Question 1

A work plan for a formal report should
A) be written after conducting primary or secondary research.
B) define terminology to be used in the report.
C) include a clear problem statement, a purpose statement, and a description of the research methods to be used.
D) identify the credentials of the report writer.

Accepted Answer

A work plan for a formal report should include a clear problem statement, a purpose statement, and a description of the research methods to be used. This helps to provide a clear direction for the report and ensure that it is well-organized and informative. Terminology definitions may be included in the report, but they do not need to be a part of the work plan. Similarly, the credentials of the report writer are not necessary in the work plan but may be included in the document itself. Primary or secondary research is typically conducted before the creation of a work plan.

Question 2

An effective proposal should do all of the following except
A) showcase the writer's expertise and build credibility.
B) emphasize how the writer's methods and products will benefit the reader.
C) get the reader's attention.
D) analyze findings, draw conclusions, and make recommendations intended to solve a problem.

Accepted Answer

An effective proposal should showcase the writer's expertise, emphasize how the writer's methods and products will benefit the reader, and get the reader's attention. However, option D is not necessarily a requirement for all proposals as some proposals may not be intended to solve a problem but rather to provide information or suggest improvements.

Question 3

Which of the following statements is most accurate?
A) Proposals are persuasive documents used to solve problems, provide services, or sell products.
B) Proposals are always solicited.
C) Proposals are informative documents used to share problems, identify emerging issues, and categorize available resources for resolution.
D) Proposals are developed for external audiences only.

Accepted Answer

Proposals are typically used to persuade an audience to take a certain action, whether it be to solve a problem, provide a service, or buy a product. While sometimes proposals may be solicited (requested by a specific audience), they can also be unsolicited (sent to an audience without prior request). Proposals are often developed for both internal and external audiences.

Question 4

The budget in a proposal should
A) reflect careful research because a proposal is a legal contract.
B) provide only rough estimates so that you can raise the price later if costs increase.
C) never itemize hours and costs, but offer only a total sum.
D) include a disclaimer to ensure that the budget is not legally binding.

Accepted Answer

The budget in a proposal should reflect careful research because a proposal is a legal contract. It should be itemized and clearly outline all expected costs and expenses, including hourly wages or other fees, so that both parties understand the financial commitment. It should also be realistic and reasonable, taking into account any potential unexpected expenses or changes in scope.

Question 5

Your boss asks you to write a formal report on the impact of smoking on employee healthcare costs. Like nearly every writer of a research project, you should begin your research by
A) reviewing secondary data in the library or on the Internet.
B) interviewing your colleagues to solicit their input and feelings.
C) preparing a questionnaire to distribute to your colleagues.
D) conducting a field experiment.

Accepted Answer

Reviewing secondary data in the library or on the Internet is the best choice to begin the research process as it allows you to gather existing information and knowledge on the topic, which can then guide your research questions and approach. It also helps you to identify gaps in the literature and potential areas for further exploration.

Question 6

All proposals should show the value and benefits of the product or services being recommended and
A) include free prizes or other gimmicks.
B) use easy-to-understand language.
C) be organized indirectly.
D) be organized directly.

Accepted Answer

The proposal should use easy-to-understand language to effectively communicate the value and benefits of the product or services being recommended to the audience. Including free prizes or other gimmicks is not necessary and can detract from the overall message. The organization of the proposal can be either indirect or direct as long as it effectively conveys the value and benefits.

Question 7

Although formal reports are similar to formal proposals, a primary difference is that
A) formal reports represent the end product of thorough research and data analysis.
B) formal reports use a more conversational tone.
C) formal reports are longer than formal proposals.
D) formal reports are organized indirectly.

Accepted Answer

Formal reports are the end result of thorough research and data analysis, while formal proposals are used to make a suggestion or request. Additionally, formal reports tend to have a more formal tone and are often longer than proposals. Formal reports are usually organized in a direct format.

Question 8

Tanika must prepare a formal report detailing the findings of a year-long study of her company's new wellness program. In this report she must discuss employee absenteeism before and after the program's implementation. What type of organizational pattern will she likely use?
A) Chronological
B) Spatial
C) Compare/Contrast
D) Importance

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate organizational pattern for comparing and contrasting the data on employee absenteeism before and after the implementation of the wellness program would be the compare/contrast pattern. This will allow Tanika to highlight any changes or improvements due to the program and show the effectiveness of the program.

Question 9

What is the best advice when writing a statement of purpose for a formal report?
A) Write a statement of purpose only for external formal reports.
B) Omit limitations to avoid a negative tone.
C) Use action verbs that tell what you intend to do.
D) Use vague language to allow for flexibility.

Accepted Answer

Using action verbs that tell what you intend to do will effectively communicate the purpose of the report and give it a more proactive tone.

Question 10

You can make the introduction of a proposal more persuasive if you
A) explain in great detail how much better you are than your competitors.
B) hint at the problem you will solve but avoid explaining the reasons for the proposal.
C) remain as vague as possible to keep the reader intrigued.
D) provide a "hook" such as mentioning a remarkable resource available exclusively to the writer.

Accepted Answer

Providing a compelling "hook" can capture the reader's attention and make them more interested in the proposal. It's important to highlight unique and exclusive resources or advantages that the writer possesses, as this can make the proposal more persuasive. Additionally, being too vague can lead to confusion and a lack of clarity, so it's important to provide enough detail to allow the reader to understand the proposal's purpose and potential benefits. Focusing too much on competitiveness can also be off-putting, so it's best to emphasize the proposal's strengths and benefits rather than drawing comparisons with competitors.

Question 11

Jeremy has decided to include a deadline for acceptance in his proposal to install energy-efficient workstations for a local manufacturer. In which section should Jeremy place the deadline?
A) Introduction
B) Background
C) Conclusion and authorization
D) Proposal

Accepted Answer

The deadline for acceptance should be placed in the conclusion and authorization section to emphasize the urgency of the proposal and encourage prompt action. Placing it in any other section may not have the same impact.

Question 12

Primary research data can be defined as
A) information that comes from reading what others have experienced and observed.
B) information gained from firsthand experience and observation.
C) statistics collected during the first stage of research.
D) data received from the World Wide Web.

Accepted Answer

Primary research data is information that is collected firsthand through observation and experience, rather than by reading about what others have observed or experienced.

Question 13

Logan has just completed the writing of a report on e-waste generated by his company. What should he do next?
A) Submit the report to his supervisor.
B) Analyze his audience.
C) Edit and proofread the report.
D) Celebrate for completing the report.

Accepted Answer

Before submitting the report to his supervisor, Logan should edit and proofread the report to ensure its accuracy, clarity, and readability. This will also help him to identify and correct any errors or inconsistencies in the report. Once the report has been edited and proofread, Logan can then submit it to his supervisor for review and feedback. Analyzing his audience and celebrating for completing the report can be done either before or after editing and proofreading the report.

Question 14

What is the first step in writing a formal report?
A) Selecting an appropriate layout and format
B) Researching primary and secondary data
C) Writing a purpose statement
D) Determining the length of the report

Accepted Answer

Writing a purpose statement is the first step in writing a formal report because it defines the objective and scope of the report, guiding all subsequent steps in the report writing process.

Question 15

In which part of a solicited proposal would you most likely convince your reader that you understand the problem completely?
A) Introduction
B) Background
C) Authorization
D) Budget

Accepted Answer

The Background section of a solicited proposal is typically used to demonstrate the proposer's understanding of the problem or need being addressed. This section may include a description of the current situation, any relevant history or context, and an analysis of the problem or need. Therefore, the most likely place to convince the reader that you understand the problem completely is in the Background section.

Question 16

In which section of an informal proposal would you most likely include a timetable for a project to be completed?
A) Staffing
B) Authorization
C) Budget
D) Proposal

Accepted Answer

The "Proposal" section of an informal proposal typically includes the project plan, which often contains the timetable or schedule for project completion.

Question 17

Chronological organization arranges ideas by
A) time.
B) order of importance.
C) physical location.
D) simple to complex.

Accepted Answer

Chronological organization arranges ideas in the order of time.

Question 18

A business would most likely write a request for proposal to
A) advertise openings for two sales positions.
B) attract new clients.
C) renovate offices.
D) interview job candidates.

Accepted Answer

A Request for Proposal (RFP) is typically issued by a business when it needs to procure a significant service or product, such as office renovations. This document invites suppliers to bid on a project, providing detailed specifications about the project requirements.

Question 19

Tyler is writing a report that analyzes the GlobalCom, Inc., market share of cell phone subscriptions worldwide by region. He will probably organize his report
A) chronologically by the date the cell phone subscriptions reached their maximums.
B) around extensive secondary data to assure the reader that he conducted adequate research before he wrote the report.
C) using a functional arrangement to show types of subscriptions globally.
D) geographically with sections representing each region's market share.

Accepted Answer

Tyler will probably organize his report geographically with sections representing each region's market share, as he is analyzing the market share by region. This will allow for a clear and organized presentation of the information.

Question 20

What should be included in the staffing section of an informal proposal?
A) Credentials and expertise of project leaders
B) List of projected costs
C) Copy of the RFP
D) Schedule or timetable of activities

Accepted Answer

The staffing section should include the credentials and expertise of the project leaders to demonstrate the qualifications of the proposed team. The list of projected costs and schedule or timetable of activities can be included in other sections of the proposal, and a copy of the RFP is not necessary in the staffing section.

Quiz 10: Proposals and Formal Reports

A work plan for a formal report should

An effective proposal should do all of the following except

Which of the following statements is most accurate?

The budget in a proposal should

Your boss asks you to write a formal report on the impact of smoking on employee healthcare costs. Like nearly every writer of a research project, you should begin your research by

All proposals should show the value and benefits of the product or services being recommended and

Although formal reports are similar to formal proposals, a primary difference is that

Tanika must prepare a formal report detailing the findings of a year-long study of her company's new wellness program. In this report she must discuss employee absenteeism before and after the program's implementation. What type of organizational pattern will she likely use?

What is the best advice when writing a statement of purpose for a formal report?

You can make the introduction of a proposal more persuasive if you

Jeremy has decided to include a deadline for acceptance in his proposal to install energy-efficient workstations for a local manufacturer. In which section should Jeremy place the deadline?

Primary research data can be defined as

Logan has just completed the writing of a report on e-waste generated by his company. What should he do next?

What is the first step in writing a formal report?

In which part of a solicited proposal would you most likely convince your reader that you understand the problem completely?

In which section of an informal proposal would you most likely include a timetable for a project to be completed?

Chronological organization arranges ideas by

A business would most likely write a request for proposal to

Tyler is writing a report that analyzes the GlobalCom, Inc., market share of cell phone subscriptions worldwide by region. He will probably organize his report

What should be included in the staffing section of an informal proposal?