Question

6. Which sentence contains an expletive?

1. Sentence 12
2. Sentence 13
3. (both a and b above)
4. (none of the above)

7. Which sentence contains a cliché?

1. Sentence 3
2. Sentence 7
3. Sentence 11
4. (none of the above)

Directions: Study both the scenario and e-mail message rough draft below. Then, answer each question. When answering Questions 1 - 3, you may create fictional information if necessary.

SCENARIO

You are the HR manager for HealthFirst Inc. Your company’s accountant has recently informed you that your workers’ compensation insurance premiums are higher than industry standards. Along with this, you have noticed that employees are taking more sick days this year, compared with last year. You have also observed lately that your employees look more stressed and fatigued than usual.

You have shared this information with your company president, Jean Miller. Realizing the connection between physical fitness and employee well-being, she has suggested that you research some options for improving employee health and fitness at the company. Specifically, she has asked you to report your recommendations in an e-mail message, using direct order, by April 4.

After careful research, you have concluded that the company should implement an employee fitness program.

Last week, you had written a rough draft of the e-mail message to Jean, as shown below. However, after proofreading your rough draft, you realize that you will need to fix your mistakes before sending the final draft to your company president.

E-mail Message – ROUGH DRAFT

DATE:            March 28, 2019

TO:                  Jean Miller, President

SUBJECT:

(1) An increase in workers’ compensation (WC) insurance premiums has been observed in our company over the past 12 months. (2) In addition, a higher number of sick days have been taken this year. (3) On March 1 you asked me to research some options to reduce WC claims and ameliorate the health of our employees.

(4) As a result, I am reccomending that we introduce an employee fitness program in several stages. (5) With a fitness program, we can ensure the health and safety of every employee. (6) I offer my full and complete support with implimenting this program. (7) Please don’t hesitate to contact me as soon as possible if I can help you with anything else.

(8) According to researchers, workplace health and fitness are important for many reasons. (9) For example, if employees will exercise regularly, they will improve their fitness level and reduce their stress levels. (10) Therefore, our company can save money by preventing employee sick days.

(11) Many details about the new program are in the attachment, “Program Details.”  

(12) It is a practical resource with options for creating effective fitness programs. (13) It can also be used to design a timeline for each stage of the program.

Answer 1

Which sentence contains an expletive?

Ans: Option d: None of the above

Explanation: Expletive is a crude or obscene expression or an unnecessary word or phrase filled in space for grammar or rhythm purposes.

Which sentence contains a cliché?

Ans: Option b: sentence 7

“Please don’t hesitate to contact me as soon as possible if I can help you with anything else.”

Explanation: Refers to an expression, which is overused to the extent that it loses its original meaning or novelty. Sentence 7 is a commonly used repetitive sentence used in most email messages.

Revised Email:

DATE:            March 28, 2019

TO:                  Jean Miller, President

SUBJECT: Employee well being and physical fitness

Good Day, Ms. Miller:

This is with reference to our discussion last week where we noticed the physical fitness levels of the employees were a cause of concern for the organization. I have analyzed the matter in some detail. I have come up with a few suggestions as follows:

(1) An increase in workers’ compensation packages (WC) insurance premiums has been observed in our company over the past 12 months.

(2) In addition, a higher number of sick days have been availed this year compared to last year.

(3) On March 1 you asked me to research some options to reduce WC claims and ameliorate the health of our employees.

(4) Consequently, I am recommending that we introduce an employee fitness program in several stages.

(5) The fitness program will help to improve the health and safety of the employees.

(8) Research indicates that workplace health and fitness are important for many reasons.

(9) For example, if employees will exercise regularly, they will improve their fitness level and reduce their stress levels.

(10) This will help our company to save money by preventing employee sick days.

(11) Details of the new program are attached in the “Program Details.”  

(12) It is a practical resource with many options for creating an effective fitness program.

(13) This resource can also be used to design a timeline for each stage of the program.

(6) You will have my full support and cooperation in implementing this program.

(7) Please contact me for any further clarification, I am happy to support in the successful implementation of the program.