Chapter 10: Informal Reports

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.