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Indicate whether the statement is true or false.
1. The manuscript format is appropriate for longer, more formal reports.
a.
True
b.
False
2. Observation can be considered a valuable form of data collection for a business report.
a.
True
b.
False
3. Most informational reports have one thing in common: a neutral or receptive audience.
a.
True
b.
False
4. One of the most important steps in the writing of a report is researching the report topic.
a.
True
b.
False
5. Informational reports emphasize reasoning and conclusions; analytical reports emphasize facts.
a.
True
b.
False
6. Meeting minutes should include the precise wording of motions, including a count of votes and actions taken.
a.
True
b.
False
7. Discussion of Findings is an example of a functional heading.
a.
True
b.
False
8. To show your respect for the reader, reports should always be written using a formal style.
a.
True
b.
False
9. Analytical reports should always follow the indirect organizational strategy.
a.
True
b.
False
10. Feasibility reports analyze a problem, discuss options, and present a recommendation, solution, or action to be taken.
a.
True
b.
False
11. When discussing alternative solutions in a recommendation report, you should begin with the alternative most likely to
succeed.
a.
True
b.
False
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12. When creating talking headings, it is best to write a few paragraphs first and then determine the heading.
a.
True
b.
False
13. The first step in preparing a report is to sit down and begin writing immediately; this technique allows you to capture
your best ideas quickly.
a.
True
b.
False
14. When your reader may oppose your recommendation, you should begin the report by announcing the recommendation
directly.
a.
True
b.
False
15. First-person pronouns and contractions are acceptable in business reports.
a.
True
b.
False
16. You should include at least one heading per report page.
a.
True
b.
False
17. Informational reports should be written using the direct organizational strategy.
a.
True
b.
False
18. The minutes of a meeting should identify the names of individuals present and absent.
a.
True
b.
False
19. Progress reports are written for only internal readers.
a.
True
b.
False
20. Surveys provide the richest, most accurate firsthand information.
a.
True
b.
False
21. Most analytical reports answer questions about specific problems and aid in decision making.
a.
True
b.
False
22. A summary should be as long as necessary to ensure that all illustrations, examples, and references used in the report
or document are included within the summary.
a.
True
b.
False
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23. An informational report presents data without analysis and recommendations.
a.
True
b.
False
24. The format for a report relies solely on the intended audience.
a.
True
b.
False
25. Surveys are considered a source of secondary data.
a.
True
b.
False
26. Primary data result from reading what others have experienced or observed and recorded.
a.
True
b.
False
27. Based on their function, business reports typically fall into one of two categories: instructional or persuasive.
a.
True
b.
False
28. When you write a purpose statement for a report, you should use action verbs.
a.
True
b.
False
29. Feasibility reports answer such questions as Will this plan or proposal work?
a.
True
b.
False
30. Because they are primarily visual, infographics are not considered an effective report format type.
a.
True
b.
False
31. E-mail, PDF files, and PowerPoint sides are all examples of digital means of submitting reports.
a.
True
b.
False
32. The memo or e-mail format is appropriate for short informal reports that stay within organizations.
a.
True
b.
False
33. Feasibility reports are typically written for internal audiences.
a.
True
b.
False
34. Summary reports are typical in academic settings but rarely used in business settings.
a.
True
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b.
False
35. Informational reports often describe periodic, recurring activities as well as situational, nonrecurring events.
a.
True
b.
False
36. Business writers often use electronic resources such as government sites, news media, periodicals, nonprofit
organizations, social networking sites, and blogs to conduct research for business reports.
a.
True
b.
False
37. The direct organizational strategy presents the purpose for writing near the beginning of a report.
a.
True
b.
False
38. Reports should be organized using the direct strategy when the readers are informed or supportive of the topic.
a.
True
b.
False
39. Yardstick reports examine problems using differing sets of criteria.
a.
True
b.
False
40. The first letter of each word in a heading should always be capitalized.
a.
True
b.
False
Indicate the answer choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
41. A summary should condense a report or article by what percentage?
a.
5 percent
b.
25 percent
c.
85 to 90 percent
d.
50 percent
42. As chairperson of a customer service task force, you must update management on your team’s progress. What kind of
report will you write?
a.
Justification/recommendation report
b.
Trip report
c.
Progress report
d.
Feasibility report
43. Most informational reports are written
a.
using the indirect organizational strategy.
b.
by only top business executives.
c.
using a formal writing style.
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d.
for a neutral or receptive audience.
44. Your current assignment is to condense a 200-page government policy report on oil drilling in Alaska into a shorter
report for Sierra Club members to read. What kind of informational report would you most likely write?
a.
Trip report
b.
Summary
c.
Meeting minutes
d.
Progress report
45. Your department needs a new copier, and your job is to research the options. Based on your research, you have
selected an all-in-one machine that you believe will be cost effective and will perform well. What kind of report would
you write to present your findings?
a.
Feasibility report
b.
Justification/recommendation report
c.
Yardstick report
d.
Progress report
46. Which of the following reports is an example of an analytical report?
a.
A report summarizing the details of a recent seminar you attended
b.
A report recommending an antiterrorism security system for mass transit
c.
A report outlining the new company procedure for reporting workplace injuries
d.
A report showing state budget allocations for education
47. Primary data
a.
result from reading what others have experienced or observed and recorded.
b.
come from firsthand experience and observation.
c.
are the only type of factual information that should be included in informal reports.
d.
include printed materials found in libraries or through electronic resources.
48. An informal writing style includes
a.
contractions (for example, wouldn’t, don’t, they’re).
b.
second-person pronouns (for example, you and your).
c.
mainly passive-voice verbs.
d.
longer sentences.
49. When you organize an informational report directly, in what order should the ideas be presented?
a.
Introduction/background, facts/findings, and summary
b.
Introduction/background, summary, and facts/findings
c.
Summary, introduction/background, and facts/findings
d.
The direct strategy presents ideas in any order for maximum effectiveness and flexibility.
50. Headings that show the sections of a report are called
a.
talking headings.
b.
signposts.
c.
functional headings.
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d.
cross-sectional divisions.
51. Which of the following sentences demonstrates active-voice verbs?
a.
Superior writing skills are required by many employers.
b.
Employee use of e-mail was monitored by management.
c.
Research indicates a correlation between strong writing skills and promotions.
d.
The proposals were carefully reviewed by the screening committee.
52. Reports that present data without analysis or recommendations are
a.
informational reports.
b.
analytical reports.
c.
cost-benefit analysis reports.
d.
justification reports.
53. Katherine must use headings in a report. What should she do to make sure that her headings are effective?
a.
Place first- and second-level headings in all capital letters.
b.
Use a period after each stand-alone bolded heading.
c.
End a page with a heading to entice her audience to read the report further.
d.
Include at least one heading per report page.
54. A(n) ______________________ summary provides the key points of a long report, proposal, or business plan.
a.
top-line
b.
technical
c.
executive
d.
analytical
55. What type of research source provides the best firsthand information?
a.
Web pages or articles
b.
Interviews
c.
Company records
d.
Databases
56. To help you clarify your reason for writing a report, you should write a
a.
thesis statement.
b.
transitional sentence.
c.
problem statement.
d.
topic sentence.
57. Your first step to writing an effective business report is
a.
collecting data.
b.
determining its purpose.
c.
selecting its format.
d.
creating headings.
58. How do informational reports and analytical reports differ?
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a.
Informational reports emphasize facts; analytical reports emphasize reasoning and conclusions.
b.
Informational reports are intended for internal audiences; analytical reports are intended for external
audiences.
c.
Informational reports are written using a formal writing style; analytical reports are written using an informal
writing style.
d.
Informational reports emphasize reasoning and conclusions; analytical reports emphasize facts.
59. Which of the following is a talking heading?
a.
IT Outsourcing
b.
Savings
c.
Cost Savings
d.
Projected Cost Savings for IT Outsourcing
60. Sondra works for a development firm and must explain to a customer the results of a year-long study of potential sites
for new stores. In what format should she develop this report?
a.
Memo or e-mail format
b.
Preprinted form
c.
Letter format
d.
Manuscript format
61. Which of the following is most likely to be written as an informational report?
a.
A recommendation from the Information Technology Department that your company install a wireless
network
b.
A feasibility study addressing possible tuition reimbursement for employees
c.
A comparison of five handheld communication devices that your company might purchase
d.
A summary of information presented at a recent conference for technical writers
62. __________________ are visual representations of data or information that can easily be embedded into blogs and
posts on social media.
a.
PDF files
b.
Digital slide decks
c.
Infographics
d.
Report templates
63. Reports that provide data or findings, analyses, and conclusions are
a.
informational reports.
b.
analytical reports.
c.
summaries.
d.
progress reports.
64. The most efficient means of investigating past performance and methods used to solve previous problems in your
workplace is to
a.
conduct interviews.
b.
observe others.
c.
construct questionnaires and inventories.
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d.
visit company records and files.
65. Thomas is in charge of taking formal minutes during an Institute of Internal Auditors chapter meeting. Which of the
following is the best advice for him to follow as he prepares these minutes?
a.
Record only new business because old business will appear in previous minutes.
b.
Avoid using the exact wording of motions because that would be too time consuming.
c.
Record voting results and actions taken.
d.
Omit his name and signature as the person recording the minutes because he is acting on behalf of the
organization.
66. Headings that provide specific information about the content of a report section are called
a.
talking headings.
b.
signposts.
c.
functional headings.
d.
cross-sectional divisions.
67. Progress reports should include
a.
any background information if it gives the reader a better perspective.
b.
the purpose and nature of the project in the opening of the report.
c.
an explanation of the work currently in progress, including names, activities, methods used, and locations.
d.
A progress report should include all these elements.
68. Which of the following is the best statement of purpose for a report?
a.
A wellness program will improve the health of all employees.
b.
Most companies offer voluntary wellness programs.
c.
Wellness programs have proven to be effective in improving the health of individuals.
d.
Establish a wellness incentive program for all employees.
69. Which of the following constructions uses the best writing style for an informal report?
a.
James, Deloitte, and Wilts, Inc., after extensive review of references and credentials of contractors, has
elected to contract with Peck Builders for the new office complex.
b.
We’re pleased to announce the selection of Peck Builders as general contractor for our new office complex.
c.
After conducting an exhaustive search of building design elements and cost-efficiency data, the company has
verified the qualifications of Peck Builders.
d.
The findings demonstrate the imperative of selecting a fully qualified and bonded contractor for the new
building project of James, Deloitte, and Wilts, Inc.; that contractor is Peck Builders.
70. Your company currently processes its payroll internally but is considering the use of an external accounting firm. You
are in charge of determining whether your company should proceed with this plan. What kind of report would you most
likely write?
a.
Feasibility report
b.
Progress report
c.
Informational report
d.
Summary
71. The format of a report depends primarily on its
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a.
length
b.
purpose
c.
audience
d.
All of these should be considered when deciding on a report format.
72. Which of the following situations might require a progress report?
a.
The work of a committee preparing for an open house when a new wing of a hospital is completed
b.
The reporting of monthly sales figures for all divisions
c.
A study of whether a company should provide on-site childcare
d.
A one-page summary of a long article in The Wall Street Journal
73. The indirect strategy of organization is appropriate for a business report when readers
a.
are supportive of the topic.
b.
must be persuaded.
c.
are familiar with the topic.
d.
want to know the results immediately.
74. Which of the following is considered an appropriate information source for an informal report?
a.
Company records
b.
Observation
c.
Survey results
d.
All of these are considered effective sources of information.
75. Which of the following is the best advice to follow when writing a summary?
a.
Include specific examples from the report, article, or book you are summarizing.
b.
Copy passages word for word to ensure that you cover the main ideas.
c.
Avoid headings or lists to prevent reader distraction.
d.
State the main idea or purpose as well as the source of the document being summarized.
76. Justification/recommendation reports are sometimes called ______________________________
a.
internal proposals.
b.
executive summaries.
c.
feasibility reports.
d.
yardstick reports.
77. Reports that describe periodic, recurring activities or situational, nonrecurring events are
a.
justification/recommendation reports.
b.
informational reports.
c.
analytical reports.
d.
yardstick reports.
78. You are writing a short informal report that will stay inside your organization. Which format would be most
appropriate?
a.
Letter format
b.
Memo or e-mail format
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c.
Manuscript format
d.
Preprinted form
79. Yardstick reports
a.
are long formal reports used only in the manufacturing industry.
b.
do not include researched data.
c.
are rarely written or used in businesses today.
d.
examine problems with two or more solutions against set criteria.
80. You are an inventory specialist for a retail store. Your boss has asked you to compile a year-end report listing the
merchandise sold each month through the company’s website. In what format should you present this data?
a.
Memo or e-mail format
b.
Preprinted form
c.
Letter format
d.
Manuscript format
81. Factual information for reports falls into which two broad categories?
a.
Primary and secondary
b.
Direct and indirect
c.
Informational and analytical
d.
Literal and figurative
82. You are writing a short informal report that you will send to one of your customers. Which format would be most
appropriate?
a.
Letter format
b.
Memo or e-mail format
c.
Manuscript format
d.
Preprinted form
83. Which of the following would you not want to do when taking meeting minutes?
a.
Record the names of those present and those absent.
b.
Paraphrase motions made.
c.
Record discussions of old business, new business, and reports.
d.
State whether the previous minutes are approved or revised.
84. Which of the following statements about reports in today’s business environment is most accurate?
a.
Business writers now deliver reports orally, electronically, or digitally.
b.
Efficient reporting plays an important role in helping organizations sift through data and make decisions.
c.
Business reports range widely in length, purpose, and delivery mode.
d.
All answer choices reflect accurate statements about reports in today’s business environment.
85. In which of the following types of reports should you announce your decision immediately in the opening?
a.
Summary
b.
Justification
c.
Yardstick
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d.
Feasibility
86. Kendra just attended a sales conference in Baltimore. She must now write a report summarizing her conference. What
advice should she follow?
a.
Mention every topic that was discussed at the conference.
b.
Begin her report by identifying the event.
c.
Use a chronological organizational pattern.
d.
Avoid the use of headings or bullets so that the reader does not become distracted.
87. The direct strategy of organization is appropriate for a business report when readers
a.
need to be educated.
b.
must be persuaded.
c.
are informed.
d.
may be disappointed or hostile.
88. When you organize an analytical report indirectly, in what order should the ideas be presented?
a.
Introduction/problem, conclusions/recommendations, facts/findings, and discussion/analysis
b.
Introduction/background, facts/findings, and summary
c.
Introduction/problem, facts/findings, discussion/analysis, and conclusions/recommendations
d.
The indirect strategy does not follow a set order of ideas.
89. In what order should you organize your ideas when you believe your audience will be agreeable to the suggestions in
your justification/recommendation report?
a.
Announce the recommendation, explain the recommendation, identify the problem or need, and provide
necessary action.
b.
Provide necessary action, identify the problem or need, announce the recommendation, and explain the
recommendation.
c.
Identify the problem or need, announce the recommendation, explain the recommendation, and provide
necessary action.
d.
Identify the problem or need, provide necessary action, announce the recommendation, and explain the
recommendation.
90. A report that gives status updates on a current project is called
a.
the minutes of a meeting.
b.
an analytical report.
c.
a progress report.
d.
a summary.
Enter the appropriate word(s) to complete the statement.
91. Use Empowered Team Decision-Making Without Losing Control is an example of a(n) ____________________
heading.
92. Use ____________________ format for short (usually eight or fewer pages) informal reports addressed outside an
organization.
93. ___________________ data result from firsthand experience and observation.
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94. _______________ data come from reading what others have experienced or observed and recorded.
95. The purpose of a(n) ____________________ report is to provide a status update on a project.
96. ____________________ reports provide data or findings, analyses, and conclusions. They may also provide
recommendations if requested.
97. A(n) ____________________ summary covers only what management needs to know about a longer report, proposal,
or business plan.
98. ____________________ reports present data without analysis or recommendations.
99. ________________________ are visual representations of data or information and can tell compelling stories that
help businesses attract and inform consumers.
100. ____________________ or recommendation reports attempt to solve problems by evaluating options and offering
recommendations.
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