Q&A Hero

Q: Saleem, who is creating a report, is currently working on a section where he is using an informal writing style. He ensures that it orients readers to his report, while also building his credibility and that of the report. Which of the following sections is he writing? A. A memo of transmittal B. An abstract C. An executive summary D. An introduction E. A recommendation

Q: In which of the following sections of a report should the release date be included? A. Executive summary B. Illustration C. Title page D. Letter of transmittal E. Body

Q: Nicole is writing a report for her company, Alpha International, with a recommendation to organize a fund-raising campaign. The campaign will try to provide aid to people whose homes have been destroyed by a recent catastrophic flood. Which of the following titles would be an appropriate title for her report? A. Campaign to Help Flood Victims B. Efforts Made by Alpha International C. Effects of Floods D. Money Required to Do Our Part E. Donate to Help Us

Q: Identify the correct statement about presenting information effectively in reports. A. Avoid topic sentences to prevent redundancy of text. B. Use passive verbs and impersonal constructions of sentences to add value. C. Use words such as "claims" and "contends" in order stay as close to the source as possible. D. Do not use your own sentence structure to present the information. E. Ensure that your headings are parallel with each other.

Q: While writing a report, which of the following is recommended for using headings? A. Use subheads when there is only one division within a main heading. B. Use headings that are non-parallel with one another. C. Use a subhead immediately after a heading. D. Use a heading as an antecedent for a pronoun. E. Use talking heads to tell the audience what to expect.

Q: A document outlining the features of a new household appliance discusses the numerous advantages of using the product. It compares the features of the household appliance with that of its competitors' and uses the statement, "These advantages, however, are found only in our product; not in product B or product C." In this statement, the report employs the use of _____. A. topic headings B. forecasts C. non-parallel sentences D. transitions E. pictographs

Q: _____ are overviews that tell the audience what a particular section or report will discuss. A. Transitions B. Forecasts C. Criteria D. Assumptions E. Illustrations

Q: Which of the following is recommended to present information in reports effectively? A. Employing informal language and style B. Using the word "you" to personalize the report C. Repeating information as much as possible to reinforce D. Using transitions and forecasts E. Avoiding sources and visuals

Q: When a reader is reluctant to grant your request, which of the following variation of the problem-solving pattern is considered appropriate? A. Don't summarize the action needed to implement your recommendation. B. Always submit your solution in a friendly, informal manner. C. Use generic examples to prove seriousness of the problem. D. Present your solution impersonally. E. Pretend that your solution does not have any disadvantages.

Q: Ashley, a campaign manager at Help Aid, needs to purchase computers for distribution in a few villages. This action will enable her to achieve one of the milestones of the literacy campaign she is working on. Which of the following kinds of reports does she need to prepare to substantiate the need for placing an order for 30 computers? A. A credit report B. An interim report C. A justification report D. A payback report E. A closure report

Q: Which of the following kinds of reports provides a reason for making a purchase, investing, hiring, or changing a policy? A. An interim report B. An information report C. A closure report D. A justification report E. A feasibility report

Q: A(n) _____ evaluates two or more alternatives before suggesting one among them, and usually consists of the decision to be made, a listing of the alternatives, and an explanation of the criteria. A. recommendation report B. interim report C. closure report D. credit report E. payback report

Q: Blue Hills, an organization that works to protect forests and wildlife in Indonesia, conducts a research on protected forest cover and encroached forest land. This research does not result in any further action or recommendation. In its report, the organization documents the research conducted by summarizing research findings. This is an example of a(n) _____. A. recommendation report B. justification report C. annual report D. after action report E. informative and closure report

Q: Rebecca, a sales manager at a banking firm, is preparing a report on the details of new accounts opened in the previous financial year. She is writing the report based on accounts opened on a monthly basis, which will help in evaluating productive and non-productive months for the company. Which of the following patterns of organizing data does Rebecca's method exemplify? A. A spatial pattern B. A chronological pattern C. A geographic pattern D. An elimination of alternatives pattern E. A pro-and-con pattern

Q: Yosef, a branch manager of a travel company in Florida, needs to prepare a report on the challenges faced by the accounts, marketing, and reservation departments of his branch. In the report, he also needs to include different ways of resolving the issues faced by each department. Which of the following patterns of organizing data would best help Yosef present his report? A. A functional pattern B. A chronological pattern C. A spatial pattern D. A pro-and-con pattern E. A geographic pattern

Q: Sandra, a clothing designer in New York, supplies her designs to major retail companies in Hawaii, California, London, and Paris. At the end of every financial quarter, she needs to analyze the demands for and sales from her boutiques in these cities. In this case, which of the following patterns of organizing information is appropriate? A. Elimination of alternatives B. Spatial C. Chronological D. General to particular E. Particular to general

Q: Elijah wants to evaluate a proposed project in terms of its merits, demerits, and scope of the project. He also wants to anticipate possible pitfalls in the form of external threats. In this case, which of the following patterns of organizing data will work well for him? A. Particular to general pattern B. Elimination of alternatives C. SWOT Analysis D. Compare/contrast pattern E. Pro-and-con pattern

Q: Abraham recently volunteered to work on a fuel efficiency campaign conducted in the city by a not-for-profit organization. Based on his findings, he writes a report recommending the use of cruise control and overdrive gears. He lists the advantages and disadvantages of using them. He also explores the elements that the use of overdrive gears could exploit to its advantage and a few external troublesome areas that have to be overcome. In this case, which of the following patterns of organizing information did Abraham use? A. A chronological pattern B. A spatial pattern C. A geographical pattern D. SWOT analysis E. An elimination of alternatives

Q: Which of the following patterns of organizing data works well when the solutions the audience is likely to favor will not work? A. A compare/contrast pattern B. An elimination of alternatives pattern C. A pro-and-con pattern D. A chronological pattern E. A problem-solution pattern

Q: Regarding the organization of reports, the _____ pattern identifies an issue, explains its background, and discusses its extent. A. compare/contrast B. elimination of alternatives C. pro-and-con D. chronological E. problem-solution

Q: Shaozu is working on an environmental campaign that aims to spread awareness about deforestation through electronic media. He needs to prepare a report that will present the benefits and drawbacks of using electronic media over print media. Which of the following patterns of organizing information will best serve his purpose? A. A problem-solution pattern B. A chronological pattern C. A pro-and-con pattern D. A geographic pattern E. A spatial pattern

Q: In which of the following patterns of organizing information are arguments for and against a particular alternative presented under specific headings? A. Spatial B. Pro-and-con C. Problem-solution D. Elimination of alternatives E. SWOT analysis

Q: In a compare/contrast pattern of organizing data, focus on the criteria when: A. the criteria are difficult to differentiate or separate from one another. B. one alternative is clearly superior than other alternatives. C. the audience grasps the alternative as a whole rather than as the sum of its parts. D. the audience intends to compare options independent of recommendations. E. the audience focuses on the idea behind the alternative instead of its components.

Q: In a compare/contrast pattern of organizing data, focus on the alternatives when: A. the criteria are difficult to distinguish from one another. B. the audience wants to compare and contrast options independent of recommendations. C. the superiority of one alternative depends on the relative weight assigned to various criteria. D. the audience focuses on the components of the alternative instead of its entire idea. E. the audience grasps the alternative as a sum of its parts rather than a sum as a whole.

Q: Josiah works in the Colorado Department of Education and has to submit a report on the literacy rate of children in the state. He has to present statistical details in addition to ideas on developing the state education system. Which of the following arrangements will be most useful for Josiah's audience? A. Processing information before presenting it to the audience B. Presenting information in the order in which he became aware of it C. Working against the audience's expectations to draw their attention D. Avoiding grouping large amount of information into categories E. Using the word "you" in the report if there are multiple audiences

Q: Gerard has to submit a research proposal, and he has a lot of technical data which he has collected and analyzed. He also has transcripts of interviews which he has conducted. In which of the following sections of his report is it considered appropriate to include these data? A. Executive summary B. Bibliography C. List of references D. Body of the report E. Appendix

Q: Salma is preparing a report titled, "The Rate of Urban Development in Various Districts." After analyzing the data collected, she prepares a draft of the table of contents. Which of the following is she most likely to include in the appendix of her report? A. Analysis of causes and possible solutions B. Information that directly relates to the discussion in the body C. Information that is essential for the proof of the report D. Supporting data that will be carefully looked over by specialists E. Crucial statistics on development rates in different cities

Q: Which of the following is true of choosing information for your reports? A. Include information that took a long time to find because it is definitely valid. B. Choose information that your audience needs to make a decision. C. Put material in the appendix of the report if it is crucial to your proof. D. Always place supporting data in the body of the report. E. Place complex tables and visuals in the body of the report.

Q: While writing your report, if you are unable to prove the claim you originally hoped to make: A. manipulate the data to support you original claim. B. discard the report completely and start afresh on new findings. C. modify your conclusions such that they fit your data to make a useful report. D. skip the recommendations and conclusions section to let the audience draw their own findings. E. suggest an anti-hypothesis for further study.

Q: _____ means that two things happening at the same time are positively or negatively connected. A. Regression B. Concurrence C. Correlation D. Variance E. Causation

Q: Samuel is working on a thesis on the effects of regular physical exercise. While explaining a certain section, he elaborates on how one thing produces another. Which of the following terms is he explaining? A. Variance B. Causation C. Range D. Extension E. Dimension

Q: When analyzing numbers, the _____ is the difference between the high and low figures for a particular variable. A. average B. mean C. range D. mode E. median

Q: Which of the following is true of analyzing numbers from databases and numbers from a survey conducted? A. Numerical information cannot serve as a case in support of a recommendation. B. The mean is calculated by subtracting all the numbers and multiplying it with the number of samples. C. The average is the number that occurs most often in a list of observations. D. The median refers to the number that is exactly in the middle in a ranked list of observations. E. The range is the average of two numbers in the center of a list.

Q: Ivan is analyzing numbers from the survey he has conducted. He observes a particular number that occurs most often in his list of observations. He should define that as the _____. A. median B. range C. extension D. average E. mode

Q: Federico is using spreadsheets to compute data collected from a survey. He is calculating a particular figure by adding up all figures and dividing it by the total number of samples. Which of the following is he calculating? A. Median B. Mean C. Range D. Variance E. Mode

Q: Will, an environmental activist, needs to prepare a report to identify the forest areas of different states in his country. The report will help him in the first stage of the "Heritage Forest Campaign" that aims to preserve protected forest areas. Which of the following measures is likely to ensure that the source of data is up-to-date? A. Assessing objectivity of the source B. Identifying the authors C. Evaluating authenticity of data D. Checking currency of information E. Checking for bias of the source

Q: While evaluating sources of data for writing a report, asking yourself the question, "If the subject supports multiple viewpoints, are other opinions referenced or explained?" lets you primarily assess: A. the objectivity of the source. B. the author's credentials. C. the validity of constituent data. D. the currency of the data. E. the authenticity of the data.

Q: Which of the following is true of writing a report? A. Don't use background reading from your proposal to form the first draft of your list of references. B. Use a copy of your questionnaire in the appendix section of your report. C. Write the scope and limitations sections of the report only after completing research. D. Write the executive summary of the report before you've analyzed your data. E. Write the important sections of a report toward the latter half to spend more time on the history of the problem.

Q: The conclusions and recommendations section of a report presents new information that was excluded from the rest of the report.

Q: The title of the report should be as broad as possible and provide very little information.

Q: Use talking heads if you want to focus on the structure of the report and provide very little information.

Q: Headings cannot be complete sentences, because it will make them lengthy and ineffective.

Q: It is ideal to use the word "you" for reports with multiple audiences, in order to help readers identify with your recommendations.

Q: The pro-and-con pattern of organizing data is most useful when there is a need to de-emphasize the disadvantages of a proposed solution.

Q: Recommendation studies generally use the comparison/contrast pattern for organizing information.

Q: Categorizing information into chunks will result in making data seem incomprehensible.

Q: Processing information before presenting it to the audience is considered a manipulation of the data and should be completely avoided.

Q: A tally of responses to each question in a survey may be included in an appendix.

Q: It is recommended that you place material in the appendix instead of the body of the report if it is crucial to your proof.

Q: Supporting data which is to be examined by specialists, such as accountants, lawyers, and engineers, are generally put in the body of a report.

Q: A median is a number that is exactly at the top in a ranked list of observations.

Q: While evaluating data sources, it is vital to check the currency of all data except technology figures.

Q: While evaluating data sources, it is important to carefully look over the data with special care if the source has a vested interest in the results.

Q: It is important to keep ballpark figures in mind when you look at numerical data, because a significant number of spreadsheets contain errors.

Q: While analyzing data, it is vital that you are suspicious of all data, even those from reputable sources.

Q: It is recommended that you write important sections of a report toward the end as it helps you avoid spending a majority of your time on the history of the problem.

Q: While writing a long report, it is not recommended to list all headings or sections that your report will have.

Q: While writing a report, you can write the title page and the transmittal as soon as you know what your recommendation will be.

Q: Explain what task progress reports are.

Q: Explain the importance of an executive summary in a business plan? The executive summary in a business plan is one of the most essential sections. This section should describe clearly what you plan to do and what needs it will fill. It should also provide an overview of the main topics the plan will cover. After reading this section, a reader usually makes decisions about the piece of writing, the concept, as well as the writer. Thus, it is important that it evokes enthusiasm for the idea.

Q: What is the best way to organize a cover letter for a long sales proposal?

Q: Discuss, with the help of an example, why calculating figures conservatively is recommended in preparing budgets for a proposal.

Q: Discuss, with the use of an example, the methods section of a proposal.

Q: Explain, with the help of an example, what the problem section of a proposal contains.

Q: List, in order, the sections which should be included in a proposal for a student report?

Q: Why should a substantial amount of time be allotted before a due date for a proposal?

Q: Ming is preparing a proposal on a marketing plan for a new line of leather boots. In the proposal, she states, "I believe that marketing the Chic line of leather boots through new media offers a great opportunity to showcase the product." Explain whether Ming has used the correct wording required for a proposal.

Q: What are competitive proposals and how are they different from noncompetitive proposals?

Q: Jacob is writing a report to a funding agency requesting them to increase the allotted time for the project. Since he feels his request will likely meet strong resistance, he uses the problem-solving pattern to organize the information. In this scenario, he is more likely to write a(n) _____ report. A. recommendation progress B. task progress C. chronological progress D. interim conclusive E. payback

Q: Isabella has completed writing a chronological progress report on marketing a newly launched line of clothing. Which of the following statements would best summarize her report? A. "As discussed, we are more or less on track with the project deadline and work schedule." B. "Things are going well and we have only had one significant setback so far." C. "The project is 25 percent complete and going according to our planned work schedule." D. "Although we had planned on progressing at 10% pace every week, we are doing much more." E. "We had strived to achieve our targets by the end of the month, but we are out-doing our targets."

Q: Taylor is writing a progress report on the development of a new software program for a client. She and her team faced a technical glitch last week which has since been solved. Which of the following is the best way to present this information to the client? A. "I'm really sorry, but we're running 2 days behind schedule. We will however be back on schedule by the end of the month." B. "We have had a major problem last week because of which our work is affected to an extent. However, we should be able to finish by the due date." C. "We overcame a major technical glitch last week. We are now on track to finish the work by the due date." D. "Owing to the huge technical problem we faced last week, we are a little behind schedule. We may need an extension on the deadline" E. "Please accept our sincere apologies. We will be unable to complete the work according to the estimated deadline."

Q: Nevaeh, who works for Animal Aid Foundation, is writing a progress report on efforts to rescue elephants, tigers, and monkeys from circuses. Which of the following would most likely be the best subject line for her report? A. Circus Animals-What we have done so far B. Animal Cruelty should be banned by you and me C. Efforts undertaken by us to save animals D. Efforts by Animal Aid Foundation to rescue circus animals E. Show that you careStand up against animal cruelty in your city

Q: Good progress reports are usually characterized by: A. extreme positive tones without supporting details. B. glowing judgments of your own work. C. an emphasis on the problem itself rather than its solution. D. straightforward subject lines. E. the use of me-attitude to exhibit confidence.

Q: Nicole is writing a progress report. In the report, she proposes a different approach from the one that was previously approved, while also remaining open to the idea of continuing with the original plan. What is Nicole's progress report trying to accomplish? A. To enhance her image B. To float trial balloons C. To mentally prepare her audience for a problem D. To speculate her audience's feelings E. To minimize potential problems

Q: Marcus is working on a three-month long project, and is writing to his funding agency to inform them of the documents he has completed reading and the experiments he has conducted in the past three weeks. Marcus is writing a: A. proposal B. progress report C. memo D. annual report E. feasibility report

Q: Rafael is close to completing the second phase of his project, but cannot progress further until he receives his second installment of funds. In which of the following ways should Rafael communicate this information to his funder? A. "The first phase is near completion and we are ready to begin the second phase as soon as we receive the funding." B. "I have completed the first phase and I'm waiting on you to send the rest of the funds to progress further." C. "I have not yet received the funds from your end to allow me to begin the second phase of my project." D. "I may not complete the project on time, as I am unable to begin the second phase." E. "I am completing the first phase of the project and still waiting for the funds to proceed."

Q: Louis is working on a research experiment and has made significant progress in the development phase. His research is now ahead of schedule and he decides to inform the research funder. Which of the following is the most appropriate manner of conveying this information? A. "You will be glad to know that the experiment is now progressing ahead of schedule." B. "I am sure you will be happy to know that I am ahead of schedule with the experiment." C. "I am sure you will be excited to hear of my great progress with the research." D. "You will be delighted to be informed that my experiment is moving ahead of schedule." E. "I have made progress in the first phase, and I am, therefore, moving ahead of schedule."

Q: Lee is researching for a project titled, "The Harmful Impact of Electronics on Our Lives" and will soon have a research assistant joining him in this project. With another person working on the project, Lee is glad that the work will be completed ahead of the deadline. However, when he conveyed this good news to the funding agency, they found his statement slightly offensive. Which of the following did Lee most likely say? A. "You will be thrilled to know that a research assistant will be joining me to work on the project." B. "There will be an additional member on the team who will help expedite the process substantially." C. "From next week, we will have a research assistant working on the project with me. We expect to finish the work before deadline." D. "Having a research assistant work on the project will help us complete the work a week before the expected date." E. "A research assistant will start working on the project from next week to help complete the project at the earliest."

Q: Which of the following should you do while preparing progress reports? A. Use me-attitude to demonstrate a confident attitude B. Present every detail as equally important C. Exceed the expectations of the funding agency or employer D. Adapt the report to your own needs E. Use emphasizing techniques to highlight all features of the report

Q: Which of the following guidelines should be followed while writing business plans? A. Aligning the business plan idea to meet the writer's crucial needs B. Using me-attitude to demonstrate confidence in one's project C. Having a vague, lengthy beginning listing out all details D. Highlighting the needs the project will meet for the funding organization E. Skipping the executive summary which investors find unnecessary