1. 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.
2. Reports that present data without analysis or recommendations are
a.
informational reports.
b.
analytical reports.
c.
cost-benefit analysis reports.
d.
justification reports.
p. 265
ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04
Reporting in the Digital Age
Bloom’s: Knowledge
3. 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
p. 265
ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
p. 264
ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04
Reporting in the Digital Age
Bloom’s: Comprehension
4. Reports that provide data or findings, analyses, and conclusions are
a.
b.
c.
d.
Easy
p. 265
ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04
Reporting in the Digital Age
Bloom’s: Knowledge
5. 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
other examples represent informational reports.
Moderate
p. 265
ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
Reporting in the Digital Age
Bloom’s: Application
6. 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.
c
Reporting in the Digital Age
Bloom’s: Application
7. 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.
p. 266
ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
Reporting in the Digital Age
Bloom’s: Knowledge
8. 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.
Other answer choices reflect reasons to use the direct strategy.
p. 266
ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.03 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.03
Reporting in the Digital Age
Bloom’s: Knowledge
9. When you organize an analytical report indirectly, in what order should the ideas be presented?
p. 266
ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
Reporting in the Digital Age
Bloom’s: Knowledge
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.
10. 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.
pp. 266-269
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06
Reporting in the Digital Age
Bloom’s: Knowledge
11. 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.
p. 266
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS:
Reporting in the Digital Age
Bloom’s: Knowledge
12. 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.
pp. 266-269
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
Reporting in the Digital Age
Bloom’s: Application
13. The format of a report depends primarily on
a.
its topic, recommendations, and organizational pattern.
b.
the writer’s command of the English language.
c.
its length, topic, audience, and purpose.
d.
the amount of time the writer devotes to the writing process.
The format of a report is governed by its length, topic, audience, and purpose.
p. 269
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01
Report Formats and Heading Levels
Bloom’s: Knowledge
14. 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
pp. 266-269
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
Reporting in the Digital Age
Bloom’s: Application
c.
Manuscript format
d.
Preprinted form
15. 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
c.
Manuscript format
d.
Preprinted form
p. 269
ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
Report Formats and Heading Levels
Bloom’s: Application
16. You work 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 you develop this report?
a.
Memo or e-mail format
b.
Preprinted form
c.
Letter format
d.
Manuscript format
p. 269
ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
p. 269
ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
Report Formats and Heading Levels
Bloom’s: Application
17. 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
p. 269
ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
Report Formats and Heading Levels
Bloom’s: Application
18. Which statement about digital slide decks is most accurate?
a.
Many business writers deliver their informal reports as digital slideshows, which are also called slide decks.
b.
Slide decks are more inviting to read than hard copies of informal reports.
c.
Slide decks are often used by individuals in marketing, technology, media, entertainment, and consulting.
d.
All answer choices are accurate statements about digital slide decks.
pp. 270-271
ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04
Report Formats and Heading Levels
Bloom’s: Comprehension
19. Headings that show the sections of a report are called
a.
talking headings.
Report Formats and Heading Levels
Bloom’s: Application
b.
signposts.
c.
functional headings.
d.
cross-sectional divisions.
20. 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.
ANSWER:
a
POINTS:
DIFFICULTY:
Easy
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02
TOPICS:
Report Formats and Heading Levels
KEYWORDS:
Bloom’s: Knowledge
21. Which of the following is a talking heading?
a.
IT Outsourcing
b.
Savings
c.
Cost Savings
d.
Projected Cost Savings for IT Outsourcing
ANSWER:
content and provide more information to the reader than functional headings.
POINTS:
DIFFICULTY:
Moderate
REFERENCES:
p. 271
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
TOPICS:
Report Formats and Heading Levels
KEYWORDS:
Bloom’s: Application
ANSWER:
c
DIFFICULTY:
Easy
REFERENCES:
p. 271
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
NATIONAL STANDARDS:
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02
TOPICS:
Report Formats and Heading Levels
KEYWORDS:
Bloom’s: Knowledge
22. 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.
23. The purpose of most business reports is to
a.
present data.
b.
answer questions.
c.
solve problems.
d.
All answer choices provide purposes for business reports.
p. 273
ESBC.GULO.16.09.03 – 09.03
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02
Defining the Purpose and Gathering Data
Bloom’s: Knowledge
24. When you receive an assignment to write a report, you should begin the report-writing process by
a.
determining the appropriate format.
b.
analyzing or determining the purpose.
c.
beginning your research.
d.
looking for someone else to write the report.
p. 273
ESBC.GULO.16.09.03 – 09.03
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02
Defining the Purpose and Gathering Data
pp. 271-273
ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06
Report Formats and Heading Levels
Bloom’s: Knowledge
25. To help you clarify a report problem, you should write a
a.
thesis statement.
b.
transitional sentence.
c.
problem statement.
d.
topic sentence.
p. 273
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
ESBC.GULO.16.09.03 – 09.03
NATIONAL STANDARDS:
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06
Defining the Purposing and Gathering Data
Bloom’s: Knowledge
26. 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.
because it begins with an action verb (Establish).
pp. 273-274
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
ESBC.GULO.16.09.03 – 09.03
Defining the Purpose and Gathering Data
Bloom’s: Application
27. One of the most important steps in writing an informal report is that of
a.
gathering information.
b.
using the direct organizational strategy.
c.
using the indirect organizational strategy.
d.
incorporating figurative language.
because a good report is based on solid, accurate, and verifiable facts.
Bloom’s: Knowledge
28. 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.
Easy
p. 274
ESBC.GULO.16.09.03 – 09.03
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04
Defining the Purpose and Gathering Data
Bloom’s: Knowledge
29. Many business writers begin their report research by
a.
conducting interviews.
b.
observing others.
c.
constructing questionnaires and inventories.
d.
visiting company records and files.
problems and collect pertinent facts to determine a course of action.
Easy
p. 274
ESBC.GULO.16.09.03 – 09.03
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04
Defining the Purpose and Gathering Data
Bloom’s: Knowledge
30. What type of research source provides the best firsthand information?
a.
Web pages or articles
b.
Interviews
c.
Company records
d.
Databases
Interviews provide accurate firsthand information because interviewers can explain the
p. 274
ESBC.GULO.16.09.03 – 09.03
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04
Defining the Purpose and Gathering Data
Bloom’s: Knowledge
31. Reports that describe periodic, recurring activities or situational, nonrecurring events are
a.
justification/recommendation reports.
b.
informational reports.
c.
analytical reports.
d.
yardstick reports.
p. 275
ESBC.GULO.16.09.04 – 09.04
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02
Writing Short Informational Reports
32. Most informational reports are written
a.
using the indirect organizational strategy.
b.
by only top business executives.
c.
using a formal writing style.
d.
for a neutral or receptive audience.
p. 275
ESBC.GULO.16.09.04 – 09.04
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.03 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.03
Writing Short Informational Reports
Bloom’s: Knowledge
33. 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.
questions and ideas to elicit the most accurate information from experts in their fields.
p. 275
ESBC.GULO.16.09.03 – 09.03
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04
Defining the Purpose and Gathering Data
Bloom’s: Knowledge
c.
Use a chronological organizational pattern.
d.
Avoid the use of headings or bullets so that the reader does not become distracted.
34. 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.
p. 277
ESBC.GULO.16.09.04 – 09.04
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02
Writing Short Informational Reports
Bloom’s: Knowledge
35. 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
The work of a committee preparing for an open house is likely to require a progress report.
p. 277
ESBC.GULO.16.09.04 – 09.04
pp. 275-276
ESBC.GULO.16.09.04 – 09.04
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06
Writing Short Informational Reports
Bloom’s: Knowledge
36. 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.
closing should discuss future plans and completion dates.
p. 277
ESBC.GULO.16.09.04 – 09.04
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06
Writing Short Informational Reports
Bloom’s: Knowledge
37. 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
p. 277
ESBC.GULO.16.09.04 – 09.04
Writing Short Informational Reports
Bloom’s: Application
38. A record of the proceedings of a meeting is called
a.
a progress report.
b.
an analytical report.
c.
a summary.
d.
the minutes.
A record of the proceedings of a meeting is called the minutes. Like summaries, minutes of
Writing Short Informational Reports
Bloom’s: Application
39. 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.
c
the name and signature of the person recording the minutes.
Moderate
pp. 278-279
ESBC.GULO.16.09.04 – 09.04
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06
Writing Short Informational Reports
Bloom’s: Knowledge
40. What kind of report condenses the primary ideas from a book, report, article, website, meeting, or convention?
a.
Progress report
b.
Justification/recommendation report
c.
Summary
d.
Analytical report
c
A summary condenses the main ideas from a book, report, article, website, meeting, or
convention.
Easy
p. 279
ESBC.GULO.16.09.04 – 09.04
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02
Writing Short Informational Reports
Bloom’s: Knowledge
41. A summary should condense a report or article by what percentage?
a.
5 percent
b.
25 percent
meetings organize and condense information for quick reading and reference.
Easy
p. 278
ESBC.GULO.16.09.04 – 09.04
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02
Writing Short Informational Reports
Bloom’s: Knowledge
c.
85 to 90 percent
d.
50 percent
42. 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.
p. 279
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06
Writing Short Informational Reports
Bloom’s: Knowledge
43. 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
conclusions, and recommendations of a longer report or publication.
p. 279
ESBC.GULO.16.09.04 – 09.04
Writing Short Informational Reports
Bloom’s: Application
A summary saves time by reducing a report or article by 85 to 95 percent.
p. 279
ESBC.GULO.16.09.04 – 09.04
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04
Writing Short Informational Reports
Bloom’s: Knowledge
44. How do informational reports and analytical reports differ?
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.
45. The purpose of a justification/recommendation report is to
a.
justify or recommend actions.
b.
summarize the progress of an ongoing project.
c.
examine the practicality and advisability of following a specific course of action.
d.
examine problems with two or more solutions.
a
Easy
p. 281
ESBC.GULO.16.09.05 – 09.05
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02
Preparing Short Analytical Reports
Bloom’s: Knowledge
46. 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.
c
a
Moderate
p. 279
ESBC.GULO.16.09.05 – 09.05
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02
Preparing Short Analytical Reports
Bloom’s: Comprehension
47. 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
p. 281
ESBC.GULO.16.09.05 – 09.05
Preparing Short Analytical Reports
Bloom’s: Application
48. 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
pp. 282-284
ESBC.GULO.16.09.05 – 09.05
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06
p. 281
ESBC.GULO.16.09.05 – 09.05
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.03 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.03
Preparing Short Analytical Reports
Bloom’s: Knowledge