Deck 11: Writing and Briefing for the Intelligence Community

Question 1

Of the following, which is NOT a type of written analytical product used by the IC?

A) Basic
B) Current
C) Estimative
D) Predictive

Answer 1

D

Question 2

What is the difference between current and warning intelligence? Choose the correct answer.

A) Current intelligence involves issues immediately affecting U.S. security while warning intelligence looks at the potential threats against U.S. interests.
B) Current intelligence looks at potential threats against U.S. interests while warning intelligence involves issues immediately affecting U.S. security.
C) Current intelligence involves information gathered recently that needs immediate analysis while warning intelligence involves information with a low confidence level or high risk of being inaccurate.
D) None of the above

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Which best describes the characteristics of analytic writing?

A) States the bottom line up front
B) Clear and concise
C) Provides evidence to support evidence
D) All of the above

Answer 3

D

Question 4

What should an analyst do when they are in a hostile briefing situation?

A) Respectfully agree with the policy-maker and tell him or her what they want to hear.
B) Respectfully tell the policy-maker that they cannot continue and excuse himself or herself from the briefing.
C) Respectfully tell the policy-maker that he or she cannot use a briefing opportunity as a chance to confirm their policy agenda.
D) Respectfully try to convey their point and mention what other factors the policy-maker might consider.

Question 5

What key skill makes a successful analytical writer and/or briefer?

A) Writing/speaking concisely
B) Using a BLUF format
C) Writing/ speaking to meet the decision-maker's needs
D) All of the above

Question 6

Intelligence products can be strategic, mid-range or operational, and tactical (real time.) Additionally, they are identified by four basic categories. define those four categories .
-Estimative .

Question 7

Intelligence products can be strategic, mid-range or operational, and tactical (real time.) Additionally, they are identified by four basic categories. define those four categories .
-Current .

Question 8

Intelligence products can be strategic, mid-range or operational, and tactical (real time.) Additionally, they are identified by four basic categories. define those four categories .
-Basic.

Question 9

Intelligence products can be strategic, mid-range or operational, and tactical (real time.) Additionally, they are identified by four basic categories. define those four categories .
-Warning .

Question 10

Even if a policymaker knows a great deal about a subject, it's very important for the analyst to provide a great deal of background information on the subject to ensure that all bases are covered.

Question 11

List and explain the three general forms of intelligence products.

Question 12

Explain in detail the process of the assembly of the PDB. Describe how it is prepared, who prepares it, and its purpose.

Question 13

What does "speaking truth to power" mean?

Question 14

What is the difference between writing in the active voice and writing in the passive voice? Which is preferred when writing intelligence products and why?

Question 15

Describe the process of a briefing. How does an analyst prepare? What key things must analysts remember when preparing? How should they construct and deliver their presentation? What types of presentation materials might they use?

Question 16

Describe in detail the different types of intelligence papers listed in the text. State their purpose, who they are written for, and what topics they cover. (PDB, NIE, in-depth reports)

Question 17

Describe how an NIE is constructed. What is the order of the contents? What should be included?

Question 18

Do you think the NIE format is the best to present policymakers with strategic intelligence estimates? Why or why not? If not, what would be a better format?