Additional Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 1

ADDITIONAL PRACTICE IN
GRAMMAR, MECHANICS, AND USAGE

The following exercises are keyed to the “Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage.”

Note: Early copies of the Seventh Edition contain several numbering errors related to these
supplemental exercises. Here are the correct numbers for the exercises (these are the numbers that
students will see when they log on to the Companion Website):

1. Possessive nouns
2. Antecedents
3. Case of pronouns
4. Possessive pronouns
5. Verb tenses
6. Transitive and intransitive verbs
7. Voice of verbs
8. Adjectives
9. Adverbs
10. Prepositions
11. Conjunctions, articles, and interjections
12. Longer sentences
13. Sentence fragments
14. Fused sentences and comma splices
15. Misplaced modifiers
16. Punctuation A (focuses on semicolons and colons)
17. Punctuation B (focuses on periods, question marks, and exclamation points)
18. Punctuation C focuses on dashes and hyphens)
19. Punctuation D (focuses on quotation marks, parenthesis and ellipses)
20. Capitals
21. Word division
22. Frequently confused words
23. Frequently misused words
24. Frequently misspelled words
25. Transitional words and phrases
26. Grammar and usage
1. Possessive nouns
Review Section 1.1.4. Then, beside each noun below, write its possessive form.

a. women ______________________________________

b. secretaries ______________________________________

c. worker ______________________________________

d. Matthew Kitsos ______________________________________

e. editor-in-chief ______________________________________

f. children ______________________________________

g. Betsy Daniels ______________________________________

h. Daily Times ______________________________________

I. nobody ______________________________________

j. month ______________________________________

k. Jules ______________________________________

l. desks ______________________________________

m. office ______________________________________

n. today ______________________________________

o. the Rosses ______________________________________

2. Antecedents
Review Sections 1.2.1 and 1.2.2. Then, for each sentence that follows, underline the correct
pronoun, circle its antecedent, and then write its number (S for singular, or P for plural) in the
left-hand column.

Number

___ a. Joe, Frank, and Bob gave (their, his) opinions.

___ b. Any company worth (its, their) salt has one.
___ c. Los Angeles, as well as San Francisco, has (its, their) advantages.
___ d. Neither newcomers nor veterans knew (his, her, their) way around.
___ e. Because office decor is important to employees, (it, they) should be
planned by professionals.
___ f. Was it Marilyn or Lupe who sent (her, their) résumé?
___ g. Both candidates did well in (his, their) interviews.
 Additional Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 3

___ h. Each of the sales representatives went (his or her, their) own way.
___ i. This ad campaign, despite excessive costs, has had (its, their) successes.
___ j. Nancy is one of those people who know (her, their) business.

3. Case of pronouns
Review Section 1.2.4. Then underline the correct pronoun choice in each of the following
sentences.

a. (We, Us) sales representatives are overworked.

b. When the auditors arrive, make sure (they, them) have your cooperation.
c. Just between you and (I, me), the pay is poor.
d. The document is right, according to both (he, him) and Sam.
e. Give Terry and (I, me) that office.
f. The best positions went to Randolph and (she, her).
g. It’s (he, him) who should get the raise.
h. I’ll give the project to (whoever, whomever) isn’t busy with another one.
i. He turned as large a profit as (I, me) did.
j. With (who, whom) were you speaking?

4. Possessive pronouns
Review Section 1.2.5. Then underline the correct word choice in each of the following
sentences.

a. (Its, It’s) imperative that we close escrow today.

b. In (its, it’s) final clause, the contract states that we are accountable for defects.
c. BGT and Ramp Industries have recently changed the design of (there, their, they’re) brakes.
d. It is (are, our) conviction that we can complete this job before the deadline.
e. Always be sure that (your, you’re) employees understand what is expected of them.
f. Give each secretary a copy of (her or his, their) new schedule.
g. Do you know what (there, their, they’re) planning for the sales meeting?
h. Take note of (your, you’re) mistakes.
i. If (its, it’s) warranty has not expired, we will not charge you for fixing it.
j. (Your, you’re) mistaken if you think she will budge on that issue.
5. Verb tenses
Review Section 1.3.1. Then write the correct form of each verb in the space provided.

TO PROVIDE TO BECOME
a. present: I p. present: we

b. past: you q. past: I

c. future: we r. future: you

d. present perfect: they s. present perfect: he

e. past perfect: she t. past perfect: it

TO ALLOW TO BE
f. present: he u. present: you

g. past: it v. past: she

h. future: you w. future: we

i. present perfect: they x. present perfect: they

j. past perfect: I y. past perfect: I

TO SHRINK
k. present: they

l. past: she

m. future: it

n. present perfect: you

o. past perfect: we

6. Transitive and intransitive verbs

Review Section 1.3.3. Then underline the correct verb in each sentence.

a. After the walls are poured, there must be a way to (rise, raise) them into position.
b. (Sit, Set) up your display against that wall.
c. The contract has (laid, lain) forgotten in our safe for months.
d. I could see when I (lay, laid) it on Mary’s desk that she was surprised.
e. It’s important to know why production costs have (raised, risen).
 Additional Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 5

7. Voice of verbs
Review Section 1.3.5. Then rewrite these sentences so that their verbs are in the active voice.

a. The delivery was made by Mercury Message Service.

_______________________________________________________________________

b. Your report has been read by three of us.

_______________________________________________________________________

c. A choice of color must be made by the buyer.

_______________________________________________________________________

d. Complaints are handled by Jane Harper.

_______________________________________________________________________

e. New ideas were picked up at the trade fair by our representatives.

_______________________________________________________________________

8. Adjectives
Review Section 1.4. Then, for each simple adjective in parentheses, give the comparative or
superlative (whichever is more appropriate) in the space provided.

a. Of the three, Paul’s sales record is (good) __________________.

b. Which check is the (large) ___________________ of the two?

c. Inspect our five branches before choosing the (promising) ___________________ one.

d. Send the (practical) ___________________ frame you have from the group.

e. Having lifted both, I can pick out the (heavy) ___________________ one.

9. Adverbs
Review Section 1.5. Then turn these adjectives into adverbs.

a. intense _______________ f. good _______________

b. poor _______________ g. whole _______________

c. real _______________ h. busy _______________

d. full _______________ i. secondary _______________

e. complete _______________ j. due _______________

10. Prepositions
Review Section 1.6.1. Then underline all the prepositions in these sentences.

a. Providing a few samples of cheese created better sales in many areas.

b. Lead into the letter without a break.
c. He brought with him the habit of using quick-freeze equipment.
d. If the right people are informed of your offer, word of mouth will take care of the rest.
e. The board will meet behind closed doors for several reasons, none of which are
secret.

11. Conjunctions, articles, and interjections

Review Sections 1.6.2 and 1.6.3. Then, beside each of the following items, write C, A, or I to
indicate whether the word or phrase is a conjunction, article, or interjection.

a. although ___ d. because ___ g. if ___

b. Oh no! ___ e. an ___ h. unless ___
c. but ___ f. Good! ___ i. and ___

12. Longer sentences

Review Section 1.7.2. Then underline the word that makes each sentence correct.

a. His presentation, coming after two really boring speeches, (was, were) refreshing.
b. When the full slate of officers (is, are) present, she doesn’t write out their names.
c. (Although, However,) it was over by the time we got there.
d. The (secretary, secretaries) working at headquarters the longest will be recognized.
e. All who are in the group (meet, meets) the selection criteria.

13. Sentence fragments

Review Section 1.7.3. Some of the following are sentence fragments; others are correct as
they stand. Rewrite the sentence fragments to make them complete sentences, and write
correct in the space following sentences that are complete.

a. In just 14 days, with lots of promotion, the new outlet will open.

b. At least ten one-week sessions, beginning the first week in June, with no breaks.
 Additional Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 7

c. Drop the economy model.

d. Who of all our employees?

e. Although Joan is well grounded in office procedure.

f. Charging our office with the task of counting supplies.

g. Having ordered a large quantity of wheat from the United States.

h. Our coats, water-repellent, sleek, and undeniably tough.

i. Because this action would absorb the available supplies of short-term government
securities.

14. Fused sentences and comma splices

 Review Section 1.7.4. Some of the following are fused sentences; others are correct. Rewrite the
fused sentences to make them correct, and write correct in the space following correct sentences.
a. You like the idea of owning your own business, especially because you have the capital
to begin one.

b. Having met at a previous sales convention, we often had lunch with him you never know
where you stand.

c. The big question is financing, will you have enough money?

d. If satisfaction is not forthcoming, we will be forced to cancel our order, find another
supplier, and take legal action.

e. Over half of them are badly damaged, it looks like water damage.

15. Misplaced modifiers

Review Section 1.7.6. Then rewrite each of the following sentences so that modifiers are placed
correctly.

a. Deliver the fastback to the customer with the leather upholstery.

b. An unauthorized caller cannot get through this “smart” telephone, no matter how clever.
 Additional Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 9

c. We interviewed several applicants with great speed.

d. The letters should be filed in the green cabinet from clients who have complaints.

e. I passed the new business center driving through Emerson City.

16. Punctuation A
[J: need new set of exercises here, focusing on semicolons and colons; students should
review Sections 2.4 and 2.5]

17. Punctuation B [J: these are supposed to focus on periods, question marks, and
exclamation points; do we need to replace any?]
Review Sections 2.1 through 2.3. Then, in the space provided, write C if the sentence is
punctuated correctly, I if the sentence is punctuated incorrectly.

a. _____ “Johnson and Kane, Inc., is gone, comments one Wall Street merger expert.

b. _____ OPEC’s uncertain outlook—its production has fallen drastically since 1978
—makes attempts to defend the cartel’s official price appear futile.

c. _____ Over half of the combined debt loads of Argentina; Brazil; and Mexico
fluctuates with the movement of the U.S. prime rate.

d. _____ About 100 products bore the Can-Man trademark last May; there are nearly 300
today.

e. _____ Stephen Raken says Oak Tree Realty now: “realizes that it can’t keep up if it
does it all in-house.”

f. _____ Seasoned, well-managed companies should explore this alternative. As they

search for capital.

g. _____ Several insurers (Gaston, Regis, DMA) maintain offices in Tennessee.

h. _____ Is private placement extinct? Yes. And no.

i. _____ “Bricks and mortar,” Johnson says, are history.”

j. _____ At Simtex, however, the union recently gave up a three-year-old profit-

sharing plan—which has produced no bonuses—because the workers wanted an
immediate wage increase; they had not had a raise in nearly two years.
18. Punctuation C [J: these need to focus on dashes and hyphens; need to replace some?]
Review Sections 2.7 and 2.8. Then correct the punctuation in the following sentences.

a. Will you please send us a check today so that we can settle your account?
b. I find it hard to believe that we could miss such a promising opportunity!
c. His writing skills are excellent, however he still needs to polish his management style.
d. We’d like to address the issues of: efficiency, profitability, and market penetration.
e. During the highest level trials we will resume operations.
f. The letter should be dated no later than April 14 2004 if it is to prove the point.
g. All along the production designers have insisted on using robots.
h. Mark is a bright competent young man.
i. My boss the most senior executive in the company is well known for her concern for
employees.
j. What is your career goal the interviewer asked.

19. Punctuation D [J: needs to focus on quotation marks, parenthesis and ellipses; does this
need to be replaced entirely, perhaps?]
Review Sections 2.10 through 2.12. Then insert correct punctuation in the following business
letter:

Hardball Bearing Company

2206 Wheeler Boulevard
Newark NJ 07127

November 13 2004

Mr James R Capp Accounts Payable Manager

The Rollem Company
21 Clearspring Way
Boston MA 02109

Dear Mr Capp
 Additional Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 11

We are happy after five years of pleasant dealings with you to announce a change in our
billing procedure one that will prove helpful to both of us

Until recently we have billed all our customers on the first of each month beginning January
2003 we will mail billings in alphabetical order you will enjoy the following benefits of this
change

For the month of January the balance of your account with us will be in effect an interest-free
loan
Because most other suppliers continue to bill on the first our bill will not arrive during your
peak accounting period

Our company newsletter Bearing Up will continue to be enclosed with our billing

We know that an accountants life is never simple but we are doing our best to make it so

Yours very truly

Now count the number of punctuation items you inserted and enter the total here: _______.
Your instructor will tell you if you have missed some.

20. Capitals
Review Section 3.1. Then capitalize the appropriate words below by putting three short
parallel lines under each letter that should be capitalized. (The first item in the first sentence
is done for you.)

a. he was questioned about lifting the post-afghanistan embargo on grain sales to russia.

b. what did the senate foreign relations committee say about her as a human rights official?

c. at northern natural gas company, for one, president samuel f. segnar holds monthly
luncheons with employees who have hit the five-year service mark.

d. margaret d. steele, head of faribault college’s business department, recently conducted

a semester-long program involving monthly lunches with professors.

e. “book me a flight to atlanta on airtrans airlines,” he said, “so that i can visit our southern
wholesalers.”

21. Word division

 Review Section 3.5. Then correct the way the following words are divided by crossing through
inappropriate hyphens and inserting slash marks where the words could more correctly be
divided.

a. cal-lable b. a-gainst c. self-anal-ysis d. controll-ing e. hasti-ly

22. Frequently confused words [G: chapter 14 refers to this as 21]

Review Section 4.1. Then underline the correct word in each sentence.

a. To be successful, one must (accept, except) a certain amount of stress.

b. Our plans were (all ready, already) when the news came in.
c. The (incidence, incidents) of breakdowns has decreased.
d. No manager can afford to (loose, lose) his or her self-control.
e. Good lines of communication maintain company (moral, morale).
f. I’ve worked with both Tom and Rita, and I prefer the (later, latter).
g. Civilized people can (defer, differ) in their opinions without getting angry.
h. The (principal, principle) was sound, but the details were misleading.
i. In the future, sales representatives will be assigned (routes, routs) by the Chicago office.
j. See whether this regulation can be (waived, waved).
k. I would (advice, advise) you to hedge your investments.
l. The color of that hat is a perfect (complement, compliment) to the colors in the dress.
m. Because employment matters are so sensitive, you will have to make some (discreet,
discrete) inquiries if you want to find out about his previous performance.
n. I have received no greater compliment (than, then) the one she gave me yesterday.
o. That chair is (stationary, stationery), but the other one can be moved.

23. Frequently misused words [G: chapter 14 refers to this as 22]

Review Section 4.2. Then underline the correct or preferable word in each sentence.

a. Each carton contained (fewer, less) packages than were indicated on the outside.
b. His letter (inferred, implied) that there was no charge for the damaged items.
c. We encountered no problems when we (laid, lay) the tiles.
d. We will have (a lot, allot) of openings in six months.
e. The usual mediator was formerly employed by one of the parties to the dispute, so a
more (disinterested, uninterested) mediator was assigned to the case.
f. All seated passengers must be able to see the sign, just (as, like) they can on a 747.
g. Our popular poplin dress shirt is (as, like) our executive Essence shirt in many ways.
h. (Many, Much) of our sales effort would be enhanced by a computer.
 Additional Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 13

i. Our Trade Division (corresponds to, corresponds with) their International Division; both
have the same function.
j. Apparently I only (implied, inferred) that opinion from her report.

24. Frequently misspelled words [G: chapter 14 refers to this as 23]

Review Section 4.3. Then underline the correct spelling of each word.

a. indispensible indispensable indespensable

b. permenent perminent permanent
c. consensus concensus consencus
d. benefitted benifitted benefited
e. changable changeable changible
f. noticeable noticable notisable
g. medeocre mediocer mediocre
h. catigory category cattegory
i. alignment alinement alinment
j. prefered preferd preferred

25. Transitional words and phrases [G: chapter 7 refers to this as 24]
Review Section 4.4. Then, from the following list of transitions, choose the most appropriate
for each sentence, and write your choice in the space provided.

for example in other words meanwhile furthermore

on the contrary on the other hand still therefore
in the second place in that case

a. Ms. Siegel worked for you in a similar capacity during the past two years;

____________________ we are interested in getting your candid comments on her

professional abilities.

b. We have experienced difficulties with your shipments of candy before;

____________________ just last December, 5 of the 22 boxes you shipped arrived

empty.

c. The enclosed information sheet contains names and telephone numbers of prospective

clients; ____________________ it includes mailing addresses and ZIP codes.

 d. Because you are a valued customer of Carrillo Images, we are rechecking the figures

we used to prepare your invoice; ____________________ we are discounting the new

price.

e. Your acceptance of these conditions, signaled by your signing the enclosed check, will

begin the process; ____________________ your signature on this check will release you

to begin construction.

26. Grammar and usage [G: chapter 15 refers to this as 25]

[J: I don’t understand the point of this exercise -- the supposedly edited memo in the
answer key looks identical to this version. Do you know what the story is?]
Edit the following memo so that it complies with all the rules and principles of effective
writing that you’ve learned in this course.

MEMO

DATE: June 22 2004

TO: All department heads
FROM: Alan Kitchener, vice president of human relations
SUBJECT: In-house training program

Several new training programs have been developed in response to the training needs
assessment conducted in February, 2002. (27 highly informative replies were received; I
personally appreciated your comments). Our goal in developing these new programs was to
give each employee the skills to do his job better, and to improve employee’s moral.

These are the new programs, which will be available beginning July 1.

1. Making the Most of Microcomputers. Reviews microcomputer operations and provides

hands-on experience in using the four main software packages owned by us: word
processing, spreadsheet; data-base management and graphics.
2. Keeping Customers Happy. Covers methods for answering the telephone and
correspondence—policies for handling complaints and requests for adjustment—as well
as general marketing goals as they relate to customer service.
 Additional Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 15

3. Writing Better for Business. Deals with the organization of messages, analyzing purpose
and audience, and style and tone.

Each course will be offered once a month beginning at the first week and continuing for 4
sessions. Making the Most of Microcomputers on Tuesdays, Keeping Customers Happy on
Wednesdays, and Writing Better for Business on Thursdays. They will be held in the second
floor conference room from three to five p.m.

In general these courses have been designed for clerical and supervisory employees; although
everybody on your staff who could benefit are welcome to attend. To register an employee
must bring a signed authorization form, a packet are included with this memo, to the human
relations office, Room 117, at least a week in advance of the start of the course.

Try and send all appropriate staff so that our organization can better meet it’s goals!
SOLUTIONS TO MORE PRACTICE IN GRAMMAR, MECHANICS AND USAGE

1. Possessive nouns
a. women’s h. Daily Times’s
b. secretaries’ i. nobody’s
c. worker’s j. month’s
d. Matthew Kitsos’ k. Jules’s
e. editor-in-chief’s l. desks’
f. children’s m. today’s
g. Betsy Daniels’s n. the Rosses’

2. Antecedents
a. their—Joe, Frank, and Bob—P f. her—Marilyn or Lupe—S
b. its—company—S g. their—candidates—P
c. its—Los Angeles—S h. his or her—each—S
d. their—newcomers or veterans—P i. its—campaign—S
e. it—office decor—S j. their—people—P

3. Case of pronouns
a. We e. me i. I
b. Whom f. her j. Whom
c. me g. he
d. who h. whoever

4. Possessive pronouns
a. It’s f. her or his
b. its g. they’re
c. their h. your
d. our i. its
e. your j. You’re

5. Verb tenses
a. provide j. had allowed s. has become
b. provided k. shrink t. had become
c. will provide l. shrank u. are
d. have provided m. will shrink v. was
e. had provided n. have shrunk w. will be
f. allows o. had shrunk x. have been
g. allowed p. become y. had been
h. will allow q. became
i. have allowed r. will become
6. Transitive and intransitive verbs
 Additional Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 17

a. raise b. Set c. lain d. laid e. risen

7. Voice of verbs
a. Mercury Message Service made the delivery.
b. Three of us read your report.
c. The buyer must choose a color.
d. Jane Harper handles complaints.
e. Our representatives picked up new ideas at the trade fair.

8. Adjectives
a. best
b. larger
c. most promising
d. most practical
e. heavier

9. Adverbs
a. intensely f. well
b. poorly g. wholly
c. really h. busily
d. fully i. secondarily
e. completely j. duly

10. Prepositions
a. of, in
b. into, without
c. with, of
d. of, of, of
e. behind, for, of

11. Conjunctions, articles, and interjections

a. C d. C g. C
b. I e. A h. C
c. C f. I i. C

12. Longer sentences

a. was
b. are
c. However,
d. secretaries
e. meet
13. Sentence fragments (many other solutions are possible)
a. correct
b. At least ten one-week sessions are being offered beginning the first week in June, with no
breaks.
c. correct
d. Who of all our employees is the best person for the job?
e. Joan is well grounded in office procedure.
f. They are charging our office with the task of counting supplies.
g. They ordered a large quantity of wheat from the United States.
h. Our coats are water repellent, sleek, and undeniably tough.
i. This action would absorb the available supplies of short-term government securities.

14. Fused sentences and comma splices (other solutions are possible)
a. correct
b. Having met at a previous sales convention, we often had lunch with him. You never
know where you stand.
c. The big question is financing. Will you have enough money?
d. correct
e. Over half of them are badly damaged. It looks like water damage.

15. Misplaced modifiers

a. Deliver the fastback with the leather upholstery to the customer.
b. An unauthorized caller, no matter how clever, can’t get through this “smart” telephone.
c. With great speed, we interviewed several applicants.
d. The letters from clients who have complaints should be filed in the green cabinet.
e. Driving through Emerson City, I passed the new business center.

16. Punctuation A
[need answers to new exercises]

17. Punctuation B
[need answers to any new exercises]
a. I d. C g. C j. C
b. C e. I h. C
c. I f. I i. I

18. Punctuation C
[need answers to any new exercises]
a. Will you please send us a check today so that we can settle your account.
b. I find it hard to believe that we could miss such a promising opportunity.
c. His writing skills are excellent; however, he still needs to polish his management style.
d. We’d like to address the issues of efficiency, profitability, and market penetration.
e. During the highest-level trials, we will resume operations.
 Additional Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 19

f. The letter should be dated no later than April 14, 2004, if it is to prove the point.
g. All along, the production designers have insisted on using robots.
h. Mark is a bright, competent young man.
i. My boss, the most senior executive in the company, is well known for her concern for
employees.
j. “What is your career goal?” the interviewer asked.

19. Punctuation D
[need answers to any new exercises]
The correct punctuation marks (underlined) have been added to the following letter. The total
number of added punctuation items is 28.

Hardball Bearing Company

2206 Wheeler Boulevard
Newark, NJ 07127
November 13, 2004

Mr. James R. Capp, Accounts Payable Manager

The Rollem Company
8321 Clearspring Way
Boston, MA 02109

Dear Mr. Capp:

We are happy after five years of pleasant dealings with you to announce a change in our
billing procedure, one that will prove helpful to both of us .

Until recently, we have billed all our customers on the first of each month . Beginning
January 2003 we will mail billings in alphabetical order. You will enjoy the following
benefits of this change:

 For the month of January, the balance of your account with us will be, in effect, an
interest-free loan.
 Because most other suppliers continue to bill on the first , our bill will not arrive during
your peak accounting period.
 Our company newsletter, Bearing Up, will continue to be enclosed in our billing .

We know that an accountant’s life is never simple , but we are doing our best to make it so .

Yours very truly,

20. Capitals
a. He, post-Afghanistan, Russia
b. What, Senate Foreign Relations Committee
c. At Northern Natural Gas Company, President Samuel F. Segnar
d. Margaret D. Steele, Faribault College’s
e. Book, Atlanta, Airtrans Airlines, I

21. Word division

a. call-able
b. against (no division)
c. self-analysis (divide only at existing hyphen)
d. control-ling
e. hast-ily

22. Frequently confused words

a. accept j. waived
b. all ready k. advise
c. incidence l. complement
d. lose m. discreet
e. morale n. than
f. latter o. stationary
g. differ
h. principle
i. routes

23. Frequently misused words

a. fewer f. as
b. implied g. like
c. laid h. much
d. a lot i. corresponds to
e. disinterested j. inferred

24. Frequently misspelled words

a. indispensable f. noticeable
b. permanent g. mediocre
c. consensus h. category
d. benefited i. alignment
e. changeable j. preferred

25. Transitional words and phrases

a. therefore
b. for example
 Additional Practice in Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage 21

c. furthermore
d. meanwhile
e. in other words

26. The memo should be edited as follows:

MEMO

TO: All department heads

FROM: Alan Kitchener, vice president of human relations
DATE: June 22 2004
SUBJECT: In-house training program

Several new training programs have been developed in response to the training needs
assessment conducted in February, 2002. (27 highly informative replies were received; I
personally appreciated your comments). Our goal in developing these new programs was to
give each employee the skills to do his job better, and to improve employee’s moral.

These are the new programs, which will be available beginning July 1.

1. Making the Most of Microcomputers. Reviews microcomputer operations and provides

hands-on experience in using the four main software packages owned by us: word
processing, spreadsheet; data-base management and graphics.
2. Keeping Customers Happy. Covers methods for answering the telephone and
correspondence—policies for handling complaints and requests for adjustment—as well
as general marketing goals as they relate to customer service.
3. Writing Better for Business. Deals with the organization of messages, analyzing purpose
and audience, and style and tone.

Each course will be offered once a month beginning at the first week and continuing for 4
sessions. Making the Most of Microcomputers on Tuesdays, Keeping Customers Happy on
Wednesdays, and Writing Better for Business on Thursdays. They will be held in the second
floor conference room from three to five p.m.

In general these courses have been designed for clerical and supervisory employees; although
everybody on your staff who could benefit are welcome to attend. To register an employee
must bring a signed authorization form, a packet are included with this memo, to the human
relations office, Room 117, at least a week in advance of the start of the course.

Try and send all appropriate staff so that our organization can better meet it’s goals!