Question 1

An effective opening for an informal proposal might be We are pleased to submit this proposal describing how our ethics training program can help your employees make the best decisions when faced with ethical dilemmas on the job.

Accepted Answer

This opening clearly states the purpose of the proposal and the benefit it can provide to the recipient.

Question 2

Proposals should be written carefully because they represent legal contracts.

Accepted Answer

Proposals are legal contracts, and therefore, should be written with great care to ensure that all details and terms are accurate and clearly stated. Any mistakes or misunderstandings could lead to legal issues later on.

Question 3

Writers often include additional information in the introduction to a formal report.Which of the following would not be appropriate to include in the introduction?

Accepted Answer

Providing a detailed analysis of the problem is not appropriate for the introduction. The introduction should provide background information and context, but it should not delve deeply into the problem itself, as that is the focus of the report's main body.

Question 4

Proposals are written offers to solve problems, provide services, or sell equipment.

Accepted Answer

Proposals are indeed written offers to solve problems, provide services or sell equipment. They are usually made by companies, organizations or individuals to convince their target audience to accept their solution or purchase their product.

Question 5

Preparing for Our Industry's Future is an example of a(n)

Accepted Answer

A talking heading provides specific information about the content, often in a way that engages the reader by indicating the subject or purpose of the section. "Preparing for Our Industry's Future" suggests a focus on future strategies or plans, making it a talking heading.

Question 6

Which statement does not describe the body of a formal business report?

Accepted Answer

Incidental and supporting materials are typically placed in appendices or exhibits rather than within the body of the report, which is reserved for the main findings, analysis, and conclusions.

Question 7

Most proposals are internal.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Most proposals are internal....

Question 8

Most proposals begin by briefly explaining the reasons for the proposal and by highlighting the writer's qualifications.

Accepted Answer

This is correct, as it is common for proposals to provide an introduction that explains why the proposal is being made and why the writer is qualified to make the proposal.

Question 9

If the RFP requests that an organization design an interactive Web site that will provide online customer support, the writer should repeat the language when explaining the purpose of the proposal.

Accepted Answer

Repeating the language from the RFP in the proposal shows that the writer understands the requirements and is addressing them directly. This can help to increase the chances of winning the contract.

Question 10

The section of a formal business report that makes precise suggestions for actions to solve the report problem is the

Accepted Answer

The recommendations section is where specific suggestions for solving the problem presented in the report are made. The introduction provides background information, the conclusion summarizes the findings, and the body presents the analysis and evidence.

Question 11

The longest and most substantive section of a formal business report is the

Accepted Answer

The body of a formal business report is where the most detailed and substantive information is presented. It includes all of the data, research, analysis, and conclusions related to the topic being reported on. The executive summary provides a brief overview of the report's contents, the introduction sets the context for the report, and the conclusion summarizes the main findings and recommendations. However, the body is where the majority of the report's content resides.

Question 12

The section of a formal business report that tells what the findings mean is the

Accepted Answer

The conclusion section of a formal business report summarizes the findings and discusses their implications or meaning. It is where the reader can gain insight into the significance of the results and the potential impact on the business or industry.

Question 13

In an introduction to a formal report, what section identifies who commissioned the report?

Accepted Answer

The authorization section typically identifies who commissioned the report, as it outlines the purpose and scope of the report and any instructions given to the report writer. The other sections (scope, significance, and background) may provide context and background information, but they do not necessarily identify the entity that authorized the report.

Question 14

If you are writing an unsolicited proposal, your goal in the background section is to convince the reader that a problem exists.

Accepted Answer

In an unsolicited proposal, the background section aims to convince the reader that a problem exists and there is a need for a solution. The proposal writer needs to demonstrate their understanding of the problem and its impact to persuade the reader to consider their proposal.

Question 15

Solicited proposals are written when an individual or company sees a problem that needs to be solved and offers to solve it.

Accepted Answer

Solicited proposals are written in response to a specific request or invitation from an organization or individual, indicating that they are seeking solutions to a problem or need. Unsolicited proposals, on the other hand, are when an individual or company sees an opportunity or issue that could potentially benefit from their services, and they offer a proposal without being prompted to do so.

Question 16

Most proposals are solicited.

Accepted Answer

Solicited proposals are those that are requested or invited by the recipient.

Question 17

Which of the following is a useful guideline for citing sources in a formal business report?

Accepted Answer

Including the retrieval date on which you located an electronic reference is a useful guideline for citing sources in a formal business report. Choice A is only applicable if the MLA format is being used, whereas other formats may have different requirements. Choice B is incorrect as in-text citations are required for all sources, including unpublished sources. Choice D is incorrect as only choice C is a useful guideline for citing sources in a formal business report.

Question 18

Lydia's report contains sensitive topics that may upset her readers.What type of heading should she use in her formal business report?

Accepted Answer

Functional headings are specific and informative, allowing readers to easily navigate the report without revealing any sensitive information. This is the best option for Lydia's report. Graphic headings may be too attention-grabbing and talking headings may not provide enough information. Omitting headings altogether can make the report difficult to follow.

Question 19

The best advice for preparing a formal business report is to

Accepted Answer

The answer of The best advice for preparing a formal...

Question 20

If you include a schedule of activities or timetable in your proposal, place it in the proposal section.

Accepted Answer

A schedule of activities or timetable is considered a part of the proposal and should be included in the proposal section.

Quiz 13: Proposals, Business Plans, and Formal Business Reports