Test Bank For Essentials of Business Communication 10th Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey

Test Bank For Essentials of Business Communication 10th Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey

1. Which of the following statements about reports in today’s business environment is most accurate?
a. Business writers now deliver reports orally, electronically, or digitally.
b. Efficient reporting plays an important role in helping organizations sift through data and make decisions.
c. Business reports range widely in length, purpose, and delivery mode.
d. All answer choices reflect accurate statements about reports in today’s business environment.
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Although business reports range widely in length, purpose, and delivery mode, they help organizations sift through data and make major decisions. They are also delivered in many different formats: orally, electronically, and digitally.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: p. 264
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04
TOPICS: Reporting in the Digital Age
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Comprehension

2. Reports that present data without analysis or recommendations are
a. informational reports.
b. analytical reports.
c. cost-benefit analysis reports.
d. justification reports.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: An informational report presents data without analysis or recommendations.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 265
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04
TOPICS: Reporting in the Digital Age
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Knowledge

3. Which of the following is most likely to be written as an informational report?
a. A recommendation from the Information Technology Department that your company install a wireless network
b. A feasibility study addressing possible tuition reimbursement for employees
c. A comparison of five handheld communication devices that your company might purchase
d. A summary of information presented at a recent conference for technical writers
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: An informational report presents data without analysis or recommendations. A report summarizing information presented at a conference for technical writers is most likely to be written as an informational report. All other examples would require analysis or recommendations.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: p. 265
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07
TOPICS: Reporting in the Digital Age
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Application

4. Reports that provide data or findings, analyses, and conclusions are
a. informational reports.
b. analytical reports.
c. summaries.
d. progress reports.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Analytical reports provide data, analyses, conclusions, and, if requested, recommendations. Analytical reports may also intend to persuade readers to act or to change their beliefs.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 265
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.04
TOPICS: Reporting in the Digital Age
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Knowledge

5. Which of the following reports is an example of an analytical report?
a. A report summarizing the details of a recent seminar you attended
b. A report recommending an antiterrorism security system for mass transit
c. A report outlining the new company procedure for reporting workplace injuries
d. A report showing state budget allocations for education
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: An analytical report provides data, analyses, conclusions, and recommendations. A report recommending an antiterrorism security system for mass transit is an analytical report. All other examples represent informational reports.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: p. 265
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.02
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07
TOPICS: Reporting in the Digital Age
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Application

6. The direct strategy of organization is appropriate for a business report when readers
a. need to be educated.
b. must be persuaded.
c. are informed.
d. may be disappointed or hostile.
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: The direct strategy is helpful when readers are informed, supportive, or eager to have the results first. Other answer choices reflect reasons to use the indirect strategy.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 266
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.03 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.03
TOPICS: Reporting in the Digital Age
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Knowledge

7. When you organize an informational report directly, in what order should the ideas be presented?
a. Introduction/background, facts/findings, and summary
b. Introduction/background, summary, and facts/findings
c. Summary, introduction/background, and facts/findings
d. The direct strategy presents ideas in any order for maximum effectiveness and flexibility.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: When the organizational strategy is direct, reports open with an introduction/background, followed by the facts/findings and a summary.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 266
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06
TOPICS: Reporting in the Digital Age
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Knowledge

8. The indirect strategy of organization is appropriate for a business report when readers
a. are supportive of the topic.
b. must be persuaded.
c. are familiar with the topic.
d. want to know the results immediately.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: The indirect strategy is helpful when readers must be persuaded or educated. The indirect strategy is also useful when readers may be disappointed in or hostile toward the findings. Other answer choices reflect reasons to use the direct strategy.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 266
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.03 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.03
TOPICS: Reporting in the Digital Age
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Knowledge

9. When you organize an analytical report indirectly, in what order should the ideas be presented?
a. Introduction/problem, conclusions/recommendations, facts/findings, and discussion/analysis
b. Introduction/background, facts/findings, and summary
c. Introduction/problem, facts/findings, discussion/analysis, and conclusions/recommendations
d. The indirect strategy does not follow a set order of ideas.
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: When the conclusions and recommendations, if requested, appear at the end of the report, the organizational strategy is indirect. Such reports usually begin with an introduction or description of the problem, followed by facts and explanations. They end with conclusions and recommendations.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 266
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06
TOPICS: Reporting in the Digital Age
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Knowledge

10. An informal writing style includes
a. contractions (for example, wouldn’t, don’t, they’re).
b. second-person pronouns (for example, you and your).
c. mainly passive-voice verbs.
d. longer sentences.
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: An informal writing style includes first-person pronouns, contractions, active-voice verbs, short sentences, and familiar words.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: pp. 266-269
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06
TOPICS: Reporting in the Digital Age
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Knowledge

11. Which of the following constructions uses the best writing style for an informal report?
a. James, Deloitte, and Wilts, Inc., after extensive review of references and credentials of contractors, has elected to contract with Peck Builders for the new office complex.
b. We’re pleased to announce the selection of Peck Builders as general contractor for our new office complex.
c. After conducting an exhaustive search of building design elements and cost-efficiency data, the company has verified the qualifications of Peck Builders.
d. The findings demonstrate the imperative of selecting a fully qualified and bonded contractor for the new building project of James, Deloitte, and Wilts, Inc.; that contractor is Peck Builders.
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: An informal writing style includes first-person pronouns, contractions, active-voice verbs, short sentences, and familiar words. The answer choice that best demonstrates this style is “We’re pleased to announce the selection of Peck Builders as general contractor for our new office complex.”
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: pp. 266-269
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.06
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07
TOPICS: Reporting in the Digital Age
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Application

12. Which of the following sentences demonstrates active-voice verbs?
a. Superior writing skills are required by many employers.
b. Employee use of e-mail was monitored by management.
c. Research indicates a correlation between strong writing skills and promotions.
d. The proposals were carefully reviewed by the screening committee.
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: Using active-voice verbs is one way you can demonstrate an informal writing style. Only “Research indicates a correlation between strong writing skills and promotions” demonstrates active-voice verbs.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
REFERENCES: pp. 266-269
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.01 – 09.01
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.05 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.05
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07
TOPICS: Reporting in the Digital Age
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Application

13. The format of a report depends primarily on
a. its topic, recommendations, and organizational pattern.
b. the writer’s command of the English language.
c. its length, topic, audience, and purpose.
d. the amount of time the writer devotes to the writing process.
ANSWER: c
RATIONALE: The format of a report is governed by its length, topic, audience, and purpose.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 269
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01
TOPICS: Report Formats and Heading Levels
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Knowledge

14. You are writing a short informal report that you will send to one of your customers. Which format would be most appropriate?
a. Letter format
b. Memo or e-mail format
c. Manuscript format
d. Preprinted form
ANSWER: a
RATIONALE: Use letter format for short informal reports addressed outside an organization. Letter reports usually are longer and show more careful organization than most letters. They also include headings.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 269
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07
TOPICS: Report Formats and Heading Levels
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Application

15. You are writing a short informal report that will stay inside your organization. Which format would be most appropriate?
a. Letter format
b. Memo or e-mail format
c. Manuscript format
d. Preprinted form
ANSWER: b
RATIONALE: Memo or e-mail format would be most appropriate for a short informal report that will stay within your organization.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 269
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07
TOPICS: Report Formats and Heading Levels
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Application

16. You work for a development firm and must explain to a customer the results of a year-long study of potential sites for new stores. In what format should you develop this report?
a. Memo or e-mail format
b. Preprinted form
c. Letter format
d. Manuscript format
ANSWER: d
RATIONALE: Manuscript format is appropriate for longer, more formal reports such as the results of a year-long study.
POINTS: 1
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: p. 269
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ESBC.GULO.16.09.02 – 09.02
NATIONAL STANDARDS: United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.01.01
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.06
United States – BUSPROG.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07 – DISC.ESBC.GULO.16.06.07
TOPICS: Report Formats and Heading Levels
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Application