CHAP 9

1. 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.

2. Reports convey information, answer questions, and

• present your opinions.
• solve problems.
• comply with government regulations.
• demonstrate your proficiency as a technical writer.

3. Reports that present data without analysis or recommendations are

• informational reports.
• analytical reports.
• cost-benefit analysis reports.
• justification reports.

4. 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

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

• informational reports.
• analytical reports.
• summaries.
• progress reports.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.