Reading Comprehension

Sarah Meyers McGinty, in her new book Power Talk: Using Language to Build Authority and Influence, argues that while the simple lingual act of declaring power does not help a powerless person gain influence, well-considered linguistic techniques and maneuvers do. McGinty does not dispute the importance of factors such as expertise and ability in determining stature, but argues persuasively that these power determinants amount to little for a person unable to communicate effectively. Surveys have shown that managers consider effective communication skills the most critical characteristic in determining promotability in the workplace.
McGinty divides speech into two categories: "language from the center" and "language from the edge." In McGinty's words, "Language from the center makes a speaker sound like a leader." McGinty suggests that such language is not only for those already in powerful positions, but also for those of lower ranks who wish to gain more power and credibility. A speaker using language from the center directs rather than responds, makes statements rather than asks questions, uses experience persuasively, and maintains an air of impersonality in the workplace. McGinty's assertions that the use of such language can alter or create a new balance of power are supported by studies that show that people accept leadership from those they consider experts.
Language from the edge stands in stark contrast to language from the center. Language from the edge is exploratory, inclusive, deferential, and collaborative. A speaker using language from the edge responds rather than directs, asks questions, strives to make others feel heard, and avoids argument. Language from the center strives to claim authority for a speaker, while language from the edge strives to build consensus and trust. McGinty argues that true power comes from a deep understanding of when to use which style and the ability to use both as necessary.
What distinguishes McGinty's discussion of effective communication is her focus on communication skills as a way of gaining power; by contrast, most workplace communication theory focuses on communication skills as a way of preventing misunderstandings, avoiding conflict, and fostering interpersonal relationships. McGinty, however, holds that language not only helps maintain relationships but also lends authority.

The primary focus of the passage is on which of the following?
a)demonstrating the effectiveness of a certain framework in the business world
b)explaining the advantages and disadvantages of a proposed approach to business communication
c)analyzing the details of a controversial theory of business
d)presenting a new model of business communication
e)articulating the major differences between two types of language

IMO A, whats the OA?

I was a bit confused between A and D.
I chose to chooose D.
I think the used of the word Communnication has to come in the answer. The author talk abt SMM(the writer) and her book and the methods she's mentioned in the book 7 the two types of languages differentiating leaders from others!
Hence, D.

chaitanya.mehrotra wrote:Sarah Meyers McGinty, in her new book Power Talk: Using Language to Build Authority and Influence, argues that while the simple lingual act of declaring power does not help a powerless person gain influence, well-considered linguistic techniques and maneuvers do. McGinty does not dispute the importance of factors such as expertise and ability in determining stature, but argues persuasively that these power determinants amount to little for a person unable to communicate effectively. Surveys have shown that managers consider effective communication skills the most critical characteristic in determining promotability in the workplace.
McGinty divides speech into two categories: "language from the center" and "language from the edge." In McGinty's words, "Language from the center makes a speaker sound like a leader." McGinty suggests that such language is not only for those already in powerful positions, but also for those of lower ranks who wish to gain more power and credibility. A speaker using language from the center directs rather than responds, makes statements rather than asks questions, uses experience persuasively, and maintains an air of impersonality in the workplace. McGinty's assertions that the use of such language can alter or create a new balance of power are supported by studies that show that people accept leadership from those they consider experts.
Language from the edge stands in stark contrast to language from the center. Language from the edge is exploratory, inclusive, deferential, and collaborative. A speaker using language from the edge responds rather than directs, asks questions, strives to make others feel heard, and avoids argument. Language from the center strives to claim authority for a speaker, while language from the edge strives to build consensus and trust. McGinty argues that true power comes from a deep understanding of when to use which style and the ability to use both as necessary.
What distinguishes McGinty's discussion of effective communication is her focus on communication skills as a way of gaining power; by contrast, most workplace communication theory focuses on communication skills as a way of preventing misunderstandings, avoiding conflict, and fostering interpersonal relationships. McGinty, however, holds that language not only helps maintain relationships but also lends authority.

The primary focus of the passage is on which of the following?
a)demonstrating the effectiveness of a certain framework in the business world
b)explaining the advantages and disadvantages of a proposed approach to business communication
c)analyzing the details of a controversial theory of business
d)presenting a new model of business communication
e)articulating the major differences between two types of language

IMO [spoiler][D][/spoiler]
I was between A & D, but opted for D because passage says about communication(speech)
"Sarah Meyers McGinty, in her new book Power Talk"
OA please?

E.

D

PASSAGE MAP
Topic: SM's book
Scope: theory in book
1st: to describe SM's theory: w/o communication, expertise + ability do not = promotion
2nd: to explain SM's two speech categories & discuss the 1st type
3rd: to elucidate 2nd type of speech (SM says true power = use both as necessary), and to show what makes SM's idea positive (communication = power).
Tone: Scholarly, like a book review; overall (+) towards SM
Purpose: to describe a theory in a book & praise its uniqueness

Question Rephrase: What's the Purpose?
Prediction: to describe a new theory in a book & praise its uniqueness

A - We don't get to see how it's effective
B - "Disadvantages" not discussed.
C - Not a "controversial theory" of business, just a concept in a book.
D - Especially the end of the final paragraph emphasizes the "newness" of SM's ideas.
E - Not on "two types" of language, but rather ways of using language.

IMO: D

VivianKerr wrote:PASSAGE MAP
Topic: SM's book
Scope: theory in book
1st: to describe SM's theory: w/o communication, expertise + ability do not = promotion
2nd: to explain SM's two speech categories & discuss the 1st type
3rd: to elucidate 2nd type of speech (SM says true power = use both as necessary), and to show what makes SM's idea positive (communication = power).
Tone: Scholarly, like a book review; overall (+) towards SM
Purpose: to describe a theory in a book & praise its uniqueness

Question Rephrase: What's the Purpose?
Prediction: to describe a new theory in a book & praise its uniqueness

A - We don't get to see how it's effective
B - "Disadvantages" not discussed.
C - Not a "controversial theory" of business, just a concept in a book.
D - Especially the end of the final paragraph emphasizes the "newness" of SM's ideas.
E - Not on "two types" of language, but rather ways of using language.

IMO: D

Hi Vivian,
but the aswer choice used the word 'Business Communication' however from the para it seems author is not limiting to business communication ..he is talking about universally....

Please clarify.

You're correct. She is talking about a general business communication approach. In what field OTHER than business would this apply? And isn't EVERY field "business" in this respect? Look at the keywords: "powerful positions", "workplace", "power determinants", "workplace communication theory", etc. Logically, this is about communication in the business-sense.

OA: C

IMO D. I can see people are confused between A and D. A is incorrect because the passage does not say anything about effectiveness of the the theory presented. The main idea is to present the two models that's it.

Bek wrote:OA: C

I hope you meant IMO. OA (official answer) is D.

sorry. Saketk is right, OA is D.