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Q:
A synopsis is generally more comprehensive than an executive summary.
Q:
If your proposal is solicited, follow the instructions in the RFP.
Q:
In an unsolicited proposal, the letter of transmittal should follow the pattern for
A) informative messages.
B) educational messages.
C) persuasive messages.
D) collaborative messages.
Q:
An appendix, a bibliography, and an index are the ________ of a formal report.
A) embedded elements
B) introductory sections
C) supplementary parts
D) conceptual portions
Q:
A(n) ________ is a fully developed "mini" version of the report itself.
A) memo of transmittal
B) executive summary
C) informative synopsis
D) comprehensive abstract
Q:
When using the indirect approach to write a report, you can include a descriptive synopsis that describes
A) the names, places, and subjects mentioned in the text of the report.
B) what the report is about, without divulging how the report ends.
C) what the report is about, including how the report ends.
D) the content of the entire report for readers who lack the time or motivation to read the report.
Q:
The cover, title page, and table of contents are among the ________ of a formal report.
A) salutary components
B) introductory portions
C) prefatory parts
D) compulsory elements
Q:
If your company or client expects you to distribute a report online
A) double-check that you've uploaded the correct file.
B) make sure that you put the file in the right location.
C) verify how the report displays and functions on screen.
D) all of the above.
Q:
An index in a formal report
A) lists names, places, and subjects mentioned in the report.
B) lists only the names of authors cited in the report.
C) lists the names of things and ideas, but not individual people or authors of works.
D) involves all of the above.
Q:
The synopsis of a formal report is
A) a brief overview of the report's most important points.
B) a fully developed "mini" version of the report.
C) usually from one to five pages in length.
D) a list of all the headings and subheadings in the report.
Q:
All of the following EXCEPT ________ are important functions of a transmittal document in a formal report.
A) introducing the report
B) offering to provide additional information or assistance
C) authorizing the completion of the report
D) acknowledging help received while preparing the report
Q:
The prefatory parts of a solicited proposal may include
A) a bibliography.
B) a copy of the RFP.
C) an index.
D) visual elements.
E) a purpose, scope, and limitations section.
Q:
Materials in an appendix are NOT incorporated into the text because
A) they are controversial.
B) they include bad news.
C) they are lengthy, or lack direct relevance to the report.
D) they will not be interesting to anyone who reads the report.
E) they give away the recommendations that will be made later in the report.
Q:
An executive summary
A) is shorter than a synopsis.
B) presents a fully developed "mini" version of the report.
C) provides additional information (not covered in the report) that executives will need.
D) is unnecessary if the report is not intended for executives.
E) replaces the summary found at the end of the report.
Q:
Include a title fly with business reports when you want to
A) give the name of the company for which the report has been prepared.
B) add a touch of formality to the report.
C) protect the report from dirt and careless handling.
D) provide a page for the reader to make notes on.
E) send copies of the same report to multiple companies.
Q:
If you want to call attention to the visuals in a formal report, you should
A) create a table of contents.
B) include a list of illustrations.
C) submit them in a separate document.
D) cite their sources in the bibliography.
E) place all visuals at the beginning of the report.
Q:
Within the context of preparing formal reports and proposals, the term "limitations" refers to
A) the boundaries of your proposal, what you can and can't do.
B) excuses for inadequate research or a poorly written report.
C) factors beyond your control that have affected the report's outcome.
D) the risks, rewards, costs, and benefits of a specific course of action.
E) expectations you have on the reader of the report.
Q:
Which of the following would be the most effective way to deliver a report that you've prepared for a small group of managers in your local office?
A) Delivering the report to them in person
B) Texting them to download the report from your personal webpage
C) Spending extra money to hire a professional courier to deliver the report
D) Saving the report in an open-source format on a USB drive and sending it to them via snail mail
E) Delivering the report to the key decision maker and allowing them to distribute the report to the rest of the group
Q:
Which of the following is an advantage of delivering a report or proposal in person?
A) The ability to request a follow up meeting
B) The opportunity to introduce the report or proposal
C) The elimination of computer viruses
D) An opportunity to highlight additional web-based content
E) Time to review the contents of the report or proposal
Q:
When using the indirect approach to write a proposal, where is the call to action placed?
A) At the end of the report
B) In the supplemental section
C) In the executive summary
D) In the appendix
E) In the introduction
Q:
In an unsolicited proposal, which of the following would replace the synopsis and executive summary typically found in a formal report?
A) Call to action
B) Analysis
C) Appendix
D) Introduction
E) Letter of transmittal
Q:
Why would a writer include an appendix, index, or bibliography in a report or proposal?
A) To illustrate key concepts in the message
B) To call attention to particularly important illustrations
C) To provide the purpose and scope of the report
D) The material may be of interest, but isn't crucial to the message
E) As a mini report for those who don't have time to read the entire message
Q:
Which of the following is a mini version of a report?
A) A descriptive synopsis
B) An executive summary
C) An indirect report
D) An abstract
E) A table of content
Q:
Which of the following is a brief overview of a report's most important points?
A) Introduction
B) Appendix
C) Synopsis or abstract
D) Table of contents
E) Title fly
Q:
Which of the following should you verify when you evaluate the organization of content in your document?
A) A variety of sentence lengths
B) Paragraphs are short and easy to find
C) Bullets and lists are incorporated
D) Clarity, logic, and a reader orientation
E) Descriptive headings and subheadings
Q:
Which of the following is one way to improve the readability of a report or proposal?
A) Keep all the sentences the same length
B) Use long, detailed paragraphs
C) Use lists and bullets
D) Eliminate subheadings where possible
E) Make sure the writing is clear and oriented towards the writer
Q:
Discuss information that should be included in the introduction of solicited and unsolicited proposals.
Q:
What does it mean to "package your proposal attractively"? Why is it important to do so?
Q:
In researching a proposal to expand your division, you find evidence that does not support your line of reasoning. Should you include it in your report? Why or why not?
Q:
In a formal proposal, where does the Work Plan section normally appear, and what information does it contain?
Q:
What four topics areas are commonly covered in the introduction to a business proposal? Briefly explain each one.
Q:
Describe six strategies (in addition to using the AIDA format) for strengthening your argument in business proposals.
Q:
The components of a formal proposal are entirely different from those of other formal reports.
Q:
An unsolicited proposal has more latitude in the scope of the document than a solicited proposal.
Q:
In a formal report, the index provides a list of secondary sources used to prepare the report.
Q:
Your writing approach for a proposal should be similar to that used for persuasive messages.
Q:
When writing a proposal, where should a review of the situation and an indication of a need for action be discussed?
A) Background or statement of the problem
B) Solution
C) Scope
D) Report organization
E) Limitations
Q:
Which one of the following is NOT an element of a work plan in the body of an unsolicited proposal?
A) An explanation of the steps you'll take, their timing, and the methods or resources you'll use
B) Persuasive material to convince readers that a problem or an opportunity exists
C) Information about when work will start, how it will be monitored, and when it will end
D) A description of how you'll accomplish what must be done
Q:
The introductory section of a formal proposal includes all of the following EXCEPT
A) a statement of your qualifications.
B) the scope or boundaries of the proposal.
C) background information or a problem statement.
D) an overview of how the document is organized.
Q:
Which of the following is found in the body of a report but NOT the body of a proposal?
A) Analysis of action
B) Facts and evidence to support conclusions
C) Proposed approaches to problem solving
D) Work plan
E) Costs
Q:
As used in the introductory section of a proposal, the ________ states the boundaries of the proposal.
A) scope
B) purpose
C) index
D) mission
E) limitations
Q:
The close of a proposal should
A) summarize how your proposed solution will benefit the reader.
B) reemphasize why your firm is the right choice for the job.
C) ask for a decision from the reader.
D) do all of the above.
Q:
In a proposal to install an air conditioning system, statements such as, "Our company has over 25 years of experience installing heating, plumbing, and air conditioning systems," should appear in what section?
A) Introduction
B) Body
C) Close
D) Appendix
E) Recommendations
Q:
Describing your organization's qualifications in a formal proposal is
A) considered arrogant and should be avoided.
B) appropriate, but only in the introduction.
C) an essential part of the body section of the proposal.
D) a good idea only when your recommendations are controversial.
E) necessary only when you have not worked with the reader in the past.
Q:
In a formal proposal, the work plan section
A) reviews the situation at hand and explains the need for action.
B) describes your action plan for accomplishing the work that must be done.
C) describes your organization's experience, personnel, and facilities.
D) emphasizes the benefits and advantages of your proposed solution.
E) is only necessary when the report will be sent outside the organization.
Q:
The writing approach for a proposal is similar to the approach used for persuasive sales messages, so you can
A) follow the AIDA model.
B) follow the good-news message plan.
C) minimize the "you" attitude.
D) open with a buffer statement.
E) follow a journalistic approach.
Q:
Which of the following is found in the close of a proposal, but NOT in the close of a report?
A) An indication of what should happen next
B) A request for a decision
C) Key points you want to remind the reader of
D) A restatement of your conclusions
E) Recommendations
Q:
Which section of an unsolicited proposal should restate why you and your firm are the right organization to provide a solution?
A) The body
B) The preview
C) The close
D) The explanation of your credentials
E) The introduction
Q:
Where should the anticipated results of the proposed solution be indicated in an unsolicited proposal?
A) In the body
B) In the preview section
C) In the close
D) In the summary section
E) In the introduction
Q:
Where should you explain the factors that led you to submit an unsolicited proposal, such as conversations with members of the recipient's organization?
A) In the body
B) In the preview section
C) In the close
D) In the summary section
E) In the introduction
Q:
Which of the following should be presented in the introduction of an unsolicited proposal?
A) Requirements specified in the RFP
B) Details on the proposed solution
C) Anticipated results of the solution
D) A summary of the problem you want to solve or the opportunity you want to pursue
E) A confident, passionate expression of your skills and abilities
Q:
Which of the following is one of the advantages of using proposal-writing software for routine proposals?
A) It prevents integration with sales databases
B) It prevents solutions from being given away free to the audience
C) It ensures proper structure
D) It explains your unique skills and knowledge needed to solve the problem
E) It emphasizes the "you" attitude in the creation of the document
Q:
Why is it important to package your proposal attractively and make it inviting and readable?
A) It is an indication of hands-on experience
B) Readers will prejudge the quality of your products by the quality of the proposal
C) Readers are more likely to be convinced because of the AIDA format
D) It is an indication that you cared enough to create the proposal from scratch instead of using boilerplate text
E) Information from databases will be easier to notice and understand
Q:
Which of the following will help prove that your proposal is workable and feasible for your audience?
A) Show it is consistent with the audience's capabilities
B) Include a plan of action with a generic task list
C) Make the proposal letter perfect, inviting, and readable
D) Hire management consultants to convince the audience you have the skills and knowledge needed
E) Use proposal-writing software
Q:
Which of the following can be used to strengthen your persuasive argument in a proposal?
A) Generalized information
B) Several alternatives the audience can choose from
C) A demonstration of your knowledge of the recipient's challenges or opportunities
D) An indication why your competitors are not qualified
E) Relating the audience's products and services to your needs
Q:
Which of the following is the general purpose of any proposal?
A) To inform
B) To persuade
C) To seek approval
D) To solve a problem
E) To establish need
Q:
How is the scope and organization of a solicited proposal usually determined?
A) Based only on content
B) Based only on the working relationship with the audience
C) Based only on the motivating action you wish to achieve
D) Based only on whether a direct or indirect format is used
E) Based only on the audience's guidelines in the request for the proposal
Q:
The general purpose of a ________ is to persuade the audience to do something.
A) proposal
B) presentation
C) press release
D) research report
E) report summary
Q:
Discuss how you can increase your credibility when writing a business report.
Q:
List three functions of the close in a business report.
Q:
List at least three factors that can help you decide what parts to include in a business report.
Q:
What is a synopsis? How does it differ from an executive summary?
Q:
You don't have to worry about documenting your sources of information when you're writing a report or proposal in the workplace.
Q:
When you're composing a business report, only include the information that supports your line of reasoning.
Q:
You don't need to verify information that you plan to use in a report.
Q:
In the workplace, readers will prejudge the quality of your products or services by the proposal you submit.
Q:
Using descriptive headings, such as "Effects of Pay Scales on Employee Turnover," will help you maintain a hard-hitting, direct tone in a business report.
Q:
As it applies to writing a business report, use ________ to compose sentences that are uncluttered, carefully worded, and coherent.
A) accuracy
B) balance
C) clarity and logic
D) proper documentation
Q:
The general purpose of a proposal is to
A) showcase your writing skills.
B) adorn your company's Facebook page.
C) educate readers about your company.
D) persuade readers to do something.
E) provide results from in-house focus groups.
Q:
When you're writing a(n) ________ for a report, present the report's main points in the order they appear in the text.
A) executive forecast
B) informative synopsis
C) descriptive synopsis
D) transactional document
E) recommendation
Q:
When you're using a direct approach to present a report, use ________; however, ________ will be more effective, if you're using an indirect approach to present a report.
A) descriptive headings; informative headings
B) structured headings; unstructured headings
C) informative headings; descriptive headings
D) parallel headings; decorative headings
E) unstructured headings; subheadings
Q:
As stated in your textbook, effective report content is accurate. Therefore, information presented in the report
A) should be positive.
B) must be easy to find.
C) should be relatively precise.
D) must be factually correct.
E) must include all alternatives.
Q:
In order to help your readers make informed decisions
A) tell them what they need to knowno more, no less.
B) withhold information that doesn't suit your needs.
C) present your raw data, so they can compile it as they see fit.
D) manipulate the data to smooth out negative trends.
E) include copies of all research articles used in compiling the report.
Q:
Don't ________ in the closing section of a business report.
A) summarize the key points included in the report
B) introduce new material to expand the scope of the report
C) bring all of the action items together in one place
D) present the benefits of following the report's recommendations
Q:
The detailed proof needed to support your conclusions and recommendations should appear in the ________ of your report.
A) opening
B) body
C) close
D) appendix
E) summary
Q:
The introduction (or opening) of a business report should
A) discuss your conclusions or recommendations.
B) include all of your information sources.
C) carry the full weight of your message.
D) help readers understand the context of the report.
E) offer a detailed course of action to be followed.
Q:
Which section are readers most likely to read when they are in a hurry and won't read the entire report?
A) Preview
B) Introduction
C) Body
D) Summary
E) Recommendations
Q:
Which of the following will help make a report clear and logical?
A) Include all essential information even if it doesn't support your line of reasoning
B) Tell the readers what they need to know, but no more, and no less
C) Identify ideas that belong together and organize them so they are easy to understand
D) Use primary and secondary sources and give proper credit to sources
E) Present all sides of the issue fairly and equitably
Q:
Which of the following is achieved when presenting all information, including information that does NOT support your line of reasoning?
A) Documentation
B) Balance
C) Logic
D) Clarity
E) Accuracy
Q:
In which section of a report should all action items be brought together?
A) Transition
B) Preview
C) Close
D) Body
E) Introduction