Question 1

A formal report should address only the immediate cause and leave out any distant causes.

Accepted Answer

A formal report should address not only the immediate cause, but also the underlying or distant causes to provide a comprehensive analysis and help prevent similar issues in the future.

Question 2

Incorporate as many visual elements as possible and place them all at the end of the formal report.

Accepted Answer

It is not necessary to place all visual elements at the end of the formal report. Visual elements should be strategically placed throughout the report to enhance the presentation of information.

Question 3

The headings and sub-headings in the table of contents should exactly
match the headings and sub-headings in the report.

Accepted Answer

This is to ensure consistency and ease of navigation for the reader. Mismatched headings or sub-headings can create confusion and make it difficult for the reader to locate specific information in the report.

Question 4

The list of references,appendices,glossary,and other supplemental materials are examples of .

Accepted Answer

The answer of The list of references,appendices,glossary,and other supplemental materials...

Question 5

The elements of an effective analytical report include

Accepted Answer

A clearly identified problem or purpose is essential to any analytical report, as it gives direction and focus to the analysis. Minimally interpreted data and excessive data can both hinder the effectiveness of the report, as readers may struggle to make sense of the information presented. Infusing personal bias into the report would also undermine its credibility and objectivity.

Question 6

A letter of transmittal is not part of the report but is considered front matter.

Accepted Answer

A letter of transmittal is a separate document that accompanies the report and is considered front matter. It introduces the report and provides context for the reader. It includes information such as the purpose of the report, who it is addressed to, and any additional information the receiver may need to know.

Question 7

A typical question answered by a formal report is "How do I do X?"

Accepted Answer

A formal report typically provides information on a specific topic or issue, rather than specific instructions on how to do something. Instructional materials, such as manuals or guides, are more likely to answer the question "How do I do X?"

Question 8

Most formal reports are written for decision makers.

Accepted Answer

Formal reports typically provide information and analysis to decision makers who need to make informed choices based on accurate and comprehensive data.

Question 9

A feasibility analysis

Accepted Answer

A feasibility analysis should carefully analyze both opposing and supporting data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the viability of a recommendation. Excluding or downplaying evidence can lead to biased and incomplete results.

Question 10

An effective comparative analysis

Accepted Answer

Giving each item balanced treatment means that the analysis is fair and objective, which is important for an effective comparative analysis. A, B, D are incorrect because avoiding the block pattern of discussion, using indefinite criteria, and avoiding examples are not necessarily criteria for an effective analysis.

Question 11

If your report contains more than five terms that your audience might not understand,you should include a glossary of terms in your end matter.

Accepted Answer

Including a glossary in your end matter can help your audience understand the specific terminology used in your report. If there are more than five terms that may be unfamiliar, it is recommended to provide a glossary.

Question 12

A table of contents should include

Accepted Answer

A table of contents typically includes the list of chapters or sections in a document, and may also include other front matter such as the title page, letter of transmittal, abstract, and a list of tables and figures. Therefore, choices C and D are both commonly included in a table of contents, and choice E is the best answer as it includes both of these options.

Question 13

Appropriate content for a letter of transmittal might be

Accepted Answer

A letter of transmittal can include acknowledging individuals who helped with the report, referring to specific portions of the report, and offering personal observations, making all the options correct.

Question 14

Which of the following sections of a long formal report may be optional?

Accepted Answer

A glossary may be included in a long formal report if technical terms and acronyms are used extensively. However, it is not always necessary and some reports may not require one. Therefore, the glossary section may be optional.

Question 15

Questionnaires and interview questions are examples of items that may be placed in the formal report's ..

Accepted Answer

The answer of Questionnaires and interview questions are examples of...

Question 16

A superficial analysis in a formal report is often the most useful type of analysis.

Accepted Answer

A superficial analysis is shallow and only provides surface-level information. A formal report typically requires deep analysis and thorough examination of data to provide meaningful insights and recommendations. Therefore, a superficial analysis would not be the most useful type of analysis in a formal report.

Question 17

analysis rates similar items based on specific criteria,whereas analysis may explain the effects of a problem or decision.

Accepted Answer

The answer of analysis rates similar items based on specific...

Question 18

A formal report may address two or more categories of approaches: comparative,causal,and feasibility.

Accepted Answer

A formal report can address comparative, causal, and feasibility approaches either separately or in combination.

Question 19

Front matter includes the

Accepted Answer

Front matter typically includes a table of contents and a letter of transmittal. The introduction, if included, would come after the table of contents and the letter of transmittal.

Question 20

Embarrassing or bad news may be placed in an appendix to the main report.

Accepted Answer

The appendix is used for supplementary material that supports the main text, not for hiding embarrassing or bad news.

Quiz 22: Formal Analytical Reports