Question 1

Which of the following elements of a formal report can appear after the List of Illustrations?

Accepted Answer

The Executive Summary can appear after the List of Illustrations in a formal report. The Cover, Letter of Transmittal, and Table of Contents generally come before the List of Illustrations.

Question 2

Which of the following elements of a formal report appears before the Table of Contents?

Accepted Answer

Letter of Transmittal typically appears before the Table of Contents. It is a formal document that introduces the report to the intended audience, explains its purpose, and provides any other essential information. The other options listed (Introduction, List of Figures, and Works Cited) usually come after the Table of Contents.

Question 3

When you describe the scope in the introduction to a report,you are identifying the:

Accepted Answer

Describing the scope in the introduction of a report is about identifying the topics that the report covers. It sets the boundaries for the report and helps readers understand what they can expect to learn from reading it.

Question 4

The title of a report should never state the recommendation for solving a problem.

Accepted Answer

The title of a report can state the recommendation for solving a problem if it is appropriate for the report's purpose and audience. This approach can be effective in executive summaries or policy recommendation reports where clarity and directness are valued.

Question 5

Organizations report to investors and donors in long,formal documents.

Accepted Answer

Organizations typically publish annual reports, financial statements, and other formal documents to report financial and operational performance to their investors and donors.

Question 6

When writing a report,use a single numbering system for both tables and figures.

Accepted Answer

In report writing, tables and figures are typically numbered separately within their own categories, leading to a clearer organization and easier reference.

Question 7

If a report is not supposed to offer recommendations,_.

Accepted Answer

Recommendations should be omitted entirely if the report is not supposed to offer them, including in the title to avoid misleading the reader.

Question 8

Which component of a report can be placed in one of two different places?

Accepted Answer

The Executive Summary can either be placed at the beginning of the report or at the end, depending on the report's format and purpose. The other components listed typically have a fixed placement within a report.

Question 9

A full formal report may contain a list of illustrations.

Accepted Answer

A list of illustrations is commonly included in a full formal report to provide a quick reference for readers to locate visual aids such as charts, graphs, tables, and images within the report.

Question 10

The Conclusions section should contain at least one new piece of information in order to strengthen your argument.

Accepted Answer

The Conclusions section should summarize the main findings of the research without introducing new information, as it aims to reinforce the study's existing arguments and findings.

Question 11

Formal reports differ from informal letter and memo reports in length,layout,and their additional components.

Accepted Answer

Formal reports are usually longer than informal letter and memo reports and have a specific layout with additional components such as a title page, table of contents, executive summary, and appendices.

Question 12

Survey data and questionnaires should be included in appendices at the end of a report.

Accepted Answer

Survey data and questionnaires should be included in appendices at the end of a report, not in the main body of the report. This allows interested readers to refer to the data without cluttering up the main text.

Question 13

The title of a report need not be informative.

Accepted Answer

The title of a report should be informative to clearly convey the subject and purpose of the report to the reader.

Question 14

An Executive Summary provides a topical overview of a report,without any recommendations.

Accepted Answer

An Executive Summary not only provides a topical overview of a report but also includes key findings and recommendations.

Question 15

The body of a report presents information,but does not interpret or analyze it.

Accepted Answer

The body of a report not only presents information but also interprets and analyzes it. It is important to draw conclusions, identify patterns and trends, and make recommendations based on the presented information.

Question 16

The history section of a report should never go back more than six months.

Accepted Answer

The statement is incorrect. The history section of a report should go back as far as necessary to provide relevant information and context. The timeframe will vary depending on the subject matter and purpose of the report.

Question 17

Start composing a report with the:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Start composing a report with the:
...

Question 18

The Executive Summary should be written before you write any other part of your report.

Accepted Answer

The Executive Summary should be written after the rest of the report is completed, as it summarizes the key points and findings of the entire report.

Question 19

It is acceptable to make the headings in the Table of Contents shorter than they appear in the body of the report.

Accepted Answer

In a Table of Contents, headings should exactly match the wording, capitalization, and punctuation of the headings in the body of the report to ensure clarity and consistency.

Question 20

The first paragraph of an Executive Summary should identify the major supporting points for one's argument and should include all the information decision makers will need.

Accepted Answer

The first paragraph of an Executive Summary should provide a concise overview of the document, including its purpose and key findings, rather than detailing all major supporting points or including all information decision makers will need.

Quiz 17: Writing Proposals and Analytical Reports