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Q:
A short report should be written in the indirect order when _____.
A. the reader and the writer share a personal relationship
B. the reader expects the use of such personal pronouns as "I," "we," and "you"
C. the reader is not likely to favor the recommendation in the report
D. the reader needs the report conclusion or recommendation as a basis for a quick action
E. the reader is to use the report to solve day-to-day problems
Q:
Which of the following is true about negotiating salary and benefits?
A. Discuss all details about your salary during the screening interview.
B. Avoid research about salary details because it may cloud your decisions.
C. State that you received a higher package in the previous company.
D. Negotiate salary details after you have the job offer in hand.
E. Mention a specific salary and that you cannot expect anything less.
Q:
A report written in the indirect order _____.
A. first states its main point and then supplies the supporting information
B. is especially beneficial for readers who are in a hurry to receive the most important information first
C. is more likely to use personal pronouns than a report written in the direct order
D. presents the main findings, recommendations, and conclusion in the executive summary
E. begins with whatever introductory material is needed to prepare the reader for the report
Q:
Which of the following is an appropriate way to write a good thank-you note?
A. Keep the note short and use abbreviations if it is being sent via e-mail.
B. Refer to specific things you saw during your visit.
C. Avoid using the jargon of the company.
D. Express minimum enthusiasm as the note is formal.
E. Never enclose receipts for any expenses incurred during a site visit interview.
Q:
When one moves to the bottom of the structural ladder of writing reports, the _____.
A. direct order is more the rule than the exception
B. report conclusion must not present a recommendation
C. need to use an introduction gains more importance
D. report is structured more formally, using objective language
E. focus shifts from the reader to the writer's findings
Q:
Which of the following is true of thank-you notes from interviewees to interviewers?
A. It is usually sent within five days after the first interview.
B. It is better to not use emoticons whether it is by paper or e-mail.
C. It is more impressive to send a thank-you note via e-mail.
D. It is to be sent only if you do not hear back from an interviewer.
E. It is best to keep it short by using text messaging abbreviations.
Q:
Business writers use the _____ in short reports when the readers' main concern is to get the information needed to make a decision.
A. indirect order
B. direct order
C. formal order
D. informal order
E. personal order
Q:
Which of the following is recommended for an interviewee during a panel interview?
A. Ask all your questions to the panel member who seems to like you the most.
B. Avoid writing down the names of the panel members, as it will show that you cannot memorize them.
C. Avoid addressing any one member of the panel individually.
D. Address and make eye contact only with the questioner to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
E. Identify the person with the most authority, and use their body language for cues about your performance.
Q:
Which of the following differentiates short reports from long reports?
A. Short reports often need more elaborate introductory material.
B. Short reports are less likely to use a personal style of writing.
C. Short reports are more likely to be written in the direct order.
D. Short reports, unlike long reports, typically concern complex, nonroutine problems.
E. Short reports, unlike long reports, usually present supporting information before the main conclusion.
Q:
Esmeralda is attending her second round of interviews with a company, and she has been informed that it will be a panel interview. Which of the following is a good tip for her to follow to ensure that her interview goes well?
A. She should address and make eye contact only with the questioner to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
B. She should not write down the names of the panel members, as it will show that she cannot memorize them.
C. She should take in the entire experience rather than focusing on one question at a time.
D. She should write thank-you notes to each member rather than one collective note to all of them.
E. She should identify the panel member with most authority and ask only him a question.
Q:
Which of the following statements is true of short reports?
A. Short reports tend to use the indirect order in presenting information.
B. Short reports generally require an elaborate coherence plan.
C. Short reports such as weekly sales reports have a greater need for introductory material.
D. Short reports generally use a personal style of writing because of their relatively routine nature.
E. Short reports have long lives and are more likely to be kept on file for longer periods of time.
Q:
Hazel recently attended an interview that she was told would start at exactly 9 a.m. However, she was made to wait an hour before she was called in for the interview. When she entered the room, the interviewer did not acknowledge her presence and silently took notes. Hazel later found out that this was a part of the interview and helped the company judge whether she was right for the position. Which of the following interviews did Hazel most likely attend?
A. Behavioral interview
B. Group interview
C. Stress interview
D. Topgrading interview
E. Reference interview
Q:
Short reports differ from long reports in that short reports _____.
A. are more likely to be written in the indirect order
B. have less need for a structured coherence plan
C. are more likely to give their readers previews of what they are about to read
D. have a greater need for introductory material
E. tend to use a more impersonal style of writing
Q:
Ricardo attended an interview for the post of editor at an advertising company. After the interviewer went through Ricardo's portfolio, he handed him an advertisement drawn by one of the employees and asked him what changes, if any, Ricardo would like to make to the advertisement. This scenario best illustrates a _____ interview.
A. behavioral
B. situational
C. screening
D. topgrading
E. stress
Q:
_____ interviews focus on the future and place interviewees in scenarios similar to those they will face on the job and test problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to handle problems.
A. Situational
B. Behavioral
C. Topgrading
D. Reference
E. Focused
Q:
Short reports differ from long reports in that short reports _____.
A. tend to use a more impersonal style of writing
B. generally require a more elaborate coherence plan
C. are less likely to use the personal pronouns "I," "we," and "you"
D. have less need for introductory material
E. are more likely to be written in the indirect order
Q:
Carmen has been working as an environmental campaigner for the last eight years. She is now looking to change jobs, and recently attended an interview where she was asked to state details about successes in her career so far. In addition, she was asked to elaborate on the way she built networks and key decisions made to achieve project milestones. Which of the following types of interviews did Carmen most likely attend?
A. Topgrading interview
B. Focused interview
C. Stress interview
D. Reference interview
E. Situational interview
Q:
Which of the following is true of short reports?
A. Short reports such as inventory reports do not require introductory material.
B. Short reports are intended for relatively large audiences.
C. Short reports are intended for people who aren't likely to understand their context and purpose.
D. Short reports tend to deal with complex, non-routine problems.
E. Short reports are likely to use only the third person rather than personal pronouns.
Q:
Which of the following is true of a topgrading interview?
A. It focuses on how an applicant acts in specific employment-related situations.
B. It emphasizes one desired aspect of the candidate's career.
C. It is an interview which helps cull the list.
D. It is an interview that walks job candidates through their careers so far.
E. It is an interview that checks in with candidates' references.
Q:
The _____ is the report in miniature.
A. executive summary
B. title page
C. table of contents
D. transmittal message
E. title fly
Q:
If a separate table of contents would be too formal for a report, you should _____.
A. present the report in letter form
B. combine the table of contents with the title page
C. use the direct order to communicate your research findings
D. remove this component and move to the executive summary
E. list the topics that your report will cover in its introductory section
Q:
_____ interviews emphasize one desired aspect of a candidate's career.
A. Reference
B. Topgrading
C. Focused
D. Stress
E. Behavioral
Q:
Which of the following is the most appropriate opening for a letter of transmittal?
A. It is my pleasure to inform you that the report has finally been completed.
B. Thank you for permitting me to work on this report.
C. Here is the report on water pollution that you requested on January 3.
D. On January 3, you gave me the task of studying the effects of water pollution.
E. The effects of water pollution are serious and deserve our attention.
Q:
Which of the following questions is acceptable for an interviewee to ask at an interview if the job has not been offered to him yet?
A. How soon will I get promoted?
B. What are the kinds of perks this job will offer?
C. What would my salary be if I took this job?
D. What kind of insurance benefits will I be offered?
E. What would I be doing on a day-to-day basis?
Q:
When composing a transmittal letter, you should begin the message by _____.
A. stating the attached report's topic and purpose
B. emphasizing the key points of the report
C. highlighting the findings presented in the report
D. providing a friendly or forward-looking comment
E. reiterating the recommendations in your report
Q:
Jill is preparing for an interview with a company she is eager to join. She is hesitant about what to say if the interviewer asks her about her previous job, since she was fired from that job for taking off too much time. In such a situation, the best possible response would be for Jill to tell the interviewer that she:
A. was fired, but has learnt from her mistakes.
B. had left the job for personal reasons.
C. couldn't use all her abilities in the last job and quit.
D. was fired without any reason.
E. was not fond of her job and quit.
Q:
Which of the following is an appropriate ending for a transmittal message in a report?
A. If you had given me more time, I could've submitted a better report.
B. I hope that the management decides to implement my suggestions.
C. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work on this assignment.
D. Would it be okay if I cited this report in my list of accomplishments?
E. There are several ways in which this report can be utilized.
Q:
Reese is attending an interview at a law firm in California. Her interviewer asks her to walk him through her resume. Which of the following should Reese do?
A. Reese should read the resume aloud to the interviewer.
B. Reese should not try to add details that are not on her resume.
C. Reese should cover as many points as she can in ten minutes.
D. Reese should avoid making eye contact because it may distract him.
E. Reese should highlight her best features in less than three minutes.
Q:
Which of the following is true of transmittal messages?
A. A transmittal message should be highly formal and not personalized.
B. One should avoid using personal pronouns and conversational language when writing a transmittal message.
C. The transmittal message and the executive summary should be presented separately in an informal report.
D. A transmittal message should end with a pleasant, forward-looking comment.
E. In informal situations, the transmittal message usually takes letter form.
Q:
Which of the following should you say when asked to speak about yourself during a job interview.
A. You should focus on one strength and elaborate on that.
B. You should speak in detail, giving the interviewer an autobiography.
C. You should provide both professional and personal information.
D. You should give specific examples to prove all the strengths you mention.
E. You should give details that are vague to avoid further questioning.
Q:
Jason, a political science student at Tennessee Community College, conducts a survey of the political inclinations of the students on campus. He plans on presenting his findings to "Make It Count," an NGO that works to increase voter participation in elections. Which of the following titles should Jason use for his report?
A. Political Inclinations on Campus
B. Students' Political Inclinations at Tennessee Community College: Results from a 2014 Survey
C. Students Who Like to Vote: Survey Results from a Student Survey
D. What is the Possibility of Increasing Voter Participation at Tennessee Community College?
E. Student Survey for Make It Count
Q:
Patterson Inc., an advertising firm, is conducting interviews for the position of communications manager. The HR department likes the resume of Irene, who has impressive qualifications and work experience. However, during the face-to-face interview, they are disappointed with Irene and do not short-list her for the next round of interviews. Which of the following is most likely responsible for Irene's lack of success at the interview?
A. She stated why she would be right for the position of communications manager.
B. She stated that she was happy to learn more about the company through its website.
C. She referred to the company specifically as Patterson Inc. instead of as "your company."
D. She mentioned that she would love to strengthen networks with Patterson Inc.'s clients.
E. She clarified that she was using the interview to learn about what the company offers.
Q:
The difference between a title fly and a title page is that a _____.
A. title fly only contains the report title
B. title page is only included to give the report a formal appearance
C. title fly is used to identify the reader, the writer, and the date
D. title fly also contains a summary
E. title page does not contain a subtitle
Q:
Which of the following is a characteristic of successful interviewees?
A. They refrain from asking the interviewer questions.
B. They avoid using any technical jargon related to the industry or job.
C. They answer questions very briefly in not more than ten words.
D. They monopolize the interview with lengthy monologues.
E. They maintain eye contact with the interviewers while interacting with them.
Q:
Which of the following parts of the prefatory pages are sometimes combined in a report?
A. The table of contents and the title fly
B. The executive summary and the letter of transmittal
C. The table of contents and the letter of transmittal
D. The title page and table of contents
E. The executive summary and the title page
Q:
Which of the following is a characteristic of unsuccessful interviewees?
A. They listen carefully before answering questions.
B. They give answers that are lengthy and contain specific details.
C. They ask a large number of specific questions.
D. They respond neutrally to interviewer's statements.
E. They refer to the company by name.
Q:
As the need for formality decreases, which of the following is usually the last component to be omitted from the prefatory pages of a formal report?
A. The title fly
B. The title page
C. The table of contents
D. The letter of transmittal
E. The executive summary
Q:
As the need for formality decreases, the _____ is the first component to be omitted from a report.
A. title page
B. letter of transmittal
C. table of contents
D. executive summary
E. title fly
Q:
During a job interview, Dario was unable to answer the interviewer's final question, because it was slightly technical and he did not know the answer. He is worried that this one answer may cost him the job even though the rest of the interview went well. Which of the following should Dario do to possibly salvage his situation?
A. He should trust that the rest of the interview has gone well, and leave the interview as it is.
B. He should be honest and tell the interviewer that he has let himself down.
C. He should ask the interviewer if he could answer the question again.
D. He should restate a positive point that he would like the interviewer to know.
E. He should apologize to the interviewer before he leaves the interview.
Q:
_____ refer to a number of pages that come before the actual report itself and are included when the situation is formal and the report is long.
A. Appendices
B. Prefatory pages
C. Proposal notes
D. First-pass pages
E. Supplements
Q:
In which of the following ways does the body of the interview help the interviewer?
A. It gives the interviewer a chance to sell you on the company.
B. It gives the interviewer a chance to find out about your major.
C. It gives the interviewer a chance to ask about your interests.
D. It gives the interviewer a chance to tell you what happens next.
E. It gives the interviewer a chance to tell you whether or not you have been hired.
Q:
Joan spends 20 to 25 minutes in a particular segment of an interview where she answers questions about her previous work experiences and also explains a gap in the last year because of a death in the family. In addition, she uses this segment to find out what she needs to know to decide if she wants to accept a site trip. This scenario best describes the _____ of the interview.
A. introduction
B. opening
C. close
D. body
E. conclusion
Q:
Marco is in the process of preparing an internal report to explain the recent increase in the number of product returns at ZenMark Fashions. Marco's survey reveals that the returned products are of inferior quality and do not meet ZenMark's regular standards. This increase in product returns is found to coincide with the switch to a different raw materials supplier. Marco's suggestion is to revert to the original raw material supplier despite the costs involved being 30% higher. In this scenario, Marco should probably _____.
A. present the report in casual or informal language
B. include all the prefatory elements in his report
C. write his report in the indirect order
D. write his report in the direct order
E. place the recommendations and conclusions at the beginning of the report
Q:
Which of the following is true of reports?
A. All reports have a consistent format and an equal number of components.
B. As the need for formality decreases, the number of components in a report increases.
C. When the situation is informal and the report is short, prefatory pages are included.
D. A business writer should decide the makeup of a report on the basis of its topic and cost.
E. Less complex problems and less formal situations will require less elaborate reports.
Q:
The _____ of an interview is a brief period of time for you to highlight your qualifications and expect questions that give you an opportunity to showcase your strong points.
A. opening
B. conclusion
C. body
D. closing
E. introduction
Q:
Darya is in the process of being interviewed for a job. Currently, the interviewers are telling Darya about the job and the company. They are also asking her about her major and her interests. Which of the following stages of the interview is Darya most likely in?
A. Closing
B. Opening
C. Feedback
D. Rebuttal
E. Body
Q:
A report's form and contents should be based on _____ to meet the reader's needs.
A. its cost and format
B. its writing style and topic
C. its formality and length
D. the writer's knowledge and skill level
E. its material and cost
Q:
In which of the following stages of the interview does an interviewer typically ask easy questions about your major or interests?
A. Opening
B. Feedback
C. Confutation
D. Body
E. Closing
Q:
All short reports in business analyze information and make recommendations.
Q:
Which of the following guidelines about note-taking should be followed in an interview?
A. Take copious notes during the interview to keep track of the interaction.
B. Write down the interviewer's name during or right after the interview.
C. Avoid making eye contact while note-taking to avoid forgetting points.
D. Write notes the next day to jot down only crucial points you remember.
E. Avoid writing any negative points that came up during the interview.
Q:
Problem-solving reports are true persuasive messages.
Q:
Which of the following is considered good etiquette during an onsite interview that involves a meal?
A. Taking large bites and completing your meal soon so that you can resume your interview
B. Accepting alcohol at lunch and dinner but never having more than two drinks
C. Eating a light meal, so that you don't feel drowsy during the interview
D. Sitting in a very relaxed position, so that the interviewer thinks you are not nervous
E. Leaning forward with your arms on the table, since it shows positive body language
Q:
All feasibility studies must end with a recommendation.
Q:
External problem-solving reports are most often written by consulting companies for their clients.
Q:
Which of the following is appropriate behavior for a candidate during a site visit that involves a meal or a semi-social occasion?
A. Order something substantial, so that the interviewer knows you have a healthy appetite.
B. Eat a heavy lunch, so that you'll be alert during the afternoon.
C. Let your guard down by drinking a glass of wine with lunch.
D. Remember that silverware is used from the outside in.
E. Sit up straight and keep your arms on the table.
Q:
The majority of the reports written within companies are routine operational reports.
Q:
Which of the following is a nervous mannerism and should be avoided during an interview?
A. Smiling while entering the room
B. Nodding during the interaction
C. Repeating verbal spacers
D. Sitting upright in a chair
E. Looking at the interviewer while talking
Q:
Because email and memos are primarily communication between people who do not know each other, they are usually formal.
Q:
Which of the following behaviors is appropriate for a candidate during an interview?
A. Arriving at least 30 minutes before the interview to make a good impression
B. Listening passively instead of actively to avoid coming across as over-confident
C. Avoiding being polite to receptionists, since it indicates that you are trying too hard
D. Avoiding checking the interviewer's verbal cues for the amount of detail desired
E. Presenting your carefully chosen accomplishments and strengths
Q:
Direct-order letters tend not to use a subject line, and they open with brief background information, such as who authorized the report and the topic.
Q:
Jane recently attended an interview at Breaking Paths Inc., a respected media house. Prior to the interview, she prepared well for her position and was able to answer all the questions asked during the interview. However, the interviewers mentioned that she came across as impolite during the interview. Which of the following behaviors did Jane most likely display during the interview?
A. She used lengthy monologues to share her knowledge about the company and herself.
B. She practiced active listening by rephrasing and clarifying what the interviewers said.
C. She used a handshake that was neither limp nor aggressive.
D. She did not criticize her previous employers even though they were not pleasant to her.
E. She asked interviewers if they required further details about her work experience.
Q:
Frances is a forest preservation expert and needs to attend a video conference interview with a rainforest conservation organization. In the past week, she has managed to prepare well for the position she is applying for and has undertaken substantial research on the organization. Which of the following will help her have a good video conference interview?
A. Ensuring that she answers questions in a way that shows she has memorized them well
B. Providing detailed answers in the beginning, so that her employer cannot ask follow-up questions
C. Ensuring that her answers are over four minutes each and elaborating on all related details
D. Avoiding asking the interviewers if they want more information about her answers
E. Doing a practice video ahead of time and checking her posture, gestures, and facial expressions
Q:
Since letters are written using the personal style of communication, they should use the direct order.
Q:
Alyssa is applying for a job as a technical consultant at a software company. She is preparing for her first round which is a phone interview. If she performs well in this round, she will be eligible for a face-to-face round with the director of the organization. Which of the following will help Alyssa have a good phone interview:
A. Taking ample notes during the interview to help her keep track of the entire conversation
B. Browsing relevant online websites during the interview to ensure that she is answering the questions well
C. Avoiding hand gestures while talking, since no one can see her
D. Putting on soft music in the background to calm her mind and get rid of nervousness
E. Smiling and leaning forward while talking, because it will help add warmth to her words
Q:
Since letters have been used traditionally as a personal form of communication, letter reports tend to use the personal style.
Q:
Which of the following steps should you undertake, as a candidate for a campus interview?
A. Avoid following standard protocol, because it will prevent you from standing out.
B. Focus on only one selling point that you want the interviewer to remember.
C. Schedule the interview late in the day if you are given a choice about the schedule.
D. Have good professional stories about your work to help you stand out from the crowd.
E. Avoid mentioning selling points, because they distract the interviewer and disrupt the process.
Q:
Unlike other reports, the short report does not use graphics, an appendix, or a bibliography.
Q:
Which of the following is considered appropriate attire for a campus interview?
A. Wear a light brown business suit, because this is the most conservative choice.
B. Deviate from the standard dress code and wear something that stands out.
C. Use an expensive aftershave cologne that shows good personal hygiene.
D. Wear comfortable and casual sandals, because you may have to walk to the campus center.
E. Follow the dress code of the campus career center while deciding your attire.
Q:
The writing in shorter reports tends to be more personal than in long reports.
Q:
Which of the following is the most conservative choice of attire for an interview?
A. A dark grey or black shirt
B. A dark business suit
C. Sandals
D. Black socks or patterned hose
E. Open-toed pumps
Q:
A report written in the direct order presents the supporting information before stating its main conclusion or recommendation.
Q:
Which of the following would most likely be considered inappropriate by an interviewer?
A. A candidate wearing bright nail polish
B. A candidate wearing solid hosiery
C. A candidate carrying a briefcase
D. A candidate wearing a knee-length skirt
E. A candidate wearing close-toed pumps
Q:
Because shorter reports usually solve nonroutine, complex problems, such reports are organized indirectly.
Q:
Which of the following is considered appropriate attire for an interview?
A. Sneakers for men
B. Sport jackets for men
C. Sunglasses for men
D. Stilettos for women
E. Strong perfumes for women
Q:
A weekly sales report requires elaborate introductory material.
Q:
In an interview, a(n) _____ speech is a speech that is not more than two minutes long, which states why a candidate is good for a particular job.
A. elevator
B. philippic
C. swearing-in
D. audience
E. demonstration
Q:
Since readers of the shorter, informal reports are not likely to understand their context and purpose, the reports require substantial introductory material.
Q:
Michelle is preparing for an interview with a travel agency. She has done substantial research on the company and is currently preparing a short speech about why she is right for the job of communications manager. Which of the following is Michelle most likely preparing?
A. Vision statement
B. Elevator speech
C. Mission statement
D. Commencement speech
E. Maiden speech
Q:
Which of the following should be undertaken while devising an interview strategy?
A. Pick ten main points that represent your strengths for a job and elaborate on them.
B. Listen to each question, to see if you could make one of your key points as part of your answer.
C. Avoid making key points about your strengths for a job at the end of an interview.
D. Let strengths stand by themselves rather than trying to justify them with accomplishments.
E. Try your best to avoid questions about your weaknesses and failures.
Q:
In addition to displaying the report title, the title page of a formal report identifies the recipient and the writer.