avoid slang or idioms; use plain English; consider formality; check for translation clarity and time zone/date formats.
Why is accuracy critical in workplace communication?
Inaccurate information damages credibility, can lead to legal or financial risk, and undermines trust.
Name the five steps in the writing process.
Planning → Drafting → Revising → Editing → Proofreading
How does message formality change from text → DM → email → memo?
It becomes progressively more formal, detailed, and structured as you move toward memos.