.png){kind=icon}
Click on each question to check your answer.
1. What are the three key factors in writing an effective report?
To develop an effective report, writers need to focus on content, clarity, and skimmability.
2. What are distinguishing features of informal reports that differentiate them from formal reports?
Informal reports are usually under ten pages. They have a casual style and they use a personal tone and the occasional personal pronoun and contraction. They are written as letters or memos with dividing subsections marked by headings and subheadings. Formal reports by contrast are longer and include a table of contents, visuals, and appendices.
3. How do you decide whether to use the direct or indirect approach when writing a report?
The direct approach is used for routine, non-sensitive information about recurring activities and one-time situations that the reader will support or be interested in. The indirect approach should be used when the audience needs to be persuaded to accept the findings of the report.
4. Why should you use headings in a report?
Headings help the reader navigate the report and help organize information into easily understood chunks.
5. What are the differences between functional and descriptive headings?
Functional headings are basic, generic headings that can be used in almost any report. Descriptive headings are informative headings that provide specific information about the report content.
6. What are the three major steps in the report writing process?
The three major steps in the writing process are planning, researching/analyzing data and information, and composing and revising.
7. Why are visuals effective in reports?
Visuals can support or replace words, convey numerical information in a meaningful way, show information compactly and persuasively, and simplify complex data.
8. What is the difference between periodic and situational reports?
Periodic reports are written on a regular basis to explain recurring activities and their outcomes; situational reports are written for non-recurring situations, such as business trips/conferences or project progress.
9. What is the key difference between an informational report and an analytical report?
The key difference between an informational report and analytical report is that the purpose of informational reports is to collect data and present it clearly and directly, without analysis, conclusions, or persuasion. In contrast, the purpose of an analytical report is to pass on information with the intent of persuading readers to follow a specific course of action or recommendation that is supported by the reasoning of the report’s finding and conclusions.
10. What are the most common types of analytical reports?
Recommendation reports, feasibility reports, and yardstick reports are the main types of analytical reports.