Category: Professional Communication Objective Questions

Professional Communication Multiple Choice Questions on “Barriers to Listening”.

1. Which of these is not a barrier to listening?
a) Physical barrier
b) Cultural barrier
c) Linguistic barrier
d) Written barrier
Answer: d
Clarification: There are six barriers to listening. They are: physical, physiological, linguistic, cultural barriers, speech decoding and oral discourse analysis.

2. Which is the main barrier to listening?
a) Physical barrier
b) Linguistic barrier
c) Cultural barrier
d) Physiological barrier
Answer: a
Clarification: Physical barrier is the main barrier to listening. These are caused by noise, physical distractions. Noise is the biggest physical hurdle in listening.

3. Which of these is not a physiological barrier?
a) Fear
b) Different perception
c) Gel effect
d) Halo effect
Answer: c
Clarification: There are nine physiological barriers. They are: fear, different perception, misunderstanding, halo effect, inattentiveness, emotions, abstracting, drawing hasty conclusions and polarisation.

4. Which of these is based on faith?
a) Fear
b) Halo effect
c) Emotions
d) Different perception
Answer: b
Clarification: Halo effect is based on faith, i.e., trust or distrust of the listener on the speaker. If the listener feels the speaker tells truth whatever he says is correct.

5. When people take extreme positions what is it called?
a) Fear
b) Halo effect
c) Emotions
d) Polarisation
Answer: d
Clarification: Some people take extreme position or stand on some issues and do not want to compromise or understand the other side. This is called polarization.

6. Which of these occur because of difference in language?
a) Physical barriers
b) Linguistic barriers
c) Cultural barriers
d) Speech decoding
Answer: b
Clarification: Linguistic barriers occur when the people speak different languages. They have different mother tongues. This creates problems.

7. Barriers which are caused because of different meanings of a word to different people is called ________
a) different perception
b) semantic distortions
c) physical barriers
d) cultural barriers
Answer: b
Clarification: Semantic distortions is one of the barriers in listening. The words often means different things to different people which is a distortion of non deliberate nature.

8. Which of these barriers occur when people belong to different religious backgrounds?
a) Physical barriers
b) Linguistic barriers
c) Cultural barriers
d) Speech decoding
Answer: c
Clarification: Cultural barriers occur when the speaker and listener are from different cultural background or religious background.

9. Who among these bow down to greet?
a) Japanese
b) Americans
c) Indians
d) French
Answer: a
Clarification: The Japanese bow down to greet, Westerners and Americans have gentle kiss on the cheeks of each other. One should avoid offending the people from other cultures.

10. Which of these is not a step in speech decoding?
a) Listening
b) Writing
c) Translating
d) Understanding
Answer: b
Clarification: There are three steps in speech decoding. They are: listening of speech, translation and understanding by the listener.

11. Oral discourse means to speak authoritatively about a topic.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. Oral discourse means to speak authoritatively about a topic. A listener has to make analysis of the spoken communication.

Professional Communication Multiple Choice Questions on “Syllable, Consonants and Vowels”.

1. The nucleus of the syllable is the vowel.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: A syllable is a unit of pronunciation which consists only a vowel or a vowel and a consonant. The nucleus of the syllable is the vowel; the consonant is its marginal element.

2. What is a consonant called when it is placed at the end of a syllable?
a) Releasing consonant
b) Arresting consonant
c) Dental consonant
d) Alveolar consonant
Answer: b
Clarification: When a consonant is placed at the end of a syllable, it is called an arresting consonant. When it is placed at the beginning of a syllable, it is called a releasing consonant.

3. What is the structure in the following syllable : pack?
a) CVC
b) CV
c) VCC
d) VC
Answer: a
Clarification: In CVC, C stands for consonant and V stands for vowel. For the word pack, the first letter p is a consonant. The last two letters c and k are also consonants, but they come together to make a single sound. Between these two consonants, there’s the vowel a. Hence the structure of the word would be CVC.

4. f and z are examples of :
a) Bilabial consonant
b) Sibilant consonant
c) Dental consonant
d) Alveolar consonant
Answer: b
Clarification: A consonant is a letter of the alphabet which represents a sound that can only be articulated with a vowel. Sibilant consonant like f and z are exceptions which can be pronounced without the help of a vowel.

5. Which of the following is a voiceless sound component?
a) b
b) d
c) c
d) g
Answer: c
Clarification: The voiced sounds in English are l,b,d,g,v,z,m,n,r,w,j, that is, the vocal cords must be used in order to produce the sound made by these letters. All vocoids and semi-vowels are voiced sounds. The letter c’s sound on the other hand, can be made without using one’s voice. Hence, c is a voiceless sound component.

6. According to the place of articulation, which of these is not a type of consonant?
a) Bilabial
b) Dental
c) Velar
d) Public
Answer: d
Clarification: According to the place of articulation, consonants are classified into 9 types. These are Bilabial, Dental, Labio-dental, Alveolar, Post-alveolar, Palato-alveolar, Palatal, Velar and Glottal.

7. Which of these consonants are the one whose place of articulation is the lower lip and upper teeth?
a) Bilabial
b) Dental
c) Labio-dental
d) Glottal
Answer: c
Clarification: For the labio-dental consonant, the place of articulation is the lower lip and the upper teeth whereas for the bilabial consonant, it is the upper and lower ljp. For the dental consonant, it is the teeth and tip of the tounge.

8. According to the placement of the tongue, which of these is not a type of vowel?
a) Cross vowels
b) Front vowels
c) Back vowels
d) Central vowels
Answer: a
Clarification: The classification of vowels can be made into three depending on the placement of the tongue. These are front vowels, back vowels and central vowels.

9. As per quality, vowels sounds can be differentiated as Monopthongs and Dipthongs.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Vowel sounds can be differentiated as per their quality as Monopthongs and Dipthongs. Monopthongs are pure vowels, because theydo not change in quality. Dipthongs are gliding vowels, and they change their quality continually.

10. Which of the following vowels is an example of back vowel?
a) i
b) e:
c) u
d) a
Answer: c
Clarification: Back vowels are pronounced by placing the back of the tongue towards the soft palate. Examples of such vowels are /o,u,u:/

Professional Communication Assessment Questions and Answers focuses on “Interchange of Degree of Comparisons”.

1. A simple sentence can be converted to a complex sentence by expanding a verb or phrase into a subordinate clause.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. A simple sentence can be converted to a complex sentence by expanding a verb or phrase into a subordinate clause.

2. A verb in a simple sentence CANNOT be expanded to which of the following clauses?
a) Noun clause
b) Verb clause
c) Adjective clause
d) Adverb clause
Answer: b
Clarification: There are three types of subordinate clauses to which a verb or phrase can be expanded. They are noun clause, adjective clause and adverb clause.

3. The following transformation is an example under which clause?
Simple : His crime was unforgivable.
Complex : His crime was such as could not be forgiven.
a) Noun clause
b) Verb clause
c) Adjective clause
d) Adverb clause
Answer: c
Clarification: The subordinate clause here is adjective clause. The adjective here is ‘unforgivable’ which is expanded and thus it becomes an adjective clause.

4. Convert the following simple sentence into a complex sentence :
On reaching the gate you will have to turn left.
a) As soon as you reach the gate, you will have to turn left.
b) When you reach the gate take a left turn.
c) Turn left when you reach the gate.
d) Reaching the gate, take a left turn.
Answer: a
Clarification: The correct complex sentence is : soon as you reach the gate, you will have to turn left. The subordinate clause used here is adverb clause.

5. Convert the following complex sentence into a simple sentence:
It is sad that she died so young.
a) Her death at so early an age is sad.
b) She dying so young is sad.
c) It is sad to know that she died at an early age.
d) She dying at an early age is sad.
Answer: a
Clarification: The correct simple sentence is : Her death at so early an age is sad. A complex sentence can be converted into a simple sentence by substituting a noun for the noun clause introduced by the conjunction ‘that’.

6. A complex sentence can be converted into a simple sentence by using a compound noun.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. A complex sentence can be converted into a simple sentence by using a compound noun. For example, Complex : The place where Buddha was cremated has been found. Simple : The place of Buddha’s cremation has been found.

7. Which of these conjunctions is not used during the conversion of compound to complex sentence?
a) Cumulative conjunctions
b) Alternative conjunctions
c) Illative conjunctions
d) Principal conjunctions
Answer: d
Clarification: Four types of conjunctions are used for conversion of compound to complex sentences. They are : Cumulative conjunctions, alternative conjunctions, illative conjunctions and adversative conjunctions.

8. Convert the following complex sentence to a compound sentence:
She is sure that he is wrong.
a) He is wrong, and of this she is sure.
b) Of this she is sure that he is wrong.
c) He Is wrong, she is sure.
d) She is sure, he is wrong.
Answer: a
Clarification: The correct compound sentence is : He is wrong, and of this she is sure. While converting, the principal clause must be placed last and the subordinate clause must be placed first.

9. Change the degree of comparison:
I am as pretty as her.
a) She is not prettier than me.
b) She is prettier than me.
c) I am the prettiest.
d) We both are pretty.
Answer: a
Clarification: The correct statement is: She is not prettier than me. Here a positive degree is converted into a comparative degree. It is possible to change the degree of comparison without changing the meaning of the sentence.

10. Change the degree of comparison:
Sachin is the best among all batsmen.
a) No other batsman is as good as Sachin.
b) Sachin is as good as any other batsman.
c) Any other batsman is better than Sachin.
d) Sachin is a good batsman.
Answer: a
Clarification: The correct statement is : No other batsman is as good as Sachin. This is the positive degree. The comparative degree would be : Sachin is better than any other batsman.

Professional Communication Assessment Questions,

Professional Communication Multiple Choice Questions on “Ellipsis”.

1. A verb must agree with its subject.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. A verb must agree with its subject in both number and person.

2. The use of possessive case should not be confined to which of these?
a) Name of living beings
b) Name of personified objects
c) A few stereotyped phrases
d) Nouns of space denoting a quality
Answer: d
Clarification: The use of possessive case should be confined to: Name of living beings and personified objects, few stereotyped phrases and nouns of space and time denoting an amount.

3. Possessive case is also known as?
a) Genitive case
b) Principal case
c) Qualifying case
d) Main case
Answer: a
Clarification: The possessive case is also known as genitive case. For example, “A day’s rest, a month’s duration”, etc..

4. An article is used before which of these?
a) Common noun, plural number
b) Proper noun, singular number
c) Common noun, singular number
d) Proper noun, plural number
Answer: c
Clarification: As a general rule, an article is used before a common noun, singular number; as, “Behave like a man”.

5. The subject of a sentence can be left without a verb.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: The statement is false. The subject of a sentence should not be left without a verb. It is incorrect to say, “He who has suffered most in the cause, let him speak.”

6. An ellipsis is a figure of _____
a) syntax
b) quality
c) amount
d) verb
Answer: a
Clarification: An ellipsis is a figure of syntax in which a word or words are left out but implied.

7. A participle should never be left without ______
a) proper reason
b) proper agreement
c) proper purpose
d) proper adverb
Answer: b
Clarification: The correct statement is: A participle should never be left without proper agreement. It is incorrect to say, “ Sitting on the gate, a scorpion stung him”. It is correct to say, “ Sitting on the gate, he was stung by a scorpion”.

8. Choose the correct statement.
a) One must keep one’s words.
b) One must keep one’s word.
c) One must keep ones words.
d) One must keep ones word.
Answer: b
Clarification: The correct statement is: One must keep one’s word. The word one’s should be followed by a singular word.

9. Choose the correct statement.
a) Meena has lost a ten rupees note.
b) Meena has lost a ten rupees notes.
c) Meena has lost a ten rupee note.
d) Meena has lost a ten rupee notes.
Answer: c
Clarification: The correct statement is: Meena has lost a ten rupee note. Here, a ten rupee note is singular and we will use rupee instead of rupees.

10. Fill in the blank.
Everybody _____ Shyam were present.
a) except
b) accept
c) expect
d) acceppt
Answer: a
Clarification: The correct statement is: Everybody except Shyam were present. The word except means “ not including” or “other than”.

Professional Communication Multiple Choice Questions on “Orders and Complaints”.

1. Orders for goods are placed on a seller after his quotation is accepted.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. Orders for goods are placed on a seller after his quotation is accepted. The order must be precise.

2. While placing an order, the quantity of the goods must be stated.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. While placing an order, the quantity of the goods must be stated. The cost at which it is required should also be mentioned.

3. Where is the name of the company placing the order mentioned?
a) Top left corner
b) Top right corner
c) Bottom left corner
d) Bottom right corner
Answer: b
Clarification: The name of the company placing the order is mentioned in the top right corner in the letter. The date is mentioned below that.

4. Where is the date mentioned in the letter when an order is placed?
a) With the address of the company placing the order
b) Below the address of the seller
c) After the salutation
d) Along with the leave-taking
Answer: a
Clarification: The date is mentioned along with the name of the address of the buyer in the top right corner in a letter when an order is placed.

5. Which of these should not be mentioned in a letter while placing an order?
a) Date
b) Address of seller
c) Age of owner
d) Leave taking
Answer: c
Clarification: An order letter has the name of the buyer and the seller along with date and courteous leave-taking. Also the quantity and cost of the order is mentioned.

6. Which of these is mentioned in a letter when an order is placed?
a) Age of the owner
b) Nationality of the owner
c) Health of the owner
d) Mode of payment
Answer: d
Clarification: No personal details are to be mentioned in an order letter. The mode of payment along with the mode of transportation should be mentioned.

7. Where is the leave-taking mentioned in an order letter?
a) Top left
b) Top right
c) Bottom left
d) Bottom right
Answer: d
Clarification: The courteous leave-taking is mentioned in the bottom right corner after the main body of the letter along with signature and designation.

8. Which of these is not mentioned in a letter of complaint?
a) Problems in the supply of goods
b) Shortcomings in the supply of goods
c) Features in the supply of goods
d) Fault in the supply of goods
Answer: c
Clarification: A letter of complaint states the problems or shortcomings found in the supply of goods. We need to clearly state the faults found in the goods or services.

9. Where is the address of the company complaining mentioned?
a) Top left corner
b) Top right corner
c) Bottom left corner
d) Bottom right corner
Answer: b
Clarification: The name and address of the company writing the letter of complaint is mentioned in the top right corner of the letter.

10. Where is the leave-taking mentioned in a letter of complaint?
a) Top left
b) Top right
c) Bottom left
d) Bottom right
Answer: b
Clarification: The courteous leave-taking is mentioned in the bottom right corner in the letter of complaint along with the designation and signature.

Professional Communication Multiple Choice Questions on “Seminars and Conferences”.

1. A seminar discusses in a small group on original research.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. A seminar discusses in a small group on original research or advanced study through oral or written reports.

2. In a symposium, a small group of experts discuss a problem.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. In a symposium, a small group of experts discuss different aspects of a problem for the benefit of an audience.

3. In a ________ , each member speaks on a pre-planned subject.
a) seminar
b) conference
c) panel discussion
d) symposium
Answer: c
Clarification: The correct statement is: In a panel discussion, each member speaks on a pre-planned subject, which is normally in the form of a question.

4. In which of these people with similar interests contribute with their knowledge?
a) seminar
b) conference
c) symposium
d) convention
Answer: b
Clarification: In a conference, people with similar interests contribute with their knowledge. It ends in a set of suggestions or recommendations which are based on the central theme of the conference.

5. A ______ is a fellowship meeting of a fraternal group.
a) conference
b) symposium
c) seminar
d) convention
Answer: d
Clarification: The correct statement is: A convention is a fellowship meeting of a fraternal group. Only matters of professional interest are discussed in it.

6. Which of these is not used to organise a seminar?
a) Oral reports
b) Written reports
c) Exchange of ideas
d) Recommendations
Answer: d
Clarification: A seminar discusses in a small group on original research or advanced study through oral or written reports. It may also be organised through exchange of ideas.

7. A conference is not attended by ________
a) invited guests
b) common people
c) permitted observers
d) people with common interests
Answer: b
Clarification: In a conference, people with similar interests contribute with their knowledge. A conference is only attended by invited guests or permitted observers.

8. We learn maximum by _____.
a) hearing
b) seeing
c) speaking
d) feeling
Answer: b
Clarification: Hearing is not the most crucial learning sensory perception available to man. A mere 11% of the knowledge that we pick us is through hearing. The eyes account for nearly 83% of our learning.

9. Which of these must be avoided in a meeting?
a) Patience
b) Tact
c) Leadership
d) Criticism
Answer: d
Clarification: A successful meeting needs patience, tact and leadership. It is better not to criticise a remark which appears irrational or silly.

10. Before the meeting is concluded, there must be a ______
a) summary
b) question
c) discussion
d) agenda
Answer: a
Clarification: Before the meeting is concluded there must be a summary and analysis of the discussion and the decisions taken. Members must feel that something concrete and substantial has been achieved.

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