Deck 11: Writing and Completing Reports and Proposals

Question 1

When adapting your message to your audience,which of the following can be seen as trivializing an important issue?

A)Being overly informal
B)Using an indirect approach
C)Being overly formal
D)Using a direct approach
E)The use of slang and jargon

Answer 1

A
Explanation: A)If you know your readers reasonably well and your report is likely to meet with their approval, you can generally adopt an informal tone. To make your tone less formal, speak to readers in the first person, refer to them as you, and refer to yourself as I (or we if there are multiple report authors).

Question 2

Which of the following is least likely to strengthen a proposal?

A)Research the competition
B)Relate the product or service to the reader's unique needs
C)Demonstrate that the proposal is appropriate and feasible for the audience
D)Identify key components of the Request for Proposal (RFP)
E)Body

Answer 2

D
Explanation: D)Strategies to strengthen your argument include demonstrating your knowledge, providing concrete information and examples, researching the competition so you know what other proposals your audience is likely to read, demonstrating that your proposal is appropriate and feasible for your audience, and relating your product, service, or personnel to the reader's unique needs.

Question 3

Which of the following is accomplished in the introduction?

A)The presentation of information gathered during your investigation
B)A summary of key points
C)Benefits to the reader
D)It brings all the action items together in one place.
E)It helps the reader understand the context of the report by tying it to a problem or assignment.

Answer 3

E
Explanation: E)At a minimum, an effective introduction accomplishes these four tasks: It helps the reader understand the context of the report by tying it to a problem or an assignment. It introduces the subject matter and indicates why it is important. It previews the main idea (if you're using the direct approach). It establishes the tone and the writer's relationship with the audience.

Question 4

Which of the following would you find in the introduction section of a report,but not in the introduction section of a proposal?

A)Background or statement of the problem
B)Solution
C)Scope
D)Purpose
E)Report organization

Question 5

Which of the following would be the most appropriate approach when planning a proposal?

A)The direct approach
B)The cause and effect approach
C)The indirect approach
D)The formal/objective approach
E)The persuasive approach

Question 6

Which section of a report explains why the subject matter is important?

A)The introduction
B)The body
C)The conclusions and recommendations
D)The close
E)The work plan

Question 7

Focusing on the content of your longer business documents helps ensure complete,correct information.

Question 8

Which of the following allow(s)readers to follow the structure of the document and determine key points of your message?

A)Review sections
B)Preview sections
C)Transitions
D)Headings and subheadings
E)The introduction

Question 9

Which of the following will make your writing more formal?

A)Using pronouns
B)Using objective writing
C)Using humor
D)Colorful adjectives
E)Including personal opinions

Question 10

What can be used to show how one thought is related to another?

A)Review sections
B)Preview sections
C)Transitions
D)Headings and subheadings
E)The introduction

Question 11

When communicating with other cultures,humor and casual language is usually most effective.

Question 12

Which of the following presents relevant information and support for your recommendations or conclusion?

A)Introduction
B)Report organization
C)Close
D)Body
E)Sources and methods

Question 13

Where in a business report would the writer spell out exactly what should happen next and provide a schedule with specific task assignments?

A)In the restatement of qualifications
B)In the motivating action section of the close
C)In the conclusions and recommendation sections of the body
D)In the review of arguments in the close
E)In the work plan section of the body

Question 14

Which of the following established the tone and the writer's relationship with the audience?

A)The introduction
B)The body
C)The conclusions and recommendations
D)The close
E)The work plan

Question 15

The most important factor in planning a proposal is what?

A)The tone
B)The approach
C)Whether the proposal was solicited
D)The organization
E)The content

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the closing section of a business report?

A)It helps the reader understand the context of the report.
B)It ties the report to a problem or assignment.
C)It summarizes your key points.
D)It ensures the needs of the reader have been met.
E)It ensures each section is accurate, complete and logical.

Question 17

Which of the following would include a plan to describe how you will accomplish the work to be done?

A)Introduction to a report
B)Introduction to a proposal
C)Body of a report
D)Body of a proposal
E)Methods and approaches

Question 18

Which of the following presents,and interprets the information gathered during the investigation and supports the recommendations or conclusions?

A)The introduction
B)The body
C)The tone
D)The close
E)The work plan

Question 19

When drafting a proposal,which of the following will identify the problem you intend to solve or the opportunity you want to pursue?

A)Background or statement of the problem
B)Scope
C)Introduction
D)Problem/purpose
E)Body

Question 20

Which of the following is designed to help readers get ready for new information?

A)Review sections
B)Preview sections
C)Transitions
D)Headings and subheadings
E)The introduction

Question 21

The preview section of a report is used to summarize key points made in the body of the material.

Question 22

Readers will prejudge the quality of your products,services or capabilities based on the quality of your proposal.

Question 23

Proposals should be based on what you can do for the reader,and should not be compared to what the competition can do.

Question 24

When developing links to other content,which of the following will help create the most compelling links that improve the readability of the site?

A)Links that support content skimming but not navigation
B)Cute, catchy phrases
C)Links that clearly identify where a link will take the reader
D)Using a list to present all links in one location
E)Links that support navigation but not content skimming

Question 25

The basic principles used to create a strong report can easily be adapted to create well developed website content.

Question 26

Compare the necessary elements in the introduction of a report to those of a proposal.

Question 27

Describe strategies to strengthen your argument when writing a proposal.

Question 28

How visually inviting and readability is often the first thing the reader notices about the proposal.

Question 29

Writing an online blog uses the same principles as writing a traditional report.

Question 30

Discuss the importance of adapting your writing to your audience and explain how to make a report more,or less,formal.

Question 31

Wikis can be used effectively in an organization with appropriate guidelines,editorial oversight and strong security policies.

Question 32

How can companies write for a global audience while containing the cost of translation?

A)Add links to content in multiple languages.
B)Develop a new website in each language needed.
C)Write in the original language and allow for links to translation software sites.
D)Write detailed content in the languages of global community members and use the original language for major sections such as the homepage and navigational tabs.
E)Localize the homepage for the global audience and keep detailed content in the original language.

Question 33

When developing content for a website,the writer should start with vague or general information and move to more specific information by using embedded links.

Question 34

When drafting content for a website,which of the following will help improve the message?

A)Write a message for the internal, local audience.
B)Start with general information and use embedded links to add depth and detail.
C)Develop a concise, skimmable format.
D)Use catchy headings and thought provoking summaries that lure readers further into the website.
E)Use links that force readers to click through the web to find relevant data.

Question 35

Because readers can be skeptical of online content,which of the following will help increase the trust level?

A)Content that is updated on a regular basis
B)Content that uses bold headings and colorful links to improve readability
C)Content that has been adapted to a global audience
D)Content that is accurate, current, complete and authoritative
E)Content that has an extensive history that can be viewed

Question 36

When using a wiki to do collaborative writing,each user should be encouraged to improve all members work.

Question 37

When developing a wiki,which of the following allows contributors to practice their writing without fear the writing will be published?

A)The pyramid
B)Discussion section
C)Templates
D)Sandboxes
E)Scratchpad

Question 38

To improve readability in a website,which of the following would be most effective?

A)Vague headings
B)Lists
C)Pictures
D)Links to other content
E)Large fonts and type size

Question 39

How should a website be formatted to keep it compelling and reader-oriented?

A)Use the inverted pyramid.
B)Use the direct approach.
C)Use a persuasive model.
D)Use the indirect approach.
E)Use the AIDA model.

Question 40

When editing a wiki,which of the following is least likely to ensure a well edited work?

A)Letting go of traditional authorship, recognition and control
B)Encouraging all team member's to improve each other's work
C)Using templates and other formatting options to make sure content matches other contributors
D)Using the sandbox to practice editing and writing
E)Using the inverted pyramid to outline content and thoughts

Question 41

When incorporating balance in a report or website,which of the following is achieved?

A)An emphasis on similarities and differences
B)Generally accepted rules and conventions
C)A dominant element of design being identified as most important
D)Elements that are arranged symmetrically around a central point or axis
E)Visual parallelism

Question 42

Using visual parallelism through the use of color,shape,size,position or typeface is an example of what?

A)Balance
B)Simplicity
C)Consistency
D)Emphasis
E)Convention

Question 43

A bar chart is best used to show what?

A)How the parts of a whole are distributed
B)A sequence of events from start to finish
C)The change in the composition of something over time
D)Trends
E)How quantities compare over time

Question 44

Which of the following is represented by the most visually dominant design element?

A)The most controversial information
B)The most complex information
C)The most positive information
D)The most colorful information
E)The most important information

Question 45

Discuss how to adapt writing for a website.

Question 46

Which of the following is best accomplished by using an organizational chart?

A)Showing geographic distribution of data
B)Structured narrative
C)Showing how functions interrelate
D)Identifying tag cloud groupings
E)Organizing "big data"

Question 47

Which of the following is an advantage of data visualization techniques?

A)Data visualization allows the reader to extract broad meaning from giant masses of data.
B)Data visualization allows the reader to clarify individual data points.
C)Data visualization can limit the number of data points being used.
D)Data visualization represents only numeric data.
E)Data visualization limits complex relationships among data points.

Question 48

When incorporating simplicity into graphics,which of the following is important to remember?

A)Generally accepted rules or conventions should dictate every aspect of design.
B)Decorative elements can clutter documents without adding any relevant information.
C)Formal balance is needed to create a calm and serious feel.
D)Contrasting colors should be used.
E)Parallelism should be used for color, texture and scale.

Question 49

Identifying which colors have appropriate meaning based on culture is a matter of what?

A)Convention
B)Emphasis
C)Simplicity
D)Consistency
E)Balance

Question 50

When wanting to incorporate a visual that offers function and decorative value,what can be most effective?

A)Photographs
B)Animation
C)Video
D)Infographics
E)Drawings

Question 51

When wanting to use a visual representation of sequential relationships,what visual aid might be most effective?

A)Maps
B)Flowcharts
C)Infographics
D)Organization charts
E)Data visualization

Question 52

Which of the following would best present detailed textual information?

A)Charts
B)Graphs
C)Tables
D)Pictures
E)Flowcharts

Question 53

When wanting to show trends over time,what type of visual aid would be most effective?

A)Pie chart
B)Table
C)Bar chart
D)Line chart
E)Surface chart

Question 54

Discuss steps involved in developing a new wiki and compare those steps to steps that should be taken when adding material to an existing wiki.

Question 55

Which of the following best represents information found in a table?

A)Movement of data over a period of time
B)The cumulative effect of data
C)The systematic arrangement of data in columns and rows
D)Showing parts of the whole
E)Extracting broad meaning from giant masses of data

Question 56

Which of the following is a type of visual aid that conveys both data and concepts?

A)Maps
B)Geographic information systems
C)Photographs
D)Infographics
E)Diagrams

Question 57

Which of the following is an advantage of using infographics to convey information?

A)Infographics can convey technical topics such as how to repair a machine.
B)Infographics can be combined with databases to become extremely powerful visual reporting tools.
C)Infographics can be paired with geographic distribution data to replace traditional mapping technology.
D)Infographics can portray any hierarchy needed to organize a report.
E)Infographics can show interconnected processes and can replace conventional reports.

Question 58

When communicating with multilingual audiences,what effect do visual aids create in a document?

A)Visual aids can replace text and aid in communication.
B)Visual aids can add color and lighten the look of the communication.
C)Visual aids can be a distraction when the audience is focused on translation of text.
D)Visual aids can lead to misunderstanding in the interpretation of the content.
E)Visual aids can distract from the formatting of the document.

Question 59

The ability to create an effective visual aid,or effectively interpret the meaning of a visual aid is called what?

A)Visual competency
B)Visual literacy
C)Axis awareness
D)Design awareness
E)Data visualization

Question 60

When seeking to emphasize similarities,using colors that have subtle differences are an example of what?

A)Emphasis
B)Balance
C)Simplicity
D)Contrast
E)Consistency

Question 61

Formal balance in visual elements tends to feel dynamic and engaging.

Question 62

Which of the following allows companies to present videos as an integrated collection in a customized user interface?

A)Infographics
B)Geographic information systems
C)"Big Data" systems
D)Branded channels
E)Tag cloud systems

Question 63

Which of the following provides a short description that identifies the content and the purpose of a visual aid?

A)Title
B)Caption
C)Summary paragraph
D)Legend
E)Tag

Question 64

Which of the following will improve the style and tone of the writing?

A)Varying sentence length
B)Using short paragraphs
C)Making sure content is logical
D)Using lists and bullets
E)Adding headings and subheadings

Question 65

When placing a visual aid in a text,where should the visual be placed?

A)Before the text that describes the visual aid
B)At the end of the document
C)In the List of Illustrations
D)After the text that describes the visual aid
E)As close to the text that describes the visual aid as possible

Question 66

Discuss ways to ensure visual aids are honest and ethical.

Question 67

Identify and discuss the six principles of effective visual communication.

Question 68

Visual elements are an effective way to replace text.

Question 69

The most dominant visual element should include the most important information.

Question 70

Describe how organizations benefit from data visualization tools.

Question 71

When considering the ethics of a visual aid,which of the following will help ensure there is no ethical lapse?

A)Provide only relevant background information on the visual aid.
B)Minimize irrelevant data.
C)Include enough information to allow readers to understand your point.
D)Design visuals in such a way that they can be reshaped and manipulated to support a logical argument.
E)Include visuals aids that are not open to individual interpretation.

Question 72

Which of the following would be the least effective way to integrate a visual aid in the text?

A)Use elaborate, full color visuals that are easy to find and identify.
B)Position the visual so the audience won't have to flip back and forth in the printed document.
C)Use word pointers to help the reader locate the image quickly.
D)Refer to the visual by number in the text of the report.
E)Use titles, captions and legends.

Question 73

When writing for an online audience,how should a document be developed?

A)Paragraphs should be kept short.
B)Lists and bullets should be used wherever possible.
C)Headings and subheadings should be limited.
D)Writing should be efficient and skimmable.
E)Style and tone should be general to reach a wider audience.

Question 74

What is the goal of evaluating the organization,style and tone of a message?

A)To improve readability
B)To produce efficient writing that is easy to skim
C)To make sure content is clear, logical and reader oriented
D)To make sure there is a variety of sentence lengths
E)To make sure your credibility is not affected by errors

Question 75

Visual aids do not generally need to be supported by documentation.

Question 76

What is the purpose of providing a legend with a visual aid?

A)A short description is provided that identifies the content of the visual.
B)An additional discussion of the visuals content is included.
C)A short description of the purpose of the visual is included.
D)An explanation of various colors and symbols is provided.
E)An explanation of the significance of the visual is provided.

Question 77

Which of the following is not true when using a design template for designing visuals?

A)Design templates promote consistency across the organization.
B)Design templates save time by eliminating repetitive decision making.
C)Design templates ensure better designs.
D)Design templates ensure consistency in color palettes, typeface and layouts.
E)Design templates are appropriate for all types of messages, from informal internal messages to those written to influential outsiders.

Question 78

What is accomplished by adding a caption to a visual aid?

A)A short description is provided that identifies the content of the visual.
B)An additional discussion of the visuals content is included.
C)A short description of the purpose of the visual is included.
D)An explanation of various colors and symbols is provided.
E)An explanation of the significance of the visual is provided.

Question 79

When developing a visual aid for a promotional presentation,which of the following might be most effective at reaching the widest audience?

A)Photographs
B)Animation
C)Video
D)Infographics
E)Drawings

Question 80

After finishing the draft,what are the next steps in completing reports and proposals?

A)Revising, rewriting, editing and proofreading
B)Revising, producing, proofreading and distributing
C)Revising, planning, writing and completing
D)Determining channel and medium, and distributing
E)Evaluating organization, style and tone