EMPHASIS $($OBJ$.4)$

Your Task: For each of the following sentences, choose $($a$)$ or $($b$).$ Be prepared to justify your choice.

$1.$ Which is more emphatic?

a$)$ Our dress code is fine.

b$)$ Our dress code reflects common sense and good taste.

$2.$ Which is more emphatic?

a$)$ A budget increase would certainly improve hiring.

b$)$ A budget increase of $$70,000$ would enable us to hire two new people.

$3.$ Which is more emphatic?

a$)$ The committee was powerless to act.

b$)$ The committee was unable to take action.

$4.$ Which de$-$emphasizes the refusal?

a$)$ Although our resources are committed to other projects this year, we hope to be able to contribute to your worthy cause next year.

b$)$ We can$$t contribute to your charity this year.

$5.$ Which sentence places more emphasis on the date?

a$)$ The deadline is November $30$ for health benefit changes.

b$)$ November $30$ is the deadline for health benefit changes.

$6.$ Which is less emphatic?

a$)$ One division$$s profits decreased last quarter.

b$)$ Profits in beauty care products dropped $15$ percent last quarter.

$7.$ Which sentence de$-$emphasizes the credit refusal?

a$)$ We are unable to grant you credit at this time, but we welcome your cash business and encourage you to reapply in the future.

b$)$ Although credit cannot be granted at this time, we welcome your cash business and encourage you to reapply in the future.

$8.$ Which sentence gives more emphasis to leadership?

a$)$ Jason has many admirable qualities, but most important is his leadership skills.

b$)$ Jason has many admirable qualities, including leadership skills, good judgment, and patience.

$9.$ Which is more emphatic?

a$)$ We notified three departments: $(1)$ marketing, $(2)$ Accounting, and $(3)$ Distribution.

b$)$ We notified three departments:

$1)$ Marketing

$2)$ Accounting

$3)$ Distribution