,TESTBANK FOR Business Communication Polishing
Your Professional Presence, 5th edition Barbara
Shwom
Notes
1- The file is chapter after chapter.
2- We have shown you few pages sample.
3- The file contains all Appendix and Excel sheet
if it exists.
4- We have all what you need, we make update
at every time. There are many new editions
waiting you.
5- If you think you purchased the wrong file You
can contact us at every time, we can replace it
with true one.
Our email:
,Business Communication: Polishing Your Professional Presence, 5e (Shwom)
Chapter 1 Developing Your Professional Presence
1) Which of the following is a complex process of encoding and decoding information, ideas,
and feelings?
A) Confidence
B) Communication
C) Professional presence
D) Critical thinking
E) Feedback
Answer: B
Explanation: In its most basic form, communication is a complex process of encoding and
decoding messages (information, ideas, and feelings).
Diff: Easy
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
2) Which model of communication focuses on a single communication exchange in a linear path
from a sender to a receiver?
A) Transmission
B) Complex
C) Language
D) Transactional
E) Relational
Answer: A
Explanation: The transmission model focuses on a single communication exchange and
portrays communication as the linear transmission of a message from a sender to a receiver.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
1
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
,3) Putting ideas into words, images, or actions takes place during which step in the
communication process?
A) Medium determination
B) Transmission
C) Encoding
D) Decoding
E) Interaction
Answer: C
Explanation: A sender has an intention, selects a medium of communication, encodes that
intention into words, images, or actions; and sends the message through that medium.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
4) What term refers to the external or internal circumstances that influence communication?
A) Physical barriers
B) Feedback
C) Semantic barriers
D) Context
E) Language barriers
Answer: D
Explanation: The concept of context refers to the circumstances and forces that influence
communication.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Reflective thinking
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
5) Issues such as the distance between communicators and the noise in a room are aspects of
what type of context?
A) Technological
B) Semantic
C) Cultural
D) Psychological
E) Physical
Answer: E
Explanation: Physical context is the context in which the communication takes place, including
the physical distance between communicators as well as what's going on around you, such as a
noisy room or someone whispering.
Diff: Easy
Question Category: Application
AACSB: Application of knowledge
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
2
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
,6) Language that is difficult to understand or is ambiguous is indicative of what type of barrier?
A) Semantic
B) Cultural
C) Physical
D) Psychological
E) Physiological
Answer: A
Explanation: Semantic barriers arise from language that is ambiguous or difficult to understand.
Diff: Easy
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
7) Which of the following workplace activities is most likely to be the one in which your
communication skills will be utilized?
A) Calculating whether sales are up this quarter using the latest figures
B) Formulating strategies to manage your new team
C) Persuading your colleagues that your idea will likely lead to increased sales
D) Analyzing the pattern of errors found in your new product
E) Designing algorithms for new software
Answer: C
Explanation: None of the other options require communication skills as they are not intended to
be directed toward someone; by contrast, persuading colleagues requires talking to them and
making them understand what you wish to convey.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Application
AACSB: Analytical thinking
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
3
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
,8) Which of the following expands the concept of context and is influenced by social, relational,
and cultural forces?
A) Transactional Model
B) Critical thinking
C) Interaction Model
D) Transmission Model
E) Medium determination
Answer: A
Explanation: The Transactional Model of communication expands on the concept of context
and recognizes that communication is influenced by a broader set of external forces: social,
relational, and cultural.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Application of knowledge
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
9) During the communication process, which of the following acknowledges that one group's
learned behaviors may be different from those of another group?
A) Relational context
B) Cultural context
C) Social context
D) Psychological context
E) Physical context
Answer: B
Explanation: Cultural context acknowledges that one group's set of learned behaviors and
norms may be different from another's.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Analytical thinking
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
10) Which of the following concepts helps to explain why communication can fail?
A) Transmission
B) Medium
C) Barriers
D) Encoding
E) Interaction
Answer: C
Explanation: The concept of barriers helps explain why communication often fails. Barriers are
obstacles that get in the way of effective communication and come in many forms.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Analytical thinking
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
4
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
,11) Which communication process portrays communication as a dynamic process?
A) The Transactional Model
B) The Relational Model
C) The Transmission Model
D) The Interaction Model
E) The Linear Model
Answer: D
Explanation: The Interaction Model of communication portrays communication as a dynamic
process. Messages evolve as senders and receivers communicate in turn and give each other
feedback.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
12) Which of the following is an example of encoding a message?
A) Deciding how to phrase a request to your boss for clarification on your new assignment
B) Reading the annual financial report of your company
C) Scrolling through social media to learn more about your competitors' products
D) Tossing out an advertisement that was mailed to you
E) Reading an email sent by a friend
Answer: A
Explanation: Communication begins when the sender has something to "say" to a receiver. To
communicate this thought, the sender must encode the message–put it into words, images, or
actions.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Application
AACSB: Analytical thinking
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
5
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
,13) Raising your hand before speaking in a class is an example of what context?
A) Cultural
B) Relational
C) Social
D) Physiological
E) Active listening
Answer: C
Explanation: The term "context" refers to the set of circumstances in which you are
communicating. Raising your hand before speaking in a classroom is an example of a cultural
context.
Diff: Difficult
Question Category: Application
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
14) To communicate your idea to the receiver, you must ________ your message. While you do
this, you will likely need to ________.
A) encode; decode your message
B) encode; choose your medium
C) decode; choose your medium
D) decode; prepare feedback
E) encode; prepare feedback
Answer: B
Explanation: To communicate your idea to the receiver, you must encode the message. That is,
put it into words, images, or actions. While you do this, you also need to choose your medium,
e.g., a phone conversation, an email, etc.
Diff: Difficult
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
6
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
,15) You want to inform your colleague about a change to the project schedule. You decide to call
them to inform them about this change. By deciding to use the telephone to complete this
communication, you have ________.
A) encoded the message
B) decoded the message
C) filtered the noise in the communication process
D) selected the communication medium
E) decoded the feedback
Answer: D
Explanation: The sender has to select a medium–a channel used to transmit the message.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
16) A receiver decodes a message by ________.
A) putting it into words, images, or actions
B) selecting a channel through which to transmit it
C) interpreting its words or actions and attaching meaning to them
D) determining the appropriate verbal or nonverbal response that should be sent
E) using barriers
Answer: C
Explanation: The receivers' prior knowledge, experience, or expectations may affect the way
they decode the message, which involves interpreting and attaching meaning to the words,
images, and actions.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
17) The communication process can fail due to what technological barrier?
A) Shared language
B) Headaches
C) Access to email
D) Stereotypes
E) Disabilities
Answer: C
Explanation: Technological barriers include varying levels of access to and familiarity with
technology such as email.
Diff: Easy
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
7
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
, 18) When a message is decoded, the meaning that is attached to it is filtered by the ________.
A) transmission medium
B) sender's experience
C) receiver's knowledge
D) receiver's response
E) linear transmission
Answer: C
Explanation: The receiver decodes the message by interpreting the words and actions of a
message and attaching meaning to them. This meaning is filtered by the receiver's knowledge,
experience, and context.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
19) Speaking to someone who has a migraine might involve which barrier to effective
communication?
A) Language
B) Technological
C) Semantic
D) Physiological
E) Cultural
Answer: D
Explanation: Physiological barriers occur when something physical becomes an obstacle,
including migraines or hearing impairments.
Diff: Easy
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
20) Hearing loss is an example of a ________ barrier.
A) psychological
B) semantic
C) language
D) physiological
E) cultural
Answer: D
Explanation: A physiological barrier arises from a receiver's physical state, for example a
hearing loss.
Diff: Easy
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
8
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
Your Professional Presence, 5th edition Barbara
Shwom
Notes
1- The file is chapter after chapter.
2- We have shown you few pages sample.
3- The file contains all Appendix and Excel sheet
if it exists.
4- We have all what you need, we make update
at every time. There are many new editions
waiting you.
5- If you think you purchased the wrong file You
can contact us at every time, we can replace it
with true one.
Our email:
,Business Communication: Polishing Your Professional Presence, 5e (Shwom)
Chapter 1 Developing Your Professional Presence
1) Which of the following is a complex process of encoding and decoding information, ideas,
and feelings?
A) Confidence
B) Communication
C) Professional presence
D) Critical thinking
E) Feedback
Answer: B
Explanation: In its most basic form, communication is a complex process of encoding and
decoding messages (information, ideas, and feelings).
Diff: Easy
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
2) Which model of communication focuses on a single communication exchange in a linear path
from a sender to a receiver?
A) Transmission
B) Complex
C) Language
D) Transactional
E) Relational
Answer: A
Explanation: The transmission model focuses on a single communication exchange and
portrays communication as the linear transmission of a message from a sender to a receiver.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
1
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
,3) Putting ideas into words, images, or actions takes place during which step in the
communication process?
A) Medium determination
B) Transmission
C) Encoding
D) Decoding
E) Interaction
Answer: C
Explanation: A sender has an intention, selects a medium of communication, encodes that
intention into words, images, or actions; and sends the message through that medium.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
4) What term refers to the external or internal circumstances that influence communication?
A) Physical barriers
B) Feedback
C) Semantic barriers
D) Context
E) Language barriers
Answer: D
Explanation: The concept of context refers to the circumstances and forces that influence
communication.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Reflective thinking
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
5) Issues such as the distance between communicators and the noise in a room are aspects of
what type of context?
A) Technological
B) Semantic
C) Cultural
D) Psychological
E) Physical
Answer: E
Explanation: Physical context is the context in which the communication takes place, including
the physical distance between communicators as well as what's going on around you, such as a
noisy room or someone whispering.
Diff: Easy
Question Category: Application
AACSB: Application of knowledge
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
2
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
,6) Language that is difficult to understand or is ambiguous is indicative of what type of barrier?
A) Semantic
B) Cultural
C) Physical
D) Psychological
E) Physiological
Answer: A
Explanation: Semantic barriers arise from language that is ambiguous or difficult to understand.
Diff: Easy
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
7) Which of the following workplace activities is most likely to be the one in which your
communication skills will be utilized?
A) Calculating whether sales are up this quarter using the latest figures
B) Formulating strategies to manage your new team
C) Persuading your colleagues that your idea will likely lead to increased sales
D) Analyzing the pattern of errors found in your new product
E) Designing algorithms for new software
Answer: C
Explanation: None of the other options require communication skills as they are not intended to
be directed toward someone; by contrast, persuading colleagues requires talking to them and
making them understand what you wish to convey.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Application
AACSB: Analytical thinking
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
3
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
,8) Which of the following expands the concept of context and is influenced by social, relational,
and cultural forces?
A) Transactional Model
B) Critical thinking
C) Interaction Model
D) Transmission Model
E) Medium determination
Answer: A
Explanation: The Transactional Model of communication expands on the concept of context
and recognizes that communication is influenced by a broader set of external forces: social,
relational, and cultural.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Application of knowledge
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
9) During the communication process, which of the following acknowledges that one group's
learned behaviors may be different from those of another group?
A) Relational context
B) Cultural context
C) Social context
D) Psychological context
E) Physical context
Answer: B
Explanation: Cultural context acknowledges that one group's set of learned behaviors and
norms may be different from another's.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Analytical thinking
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
10) Which of the following concepts helps to explain why communication can fail?
A) Transmission
B) Medium
C) Barriers
D) Encoding
E) Interaction
Answer: C
Explanation: The concept of barriers helps explain why communication often fails. Barriers are
obstacles that get in the way of effective communication and come in many forms.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Analytical thinking
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
4
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
,11) Which communication process portrays communication as a dynamic process?
A) The Transactional Model
B) The Relational Model
C) The Transmission Model
D) The Interaction Model
E) The Linear Model
Answer: D
Explanation: The Interaction Model of communication portrays communication as a dynamic
process. Messages evolve as senders and receivers communicate in turn and give each other
feedback.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
12) Which of the following is an example of encoding a message?
A) Deciding how to phrase a request to your boss for clarification on your new assignment
B) Reading the annual financial report of your company
C) Scrolling through social media to learn more about your competitors' products
D) Tossing out an advertisement that was mailed to you
E) Reading an email sent by a friend
Answer: A
Explanation: Communication begins when the sender has something to "say" to a receiver. To
communicate this thought, the sender must encode the message–put it into words, images, or
actions.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Application
AACSB: Analytical thinking
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
5
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
,13) Raising your hand before speaking in a class is an example of what context?
A) Cultural
B) Relational
C) Social
D) Physiological
E) Active listening
Answer: C
Explanation: The term "context" refers to the set of circumstances in which you are
communicating. Raising your hand before speaking in a classroom is an example of a cultural
context.
Diff: Difficult
Question Category: Application
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
14) To communicate your idea to the receiver, you must ________ your message. While you do
this, you will likely need to ________.
A) encode; decode your message
B) encode; choose your medium
C) decode; choose your medium
D) decode; prepare feedback
E) encode; prepare feedback
Answer: B
Explanation: To communicate your idea to the receiver, you must encode the message. That is,
put it into words, images, or actions. While you do this, you also need to choose your medium,
e.g., a phone conversation, an email, etc.
Diff: Difficult
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
6
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
,15) You want to inform your colleague about a change to the project schedule. You decide to call
them to inform them about this change. By deciding to use the telephone to complete this
communication, you have ________.
A) encoded the message
B) decoded the message
C) filtered the noise in the communication process
D) selected the communication medium
E) decoded the feedback
Answer: D
Explanation: The sender has to select a medium–a channel used to transmit the message.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
16) A receiver decodes a message by ________.
A) putting it into words, images, or actions
B) selecting a channel through which to transmit it
C) interpreting its words or actions and attaching meaning to them
D) determining the appropriate verbal or nonverbal response that should be sent
E) using barriers
Answer: C
Explanation: The receivers' prior knowledge, experience, or expectations may affect the way
they decode the message, which involves interpreting and attaching meaning to the words,
images, and actions.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
17) The communication process can fail due to what technological barrier?
A) Shared language
B) Headaches
C) Access to email
D) Stereotypes
E) Disabilities
Answer: C
Explanation: Technological barriers include varying levels of access to and familiarity with
technology such as email.
Diff: Easy
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
7
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
, 18) When a message is decoded, the meaning that is attached to it is filtered by the ________.
A) transmission medium
B) sender's experience
C) receiver's knowledge
D) receiver's response
E) linear transmission
Answer: C
Explanation: The receiver decodes the message by interpreting the words and actions of a
message and attaching meaning to them. This meaning is filtered by the receiver's knowledge,
experience, and context.
Diff: Moderate
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
19) Speaking to someone who has a migraine might involve which barrier to effective
communication?
A) Language
B) Technological
C) Semantic
D) Physiological
E) Cultural
Answer: D
Explanation: Physiological barriers occur when something physical becomes an obstacle,
including migraines or hearing impairments.
Diff: Easy
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
20) Hearing loss is an example of a ________ barrier.
A) psychological
B) semantic
C) language
D) physiological
E) cultural
Answer: D
Explanation: A physiological barrier arises from a receiver's physical state, for example a
hearing loss.
Diff: Easy
Question Category: Concept
AACSB: Written and oral communication
Learning Objective: 1.1 Explain why communication is a complex process that is affected by
context and requires more than the delivery of messages.
8
Copyright © 2025 Pearson Education, Inc.
