Chap 10

Unless readers are familiar with the topic of the report, they may find the direct pattern confusing.

• True

• False

When you use the indirect organizational pattern for a justification/recommendation report, you should:

• refer to your recommendation in the subject line.

• present the most promising alternative last.

• describe the problem or need that your recommendation addresses in general terms.

• present an equal number of advantages and disadvantages for your recommendation.

Business reports in manuscript format are usually printed on plain paper instead of letterhead stationery or memo forms.

• True

• False

An informal writing style includes use of:

• passive-voice verbs.

• long sentences.

• first-person pronouns.

• technical jargon.

In the findings section of an information report, the facts may be organized:

• from least to most important.

• from complex to simple.

• in journalism style ("who," "what," "when," "where," "why," and "how").

• in the same order that you researched them.

Since there has been a steady movement away from print to electronic data, printed material is rarely used to gather data for a report.

• True

• False

Meeting minutes should record a motion verbatim (word for word) so that there is no future misunderstanding.

• True

• False

A well-written feasibility report should:

• announce your decision immediately.

• highlight the benefits, but not the problems, of the proposal.

• include one sentence about the problem that necessitates the proposal.

• offer to do numeric analysis if the receiver requests it.

Large organizations sometimes prescribe how justification/recommendation reports should be organized, including the use of forms with conventional headings.

• True

• False

Informal reports are:

• rarely used in business communication.

• limited to e-mail.

• longer than ten pages.

• short (eight or fewer pages).