Chapter 9
b
Smart report writers avoid the use of headings in a report because they know that headings distract readers from the important information. a. True b. False
a
A trip report is a type of informational report. a. True b. False
b
A yardstick report should __________. provide an update on the status of a business project develop specific criteria to compare alternatives be organized chronologically be written using the direct strategy
b
An informal writing style is appropriate for external reports. a. True b. False
a
Informational reports emphasize facts; analytical reports emphasize reasoning and conclusion. a. True b. False
b
Informational reports provide data or findings, analyses, and conclusions. a. True b. False
b
Mary is writing a report and wants to use headings to help her readers understand the organization of her report and to add visual appeal. What advice should she follow? Capitalize the first letter of each word in a heading. Include at least one heading per page. Avoid the use of bolding on any heading. Create headings using complete sentences.
a
One of the most important steps in writing a report is that of gathering information. a. True b. False
b
Short informal reports that are intended for internal audiences should be written using a __________. letter format memo or e-mail format manuscript format standardized template
a
Short informal reports that are sent outside an organization should be prepared using a letter format. a. True b. False
a
The indirect strategy should be used when __________. the reader must be educated on the report problem the reader is supportive of the problem the reader is familiar with the topic the reader is eager to know the results of the investigation
a
The reader's anticipated reaction and the content of a report determine its organizational strategy. a. True b. False
a
What advice should you follow when writing a progress report? Explain the work currently in progress, including personnel, activities, methods, and locations. Begin the report by providing the project's expected completion date. Describe current problems, but avoid discussing any anticipated problems. Avoid discussing the work completed because your audience is interested in only the future work to be performed.
b
What is the first step you should take when you are assigned to write a report? Select an appropriate report format. Determine the problem the report will address. Begin your research. Write the rough draft.
a
When you believe your audience will be agreeable to the suggestions in a justification/recommendation report, you should organize your ideas directly. a. True b. False
d
Which of the following is an example of a report purpose statement? An on-site employee exercise facility would improve morale. Research indicates that employees who exercise experience fewer absences. Many employees would benefit from an on-site exercise facility. To investigate the feasibility of an on-site exercise facility for all employees
d
Which of the following is an example of a talking heading? Costs Problem Equipment Staff Supports Use of Integrated Software
c
Which of the following is not included in a feasibility report? Costs of implementing the proposal Problems that may result from implementation Persuasive techniques The background and problem necessitating the proposal
a
Which of the following statements about informational reports and analytical reports is most accurate? Analytical reports present data with analysis and/or recommendations; informational reports present data without analysis or recommendations. Informational reports are informal, and analytical reports are formal. Analytical reports are written for external audiences; informational reports are written for internal audiences. All informational and analytical reports should be organized indirectly.
a
Which statement about primary and secondary research is most accurate? Secondary data are easier and cheaper to gather than primary data. Business reports must include both primary and secondary research. Secondary data result from firsthand experience and observation. Primary data result from reading what others have experienced or observed and written down.
a
You are in charge of preparing the minutes for a recent board meeting. All of the following should be included in these formal minutes except The names of only the individuals attending the meeting Your name and signature The precise wording of each motion presented A summary of all group discussions
b
You are serving on a task force that is planning an event that will take place in six months. Management wants to be periodically informed of your group's activities. Your report to management will most likely be a justification or recommendation report. a. True b. False
a
You are writing a short report to a familiar audience and plan to use an informal writing style. What can you do to make your writing informal? Use contractions such as I'm, it's, let's, and we're. Include second-person pronouns such as you. Use passive-voice verbs. Incorporate longer sentences.
c
Your company needs a new wireless provider, and you have been assigned to research the alternatives. Based on your research, you have selected a new provider. What kind of report would you most likely write to inform the company CEO of your findings? Summary Informational report Justification/recommendation report Progress report
d
Your law firm has just been named cocounsel in a large lawsuit, and you have been given the task of condensing the original 500-page complaint into a shorter report for your partners to read. What kind of report would you most likely write? Progress report Informational report Justification/recommendation report Summary