Chapter 9—Informal Reports

1. Which of the following best distinguishes analytical reports from

informational reports?
A) Analytical reports provide numerical data, while informational reports provide
qualitative insights.
B) Analytical reports interpret data and offer recommendations, whereas
informational reports only present facts.
C) Informational reports use the indirect approach, while analytical reports follow the
direct approach.
D) Informational reports are structured using headings, while analytical reports do not
require organization.

2. Why might an organization prefer an indirect organizational pattern for a

report?
A) To quickly communicate key findings to a time-sensitive audience.
B) To present controversial conclusions in a way that minimizes resistance.
C) To enhance readability and reduce report length.
D) To follow a chronological sequence rather than a logical one.

3. In a justification/recommendation report, under what circumstances should

the direct approach be avoided?
A) When the audience is neutral or supportive.
B) When the report is intended for decision-makers.
C) When the reader is resistant to or skeptical of the recommendation.
D) When time constraints require quick decision-making.

4. Which factor has the least influence on the choice of report format?
A) The purpose of the report.
B) The intended audience.
C) The complexity of the topic.
D) The personal preference of the writer.

5. Which of the following statements about report headings is most accurate?

A) Headings should be formatted inconsistently to draw attention to key sections.
B) A report should avoid using headings when presenting highly technical content.
C) The hierarchy of headings should be clearly defined for logical navigation.
D) Headings should include full sentences to provide additional context.
6. A purpose statement in a report serves to:
A) Explain the methods used to collect data.
B) Provide a justification for the recommendations.
C) Define the reason for writing the report.
D) Summarize the report's main findings.

7. Which of the following sources is the least reliable for a business report?
A) A peer-reviewed journal article.
B) A company's internal financial records.
C) A Wikipedia page.
D) A government statistical database.

8. What distinguishes primary data from secondary data?

A) Primary data is collected firsthand, while secondary data is interpreted from existing
sources.
B) Secondary data is always more accurate than primary data.
C) Secondary data includes raw statistical information, while primary data consists of expert
opinions.
D) Primary data is used only in analytical reports, while secondary data is used in informa-
tional reports.

9. When analyzing feasibility, what is the most crucial factor to consider?

A) The length of the report.
B) The availability of secondary sources.
C) The practicality and advisability of the proposed action.
D) The complexity of the writing style.

10. Which of the following best explains why a yardstick report is effective?
A) It persuades decision-makers to choose a single option.
B) It ranks multiple alternatives based on a set of criteria.
C) It focuses only on the least expensive solution.
D) It avoids making a final recommendation.

11. What is a primary challenge of writing a justification report?

A) Avoiding numerical data.
B) Persuading a resistant audience.
C) Eliminating the need for visual elements.
D) Keeping the report informal.

12. When are executive summaries most useful?

A) When the report is short and informal.
B) When the audience is expected to read the full report.
C) When decision-makers need a quick overview of key findings.
D) When the report has no recommendations.

13. Why might a progress report avoid including future projections?

A) Progress reports focus solely on completed work.
B) Predicting future progress is unnecessary in business settings.
C) Projections may be speculative and could mislead stakeholders.
D) Progress reports do not include analytical elements.

14. Why should reports avoid using overly technical language?

A) It makes reports appear less credible.
B) It may confuse or alienate the intended audience.
C) It violates business communication principles.
D) Reports should always be written at an elementary level.

15. What is a major risk of relying too heavily on secondary sources?

A) They are time-consuming to collect.
B) They may not be tailored to the specific needs of the report.
C) They are always outdated.
D) They do not require citations.

16. Which factor is the most critical when determining whether a report
should use direct or indirect organization?
A) The length of the report.
B) The writer’s preference for structuring arguments.
C) The level of support or resistance from the audience.
D) The number of sources used in the report.

17. When would a manuscript-style report be most appropriate?

A) When sending a short report to a colleague.
B) When writing an in-depth analysis for external stakeholders.
C) When composing a quick email update.
D) When reporting meeting minutes to a small team.

18. What is the primary function of headings in a report?

A) To make the report appear longer and more structured.
B) To separate sections randomly and add visual variety.
C) To enhance readability by organizing information logically.
D) To replace the need for an executive summary.

19. A feasibility report is typically written to:

A) Justify a past decision.
B) Compare multiple alternatives without making a recommendation.
C) Evaluate the practicality of a proposed course of action.
D) Provide a historical analysis of business performance.

20. What is a major weakness of an informational report?

A) It does not include conclusions or recommendations.
B) It always requires primary data collection.
C) It follows an indirect organizational pattern.
D) It is subjective and lacks factual evidence.

21. Which scenario would most likely require a justification/recommendation

report?
A) A company evaluating its monthly sales performance.
B) A project manager summarizing ongoing work progress.
C) An employee proposing a new remote work policy.
D) A marketing team sharing customer survey results.

22. Why is consistency in heading styles important in a report?

A) It helps differentiate between sections and subsections.
B) It ensures the report meets legal standards.
C) It prevents the reader from skipping key sections.
D) It allows writers to avoid unnecessary subpoints.

23. In which situation would an indirect approach be most beneficial?

A) Presenting a summary of monthly financial performance to stakeholders.
B) Recommending a controversial policy change to skeptical executives.
C) Writing an email update about a completed project.
D) Delivering a report to a supportive team about their achievements.

24. Which of the following best describes the purpose of meeting minutes?
A) To evaluate the effectiveness of a meeting.
B) To summarize key discussions, decisions, and action items.
C) To provide legal documentation for corporate compliance.
D) To replace the need for follow-up meetings.

25. A well-structured yardstick report should:

A) Compare multiple solutions using a set of criteria.
B) Focus only on the cheapest alternative.
C) Present a single recommended option without alternatives.
D) Avoid using data-driven comparisons.