Planning reports and proposals

The basic purpose of informational reports is

• to persuade the audience to act.

• to present data, facts, feedback, and other information,

• to present recommendations and conclusions to a problem

• to convince the reader of the soundness of your thinking.

The best way to phrase the purpose statement of a report is with

• complex language

• a controversial statement

• an infinitive phrase

• jargon.

Analytical reports for sceptical audiences should generally follow the ________ approach.

• direct

• indirect

• hypothetical

• aggressive

A contractor receives a request from a company to bid on a large project. They will prepare

• an unsolicited proposal.

• a blind proposal.

• a solicited proposal

• a request for proposal.

If you're writing an unsolicited proposal, you may have to

• convince readers of a problem exists that must be addressed

• analyse the client's business in light of the competition

• use a style approved by the Association of Business Writers

• enumerate the client's options regarding business decisions

When you're writing a report, be sure to adapt to your audience by

• being sensitive to their needs

• building strong relationships with them

• controlling your style and tone

• all of the above.

If you're writing a formal business report, you should

• use the impersonal journalism style

• rely on first-and second-person pronouns.

• focus on similes, metaphors, and colourful language

• use contractions to engage your audience

In order to help your readers understand and accept your message

• use headings and links

• include smooth transitions

• provide previews and reviews

• do all of the above

The introduction (or opening) of a business report should

• discuss your conclusions or recommendations

• carry the full weight of your message

• include all of your information sources

• help readers understand the context of the report

The writing approach for a proposal is similar to that of a persuasive sales message; you can

• follow the AIDA model

• minimise the "you" attitude.

• follow the good-news message plan.

• open with a buffer statement.