Deck 14: Writing Reports and Proposals

Question 1

The writing for a proposal should

A) follow the AIDA plan.
B) follow the plan for good-news messages.
C) avoid the "you" attitude.
D) be as vague as possible.

Answer 1

follow the AIDA plan.

Question 2

The primary difference between linking and embedding files in your report is that

A) linked files are automatically updated, but embedded files are not.
B) embedded files are automatically updated, but linked files are not.
C) it is more difficult to link files than to embed them.
D) embedded files must be in PDF format.

Answer 2

linked files are automatically updated, but embedded files are not.

Question 3

Electronic forms

A) are easy to fill out but difficult to post and distribute.
B) combine boilerplate with text boxes that allow users to input new information.
C) require special software to create and use.
D) are all of the above.

Answer 3

combine boilerplate with text boxes that allow users to input new information.

Question 4

Saving your report in PDF format

A) makes it easy to share electronically.
B) drastically limits the number of people who can access it.
C) will make most of the graphics impossible to read.
D) should only be used as a backup measure.

Question 5

To create an online form on which customers can type answers to questions about their dining habits, you would need to use

A) Acrobat Reader.
B) a scanner.
C) text boxes.
D) embedding software.

Question 6

Readers may agree with everything you say in your report but still fail to take any action unless you specify what should happen next.

Question 7

In formal proposals, you should summarize both the problem and the solution you propose.

Question 8

In the body of a proposal, it is particularly important to avoid overselling your plan.

Question 9

The close of a proposal is not the place to ask for a decision from the client.

Question 10

In the close of a proposal, it is not necessary to emphasize reader benefits if you think they are obvious.

Question 11

Headings and subheadings are more vital for online reports than for those distributed on paper.

Question 12

Providing plentiful headings and transitions is necessary only when you're writing a report for audiences from other cultures.

Question 13

Report templates often identify the specific sections required for each type of report.

Question 14

Linking a spreadsheet to your report will enable you to update the spreadsheet automatically.

Question 15

Electronic forms combine boilerplate text with form tools in which users can insert new text.

Question 16

Business reports should never include elements such as video clips and animation.

Question 17

The introduction or opening of a business report should put the report in a broader context by tying it to a(n) ____________________ or an assignment.

Question 18

In online reports, headings can be used as ____________________, enabling your audience to jump from section to section, back and forth to the table of contents, and so on.

Question 19

A(n) __________________ can save time by identifying the specific sections required for the type of report you are writing.

Question 20

__________________ __________________ such as text boxes and check boxes enable you to create forms that accommodate changing information.

Question 21

Reports and proposals saved in __________________ document format are easy to share electronically and have become a universal replacement for printed versions.

Question 22

Explain the function of "form tools" and provide at least one example of a specific situation in which they would be helpful.