Category: Professional Communication Objective Questions

Professional Communication Interview Questions and Answers for Experienced people focuses on “Verb and its Agreement with Subject”.

1. If the subject is of singular number, third person; in what number and person will the verb be?
a) Singular number, first person
b) Singular number, third person
c) Plural number, first person
d) Plural number, third person
Answer: b
Clarification: The verb takes the same number as its subject. It must agree with its subject in number and person. If the subject is of singular number, third person, the verb must also be of the singular number, third person.

2. If two singular nouns refer to the same person or thing, the verb must be singular.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. If two singular nouns refer to the same person or thing, the verb must be singular. Example: My friend, philosopher and guide is here. If different persons are referred,; My friend, the philosopher and the guide are here.

3. Choose the correct statement:
a) The quality of books were poor.
b) The quality of books was poor.
c) The quality of books are poor.
d) The quality of books were being poor.
Answer: b
Clarification: The correct statement is: The quality of books was poor. The subject is ‘the quality of books’ and not ‘books’. The phrase ‘quality of books’ is in singular form, so it should not take a plural verb.

4. If singular subjects are preceded by every and each, the verb is plural.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: The statement is false. If singular subjects are preceded by every and each, the verb is singular. For example: Every child and parent brings his own food.

5. Fill in the blank: Neither he nor I ____ present.
a) were
b) was
c) are
d) am
Answer: b
Clarification: The statement is: Neither he nor I was present. Two or more singular subjects connected by or, nor, either, neither take the verbs in singular.

6. Correct the statement:
Your best bet are free tickets.
a) Your best bet is free tickets.
b) Your best bet were free tickets.
c) Your best bet am free tickets.
d) Your best bet seems free tickets.
Answer: a
Clarification: The correct statement is: Your best bet is free tickets. The subject is, ‘your best bet, not ‘free tickets’. Hence it should take a singular verb.

7. Choose the correct statement:
a) The fire caused many damages.
b) The fire caused much damage.
c) The fire caused many damage.
d) The fire caused much damages.
Answer: b
Clarification: The correct statement is: The fire caused much damage. In this scenario, the word ‘damages’ can’t be used as it denoted the money paid to make good or loss for a ‘damage’. The word ‘damage’ is used in this situation, and it isn’t a word that can be preceded by ‘many’, as it isn’t a countable quantity which can be represented by a definite number. So, it should be preceded by ‘much’.

8. Fill in the blank: The ship ___ set sail.
a) has
b) is
c) was
d) have
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is: The ship has set sail. A collective noun takes a singular verb when the collection is thought of as a whole and a plural verb when the individuals of which it is composed of are thought of.

9. Correct the statement:
Bread and butter are my favourite breakfast.
a) Bread and butter is my favourite breakfast.
b) Bread and butters are my favourite breakfast.
c) Breads and butters are my favourite breakfast.
d) Breads and butter are my favourite breakfast.
Answer: a
Clarification: The correct statement is: Bread and butter is my favourite breakfast. Bread and butter are two different nouns, but they come together to form a single entity, that is, a single breakfast dish. So, the phrase ‘bread and butter’ should have a singular verb like is/was attached to it.

10. Fill in the blank: None of the students ___ happy with the teacher.
a) were
b) was
c) have
d) has
Answer: b
Clarification: The correct statement is: None of the students was happy with the teacher. None usually means no one and so takes a singular verb.

Professional Communication for Interviews, .

Professional Communication Multiple Choice Questions on “The Gerund and its Uses”.

1. A gerund is a form of verb which ends in -ing.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. gerund is a form of verb which ends in -ing, and has the force of a noun or a verb. For example, “Eating is his pet hobby.”

2. The gerund is also called as :
a) Verb
b) Noun
c) Verb – noun
d) Adverb
Answer: c
Clarification: In “Eating is his pet hobby.”, the word “eating” is used as the subject of a verb. Hence it does a work of a noun, and is called a verb-noun. So, the gerund is also called a verb-noun.

3. In which of these, the gerund is the subject of the verb?
a) Sleeping is his favourite pastime.
b) I love sleeping.
c) I like eating apples.
d) He loves accumulating wealth.
Answer: a
Clarification: The correct statement is: Sleeping is his favourite pastime. A gerund, like a noun, can be the subject of the verb, but like a verb, it also takes an object.

4. In which of these sentences, the gerund is the object of the verb?
a) I love eating apples.
b) Cleaning is his favourite pastime.
c) Eating is his hobby.
d) Ram was tired of walking.
Answer: a
Clarification: The correct statement is: I love eating apples. A gerund, like a noun, can be the object of the verb, but like a verb, it also takes an object.

5. A gerund can be governed by a preposition.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. A gerund, like a noun, can be governed by a preposition, but like a verb, it also takes an object. For example, “He loves accumulating wealth.”

6. The gerund is the same as:
a) Adverb
b) Pronoun
c) Adjective
d) Infinitive
Answer: d
Clarification: The gerund and the infinitive are alike. They are both used as nouns, and yet retain the power that a verb has of governing the noun or pronoun in the objective case.

7. Which of these is used to form a compound gerund form?
a) Past participle
b) Present participle
c) Perfect participle
d) Participial adjective
Answer: a
Clarification: Compound gerund forms are formed by placing a past participle after the gerunds of “have” and “be”. For example, We are tired after having walked so much.

8. The present participle is also called as:
a) Adverb- noun
b) Verbal noun
c) Verbal adjective
d) Verbal pronoun
Answer: c
Clarification: The gerund has the force of a noun and a verb, it is a verbal noun. The present participle has the force of an adjective and a verb, it is called a verbal adjective.

9. A gerund can not be used as:
a) Subject of a noun
b) Object of the transitive verb
c) Object of a preposition
d) Absolutely
Answer: a
Clarification: A gerund may be used as: Subject of a verb, as, “Wiving and hanging go by destiny.” It is also used as object of the transitive verb, object of a preposition and also absolutely.

10. Choose the correct statement:
a) We must prevent him playing.
b) We must prevent his playing.
c) We must prevent him for playing.
d) We must prevent his from playing.
Answer: b
Clarification: The correct statement is: We must prevent his playing. We must use the gerund qualified by the possessive adjective and not the object of the verb.

Professional Communication Multiple Choice Questions on “Use of Verbs”.

1. In the following sentence, which word is in accusative case?
This is the person whom you are looking for.
a) person
b) whom
c) you
d) looking
Answer: b
Clarification: This is the person whom you are looking for. Here, in this sentence whom is third person singular and in accusative case.

2. Which of these is used in the following phrase?
“This machine.”
a) Demonstrative adjectives
b) Descriptive adjectives
c) Possessive adjectives
d) Indefinite adjectives
Answer: a
Clarification: In the phrase, “ This machine “, demonstrative adjective “this” is used which agrees in number with the noun it qualifies.

3. Verbs are in agreement with their subject only in number.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: The statement is false. Verbs are in agreement with their subjects in number and person. For example, He and I are friends.

4. Verb takes a plural form in case of double subject.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. Verb takes a plural form in case of double or multiple subject. For example : He and I are inspectors.

5. Fill in the blank.
His aim and object ___ to pass the C.A. examination.
a) are
b) were
c) is
d) am
Answer: c
Clarification: The correct statement is: His aim and object is to pass the C.A. examination. Here, the double subject express the same plan, hence the verb is singular.

6. Fill in the blank.
Neither Ramesh nor his brother ___ present in the office.
a) are
b) was
c) were
d) there
Answer: b
Clarification: The correct statement is: Neither Ramesh nor his brother was present in the office. Here, the subject consists of two singular words, hence, the verb takes singular form.

7. In case of double subject, when does verb takes plural form?
a) When both subjects represent same plan.
b) When both subjects are singular.
c) When one of the subjects is plural.
d) When the subject has multiple nouns.
Answer: c
Clarification: When one of the subjects is plural, the verb takes up plural form. For example: Neither Ram nor his brothers were present in the office.

8. Fill in the blank.
Neither Sona nor I ________ present in the office.
a) is
b) are
c) were
d) am
Answer: d
Clarification: The correct statement is: Neither Sona nor I am present in the office. If the subject consists of double or multiple nouns or pronouns separated by neither-nor, either-or then the verb agrees in person with the nearer noun or pronoun.

9. A team of detectives ______ coming to inspect the crime scene.
a) are
b) were
c) is
d) may
Answer: c
Clarification: The correct statement is A team of detectives is coming to inspect the crime scene. Here, the collective noun team is considered as a single unit, so the verb is singular.

10. Fill in the blank.
The council _________ not unanimous on certain economic issues.
a) is
b) was
c) am
d) were
Answer: d
Clarification: The correct statement is: The council were not unanimous on certain economic issues. Here, the collective nouns are considered as multiple units.

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Professional Communication Multiple Choice Questions on “Telephonic Conversation”.

1. Which of these is not considered in a telephonic conversation?
a) The tone of the speaker
b) The volume of the speaker
c) Body language
d) The emotional content of the communication
Answer: c
Clarification: The two people involved in a telephonic conversation are unable to see each other. Hence, the body language of the speakers isn’t very important. However, the doesn’t take away from the fact that a telephonic conversation is a full-fledged conversation for which most other parameters of a dyadic exchange hold true.

2. A telephone is not meant for gossiping.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. A telephonic conversation should be brief and to the point. A telephone is not meant for gossiping.

3. After about how many rings should the telephone be lifted?
a) 2
b) 4
c) 5
d) 6
Answer: a
Clarification: There is a distinct rhythm about receiving telephone calls. The receiver must be lifted promptly, at best after one or two rings.

4. What is the first thing you must utter when you pick up a call?
a) Your name and designation
b) Who is calling?
c) Why did you call?
d) What do you want?
Answer: a
Clarification: The first thing you must do is utter your full name and designation. After your own introduction, ask the caller to reveal his name and designation.

5. Which of these should be kept in mind while receiving a call?
a) Be rude, if the caller is rude.
b) If the information is not readily available, take his phone number and call back.
c) A message can be noted in hints
d) You can be rude to a person if it’s a wrong connection.
Answer: b
Clarification: In case the information is not readily available, take his phone number and call back. Be warm and friendly even when the caller is rude.

6. While making a call, have all relevant information ready before hand.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. While making a call, have all relevant information ready before hand. It is rude and silly to search for material in the files when somebody is already on the line.

7. Which of these should be kept in mind while giving instructions?
a) The pitch of the receiver
b) The tone of the receiver
c) His ability to grasp information
d) The physical condition of the receiver
Answer: c
Clarification: When giving instructions, keep in mind : the mental and emotional built up of the receiver, his ability to grasp information and act upon the instructions given to him.

8. Delegation of responsibility must be done with _____
a) empathy
b) rudeness
c) dominance
d) disrespect
Answer: a
Clarification: Delegation of responsibility or asking others to carry out a task must be done with compassion and empathy. It is best to entrust one job at a time to a person.

9. An instruction must be followed by ____
a) spoken reply
b) written reply
c) action
d) sign
Answer: c
Clarification: An instruction is different from a conversation, or even an interview, mainly because the response is different. An instruction must be followed by action whereas in the case of other two the response is verbal.

10. A person who meets the media must have greater _____
a) restraint
b) honesty
c) agitation
d) aggressiveness
Answer: a
Clarification: A person who meets the media must remember that whatever he tells the media would be published. AHe must have greater restraint than he would have in a normal conversation.

Professional Communication Multiple Choice Questions on “Writing Instructions”.

1. Which of these is a set of instructions?
a) Report
b) Letter
c) Notice
d) Operating manual
Answer: d
Clarification: A machine carries an operating manual. This is a list of instructions to a person who wishes to operate the machine.

2. Which of these does not have an operating manual?
a) Televisions
b) Telephones
c) Pens
d) Washing machines
Answer: c
Clarification: An operating manual is a list of step-by-step instructions to assist a person in operating a particular machine. Operating manuals exist for household goods like washing machines, televisions, air-conditioners and so on. One doesn’t need a manual to know how to use a pen.

3. An operating manual is the same as repairing manual.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: The statement is false. An operating manual is different from a repairing manual. A technical instruction must fulfill the purpose for which it is written.

4. Which of these must be avoided in an instruction?
a) Ambiguity
b) Less words
c) Precision
d) Clarity
Answer: a
Clarification: An instruction must state facts precisely and in as few words as is possible. It must be free from ambiguity and it must be imperative.

5. A technical instruction must begin with _______
a) an introduction
b) a figure
c) a drawing
d) a warning
Answer: a
Clarification: The correct statement is: A technical instruction must begin with an introduction which must tell the reader about the process and what needs to be done.

6. Which of these can be used for better understanding of an instruction?
a) Longer sentences
b) Figures
c) Ambiguity
d) Complex words
Answer: b
Clarification: A technical instruction must be free from ambiguity and it must be imperative. Figures, drawings and photographs may be used to achieve better understanding.

7. Warnings against misuse should be included.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. Warnings against misuse or wrong use should be included to prevent damage or loss.

8. Which of these is advisable for instructions?
a) Long sentences
b) Detailed information
c) Imperative sentences
d) Complex sentences
Answer: c
Clarification: It is advisable to use imperative sentences. Instead of saying “The apparatus should be washed.”, it is better to say “Wash the apparatus.“

9. Which is the last step in a technical instruction?
a) Introduction
b) Steps
c) Drawing
d) Conclusion
Answer: d
Clarification: The sentences in an instruction should be short and simple. A conclusion may be included as a summary to what has been stated earlier.

10. Which of these words can be used for omission?
a) Normally
b) er
c) etc
d) Generally
Answer: b
Clarification: Words like etc., normally, generally may be used to avoid possible omission of an essential feature.

Professional Communication Multiple Choice Questions on “Barriers of Communication”.

1. Which of these is the external sounds present in the channels of communication?
a) Noise
b) Semantic problems
c) Cultural barriers
d) Over communication
Answer: a
Clarification: Noise is the external sounds present in the channels of communication, which results in the reduction of the audibility or omission of some words from the message.

2. Which of these should not be avoided for effective communication?
a) Noise
b) Planning
c) Semantic problems
d) Wrong assumptions
Answer: b
Clarification: Lack of planning must be avoided for effects communication. There are innumerable examples of people who would give an ill planned, long winding lecture while a short presentation with tables or graphs would be sufficient.

3. __________ are problems arising from expression.
a) Cultural barriers
b) Semantic problems
c) Wrong assumptions
d) Selecting perception
Answer: b
Clarification: The correct statement is: Semantic problems are problems arising from expression or transmission of meaning in communication.

4. Both encoding and decoding of message are influenced by our emotions.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. Both encoding and decoding of message are influenced by our emotions. Emotions play a very important role in our lives.

5. In which of these problems, is the actual message lost in the abundance of transmitted information?
a) Selecting perception
b) Over communication
c) Under communication
d) Filtering
Answer: b
Clarification: In the case of over communication, the actual message is lost in the jungle of information whereas in under communication the sender is blamed for sharing less information.

6. Communication should serve as a conflict- reduction exercise.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The statement is true. Communication should serve as a conflict- reduction exercise. When people start competing for the fulfillment of their narrow interests communication suffers.

7. _______ means to impart understanding of the message.
a) Encoding
b) Receiver
c) Decoding
d) Feedback
Answer: c
Clarification: The correct statement is: Decoding means to impart understanding of the message. Receiver has to identify the person, words symbols, etc..

8. When is the communication process complete?
a) When the sender transmits the message
b) When the message enters the channel
c) When the message leaves the channel
d) When the receiver understands the message.
Answer: d
Clarification: Communication is complete only when the receiver understands the message. Many communication problems arise because of misunderstandings.

9. ______ is the first enemy of communication.
a) Noise
b) Clarity
c) Politeness
d) Completeness
Answer: a
Clarification: The correct statement is: Noise is the first and foremost enemy of communication. Every possible effort must be made to eliminate the element of noise that distorts communication.

10. Which of these must be avoided for effective communication?
a) Sharing of activity
b) Listening
c) Ambiguity
d) Politeness
Answer: c
Clarification: Ambiguity must be avoided. Clarity and crispness of the message is very important. The sender of the message should be careful to see that the receiver does not have to go beyond the text of the message.

11. Which of these is not a commandment of effective communication?
a) Clarity in language
b) Listen poorly
c) Home communication skills
d) Adequate medium
Answer: b
Clarification: In order to ensure an effective communication one must take care of ten commandments: Clarity in language, home communication skills, listen attentively, etc..