Question 1

Readers will prejudge the quality of your products, services, or capabilities by the ________ the proposal you submit.

Accepted Answer

D

Question 2

A more formal writing style ________

Accepted Answer

C

Question 3

Informal elements such as ________ tend to translate poorly from one culture to another.

Accepted Answer

Humour is highly dependent on cultural context and often relies on specific references or wordplay that may not carry over well when translated. Monotonous writing and impersonal journalism are not necessarily tied to cultural context and can be understood in a variety of settings. Attire may have cultural differences, but it is not typically considered an "informal element."

Question 4

The introduction puts the report in context for the reader. It establishes the ________.

Accepted Answer

The introduction sets the tone and provides background information to the reader. It does not present the findings or go into detail, nor does it necessarily have an "opener" in the same way a piece of creative writing might.

Question 5

Sherin is responding to a request for proposal with specifications mentioned for technical support requirements. In her response, she ________.

Accepted Answer

Sherin needs to follow the instructions in the RFP in every detail to ensure that her response meets the requirements specified by the client. While she can demonstrate her knowledge and expertise, she must do so within the confines of the RFP's specifications. Additionally, she may not have latitude in the scope or organization of the proposal if these elements are clearly outlined in the RFP.

Question 6

If readers suspect that your information is shaky, they'll start to view all your work with skepticism. This suspicion and the resultant lack of credibility is most likely because your report is ________.

Accepted Answer

If the information is inaccurate, it means that it is not correct or true, thus weakening the credibility of the report. If the information is incomplete, unbalanced, or illogical, it could also contribute to a lack of credibility, but inaccurate information is the main cause.

Question 7

Reports and proposals can put heavy demands on the ________, so the "you" attitude is especially important with these long messages.

Accepted Answer

Reports and proposals can be lengthy and complex, making it crucial for the information to be presented in a way that is considerate of the readers' needs and perspectives. The "you" attitude focuses on the reader, making the communication more effective and engaging.

Question 8

Proposals should be approached the same way as ________.

Accepted Answer

Proposals are a type of persuasive communication that seek to convince the reader to take a particular course of action or adopt a specific idea. Therefore, proposals should be approached in the same way as other persuasive messages, such as marketing materials, sales pitches, or persuasive speeches.

Question 9

Naomi is preparing a report and needs to present, analyze, and interpret the information she gathered during her investigation of the subject matter. She should include this information in the ________ of her report.

Accepted Answer

The body of the report is where the main content and analysis should be presented. This is where Naomi should present, analyze, and interpret the information she gathered during her investigation. The introduction is meant to provide background information and context, while the opening and close are more related to the tone and structure of the report.

Question 10

In an unsolicited proposal, if you mention the "delimitations," then you are giving the ________ or the boundaries of the proposal.

Accepted Answer

Delimitations refer to the scope or boundaries of the proposal, so the best choice is A. While the other options may also be relevant to a proposal, they do not specifically relate to delimitations.

Question 11

The one last place in a report to make your message strong, clear, and compelling is the ________.

Accepted Answer

The close is the one last place in a report to make your message strong, clear, and compelling. It is where you summarize your main points and leave the reader with a lasting impression.

Question 12

Karen is aware that the introduction for a report depends on the nature and length of the report, the circumstances under which she is writing it, and her relationship with the audience. If she is trying to determine what is and what isn't covered in the report, she is ascertaining ________.

Accepted Answer

The scope of a report refers to what is and what isn't covered in it. This helps the writer and the audience understand the boundaries of the report and what information they can expect to find within it.

Question 13

Artie is aware that the content and length of the close of a report depend primarily on his choice of the direct or indirect approach. If he is using the direct approach, in the close he should ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Artie is aware that the content and...

Question 14

A good proposal reflects ________.

Accepted Answer

A good proposal should reflect whether the writer has a clear idea of the project being proposed. It should show that the writer has a good understanding of the problem and has come up with a feasible solution. It should also be presented in a clear and concise manner, addressing the main concerns of the reader. While non-technical content can enhance the document, it should not be the primary focus of the proposal. Additionally, the reader's point of view should be considered, but not necessarily reflected in the proposal as the proposal is meant to persuade the reader to support the project. Finally, the proposal should not depend on itself to see what else is missing, as a thorough review and editing process should ensure that all necessary components are included.

Question 15

Communicating with people in other cultures often calls for more formality in reports, both to respect cultural preferences and ________.

Accepted Answer

Using more formal language and structure in reports when communicating with people from other cultures can help reduce the risk of miscommunication due to differences in language and cultural norms.

Question 16

Which section of a report brings all the action items together in one place?

Accepted Answer

The Close section of a report is typically where the action items or recommendations are summarized and brought together in one place for easy reference. This section may also include next steps or proposed solutions to the issues discussed in the body of the report.

Question 17

When a writer is ascertaining the factors and historical conditions that led up to the report, she/he is determining the ________.

Accepted Answer

Ascertaining the factors and historical conditions that led up to the report is related to determining the background of the report.

Question 18

Juanita is preparing an analytical report-specifically a troubleshooting report-using the direct approach. Such straightforward reports generally need to ________.

Accepted Answer

In the direct approach for analytical or troubleshooting reports, conclusions or recommendations are typically stated upfront in the introduction. This allows readers to immediately understand the main findings or advice before delving into the details and supporting evidence provided in the body of the report.

Question 19

Every business report that Sam creates puts his credibility and career advancement on the line. In his reports he needs to present all sides of the issue fairly and equitably and include all the essential information, even if some of the information doesn't support his line of reasoning. By doing this he is making sure his content is ________.

Accepted Answer

Sam needs to present all sides of the issue fairly and equitably and include all essential information, even if it doesn't support his line of reasoning. This indicates that his content is balanced. Accuracy, completeness, and clear and logical presentation are also important, but the question specifically highlights the need for balance.

Question 20

Business proposals need to provide more than just attractive ideas-readers look for evidence of ________.

Accepted Answer

Business proposals must demonstrate achievable solutions to convince readers of their viability and practicality.

Quiz 11: Writing and Completing Reports and Proposals