Part I. Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. Which of the following is an example of a physical barrier to communication?
A. Language difference
B. Emotional stress
C. Loud construction noise nearby
D. Cultural misunderstanding
2. A person who is too anxious to speak in public is experiencing which type of barrier?
A. Physical
B. Psychological
C. Linguistic
D. Semantic
3. A misinterpretation due to different beliefs or values is what type of communication
barrier?
A. Physical
B. Psychological
C. Cultural
D. External
4. Which of the following best defines a linguistic barrier?
A. Misuse of grammar
B. Use of jargon or unfamiliar terms
C. Difference in accent or dialect
D. All of the above
5. Semantic noise occurs when:
A. A speaker talks too softly
B. There is a misunderstanding due to word meanings
C. The receiver cannot hear the message
D. Emotions interfere with listening
6. A broken microphone during a speech is an example of:
A. Semantic noise
B. Internal noise
C. External noise
D. Psychological barrier
7. Which is NOT an example of psychological noise?
A. Stress
B. Fatigue
C. Nervousness
D. Strong wind blowing
8. A teacher uses complex scientific terms in a Grade 7 class. This is an example of:
A. External noise
B. Internal noise
C. Semantic noise
D. Physical barrier
9. What type of noise is present when the receiver daydreams and misses part of the
message?
A. Internal
B. External
C. Semantic
D. Physical
10. A speaker from one country struggles to understand the gestures of an audience from
another country. This is an example of a:
A. Linguistic barrier
B. Psychological barrier
C. Cultural barrier
D. Physical barrier
11. What is the best way to overcome semantic noise?
A. Speak louder
B. Use simpler and clearer language
C. Use a microphone
D. Change the topic
12. A student feeling insecure about asking questions in class is experiencing a:
A. Linguistic barrier
B. Psychological barrier
C. Physical barrier
D. Semantic noise
13. External noise refers to:
A. Emotional interference
B. Thoughts in the listener’s mind
C. Sounds or distractions in the environment
D. Language differences
14. Internal noise occurs when:
A. Someone's phone rings during a speech
B. A listener is distracted by their own thoughts
C. The language used is unfamiliar
D. A car honks loudly outside
15. Which is an example of a cultural barrier?
A. Using technical jargon
B. Having a strong accent
C. Different interpretations of eye contact
D. Lack of vocabulary
16. Which of the following is a barrier to communication caused by the surroundings?
A. Physical barrier
B. Psychological barrier
C. Semantic barrier
D. Cultural barrier
17. What type of barrier happens when someone can’t understand the speaker’s language?
A. Physical
B. Cultural
C. Linguistic
D. Internal
18. A person interpreting words differently due to past experience is affected by:
A. Semantic noise
B. External noise
C. Psychological noise
D. Linguistic barrier
19. A teacher lectures while a group of students are talking loudly in the hallway. This is an
example of:
A. Semantic noise
B. Physical barrier
C. Internal noise
D. External noise
20. Which is NOT a strategy to overcome communication barriers?
A. Use active listening
B. Use unfamiliar terms to sound professional
C. Simplify the message
D. Be sensitive to cultural differences
Part II Matching type
Column A: Descriptions
1. ___ Ensuring that the message is free from grammatical and spelling errors.
2. ___ Using polite words and showing respect for the receiver's viewpoint.
3. ___ Making sure the message contains all the necessary information for the receiver to
respond.
4. ___ Keeping the message brief and to the point.
5. ___ Thinking from the receiver’s perspective and addressing their needs and emotions.
6. ___ Using specific facts and figures, not vague or abstract words.
7. ___ Using simple language and organizing thoughts logically to avoid confusion.
Column B: The 7 Cs
A. Clarity
B. Conciseness
C. Concreteness
D. Correctness
E. Consideration
F. Completeness
G. Courtesy
Part III True or False
1. ___ Peterson advises arranging your thoughts before speaking to communicate clearly
and succinctly.
2. ___ One strategy is to speak quickly and without pausing, to maintain momentum.
3. ___ “Learn to listen” is one of the key strategies to prevent misunderstandings.
4. ___ It's important to ignore your body language, as tone of voice is all that matters.
5. ___ Asking for feedback and observing others helps build communication confidence.
6. ___ Peterson encourages resolving important issues via email rather than face-to-face.
7. ___ Maintaining eye contact and a relaxed tone are part of managing body language and
tone.
8. ___ One of the ways is to ensure clarity by avoiding asking others to repeat themselves.
9. ___ Face-to-face communication helps clear up misunderstandings that other mediums
may distort.
10. ___ Peterson’s fifth strategy is “Use humor to lighten serious conversations.”
Part IV-Essay
1. Why is it important to have clarity of thought before speaking, and how does this
help prevent communication breakdown?
2. Discuss the role of active listening in effective communication. How can poor
listening skills lead to misunderstandings or breakdowns?
3. Language and tone often convey more than words. Choose one (body language or
tone) and explain how misusing it can lead to communication failure. What can a
communicator do to improve in this area?
ANSWER KEY
1. C
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. B
6. C
7. D
8. C
9. A
10. C
11. B
12. B
13. C
14. B
15. C
16. A
17. C
18. A
19. D
20. B
1. D. Correctness
2. G. Courtesy
3. F. Completeness
4. B. Conciseness
5. E. Consideration
6. C. Concreteness
7. A. Clarity
1T
2F
3T
4F
5T
6F
7T
8F.
9T
10 F
