Question 1

When writing a proposal,where should a review of the situation and an indication of a need for action be discussed?

Accepted Answer

The review of the situation and indication of a need for action should be included in the background or statement of the problem section of the proposal. This section serves to provide context for the proposal, outlining the current situation and why action is necessary.

Question 2

The close of a proposal should

Accepted Answer

It is important to summarize the benefits of the proposed solution and why your firm is the right choice for the job in the close of a proposal. Additionally, asking for a decision from the reader can prompt action and lead to a successful outcome. Therefore, all of the options listed in the answer are necessary for a strong proposal close.

Question 3

An unsolicited proposal has more latitude in the scope of the document than a solicited proposal.

Accepted Answer

An unsolicited proposal is not bound to specific requirements or parameters set by a requester, so it can have a broader scope and more flexibility in its content and approach.

Question 4

Where should you explain the factors that led you to submit an unsolicited proposal,such as conversations with members of the recipient's organization?

Accepted Answer

The introduction is the appropriate section to explain the factors that led you to submit an unsolicited proposal, including any conversations with members of the recipient's organization. This will provide context for the recipient and help them understand the purpose behind the proposal.

Question 5

The components of a formal proposal are entirely different from those of other formal reports.

Accepted Answer

The components of a formal proposal often overlap with those of other formal reports, including elements like an executive summary, introduction, methodology, findings, and conclusion. The structure may vary based on context, but core components are similar.

Question 6

Describing your organization's qualifications in a formal proposal is

Accepted Answer

Describing your organization's qualifications is an essential part of the body section of the proposal. This section should highlight your organization's experience, expertise, capabilities, and achievements relevant to the project or the client's needs. It is important to demonstrate to the reader that your organization has the necessary skills, resources, and track record to deliver the proposed solution successfully. This can increase the reader's confidence in your proposal and improve your chances of winning the contract. However, the description should be factual and relevant, without being exaggerated or boastful.

Question 7

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?

Accepted Answer

The statement about the company's experience is relevant to the main content of the proposal, which is typically detailed in the body section. This section provides evidence and information to support the proposal's objectives.

Question 8

The introductory section of a formal proposal includes all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

The introductory section of a formal proposal includes the scope or boundaries of the proposal, background information or a problem statement, and an overview of how the document is organized. However, the statement of your qualifications would be included in the body of the proposal, not in the introductory section.

Question 9

As used in the introductory section of a proposal,the ________ states the boundaries of the proposal.

Accepted Answer

The scope of the proposal refers to the specific goals, objectives, and deliverables that will be covered within the proposal. It outlines the boundaries of the project and what will be included and excluded.

Question 10

Describe six strategies (in addition to using the AIDA format)for strengthening your argument in business proposals.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe six strategies (in addition to using...

Question 11

Which of the following should be presented in the introduction of an unsolicited proposal?

Accepted Answer

The introduction of an unsolicited proposal should include a summary of the problem or opportunity that the proposal seeks to address. This helps the reader understand the purpose and importance of the proposal.

Answer: E
 While it is important to convey confidence and passion in your proposal, this would not typically be included in the introduction. Instead, it is more appropriate to focus on the problem or opportunity being addressed, the proposed solution, and anticipated results.

Question 12

Which of the following is found in the body of a report but NOT the body of a proposal?

Accepted Answer

Analysis of action is usually found in the body of a report and not a proposal. A proposal typically focuses on proposing solutions and recommendations rather than analyzing specific actions.

Question 13

Where should the anticipated results of the proposed solution be indicated in an unsolicited proposal?

Accepted Answer

The anticipated results of the proposed solution should be detailed in the body of an unsolicited proposal, where the full explanation of the proposal, including objectives, methods, and expected outcomes, is provided.

Question 14

Which section of an unsolicited proposal should restate why you and your firm are the right organization to provide a solution?

Accepted Answer

The close of an unsolicited proposal is where you reinforce your qualifications and restate why you and your firm are the best choice for providing the solution.

Question 15

The writing approach for a proposal is similar to the approach used for persuasive sales messages,so you can

Accepted Answer

The AIDA model stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action. This approach is effective in proposals as it first grabs the attention of the reader, generates interest in the proposal, creates a desire for what is being offered, and encourages action to be taken.

Question 16

In a formal proposal,the work plan section

Accepted Answer

The work plan section in a formal proposal describes the specific action plan for completing the work that needs to be done. This includes timelines, milestones, tasks, and responsibilities. It is a crucial part of the proposal as it provides the client with a clear understanding of how the work will be executed and completed on time.

Question 17

In a formal report,the index provides a list of secondary sources used to prepare the report.

Accepted Answer

The statement is incorrect. An index is a list of the main topics or sections in the report and the page numbers where they can be found. It does not list the secondary sources used to prepare the report. The list of secondary sources is typically included in a separate section called the bibliography or reference list.

Question 18

Your writing approach for a proposal should be similar to that used for persuasive messages.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Your writing approach for a proposal should...

Question 19

Which of the following is found in the close of a proposal,but NOT in the close of a report?

Accepted Answer

A request for a decision is typically found in the close of a proposal, where the writer is often seeking approval, funding, or some form of action from the reader. Reports, on the other hand, generally conclude with summaries of findings, restatements of conclusions, or recommendations based on the analysis presented, without directly asking for a decision.

Question 20

Which one of the following is NOT an element of a work plan in the body of an unsolicited proposal?

Accepted Answer

The work plan in an unsolicited proposal typically includes an explanation of the steps to be taken, their timing, methods/resources to be used, information about start and end dates, and a description of how the work will be accomplished. Persuasive material to convince readers that a problem or opportunity exists is usually included in the introduction or executive summary, but not as an element of the work plan.

Quiz 15: Writing and Completing Reports and Proposals