Question 1

Which of the following sentences uses the best writing style for a formal report?
A)After checking several references, the company decided to hire the consulting firm of Anderson, Williams, and Pardee.
B)After considerable research, we've decided to order the Aptura computer from ISB for our office staff.
C)I conducted extensive research that shows companies are recognizing the benefits of telecommuting.
D)My personal opinion is that we should implement the new tracking system at once.

Accepted Answer

Option A uses a formal tone and objective language, which is appropriate for a formal report. The other options use more casual or subjective language, which may not be suitable for a formal report.

Question 2

In which of the following situations should the indirect strategy of organization be used for a business report?
A)when readers want results first
B)when readers are supportive
C)when readers may be disappointed or hostile toward the report's findings
D)when readers are familiar with the topic

Accepted Answer

The indirect strategy is used when readers may be disappointed or hostile, as it allows for a gradual presentation of information to build understanding and acceptance.

Question 3

When the conclusions and recommendations appear at the end of the report, what is the organizational strategy?
A)indirect
B)spiral
C)direct
D)multifaceted

Accepted Answer

The indirect organizational strategy places conclusions and recommendations at the end of the report, allowing the reader to first understand the background and supporting information.

Question 4

Which of the following reports would most likely be written using a formal writing style?
A)a routine report about the progress a contracting firm is making
B)a research report about consumer trends written by a consultant for his client
C)a summary report about a seminar you attended written for your supervisor
D)a short summary of an article you read written for your boss

Accepted Answer

A research report about consumer trends written by a consultant for a client would likely require a formal writing style to maintain professionalism and credibility.

Question 5

In what order are most informational reports organized?
A)introduction/background, facts/findings, conclusions/recommendations, discussion/analysis
B)introduction/problem, conclusions/recommendations, facts/findings, discussion/analysis
C)introduction/background, facts/findings, summary/conclusion
D)summary/conclusion, introduction/background, facts/findings

Accepted Answer

Most informational reports are organized with an introduction or background, followed by the presentation of facts or findings, and concluding with a summary or conclusion.

Question 6

Which of the following types of report provides data or findings, analyses, and conclusions?
A)analytical
B)informational
C)informal
D)digital

Accepted Answer

An analytical report provides data or findings, analyses, and conclusions, often including recommendations based on the analysis.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of business reports?
A)to convey information
B)to answer questions
C)to solve problems
D)to provide instructions

Accepted Answer

Business reports are typically used to convey information, answer questions, and solve problems, but they are not primarily used to provide instructions.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of an analytical report?
A)a report giving the details about a training workshop attended
B)a report showing that a public company is in compliance with Canadian Securities Administration regulations
C)a report describing the new company dress code
D)a report recommending one of four building alarm systems

Accepted Answer

An analytical report evaluates information and provides recommendations. The report recommending one of four building alarm systems involves analysis and decision-making.

Question 9

Which of the following types of report presents data without analysis or recommendations?
A)analytical
B)informational
C)audit
D)yardstick

Accepted Answer

An informational report presents data and facts without analysis or recommendations.

Question 10

In what order are most analytical reports organized?
A)introduction/background, discussion/analysis, facts/findings, summary/conclusion
B)introduction/problem, summary/conclusion, facts/findings
C)summary/conclusion, introduction/background, facts/findings
D)introduction/problem, conclusions/recommendations, facts/findings, discussion/analysis,

Accepted Answer

The answer of In what order are most analytical reports...

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of an informational report?
A)a report that recommends an event space for an upcoming conference
B)a report that compares three sites for a new clothing boutique location and recommends one
C)a report showing how a company has complied with Canada Revenue Agency regulations
D)a report that presents several alternatives for decreasing employee lateness, including recommendations for the best solution

Accepted Answer

An informational report provides data, facts, feedback, or other types of information without analysis or recommendations. Option C fits this description as it shows compliance with regulations without making recommendations.

Question 12

You must write a business report for a client and want to use a formal writing style. Which of the following should you do?
A)Emphasize by using the active-voice verbs.
B)Avoid including opinions and perceptions.
C)Use only first-person pronouns throughout.
D)Always use contractions throughout the report.

Accepted Answer

In a formal business report, it's important to avoid including personal opinions and perceptions to maintain objectivity and professionalism.

Question 13

Which of the following reports would most likely be written using an informal writing style?
A)a thesis submitted by a PhD student
B)a research report about economic trends written by a consultant for her client
C)a summary report written to your supervisor about a conference you attended
D)a business proposal written to secure a contract with a governmental agency

Accepted Answer

A summary report to a supervisor about a conference is typically less formal, focusing on key takeaways and personal insights rather than strict academic or professional standards.

Question 14

In which of the following situations should the indirect strategy of organization be used for a business report?
A)when readers are familiar with the topic
B)when readers must be educated about the topic
C)when readers are supportive of the topic
D)when readers are only interested in recommendations

Accepted Answer

The indirect strategy is used when readers need to be educated or persuaded about a topic, as it allows for a gradual buildup of information and arguments before presenting conclusions or recommendations.

Question 15

Which of the following statements describes the function of business reports?
A)The larger an organization, the more vital the exchange and flow of information becomes.
B)Reports are prepared for internal readers, not external readers.
C)To be considered a business report, a document must be in writing.
D)To be considered a business report, the document must be at least ten pages in length.

Accepted Answer

Business reports facilitate the exchange and flow of information, which becomes increasingly important as an organization grows.

Question 16

Which of the following types of reports would NOT be sent to someone outside the organization?
A)manuscript format
B)digital format
C)letter format
D)memo format

Accepted Answer

Memos are typically used for internal communication within an organization and are not usually sent to external parties.

Question 17

Which of the following do reports written in a formal writing style tend to project?
A)subjectivity
B)authority
C)partiality
D)conviction

Accepted Answer

Reports written in a formal writing style tend to project authority because they are typically written by experts in the field and are based on research and evidence.

Question 18

Which of the following should you avoid when writing a formal report in today's business environment?
A)including detailed research
B)exploring controversial topics
C)referring to the writers of the report in third person
D)using figures of speech

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following should you avoid...

Question 19

In which of the following situations should the direct strategy of organization be used for a business report?
A)when readers are familiar with the topic
B)when readers must be educated about the topic
C)when readers may be disappointed in the report's findings
D)when readers must be persuaded

Accepted Answer

The direct strategy is appropriate when readers are familiar with the topic, as it allows the report to present the main idea or conclusion upfront, making it easier for informed readers to quickly grasp the essential information.

Question 20

You are writing a short, routine report for your supervisor and want to use an informal writing style. Which of the following should you do?
A)Because you are writing to a superior, create a distance between yourself and the reader.
B)Avoid humour and figures of speech.
C)Use shorter sentences and familiar words.
D)Omit any colourful adjectives and adverbs.

Accepted Answer

Using shorter sentences and familiar words helps maintain an informal and clear writing style, making the report more accessible and easier to read.

Quiz 11: Reporting in the Workplace

Which of the following sentences uses the best writing style for a formal report?

In which of the following situations should the indirect strategy of organization be used for a business report?

When the conclusions and recommendations appear at the end of the report, what is the organizational strategy?

Which of the following reports would most likely be written using a formal writing style?

In what order are most informational reports organized?

Which of the following types of report provides data or findings, analyses, and conclusions?

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of business reports?

Which of the following is an example of an analytical report?

Which of the following types of report presents data without analysis or recommendations?

In what order are most analytical reports organized?

Which of the following is an example of an informational report?

You must write a business report for a client and want to use a formal writing style. Which of the following should you do?

Which of the following reports would most likely be written using an informal writing style?

In which of the following situations should the indirect strategy of organization be used for a business report?

Which of the following statements describes the function of business reports?

Which of the following types of reports would NOT be sent to someone outside the organization?

Which of the following do reports written in a formal writing style tend to project?

Which of the following should you avoid when writing a formal report in today's business environment?

In which of the following situations should the direct strategy of organization be used for a business report?

You are writing a short, routine report for your supervisor and want to use an informal writing style. Which of the following should you do?