Report Writing
Pre-Test Questions
Course Introduction
Report Writing is a course designed to develop students' skills in composing clear, structured, and effective reports for academic, business, and technical contexts. Through practical exercises and analysis of sample texts, students learn to plan, research, organize, draft, and revise various types of reports, including informational, analytical, and proposal documents. The course emphasizes audience awareness, objectivity, clarity, and appropriate use of language, enabling students to communicate complex information confidently and professionally in written form.
Recommended Textbook
Technical Communication 11th Edition by Mike Markel
Available Study Resources on Quizplus
21 Chapters
837 Verified Questions
837 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/study-set/3871 Page 2
Chapter 1: Introduction to Technical Communication
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77152
Sample Questions
Q1) Which of these is a measure of excellence in technical communication?
A) accuracy
B) terseness
C) plainness
D) celerity
Answer: A
Q2) Companies hiring technical professionals such as engineers, scientists, and programmers focus primarily on the technical abilities of the candidates they consider for employment.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q3) Chapter 1 identifies common reasons for creating technical documents. Which reason in the following list is NOT mentioned in the chapter?
A) to help others carry out a task
B) to change attitudes about a technology or an issue
C) to establish common knowledge in the marketplace
D) to help others make a decision
Answer: C
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 3
Chapter 2: Understanding Ethical and Legal Considerations
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77141
Sample Questions
Q1) Chapter 2 lists four factors governing the fair-use exemption, which allows you to use copyrighted material without permission under certain conditions. One factor is the nature and purpose of the copyrighted work. What are the other three factors?
Answer: The other three factors are the purpose and character of the use, especially whether the use is for profit; the amount and substantiality of the portion of the work used; and the effect of the use on the potential market for the copyrighted work.
Q2) Only professionals with management responsibilities have ethical responsibilities to the environment.
A)True
B)False
Answer: False
Q3) Fair-use guidelines apply to graphics just as they do to words.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 3: Writing Technical Documents
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77138
Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the options below is NOT one that Chapter 3 lists as a reason a writer should think during the planning stage about which is the best writing tool available?
A) because there has been a rapid increase in the number of composition tools available to writers
B) because certain composition tools are designed for those working in particular locations and devices
C) because certain composition tools contain advanced editing technologies that cut down on the need to proofread
D) because certain composition tools are designed for those writing collaboratively
Answer: C
Q2) Editing your documents is a way to show respect to your audience.
A)True
B)False
Answer: True
Q3) What are the two major ways to revise a document?
Answer: Studying the draft by yourself and seeking help from others
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 5
Chapter 4: Writing Collaboratively
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77137
Sample Questions
Q1) Chapter 4 offers seven suggestions for communicating diplomatically. Which of these is a suggestion from the chapter?
A) Avoid qualifier statements such as "I think . . . ." or "It seems to me . . . ."
B) Use strong language-it is better to appear overbearing than to appear weak and indecisive.
C) Follow your emotions if someone opposes you.
D) Ask pertinent questions.
Q2) one way to listen more effectively is to pay attention to the speaker. What are two other ways?
A) Listen for main ideas.
B) Take notes while the speaker is speaking.
C) Avoid getting emotionally involved with the speaker's ideas.
D) Tape-record what the speaker is saying.
Q3) one advantage of collaboration is that it helps acclimate new employees to an organization.
A)True
B)False
Q4) What is one of the advantages of collaboration mentioned in Chapter 4?
Q5) Is email a synchronous or an asynchronous medium of communication?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 6
Chapter 5: Analyzing Your Audience and Purpose
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77136
Sample Questions
Q1) Chapter 5 identifies seven categories of cultural variables "on the surface." One category is political. Which of these is NOT a category of surface cultural variables?
A) economic
B) social
C) religious
D) philosophical
E) technological
Q2) what should you do once you have analyzed your audience and purpose?
A) Begin drafting.
B) Conduct research.
C) Get management's approval.
D) Outline the document.
E) Complete an audience profile.
Q3) Which of these is an example of a workplace document?
A) a podcast about Internet servers
B) an oral presentation about selecting appropriate insurance coverage
C) a video describing how a piece of equipment works
D) All responses are correct.
Q4) Chapter 5 describes three categories of audience. What are they?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 7
Chapter 6: Researching Your Subject
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
39 Verified Questions
39 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77135
Sample Questions
Q1) What kind of information is found in a periodical index?
Q2) Government publications are not usually listed in indexes or by abstract services.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Which source reflects the highest degree of authority on the subject of shale-oil deposits in North America?
A) an article in an encyclopedia
B) an article in a national newspaper
C) an article in a journal for geological research
D) an article in a journal on public policy
Q4) What is the term for demographic information about individuals who use and follow social media?
A) big data
B) analysis
C) analytics
D) mined data
Q5) Chapter 6 lists five characteristics to consider when evaluating print and online sources. Name two of them.
Q6) What is the difference between secondary research and primary research?
Page 8
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 7: Organizing Your Information
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
39 Verified Questions
39 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77134
Sample Questions
Q1) where in your document should you put your main point if you expect that your audience will like what you have to say?
A) at the end of your document
B) after the middle of your document
C) near the middle of your document
D) early in the document
Q2) Of the options listed below, which is the most effective way to organize a document explaining which of three different trucks your company ought to buy for its fleet?
A) classification
B) comparison and contrast
C) spatial
D) chronological
Q3) It is often helpful to combine bases of classification or partition simultaneously when using that pattern to write a passage.
A)True
B)False
Q4) what is classification?
Q5) A proposal routinely makes use of which organizational pattern?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 9
Chapter 8: Communicating Persuasively
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77133
Sample Questions
Q1) Chapter 8 lists four characteristics that can help you establish an effective professional persona. One is cooperativeness. Which of the following characteristics are also listed in the chapter?
A) fair-mindedness
B) punctuality
C) moderation
D) self-control
E) modesty
Q2) It is most effective to present emotional appeals in isolation rather than in combination with other types of evidence.
A)True
B)False
Q3) crafting a persuasive argument involves six tasks. One is using the right kinds of evidence. What is another of the tasks listed in the chapter?
Q4) What type of argument restates the main point without presenting any evidence to support it?
Q5) Effective graphic design is an element of the tone of a document's argument. A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 10
Chapter 9: Emphasizing Important Information
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77132
Sample Questions
Q1) turning paragraphs into lists has four advantages for the writer. One is that it forces you to look at the big picture. What are two other advantages listed in the chapter?
Q2) using precise words will make a title more useful. What is an added benefit of using precise words?
Q3) A local bank uses this slogan in its advertising: "Integrity. Experience. Trust. Local." What about this slogan violates readers' expectations?
A) The items in the list are not parallel.
B) The list does not follow the general-to-specific pattern.
C) The hierarchy of the list is confusing.
D) None of the responses are correct.
Q4) Which of the following options is the best lead-in for a sentence list?
A) Our three main competitive advantages are:
B) The reasons are the following:
C) We offer advantages over the competition.
D) We offer three main advantages over the competition:
Q5) Chapter 9 discusses three techniques for dividing long paragraphs. One is to make the topic sentence a separate paragraph and split the supporting information into separate paragraphs. What are the other two techniques?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 11
Chapter 10: Writing Correct and Effective Sentences
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77151
Sample Questions
Q1) Which type of modifier lacks an antecedent?
Q2) A euphemism is a bit of shoptalk, a word or phrase that has a precise meaning to members of a particular group, organization, profession, or occupation but may have little meaning for people outside that group.
A)True
B)False
Q3) Where do real or conceptual subjects often get "buried" within confusing sentences?
A) in dangling modifiers
B) in prepositional phrases before weak verbs
C) in prepositional phrases following weak subjects
D) None of the responses are correct.
Q4) How should you punctuate a restrictive modifier?
A) Use commas to separate it from the rest of the sentence.
B) Use dashes to separate it from the rest of the sentence.
C) Add no extra punctuation.
D) Precede it with a comma and the word which.
Q5) Chapter 10 describes six techniques for avoiding sexist language. What are two of them?
Q6) What is a euphemism?
Page 12
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 11: Designing Print and Online Documents
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
39 Verified Questions
39 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77150
Sample Questions
Q1) Which of these is NOT a resource to consider when planning a document project?
A) accessibility
B) time
C) equipment
D) money
Q2) An estimated 50 percent of Internet users are nonnative speakers of English.
A)True
B)False
Q3) An inappropriate choice in which of following areas has the highest potential to confuse an international audience?
A) the thickness of the paper
B) the type of binding used
C) the pictures used as icons
D) the typeface chosen for body text
Q4) What is the design term for a straight line on a page or screen?
Q5) margins serve four main purposes within a document. Identify two.
Q6) Which principle states that the human eye is drawn to-and that the brain interprets-differences in appearance between two items?
Q7) What is the difference between a serif typeface and a sans-serif typeface?
Page 13
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 12: Creating Graphics
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77149
Sample
Questions
Q1) Chapter 12 suggests that you consider four factors when planning a graphic. One is your audience. What else should you consider?
A) the physical conditions in which readers will view the graphic
B) the kind of information you want to communicate
C) your purpose
D) All responses are correct.
E) None of the responses are correct.
Q2) what is the most important characteristic of an infographic?
Q3) Which of the following graphics would be best suited for showing the relative size of parts that make up a whole?
A) photograph
B) table
C) pie chart
D) flowchart
E) organization chart
Q4) Chapter 12 suggests that you consider four factors when planning a graphic. One is audience. Name two other factors you should consider.
Q5) Where is the stub located in a table?
Q6) Why is it important to either begin graph axes at zero or mark them clearly?
Page 14
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 13: Reviewing, Evaluating, and Testing Documents and Web Sites
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77148
Sample Questions
Q1) One principle of usability testing is that it permeates product development. What does that mean?
A) Designers and managers know that if a product fails the usability test given right before product launch, they will not be paid.
B) Once a product is permanently on the market, you no longer need to test it.
C) Conduct testing on prototypes, then conduct evaluations on final drafts.
D) You conduct testing in all stages of a product's development, not only at the end.
Q2) Which of the following statements effectively summarizes a main principle of usability testing?
A) A single usability test at the end of product development is better than three tests over time.
B) It is important to let usability testing come to you in the moment; do not overplan it.
C) Test the person using the manual, not the manual.
D) Test the manual, not the person using the manual.
Q3) what is a prototype?
Q4) In performing usability testing, why is it a bad idea to use your own company's employees as test participants?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 15
Chapter 14: Writing Correspondence
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77147
Sample Questions
Q1) Chapter 14 offers several guidelines for writing inquiry letters. One is to explain who you are and why you are writing. What is another guideline?
Q2) Your company intends to open a new office on the other side of the country. The goal is to expand the company's operations and move into some newer, more exclusive markets. This is a major step for the company, and you want your shareholders to be impressed. Which type of correspondence should you use to communicate with your shareholders?
A) memo
B) letter
C) email
D) microblog post
Q3) Which of the following best defines writing that projects the "you attitude"?
A) writing that clearly sets the responsibility for a problem on the reader
B) writing with the kind of tone and style that you would prefer in a letter you receive
C) writing that conveys defensiveness and self-protection
D) writing that addresses the reader as "you"
Q4) What is flaming?
Q5) Provide an example of a salutation.
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 16
Chapter 15: Writing Job-Application Materials
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77146
Sample Questions
Q1) In 2000, you received a B.S. in computer programming. Although you have had several jobs over the years, including positions at two major companies, your work history is irregular because you opted to stay at home with your two young children until they began elementary school. You now wish to return to the workforce but realize that the rapid changes in computer technology and your irregular work history may be a disadvantage. Which is the most appropriate strategy for dealing with your employment history in your résumé?
A) Omit the dates of employment.
B) Omit the dates of employment but explain in the application letter that you were out of the workforce because of child-care responsibilities.
C) Include the dates of employment and explain in the application letter that you chose to leave the workforce to care for your children.
D) Modify the dates of employment to eliminate the gaps.
Q2) Chapter 15 lists four questions you should ask before posting an electronic résumé on an Internet job board. One question is "Who has access to your résumé?" What is one of the other questions?
Q3) What are the four parts of the body of a job-application letter?
Q4) what does it mean to be a passive applicant?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 17
Chapter 16: Writing Proposals
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77145
Sample Questions
Q1) To be persuasive, proposal writers must demonstrate that they understand readers' needs. what other two things must they demonstrate?
Q2) Which of these is NOT a common deliverable for the end of a research project?
A) completion report
B) progress report
C) recommendation report
D) project report
Q3) What do the initials RFP stand for?
Q4) To be persuasive, proposal writers must demonstrate that they understand readers' needs. what two other qualities must they demonstrate?
A) that they are able to do what they plan to do
B) that they understand how the proposal/procurement process operates within a particular field or profession
C) that they are committed to fulfilling their promises
D) that they are well financed
Q5) Proposals have two kinds of deliverables. What are they?
Q6) What do the initials IFB stand for?
Q7) Which type of graphic best shows the interdependence among various tasks in a project?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 18
Chapter 17: Writing Informational Reports
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77144
Sample Questions
Q1) what are the two organizational patterns frequently used in progress reports?
Q2) What are two questions to consider when you address an informational report to people from other cultures?
A) How will your readers react to your choice of application?
B) How many years of English classes have your readers had?
C) How will your readers react to your writing style?
D) All responses are correct.
E) None of the responses are correct.
Q3) which of the options below is NOT an advantage of using a commercial template to record meeting minutes?
A) The note taker can enter the notes directly into his or her computer rather than typing up written notes afterward.
B) The form prompts the note taker to enter information he or she might have otherwise overlooked.
C) The template automatically distributes the minutes to all meeting attendees.
D) Because the template is a table, readers quickly become accustomed to reading it and locating the information they need.
Q4) What are the five basic formats for informational reports discussed in Chapter 17?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 19
Chapter 18: Writing Recommendation Reports
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77143
Sample Questions
Q1) You should always avoid recommending a course of action that is inconsistent with the conclusions you derived.
A)True
B)False
Q2) The results section of a recommendation report is most likely to contain which of the following kinds of information?
A) analyses
B) data
C) suggestions
D) summaries
Q3) Which of these is a limitation of a decision matrix?
A) It is less effective with decision criteria that are primarily qualitative and not quantitative.
B) It is less effective with decision criteria that are primarily quantitative and not qualitative.
C) Some readers may resist the bottom-line presentation of scores.
D) None of the responses are correct.
Q4) Into what two categories can criteria be classified?
Q5) In a decision matrix, which factor demonstrates a criterion's importance?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 20
Chapter 19: Writing Lab Reports
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77142
Sample Questions
Q1) In the context of a lab report, what does replicability mean?
Q2) You should write the sections of a lab report in the order in which they will appear in the report.
A)True
B)False
Q3) A written lab report is the primary evidence on which your audience will judge your credibility and skills as a researcher.
A)True
B)False
Q4) If you consulted a source during your research but you did not cite it, you should leave the source out of your references list.
A)True
B)False
Q5) Which of the following actions is unethical?
A) submission of relevant data
B) emphasis of relevant data
C) omission of uncited sources
D) omission of relevant data
Q6) What are author guidelines?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above. Page 21
Chapter 20: Writing Definitions, Descriptions, and Instructions
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77140
Sample Questions
Q1) there is no absolute distinction between a set of instructions and a manual.
A)True
B)False
Q2) You are writing a manual for a deep fryer designed for home cooks. Which statement would be appropriately set off with Note as a signal word?
A) Corn balls will be very hot when removed from the oil.
B) The fry zone is very hot when the power is on. To avoid serious burns, do not touch the fry zone while it is heated.
C) The fry basket can hold 4-6 small doughnuts at a time.
D) Do not attempt to fix the deep fryer while it is connected to a power source.
Q3) What is the function of a conventions section?
Q4) an effective process description fully describes which of the following?
A) a glossary
B) substeps
C) subplots
D) frames of reference
Q5) In what way is the definition "Booting a computer is when you turn it on" flawed?
Page 22
Q6) What are the three types of descriptions discussed in Chapter 20?
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Chapter 21: Making Oral Presentations
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
40 Verified Questions
40 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/77139
Sample Questions
Q1) how many times should you rehearse an extemporaneous presentation?
A) once
B) twice
C) three times
D) none; let the moment make it truly extemporaneous
Q2) What is an advance organizer?
A) a note card listing some of the major points of your presentation, prepared in advance as a memory aid
B) a stress-relief exercise that you perform in the last few minutes before you begin to speak, to shake off some of the nervousness that you will probably experience
C) an assistant or colleague who helps prepare the room to ensure that your audiovisual aids are working, the lighting and room temperature are appropriate, and sufficient seating is available for the audience
D) a statement that tells the listener what you are about to say
Q3) Because a presentation occurs only once, you must work harder to maintain and direct the audience's attention to what you say.
A)True
B)False
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.