1. Which of the following statements is accurate?

a. Proposals are persuasive documents used to solve problems, provide services, or sell
equipment.
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.
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

2. A company might prepare a proposal for which of the following reasons?

a. To show its compliance with Homeland Security rules and regulations
b. To solicit competitive bids for a new building
c. To inform company shareholders of an attempted hostile takeover
d. To bid for a contract to retrofit a local bridge
ANSWER: D
TYPE: MC

3. An RFP (request for proposal) can best be defined as

a. a document that solicits competitive bids on a project.
b. an offer to provide a service, sell equipment, or solve a problem.
c. an internal report justifying a request for additional staffing and equipment.
d. a persuasive sales presentation emphasizing benefits for the reader.
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

4. A business would be most likely to write a request for proposals

a. to advertise openings for two sales positions.
b. to attract new clients.
c. to renovate offices.
d. to begin expansion in global markets.
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

5. In addition to an introduction, the background information, and the proposal itself, informal or letter
proposals often contain
a. staffing requirements, a budget, and an authorization request.
b. service dates, applicable laws and statutes, and a signed contract.
c. a bill for services rendered and a signed contract.
d. free prizes and other gimmicks.
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

6. 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.
ANSWER: D
TYPE: MC

7. Which of the following is the best tip to fight writer's block when writing proposals?
a. Drink a lot of coffee to make your mind sharp.
 b. Begin by making a bulleted list of customer wants and needs.
c. Make a list of personal benefits you will receive after receiving the contract.
d. Type anything because proposals must adhere to deadlines.
ANSWER: B
TYPE: MC

8. 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
ANSWER: B
TYPE: MC

9. 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
ANSWER: D
TYPE: MC

10. What may be included in the staffing section of an informal proposal?

a. Credentials and expertise of project leaders
b. Size and qualifications of support staff
c. Resources such as computer facilities
d. All may be included in the staffing section.
ANSWER: D
TYPE: MC

11. 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.
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

12. 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. Authorization request
d. Proposal
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

13. The main differences between informal and formal proposals are
a. the primary and secondary audiences.
b. the style and need for correctness.
c. identification of resources used and placement of documentation.
d. format and length.
 ANSWER: D
TYPE: MC

14. Although formal reports are similar to formal proposals, a primary difference is that
a. formal reports represent the end product of thorough investigation and analysis.
b. formal reports use a more conversational tone.
c. reports are written for internal audiences only.
d. more formal reports are written than formal proposals.
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

15. What is the first step in preparing to write a formal report?

a. Analyze your audience.
b. Research primary and secondary data.
c. Define the project and limit its scope.
d. Determine the length of the report.
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

16. 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. Do all of these choices when writing statements of purpose.
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

17. 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 you get from the Web.
ANSWER: B
TYPE: MC

18. 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.
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

19. Although researchers are increasingly using electronic data, you should learn to use print resources
because
a. electronic sources are never considered as reliable as books and magazines.
b. print sources provide primary data and electronic sources provide secondary data.
c. some data is available only in print.
d. audiences respect only writers who include data from print sources.
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

20. What type of print resource provides excellent historical data?

 a. Periodicals
b. Bibliographic indexes
c. Brochures
d. Books
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

21. Many researchers today begin by looking in electronic databases because

a. they know that all data found in electronic databases is valid and reliable.
b. electronic databases are always a free resource if you have Internet access.
c. it is easy to cite sources found in an electronic database.
d. electronic databases are convenient to use.
ANSWER: D
TYPE: MC

22. Which statement about the World Wide Web is accurate?

a. The Web always provides accurate, credible information.
b. The Web is a collection of hypertext pages that offer information and links of trillions of
pages.
c. The number of Web sites is now decreasing after reaching its peak of 235 million sites.
d. Only certain individuals or organizations are permitted to post on the Web.
ANSWER: B
TYPE: MC

23. Searching the Web requires a(n)

a. e-mail address.
b. Web browser.
c. handheld wireless device.
d. master's degree.
ANSWER: B
TYPE: MC

24. Which statement about search tools is accurate?

a. A search tool is also called a Web browser.
b. A search tool is a service that indexes, organizes, and often rates and reviews Web pages.
c. Bing is currently the most-used search tool.
d. A search tool helps to protect the user's computer against viruses and malware as the user
conducts Web searches.
ANSWER: B
TYPE: MC

25. What is the best advice for conducting an Internet search?

a. When connecting to a search tool for the first time, always read the FAQs (Frequently
Asked Questions), Help, and How to Search sections.
b. Use one search tool only so that you can master it.
c. Use all uppercase letters for your searches.
d. Include articles and prepositions in search phrases to make searches more specific.
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

26. A blog is
a. an online diary or journal that allows visitors to leave public comments.
b. a computer virus that frequently appears from Web sites such as Facebook and MySpace.
c. a collection of hypertext pages that offer information and links.
 d. an electronic information storage base that users access via computer and search digitally.
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

27. Which of the following is a primary data source?

a. Periodicals
b. Electronic databases
c. Blogs
d. Experimentation
ANSWER: D
TYPE: MC

28. Surveys, which are used to collect firsthand data, have many advantages. One advantage is that
a. those who respond to mailed or online surveys exactly represent the overall population.
b. respondents can be relied on to respond openly and truthfully to anonymous surveys.
c. data can be gathered economically and efficiently.
d. return rates for online and mailed surveys are typically over 90 percent.
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

29. Brittany is writing a business report about protecting workplace data and will be conducting an
interview with a data security expert. What is the best advice you can give her?
a. Call before the interview to confirm the arrangements, and then arrive on time.
b. Learn about the individual she is interviewing, and research the background and
terminology of the topic.
c. Use open-ended questions rather than yes-or-no questions to draw out the responses from
the expert.
d. Brittany should complete all these steps.
ANSWER: D
TYPE: MC

30. Plagiarism
a. involves using good data from reputable sources to increase your credibility and to
enhance the logic of your reasoning.
b. happens in only academic settings.
c. is the act of using others' ideas without proper documentation or by paraphrasing poorly.
d. is restating an original passage in your own words.
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

31. Which of the following statements about documenting data is not accurate?
a. Documenting data can strengthen your argument.
b. Documenting data protects you from charges of plagiarism.
c. Documenting data is not necessary if you put the information in your own words.
d. Documenting data helps the reader pursue the topic further.
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

32. Which of the following statements would need to be documented in a report?

a. Tornadoes caused extensive loss of property and lives in Missouri.
b. You can get an idea of how dangerous a tornado is by its rating.
c. Damaging winds, common in strong tornadoes, caused problems for the residents of
Missouri.
d. The Fujita-Pearson tornado scale rates tornadoes with wind speeds of 261 to 318 miles
 per hour as F5 storms.
ANSWER: D
TYPE: MC

33. Paraphrasing is
a. restating an original passage in your own words.
b. repeating the grammatical structure of the original passage.
c. replacing original words with appropriate synonyms.
d. indicating the source of the original work.
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

34. Which of the following is not a purpose for a direct quotation?

a. To duplicate exact wording before criticizing an idea
b. To repeat identical phrasing because of its precise wording
c. To add length to a researched document
d. To provide objective background information
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

35. Which of the following is the best advice about the use of direct quotations in a report?
a. Beware of overusing quotations because you may appear as if you have no ideas of your
own.
b. If you use a direct quotation, don't dilute its impact by summarizing it or introducing it in
your own words.
c. Place the direct quotation in quotation marks, but change a few words to show you have
your own ideas.
d. Direct quotations do not need to be placed in quotation marks if the audience is already
familiar with the quote such as "The buck stops here."
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

36. What is the correct order of ideas for a report using the indirect strategy?
a. Recommendations, findings, and conclusions
b. Conclusions, findings, and recommendations
c. Findings, conclusions, and recommendations
d. Recommendations, conclusions, and findings
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

37. Chronological organization arranges ideas by

a. time.
b. order of importance.
c. physical location.
d. simple to complex.
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

38. 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
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

39. 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.
ANSWER: D
TYPE: MC

40. Logan is creating an outline to help him write a report on e-waste generated by his company. What
advice should he follow?
a. Include the outline as part of the final report so that his audience can quickly see his
organizational pattern.
b. Create a balanced outline with exactly the same number of subpoints and details for each
main point.
c. Avoid placing only one subpoint under a main idea.
d. Avoid using the main points used on the outline as main headings in the written report.
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

41. Yolanda must include a long table in a report she is preparing on employee Internet use. What advice
should she follow when creating the table?
a. Avoid distracting her readers with shading.
b. Place the table as close as possible to its text discussion.
c. Leave missing data blank.
d. Because the emphasis is on the data, avoid the use of headings for each row.
ANSWER: B
TYPE: MC

42. The major advantage of line charts is that they

a. compare related items.
b. present large amounts of data.
c. show the proportion of parts to a whole.
d. demonstrate trends.
ANSWER: D
TYPE: MC

43. What type of graphic illustrates changes in data over time?

a. Line chart
b. Flowchart
c. Bar chart
d. Table
ANSWER: C
TYPE: MC

44. In her letter to policyholders, Min Yi needs a graphic depicting the procedure a policyholder follows
when filing a claim. Which of these would be most appropriate?
a. Organizational chart
b. Flowchart
 c. Illustration
d. Table
ANSWER: B
TYPE: MC

45. Which statement about pie charts is accurate?

a. Pie charts are most useful for technical audiences.
b. Pie charts are most appropriate for showing percentages.
c. Pie charts are more flexible than bar or line charts.
d. Pie charts can be confusing to readers because of the use of multiple colors.
ANSWER: B
TYPE: MC

46. Which of the following is the best advice when using graphics in reports?
a. Don't overuse color because too much color can be distracting and confusing.
b. Don't introduce a graphic; a good graphic should communicate clearly itself.
c. Avoid summarizing the main point of the graphic.
d. Avoid the use of headings on a graphic.
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

47. What is the purpose of a letter or memo of transmittal?

a. To present an overview of the report
b. To provide a list of sources used within the report
c. To introduce the writer of the report
d. To designate the parts of the report
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC

48. What advice should you follow when preparing a table of contents?
a. Avoid leaders (spaced or unspaced dots) on a table of contents to avoid confusing the
reader.
b. Include all headings for a long report on the table of contents.
c. Include a list of figures on the table of contents.
d. Wait until you have completed the report before writing the table of contents.
ANSWER: D
TYPE: MC

49. The discussion of findings in a report should do all of the following except
a. use graphics to illustrate key points and findings.
b. use first-person pronouns.
c. analyze and interpret the research findings or solution.
d. present evidence to justify your conclusions.
ANSWER: B
TYPE: MC

50. What information is included in the appendix in of a formal report?

a. Surveys
b. Sources mentioned in the report
c. Recommendations based on the report findings
d. Author's credentials
ANSWER: A
TYPE: MC
51. Proposals are informative documents used to educate readers.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

52. Proposals may be internal or external, but most proposals are external.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

53. External proposals may be solicited or unsolicited, but most proposals are unsolicited.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

54. RFP stands for "Required Formal Procedures."

ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

55. Informal proposals are often presented in short (two- to four-page) letters.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

56. Most proposals begin by explaining briefly the reasons for the proposal and by highlighting the
writer's qualifications.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

57. To make the introduction of your proposal persuasive, include a "hook" that focuses on the audience's
specific needs and benefits.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

58. In a solicited proposal, your goal is to convince the reader that a problem exists.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

59. If you are responding to a request for proposal (RFP), avoid using the same language of the RFP as
doing so will show a lack of creativity.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

60. Don't include a deadline for acceptance in the budget section of a proposal because doing so puts too
much pressure on the reader.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

61. A proposal represents a legal contract.

ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

62. Companies today prefer online proposals.

ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

63. The main differences between formal and informal proposals are tone and language use.
ANSWER: FALSE
 TYPE: TF

64. Like proposals and informal reports, formal reports begin with a definition of the project.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

65. The first step in preparing a report is to conduct research.

ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

66. Secondary data come from reading what others have experienced and observed.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

67. An advantage of secondary data over primary data is that secondary data are easier and cheaper to
develop.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

68. Books provide historical, in-depth data; however, periodicals provide limited but current coverage.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

69. If you find information on the Web, you can be assured that it is reliable.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

70. To efficiently locate information using the Internet, use two or three search tools and combine
keywords into phrases.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

71. Businesses should avoid using social networking sites to generate research because these sites serve
entertainment and leisure purposes only.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

72. Both observation and experimentation produce firsthand data to clarify cause and effect.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

73. When you conduct an interview, prepare closed-ended questions to make the interviewee feel relaxed
and at ease.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

74. The only reason to document sources in a report is to avoid charges of plagiarism.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

75. Documenting data is necessary only when writing long reports and proposals.
 ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

76. If you paraphrase (put information in your own words), you did not need to credit the information
source.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

77. Information that is common knowledge requires no documentation.

ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

78. If you are worried about plagiarizing, you can avoid the problem if you use the grammatical structure
of the original and just replace words with synonyms.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

79. Katrina has decided to organize her business report using the direct organizational pattern. Therefore,
she should begin the report with her conclusions and recommendations.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

80. A report discussing the correct procedure to process customer complaints should be organized using a
chronological order.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

81. Most writers agree that the clearest way to show the organization of a report is by recording its
divisions in an outline.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

82. Avoid the use of graphics in a report because graphics usually confuse readers.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

83. Probably the most frequently used visual aid in reports is the table.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

84. The major advantage of line charts is that they show changes over time, thus indicating trends.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

85. Avoid referencing graphics in the text of your report; the visual should speak for itself.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

86. The title page is a prefatory part of a business report.

ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

87. If included with a report, a letter or memo of transmittal should be written using the indirect pattern.
ANSWER: FALSE
 TYPE: TF

88. The body of a formal report typically includes an introduction; the discussion of findings; and a
summary, conclusions, or recommendations.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

89. The recommendations of a report may be placed in a separate section or incorporated with the
conclusions.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

90. Regardless of the referencing format used, citations include the author, title, publication, date of
publication, page number, and other significant data for all sources used in the report.
ANSWER: TRUE
TYPE: TF

91. Graphics should incorporate lots of color and decorations to provide visual impact for readers.
ANSWER: FALSE
TYPE: TF

92. Informal proposals are sometimes called ____________________ proposals.

ANSWER: letter
TYPE: FB

93. In the ____________________ section, your aim is to discuss your plan for solving the problem.
ANSWER: proposal
TYPE: FB

94. The ____________________ section promotes the credentials and expertise of project leaders and
support staff.
ANSWER: staffing
TYPE: FB

95. The planning of every report begins with a statement of ____________________ that describes the
goal, significance, and limitations of a formal report.
ANSWER: purpose
TYPE: FB

96. A(n) ____________________ is a collection of information stored electronically so that it is accessible

by computer and digitally searchable.
ANSWER: database
TYPE: FB

97. A(n) ____________________ tool is a service such as Google that indexes, organizes, and often rates
and reviews Web pages.
ANSWER: search
TYPE: FB

98. An online diary or journal that allows visitors to leave public comments is called a weblog or
____________________.
ANSWER: blog
TYPE: FB
 99. ____________________ is giving credit to your information sources.
ANSWER: documentation
TYPE: FB

100. Business reports often rely on ____________________ data from firsthand experience such as
surveys, interviews, observations, and experimentations.
ANSWER: primary
TYPE: FB

101. Using the ideas of someone else without giving credit is called ____________________ and is
unethical.
ANSWER: plagiarism
TYPE: FB