Deck 10: Preparing Business Reports

Question 1

When choosing the best medium to use in transmitting a report,a writer should consider length,audience,and _____.

A) technology
B) location
C) formality
D) deadlines
E) subject matter

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Which type of report has a goal of providing the reader with facts that are easy to understand?

A) Informational
B) Analytical
C) Executive summary
D) Abstract
E) Narratives

Answer 2

A

Question 3

A(n)________ is a separate,standalone mini-report inserted at the beginning of a formal analytical report that completely summarizes the report's main ideas and recommendations.

A) introduction
B) abstract
C) executive summary
D) glossary
E) appendix

Answer 3

C

Question 4

What can a writer do to achieve a professional writing style that adds to the credibility of a report?

A) Use narratives
B) Include personal opinions whenever possible
C) Use informal language
D) Make the report easy to skim
E) Use an elaborate sentence structure

Question 5

What should always be included in a feasibility report?

A) Costs associated with implementing the proposal
B) Deadlines
C) A detailed background on why the report was written
D) Criteria that decision makers can use to judge the proposal
E) Potential outcomes

Question 6

Which of the following mediums for reports is appropriate only for internal audiences?

A) Memo report
B) Email report
C) Letter report
D) Formal report
E) Presentation report deck

Question 7

Almost 2 billion people speak English worldwide and ________ percent of those people speak it as a first language.

A) less than 15
B) only 25
C) nearly 50
D) less than 5
E) close to 7

Question 8

What type of report determines whether a plan can be implemented as proposed?

A) Progress reports
B) Meeting minutes
C) Trip reports
D) Feasibility reports
E) Evaluation reports

Question 9

Which of the following reports is designed to quickly inform others about the work you have done and to provide documentation for future use?

A) Feasibility report
B) Progress report
C) Evaluation report
D) Recommendation report
E) Formal report

Question 10

Reports based on outcomes and decisions arrived at during meetings are called _____.

A) progress reports
B) meeting minutes
C) trip reports
D) feasibility reports
E) evaluation reports

Question 11

Which of the following is an advantage of an email report?

A) Is appropriate only for external audiences
B) Can be distributed and received quickly
C) Guarantees secured delivery to audiences
D) Projects a more formal image than a letter report
E) Easily supports tables and graphs

Question 12

The section of the report that provides readers with a quick understanding of the purpose,structure,contents,and main idea of the report is considered to be _____.

A) identifying information
B) the preview
C) detailed discussion
D) supporting information
E) attachments

Question 13

In what section of a formal report would a reader find content-specific headings?

A) Executive summary
B) Reference list
C) Title page
D) Detailed discussion
E) Introduction

Question 14

When do experienced writers ask for feedback on their reports?

A) Before finalizing the content
B) Throughout the writing process
C) When the first draft is complete
D) Just before sending the report
E) After the reader has had time to consider the report

Question 15

The first key element one could expect to find in a report is _____.

A) an abstract
B) identifying information
C) content preview
D) detailed discussion
E) Supporting information

Question 16

Which type of report would be used to help the reader to solve problems or support a business decision?

A) Informational
B) Analytical
C) Executive summary
D) Abstract
E) Narrative

Question 17

The first step in writing a report is to ________.

A) choose the best medium
B) identify the question you are answering
C) write the executive summary for the report
D) develop a glossary for your report
E) provide general background information about your topic

Question 18

An analytical report that considers options and identifies a course of potential action is a(n)_____ report.

A) feasibility
B) evaluation
C) progress
D) minutes
E) recommendation

Question 19

Conservative fields typically use _____ style reports.

A) manuscript
B) white papers
C) direct
D) infographic
E) indirect

Question 20

What part of a report allows an audience to preview the material?

A) Body
B) Title page
C) Preliminary sections
D) Conclusion
E) Cover

Question 21

To design report deck content that is easy to follow,what should be included?

A) A preview
B) An executive summary
C) An agenda
D) Slide numbers
E) Titles

Question 22

Reports that are PowerPoint based are referred to as _____.

A) report decks
B) infographics
C) white papers
D) manuscripts
E) native files

Question 23

Which of the following is an advantage of creating and distributing a web-based report?

A) Reports are easier to design
B) Reports can be printed and stored on the audience's computer
C) Reports are durable and don't disappear when a web address changes
D) Reports can be updated frequently
E) Companies can track people interested in the information

Question 24

Which of the following sections of a formal report contains detailed discussion that is always organized with headings?

A) Executive summary of the report
B) Introduction to the report
C) Body of the report
D) Glossary of the report
E) Bibliography of the report

Question 25

A stand-alone visual display of data is called a(n)_____

A) chart
B) table
C) native file
D) infographic
E) report deck

Question 26

When a report deck is long,what design element can be incorporated to help the reader?

A) Slide numbers
B) Bullets
C) Color
D) Larger font
E) Bold

Question 27

The introduction to a report ________.

A) typically includes the headings and the corresponding page numbers
B) is not intended to preview the structure of the report
C) should be written with the assumption that the reader has already read the executive summary
D) typically explains the problem or issue that motivated the report
E) should avoid mentioning the conclusions of the report

Question 28

What is the most concise way to express an idea for discussion and decision making?

A) Meeting minutes
B) White papers
C) Slide decks
D) Manuscripts
E) Memos

Question 29

A report is prepared using presentation software and much of the information in the report is conveyed through graphs,diagrams,and other visual elements.This report is created in the form of a(n)________.

A) memo
B) email
C) letter
D) formal report
E) presentation report deck

Question 30

A(n)________ is a mini-version of the report designed to communicate the most important ideas to an audience of decision makers.

A) glossary
B) reference list
C) table of content
D) executive summary
E) bibliography

Question 31

PDF files are the most common format for distributing reports electronically because _____.

A) readers have limited access to the report without downloading it
B) the reports are more interactive
C) reports can be updated frequently
D) the reports can include links to multimedia content
E) companies can track people interested in the information

Question 32

________ assess the success of a project or a decision.

A) Meeting minutes
B) Feasibility reports
C) Recommendation reports
D) Evaluation reports
E) Trip reports

Question 33

If a report uses secondary research sources,a(n)_____ should be included in the report to list the secondary sources.

A) glossary
B) executive summary
C) reference
D) title page
E) table of content

Question 34

What type of report is often used in a sales or marketing environment?

A) Manuscript
B) Indirect
C) Progress
D) White paper
E) Feasibility

Question 35

Why is it important to cite sources when writing reports?

A) Sources replace research and data needed to complete the report
B) Sources can replace the synthesis of material
C) Sources make the writers ideas seem original
D) Sources allow you to present someone else's materials as your own
E) Sources help your audience locate information

Question 36

Which of the following elements of a report contains information that would interrupt the flow of the report but that readers may find useful?

A) Executive summary
B) Table of content
C) Glossary
D) Body of the report
E) Appendix

Question 37

How does citing your sources add credibility to your writing?

A) Citing sources shows your reader you are well informed
B) Sources strengthen your argument
C) Sources gives your audience confidence in the strength of your data
D) Citing sources helps your audience locate information mentioned in your report
E) Citing sources allows the reader to conduct further research

Question 38

When integrating a graph or table,what is the role of the text?

A) To repeat the data
B) To interpret the data
C) To replace the data
D) To act as a reference to the data
E) To identify what graph or table to look at

Question 39

The purpose of adding a graph in a report is to _____.

A) allow the reader to identify trends
B) determine exact values
C) arrange data in columns and rows
D) to see relationships be reading down or across
E) to replace the written word

Question 40

According to information designer Edward Tufte,what can be done to help a graph or table better communicate a message?

A) Add gridlines
B) Include a graphically strong border
C) Add design elements for visual interest
D) Combine similar types of data on one table or graph
E) Eliminate distracting content

Question 41

How do you use your own words to share someone else's opinion?

A) Summarize
B) Paraphrase
C) Use a parenthetical citation
D) Quote
E) Use a visual aid

Question 42

When is the best time to use a quotation instead of paraphrasing information?

A) When you want to present someone else's point of view
B) When an authority's information can add credibility to your work
C) When you want to generalize what someone else has said
D) When you want to provide an overview before identifying specific arguments
E) When the exact wording is needed to allow you to be very precise

Question 43

PowerPoint report decks ________.

A) are designed to be read as well as presented
B) cannot be sent as email attachments
C) cannot be printed out for participants at a meeting
D) require the presence of a presenter
E) contain slides that are less detailed than those in traditional presentations

Question 44

Report decks ________.

A) are never used to disseminate information internally
B) are poorly equipped for science-based reports
C) are not a viable medium for progress reports
D) can only be used for reporting analyses to external clients
E) can be used for any type of report.

Question 45

If you want to represent the percentage of respondents in a survey who preferred your product to products from four of your competitors,the best graph to use would be a ________.

A) histograph
B) pie chart
C) line chart
D) histogram
E) scatter plot

Question 46

When using a visual from another source,where should the citation be placed?

A) In the text that describes the visual
B) In the caption
C) In the Work Cited page
D) At the bottom of the page where the visual is placed
E) In your List of Illustrations

Question 47

If you are using parenthetical citations,how should you title your list of sources?

A) Works Cited
B) Bibliography
C) Documentation
D) Appendix
E) References

Question 48

On average,how much of a report's content should consist of quotations?

A) 10 percent
B) 20 percent
C) 30 percent
D) 40 percent
E) 50 percent

Question 49

A _____ is a very brief version of another person's point of view.

A) quote
B) reference
C) summary
D) paraphrase
E) citation

Question 50

A "road sign" on the upper-left or upper-right corner of your slides that indicate the section of the deck,is analogous to a ________ on a word-processed report.

A) title page
B) header
C) footer
D) page number
E) table of contents

Question 51

________ arrange data in columns and rows,allowing you to read down or across to see different relationships.

A) Pie charts
B) Tables
C) Infographics
D) Line graphs
E) Bar charts

Question 52

A(n)________ has a hybrid status,which means that it is partly report and partly presentation.

A) formal report
B) report deck
C) analytical report
D) recommendation report
E) evaluation report

Question 53

How can a writer introduce cited material by explicitly referring to the source within the text?

A) Insert a text reference
B) Use APA citations
C) Summarize
D) Paraphrase
E) Include a bibliography

Question 54

A ________ compares multiple items according to a single characteristic.

A) frequency polygon
B) line chart
C) horizontal bar chart
D) histograph
E) paired bar chart

Question 55

While drawing a graph,you plot the independent variable on the x-axis and dependent variable on the y-axis.Then you add a trend line and start plotting the variables.Which of the following types of graphs is being created?

A) Paired bar chart
B) Histograph
C) Scatter plot
D) Histogram
E) Pie chart

Question 56

Inserting the author's last name,year of publication,and page number next to an exact quote is an example of _____.

A) a footnote
B) an endnote
C) accuracy
D) parenthetical citation
E) plagiarism

Question 57

When you use any phrase,sentence,or distinctive words from another source,how do you note the use of someone's source in the text?

A) Use a citation
B) Use a work cited page
C) Use quotation marks
D) Use a summary
E) Paraphrase

Question 58

Which of the following is recommended for effectively designing a slide deck?

A) Use background graphics for the slides.
B) Size your title box to accommodate only one-line headlines.
C) Leave space for "road-signs" on the upper-left or upper-right corner of your slides.
D) Avoid using footers.
E) Do not include a copyright marking in the slides.

Question 59

The ________ lists all the headings in the report,along with the page numbers where the report sections begin.

A) reference list
B) glossary
C) bibliography
D) executive summary
E) table of contents

Question 60

Slides in a report deck ________.

A) should each communicate a clear and complete point
B) have less text on them than a traditional presentation slide
C) include headlines with periods at the end
D) should not use graphics
E) include headlines that are centered and have every word capitalized

Question 61

Presenting others' ideas as your own is known as ________.

A) summarizing
B) paraphrasing
C) plagiarism
D) quoting
E) citing

Question 62

Report decks must be understandable without a presenter.

Question 63

What is the advantage of using an indirect format when producing a slide deck?

A) Most audiences prefer an indirect format.
B) The author can explain reasons before making specific recommendations.
C) The author can offer recommendations, then provide support for each recommendation.
D) Sentence headlines can be used to represent key ideas.
E) The author will not need an executive summary.

Question 64

________ are any phrases,sentences,paragraphs - even single,distinctive words - that you take from any of your sources.

A) Paraphrases
B) Quotations
C) Summaries
D) Citations
E) Footnotes

Question 65

________,or citing your sources,is a key part of all writing in academia and most professional writing.

A) Paraphrasing
B) Plagiarizing
C) Abstracting
D) Quoting
E) Documenting

Question 66

If a writer wants to include web links or a video in a report,what format should be used?

A) Email
B) Web file
C) PDF file
D) Facebook link
E) White papers

Question 67

If you are writing a formal informational report,you should include an abstract.

Question 68

The evaluating process ends when you have delivered the report.

Question 69

A feasibility report will seldom include the criteria that decision makers can use to judge the proposal.

Question 70

When writing a report,information that is known to most people is considered to be _____.

A) paraphrasing
B) opinion
C) common knowledge
D) speculation
E) statistics

Question 71

Dot leaders and page numbers should be created by inserting periods to ensure proper alignment.

Question 72

Business reports rarely identify the author,but instead focus on the audience.

Question 73

An appendix is designed to communicate the most important ideas to an audience of decision makers.

Question 74

Charts and graphics can be unethical when they _____.

A) use a consistent scale regardless of result
B) are more than one year old
C) include design elements
D) show data out of context
E) use color to attract the audience's attention

Question 75

In business reports,verbal and visual elements should ________.

A) play unrelated roles
B) each strive to independently communicate the full message of the report
C) be integrated together
D) compete for the audience's attention
E) be standalone aspects of the report that do not refer to each other

Question 76

The main goal of an informational report is to help readers draw conclusions to solve problems or support business decisions.

Question 77

Minutes are written reports of meetings.

Question 78

A white paper is a report intended to educate the audience - often potential customers - on a topic that is central to a company's business.

Question 79

Documenting or citing your sources ________.

A) undermines the audience's confidence in the strength of your data
B) demonstrates that you are creative
C) gives your audience the ability to find information mentioned in your report
D) makes your writing seem less impressive because it indicates that the ideas are not original
E) undermines the credibility of your writing

Question 80

A recommendation report is an example of an informational report.