Chap 9

Which of the following statements about reports is accurate? 

• Business professionals rarely write reports. 

• Writers develop reports for internal audiences only. 

• Informal reports of eight or fewer pages are the most common report in the workplace. 

• Business writers deliver reports only through hard copies 

Reports convey information, answer questions, and 

• present your opinions. 

• solve problems.

•  

  comply with government regulations.

• demonstrate your proficiency as a technical writer. 

Reports that present data without analysis or recommendations are 

• informational reports

• analytical reports

• cost-benefit analysis reports

• justification reports

Which of the following is most likely to be written as an informative report? 

• A recommendation from the Information Technology Department that your company install a wireless network 

• A feasibility study addressing tuition reimbursement to all employees 

• A comparison of five handheld communication devices that your company might purchase 

• A summary of information presented at a recent conference for technical writers 

Reports that provide data or findings, analyses, and conclusions are 

• informational reports. 

• analytical reports. 

• summaries. 

• progress reports. 

Which of the following reports is an example of an analytical report? 

• A report summarizing the details of a recent seminar you attended 

• A report recommending an antiterrorism security system for mass transit 

• A report outlining the new company procedure for reporting workplace injuries 

• A report showing state budget allocations for education 

The direct pattern of organization is appropriate for a business report when readers 

• need to be educated. 

• must be persuaded. 

• are informed. 

• may be disappointed or hostile. 

When you organize a report directly, what is the correct order of ideas to follow? 

• Introduction, facts, and summary 

• Introduction, summary, and facts 

• Summary, introduction, and facts 

• The direct pattern presents ideas in any order for maximum effectiveness. 

The indirect pattern of organization is appropriate for a business report when readers

• are supportive of the topic. 

• must be persuaded. 

• are familiar with the topic. 

• want to know the results immediately. 

When you organize a report indirectly, in which order should you present your ideas? 

• Description of the problem, conclusions, facts, and recommendations 

• Conclusion, recommendations, description of the problem, and facts 

• Description of the problem, facts, conclusions, and recommendations 

• The indirect pattern does not follow a set order of ideas.