10 Chapter Basics of Report Writing
True/False Questions
1. As defined in the text, a report is any casual, routine exchange of information in
business.
Answer: False Page: 294 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The text definition limits reports to orderly communications.
2. According to the textbook definition, business reports are restricted to the formally
prepared written papers used in the conduct of business.
Answer: False Page: 294 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: They may range from formal to informal.
3. The objective quality of a report is its unbiased approach to the facts presented.
Answer: True Page: 294 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Objectivity is defined this way on this page.
4. A department head orally presents to the company's board of directors a summary of
her section's expenditures for equipment and maintenance for the year. Her
presentation can be classified as a report.
Answer: True Page: 294 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Reports may be written or oral.
5.
When you have been assigned a report problem, you should write a statement of the
problem to be solved before you begin any research.
Answer: False
Page: 294
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: As this page says, you will need to do some preliminary investigation before you
can write a well-informed problem statement.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
6. Once you have written a clear problems statement, it is important not to go back and
change it in the middle of your research.
Answer: False
Page: 295
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: As this page says, you may find, as you continue in your research, that you will
need to change your conception of the problem.
7. Problem statements may be worded as infinitive phrases, as declarative statements, or
as questions.
Answer: True Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: These three forms of problem statements are discussed here.
8. In general, there is no one best grammatical form for writing the statement of a report
problem.
Answer: True Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The textbook suggests three acceptable forms.
9.
The infinitive phrase form for stating the problem is best in business reports.
Answer: False Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: As noted here, report writers can use any of the three forms--infinitive
phrases, questions, or declarative statements--to state the problem in a report.
10. The question form for stating the problem is best in business reports.
Answer: False Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: As noted here, report writers can use any of the three forms--infinitive
phrases, questions, or declarative statements--to state the problem in a report.
11. The declarative statement for stating the problem is best in business reports.
Answer: False Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: As noted here, report writers can use any of the three forms--infinitive
phrases, questions, or declarative statements--to state the problem in a report.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
12. An illustration of a problem statement in the form of an infinitive phrase is
"Absenteeism in the Chicago Office is increasing and management wants to know
why."
Answer: False Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: This is a declarative form of the problem statement.
13. Report writers should state a report problem in several forms to ensure that they have
the correct meaning.
Answer: True Page: 295 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Stating the problem in several forms helps the writer to get the purpose of
the report in clear terms before proceeding in the report process.
14. Subtopics of the main subject will usually be the factors to be investigated for an
information report.
Answer: True Page: 295-296 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: This type of problem analysis is discussed here.
15. The factors covered for an information report are usually hypotheses about a problem.
Answer: False Page: 296 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Hypotheses are more appropriate for problem-solution reports than for
informational reports.
16. When gathering information from the Internet for business reports, report writers have
little need to pay attention to source reliability because electronic sources are equal in
quality.
Answer: False Page: 298 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 4
Rationale: Information quality varies widely on the Internet.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
17. Any time you conclusively disprove a hypothesis, your investigation of a given
problem is at an end.
Answer: False Page: 296 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: You should advance new hypotheses whenever old ones are disproved.
The problem still needs to be solved, even if one explanation has proven erroneous.
18. When you advance tentative explanations to a problem, you are advancing hypotheses.
Answer: True Page: 296 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Hypotheses are defined as tentative explanations.
19. A thorough testing of the possible explanations for a problem is called an evaluation
study.
Answer: False Page: 296 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: This kind of testing is hypothesis testing. An evaluation study uses bases of
comparison.
20. When the objective of a problem is to evaluate something, the investigator determines
the bases for the evaluation.
Answer: True Page: 296 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Evaluations and comparisons are made this way.
21. When the objective is to evaluate something, the researcher determines the problem
factors to explore by stating possible hypotheses.
Answer: False Page: 296 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Hypotheses are not directly involved in such problems. Instead, the
researcher determines the characteristics to be evaluated as well as the criteria to be
used.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
22. Hypothesis-testing would be the most useful form of analysis for a problem
concerning which of three job applicants should be hired.
Answer: False Page: 296 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: The problem would require an evaluation study. The problem factors here
would be the characteristics to be evaluated.
23. When gathering information for a report, you should avoid all personal knowledge and
other informal sources of information.
Answer: False
Page: 297
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: As this page says, knowledge of your field of work is probably one reason you
were assigned the report. You should use any sources of information that can yield
helpful information about the report problem.
24. There is no room for interpretation in reports. For the sake of objectivity, you should let
the facts speak for themselves.
Answer: False
Page: 298-299
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Facts often do not speak for themselves. It is the report writers job to interpret
the gathered data in light of the specific business problem to be solved.
25. After exhaustive secondary research, a report writer found not one word of support for
an incentive plan the company was considering. The report writer was correct in
concluding the plan would not work.
Answer: False Page: 299 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: The plan may not work, but the report writer cannot be certain. It is a
common error to interpret a lack of evidence as proof to the contrary.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
26. A report writer found that for many years Country A had dominated competition in
one international sport and Country B was far down in this activity. The report writer
was correct in concluding that interest in the sport was greater in Country A.
Answer: False Page: 299-300 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Possibly noncomparable data are being compared. Country B could be
small and could have a strong interest in the sport. Its small population may limit its
success in international competition. (Also relevant here are the common errors
described in points 5, 7, and 8.)
27. In working for a judicial attitude, the report writer assumes a role like that of a
prosecutor and vigorously argues the case.
Answer: False Page: 300 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: The report writer assumes the role of the judge, not the prosecutor.
28. The negative test of interpretation consists of questioning a conclusion on the basis of
ones experience with similar cases.
Answer: False Page: 301 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: This is the test of experience.
29. Your research is a failure if it does not result in conclusions that are final and certain.
Answer: False Page: 299 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: There are some questions to which there are no definite or final answers.
30. Citizens who have not spoken out against a resolution can be assumed to be in favor of
it.
Answer: False Page: 299 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: You cannot interpret the lack of evidence as proof to the contrary.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
31. When the changes in two sets of data are closely correlated over time, the data have a
cause-effect relationship.
Answer: False Page: 300 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: A cause-effect relationship must be based on more that an association.
32.
To avoid appearing indecisive, report writers should avoid such words as may be
and suggest.
Answer: False
Page: 300
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: As point 8 on this pages says, it is important not to overstate ones claims
in a report. Any claim for which there is not conclusive information should be stated
in qualified language.
33.
You should not explain any statistical tests or concepts used in a report, or else you
will insult your readers intelligence.
Answer: False
Page: 301
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: As this page says, readers often need at least brief explanations of
statistical techniques used in reports.
34. Heading 2.1.1 in the decimal outline system corresponds to heading II., A., 1. in the
conventional system.
Answer: True Page: 302-303 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Both are the first item on the third level of an outline (under the first
second-level heading under the second major heading).
35.
You should not start to write your report until you have prepared an outline that
conforms to one of the two accepted formats.
Answer: False
Page: 303, 306
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: An outline is largely a tool to help the writer. The time to turn it into a
formal, perfectly formatted outline is usually when you are turning it into the table of
contents for a report.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
36. When periods of time form the basic headings in an outline, the time periods must be
equal in length.
Answer: False Page: 303 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: They should be comparable in importance but not necessarily equal in
length.
37. When time is used as the basic plan of organization, the sequence may be past to
present, present to past, or possibly some other order.
Answer: True Page: 303 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: All are possibilities, depending on the situation.
38. If a report on a company's operations for the year is to be organized by departments,
an appropriate basis for constructing the outline could be place (geographical
location).
Answer: True Page: 303-304 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Department have locations and are logical divisions of the company.
39. If a report comparing two products for a particular purpose were organized by the
standards of judging the products (price, durability, performance, etc.), it would be an
example of organization by factors.
Answer: True Page: 305 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The bases of comparison are the factors in this problem.
40. The most logical plan for organizing a report on whether or not a company would
profit by manufacturing a new product is one based on quantities.
Answer: False Page: 304-305 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: A factor division (production facilities, financial considerations,
competition, etc.) would be an appropriate plan for this kind of report problem.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
41. If a report cannot be organized on the basis of time, place, or quantity, a factor basis
must be used.
Answer: True Page: 305 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Every report can be organized by at least one of the four conventional
relationships of data--or a combination of them.
42. In organizing a problem, the writer should consider logical divisions by time, place,
quantity, or factor but not any combinations of these four possibilities.
Answer: False Page: 305-306 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Combinations of time, place, quantity, and factor can be logical and
desirable.
43. An outline based on a combination of place-quantity division is illogical.
Answer: False Page: 305-306 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Various combinations are possible, including this one, which is exemplified
on page 305.
44. In constructing an outline, if multiple ways of dividing up the information are
possible, those not used for the main headings may serve as bases for the second and
third levels of the outline.
Answer: True Page: 306 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: All possibilities may be considered at every level of division.
45. A report seeking to determine the best of three machines for a particular production
job would be organized best with a main heading for each machine.
Answer: False Page: 306 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: This is a comparison problem and is best organized by the bases of
comparison, as the example on this page shows.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
46.
You should always use either the conventional or decimal outlining system in a
reports table of contents.
Answer: False
Page: 307
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: As this page says, most readers have come to prefer the more streamlined
look of tables of contents that use form and placement, not outlining systems, to
indicate how the parts of the report relate to each other.
47. Topic headings merely identify the topic of discussion.
Answer: True Page: 307 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: This statement matches the definition given in the text.
48. Topic headings are inappropriate in today's business reports.
Answer: False Page: 307 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Report writers have a choice of using topic or talking headings.
49. Talking (popular) headings do not identify the subject they cover.
Answer: False Page: 307 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: They identify the subject and say something significant about it.
50. The rule of parallel construction of headings means that all equal-level headings (those
in one area of division) must be of the same grammatical form.
Answer: True Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: This is the definition of parallelism given here.
51. If heading A under II is a sentence, headings B and C under II can be any other form
of talking headings.
Answer: False Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: They also must be sentences.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
52. In applying the rule of parallel construction to heading wording, if heading I is a
sentence, headings II and III should also be sentences.
Answer: True Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Equal-level captions must be parallel.
53.
According to the rule of parallel construction, if A and B under I are ing phrases,
headings A, B, and C under II must also be ing phrases.
Answer: False
Page: 309
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: As this page says, most authorities permit varying the form from one
section to another.
54. It would not be a violation of parallelism to word heading III as a noun phrase, A and
B headings under it as sentences, and heading IV as a noun phrase.
Answer: True Page: 309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Equal-level headings should be parallel, but they do not necessarily need to
be parallel with headings at other levels.
55. The use of talking headings tends to lessen the chance that monotonous repetition of
words will occur.
Answer: True Page: 309 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: It is unlikely that successive sections would be presenting similar or
identical data. Thus, headings that describe their contents are not likely to be similar.
56. Talking headings should be the shortest possible word arrangements that also meet the
talking requirement.
Answer: True Page: 309 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: This point is discussed in the section on conciseness.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
57. One good way of ensuring variety of expression in outline headings is to repeat words
wherever possible.
Answer: False Page: 309 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Such repetition produces a monotonous effect, which is not desirable.
58. Because they are more informative, long sentences are a highly desirable form of
talking headings.
Answer: False Page: 309 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Sentences are acceptable, but they should be as short as possible while still
getting the key point across.
59.
Because writing is time consuming, you should try to do as little writing as possible
before you actually write a report.
Answer: False
Page: 310
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: As this page and earlier ones imply, much writing occursand should
occurbefore one actually drafts a report.
60.
The beginning and ending of a report are more likely to be read than the detailed
information in the body.
Answer: True
Page: 310
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: As this page says, the beginnings and endings of reports are the most
frequently read sections.
61.
It is usually considered in poor taste to state the significance of your findings in a
report, since most report readers can be counted on to figure that out for themselves.
Answer: False
Page: 311
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Busy readers appreciate clear communication of the reports main findings
and their significance.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
62.
In the interest of efficiency, you should try to make the first draft of a report as perfect
as possible.
Answer: False
Page: 310
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: As this page and Chapter 5 point out, the perfect-draft strategy is usually
counterproductive. The wiser goal for a draft is to get the pieces stitched together in
good order.
63. Objective writing is writing that stresses facts rather than the writer's opinions, biases,
and attitudes.
Answer: True Page: 311 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: This is the definition provided.
64. Objective writing requires the use of third-person pronouns.
Answer: False Page: 311 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Third-person writing does not guarantee truth, and use of second and first
person need not compromise the objectivity of the report.
65. Writing in impersonal style means writing with an emphasis on the first and second
person (I, we, you, etc.).
Answer: False Page: 311 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The opposite (third person) fits this definition.
66. One major disadvantage of impersonal writing is that it cannot be made interesting.
Answer: False Page: 311 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: It can and should be made interesting.
67. Personal writing is appropriate in some business reports.
Answer: True Page: 311 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: It is appropriate and is widely used in many report situations, especially the
informal ones.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
68. One drawback of impersonal writing is that it requires exclusive use of passive voice.
Answer: False Page: 311-312 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Impersonal writing can use active as well as passive voice.
69. The decision whether to use personal or impersonal writing style should be based on
the circumstances of each report situation.
Answer: True Page: 311 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Here, as with virtually all writing decisions, adaptation is key.
70. The impersonal style is used in most formal report writing situations.
Answer: True Page: 311 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: It is the style generally considered best for formal situations.
71. Present-time viewpoint in a report means that all verbs are consistently worded in the
present tense.
Answer: False Page: 312 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: It means that all facts are placed in their true position in time at the time of
writing. Thus, past, present, or future tense may be appropriate.
72. In the past-time viewpoint, the writer assumes that all the data collected as well as the
research and writing are past events.
Answer: True Page: 312 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: This kind of consistency is described on this page.
73. In writing a formal report, you should make use of an appropriate transition word or
phrase at the beginning of each new paragraph.
Answer: False Page: 313 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Transition words should not be used arbitrarily or mechanically. They
should be used when needed.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
74. Topic sentences strategically placed can contribute to the transition of the report.
Answer: True Page: 313-314 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Such sentences help connect the network of thoughts in a report.
75. Transitional words are words that elaborate or illustrate.
Answer: False Page: 313 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: They are words that bridge (relate) ideas.
76. An excellent illustration of transitional sentences is the following: "In the last section
cost factors were discussed. In this section production problems will be reviewed."
Answer: False Page: 313 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: This is an unimaginative, mechanical transition, similar to the negative
example provided in the text.
77. Transition elements may appear at the beginning of a discussion of a new topic but not
at the end of the topic concluded.
Answer: False Page: 313 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: They may appear at either place.
78. Placing a topic sentence at the beginning of a paragraph can be an effective transition
technique.
Answer: True Page: 313-314 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: A topic sentence provides not only transition but also emphasis.
79. Transitional words and phrases are used only to show relationships between the major
sections of the report.
Answer: False Page: 313-315 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: They are often needed to relate the lesser parts (clauses, sentences,
paragraphs) to each other.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
80. Interest is the most important criterion in effective report writing--more important than
the information itself.
Answer: False Page: 315 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The effective report writer must be careful that the style of writing does not
distract the reader.
81. A well-written report is one that attracts the reader's attention primarily to the writing
style.
Answer: False Page: 315 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The reader's attraction should be to the contents, not to the writing style.
82. The combined talents a of diverse group of experts are likely to produce a document
better than any one of the members could produce alone.
Answer: True Page: 316 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 7
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The specialized knowledge each expert brings to the process is more than
most individuals have.
83. While group writing requires certain special logistics, the steps for group report writing
are essentially the same as those for individual report writing.
Answer: True
Page: 317-318
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 7
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: While this fact is not explicitly stated, the recommended stages of the reportwriting process for individuals are repeated almost exactly for group report writers (determine
purpose, identify factors of the problem, gather information, interpret the data,
organize/outline, draft, and revise).
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
Multiple Choice Questions
84. Of the three forms of problem statements discussed, one appears in the list below.
Mark it.
A) Gerund phrase
B) Infinitive phrase
C) Noun phrase
D) Expository report
E) Talking caption
Answer: B Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The infinitive phrase is one of the three forms.
85. Mark the problem statement that is not worded in one of the three basic forms
discussed.
A) To determine why productivity is declining in Department X
B) Why is productivity declining in Department X?
C) The decline of productivity in Department X
D) To determine the causes of the decline of productivity in Department X
E) Productivity is declining in Department X and management wants to know why.
Answer: C Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Both a and d are infinitive phrases; b is a question; and e is a declarative
statement. This leaves c, which is not in a recommended form and does not express a
goal.
86. Mark the problem statement below that is worded as a declarative statement.
A) To determine why company sales have declined.
B) Why have company sales declined?
C) Company sales have declined and management wants to know why.
D) What is the reason for the decline of company sales?
E) To investigate the cause of decline in company sales.
Answer: C Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The others are either infinitive phrases or questions.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
87. A researcher can use which three forms to state the problem in a business report?
A) Infinitive phrase, factor phrase, hypothesis
B) Gerund phrase, infinitive phrase, hypothesis
C) Infinitive phrase, question, declarative statement
D) Declarative statement, hypothesis, noun phrase
E) Question, noun phrase, hypothesis
Answer: C Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: These are the forms recommended in the chapter.
88. Mark the statement that describes what the investigator should do after proving that a
hypothesis is false.
A) End the search
B) Test other hypotheses
C) Estimate the probable results
D) Test the hypothesis again
E) Rewrite the problem statement and continue the research
Answer: B Page: 296 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Hypothesis testing continues until a researcher explains the problem.
89. Possible explanations for or solutions to a problem are termed
A) Bases of comparison
B) Factors
C) Hypotheses
D) Subfactors
E) Criteria
Answer: C Page: 296 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: By definition, such possible explanations are hypotheses.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
90. In determining the factors in a problem of choosing the best equipment for a
production task, the investigator selected such topics as cost, durability, and
performance. He/she was using the following as the basis for his/her problem factors:
A) Hypotheses
B) Subtopics
C) Problem statements
D) Questions
E) Bases of comparison
Answer: E Page: 296-297 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: These areas clearly are the bases of comparison in this problem.
91. Which of the following ways to state a problem is best for an information report using
subtopics?
A) Infinitive phrase
B) Question
C) Declarative statement
D) Infinitive phrase and question
E) No one way is superior to the others.
Answer: E Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: No one best way exists to state the problem in a business report. All forms-infinitive phrases, questions, and declarative statements--should give a problem
statement with equal clarity and the same intended meaning.
92. Which of the following ways to state a problem is best for a report requiring solutions
based on hypothesis testing?
A) Infinitive phrase
B) Question
C) Declarative statement
D) Infinitive phrase and question
E) No one way is superior to the others.
Answer: E Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: No one best way exists to state the problem in a business report. All forms-infinitive phrases, questions, and declarative statements--should give a problem
statement with equal clarity and the same intended meaning.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
93. Which of the following ways to state a problem is best for an evaluation report using
bases of comparison?
A) Infinitive phrase
B) Question
C) Declarative statement
D) Infinitive phrase and question
E) No one way is superior to the others.
Answer: E Page: 294-295 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 1
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: No one best way exists to state the problem in a business report. All forms-infinitive phrases, questions, and declarative statements--should give a problem
statement with equal clarity and the same intended meaning.
94. The most valuable kind of information for a report is
A) Personal experience
B) Results of formal experiments
C) Library research
D) Survey findings
E) It depends on the situation.
Answer: E
Page: 297
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 2
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: As this page explains, you should gather the kind of information that is most
appropriate for the particular report problem.
95. In the report-writing process, interpretation can come into play
A) When defining the problem
B) When assessing the sufficiency of the gathered data
C) When deciding what readers will find important and relevant
D) When deciding what conclusions to draw and/or recommendations to make
E) All of the above
Answer: E
Page: 298-299
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: The writers analysis and judgment are required at every step.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
96. You have used earnings records to prove that people in a city are much better off
economically than people in a rural area. The fallacy in your interpretation is
A) Illogical cause-effect conclusion
B) Unreliable data
C) Unrepresentative data
D) Oversimplification of the problem
E) Bias
Answer: D Page: 299-300 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Earnings would be a cause but wouldnt be the only determinant. There is
no evidence in the problem as presented to suggest your data are unreliable or
unrepresentative. And there is nothing to suggest you may be biased for or against city
or country dwellers.
97. You can find no evidence that Mrs. Catherine McMurry is a good credit risk.
Therefore, you conclude she is a poor risk and turn down her application for credit. Which
fallacy is most likely to undermine the validity of your decision?
A) Post hoc fallacy
B) Bias in interpretation
C) Acceptance of lack of evidence as proof to the contrary
D) Comparison of noncomparable data
E) Unreliable data
Answer: C Page: 299-300 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: It could be that Mrs. McMurry has yet to establish a credit record, so you
have no way of knowing whether she is a good or poor risk. We would hope you have
no bias. There are no other important factors identified here and no cause-effect
involved.
98. Which of the following statements best describes the negative test of interpretation?
A) Questioning knowledge from the past
B) Examining opposing interpretations
C) Examining interpretations in light of past experiences
D) Applying statistical measurements
E) Testing with models
Answer: B Page: 301 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: The negative test consists of constructing an opposing interpretation for
each interpretation made and then examining the two interpretations in the light of the
information available.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
99. Statistical aids to interpreting data include
A) Measures of central tendency
B) Measures of dispersion
C) Ratios
D) Probabilities
E) All of the above
Answer: E Page: 301 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 3
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: All of these techniques are identified. For details, you will have to consult a
statistics text.
100. Mark the best basis for the main headings of a report with the objective of
recommending a promotion plan for a company.
A) Factor
B) Time
C) Place
D) Quantity
E) None of these
Answer: A Page: 303-305 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: The factors to be considered are the logical basis of organization. The
problem has little time, place, or quantity possibilities.
101. Mark the best basis for the main headings of a report on the progress of constructing
of a new manufacturing plant.
A) Place
B) Quantity
C) Time
D) Place-quantity
E) Time-place
Answer: C Page: 303-305 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Neither place nor quantity applies. A progress report can be arranged by
units of the time period covered. It could be arranged by factors (areas of construction,
such as electrical, plumbing, masonry, etc.), but this possibility is not listed.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
102. Mark the point of error in the following portion of a report outline.
A) III. Ford leads in overall economy
B) A. Ford has edge in fuel cost
C) 1. Chevrolet and Saturn are about the same
D) B. Saturn has best repair record
E) C. Incidental cost differences are negligible
Answer: C Page: 303 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: A one-item subdivision is illogical. Organizing is a division process; after
an area is divided, it has at least two parts.
103. Making an outline for a report can be helpful because
A) it helps you plan a logical structure for your report
B) it enables you to share your report plan with others
C) it can serve as the basis for the reports table of contents
D) it makes drafting the report easier and more efficient
E) all of the above.
Answer: E
Page: 301, 303, 306 Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: All these advantages are mentioned in the chapter.
104. Mark the point of error in the following portion of an outline.
A) III. Performance Comparisons
B) A. Evaluation of Safety Features
C) 1. Car A Is Best Equipped
D) a. All Lacking in Standard Equipment
E) 2. Acceleration Gives Car C Extra Benefits
Answer: D Page: 303 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: The a. under 1. is a one-item subdivision, which is contrary to the concept
of organizing by dividing described in the chapter.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
105. Which of following statements most correctly explains the sequence requirements of a
report organized by time?
A) Present to past order only
B) Past to present only
C) Past to present or present to past only
D) Any logical order of time
E) Past to future or future to past only
Answer: D Page: 303 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Variations are possible although present to past and past to present are the
rule.
106. If one of these headings is not grammatically parallel with the others, mark it. If all are
parallel, mark E.
A) Initial cost high
B) Durability above average
C) Safety a plus factor
D) Operating expense high
E) All are parallel.
Answer: E Page: 309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: All are sentences with the verb (is) omitted.
107. If one of the following headings is not consistent with the others in terms of content,
mark it. If all are consistent, mark E.
A) Slow growth in the early 1900's
B) Rapid acceleration in the roaring 20's
C) Stagnation in the Great Depression years
D) Boom years of World War II
E) All are consistent
Answer: E Page: 303-305 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: All four describe growth by time period. Thus, they are consistent.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
108. The outline heading that is inconsistent with the others in terms of content is
A) Chicago has the highest growth pattern
B) California gains at a steady pace
C) Growth is erratic in Ohio
D) Iowa has lost momentum
E) Michigan records steady losses
Answer: A Page: 303-305 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: The places in this place division are not comparable. Chicago is a city; the
other places are states.
109. Which one of the following outline headings is not consistent with the others?
A) Record turnout in northern counties
B) Average interest in eastern sector
C) Above average interest statewide
D) Declining activity in western counties
E) Scant interest in southern section
Answer: C Page: 303-305 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: All are places, but one is a state and the others are sections of the state.
110. Mark the outline heading that is not parallel in construction with the others.
A) Adequacy of natural gas
B) Nearness to raw materials
C) Abundance of skilled labor
D) High tax rate is a problem
E) Availability of adequate transportation
Answer: D Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Only D is a sentence.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
111. Which of these headings is not parallel in construction with the others?
A) Wilson leading in sales productivity
B) Kennison has the best training record
C) Cannon is most stable
D) White shows all-around competency
E) Dawkins has a mediocre record
Answer: A Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: All are complete sentences except this one.
112. If one of the following outline headings violates the predominant grammatical pattern,
mark it. If all are parallel, mark E.
A) High sales in Southeast
B) Midwest is continuing to show gains
C) Activity in West declining
D) Eastern productivity at a standstill
E) All are parallel.
Answer: B Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Only one is a sentence; the others are missing the verb.
113. If one of these four headings is not logically consistent with the other three, mark it.
A) Struggle for survival in the 1930's
B) Prosperity in war years
C) Interpretations of successful operations
D) Stability through the 1950's and 1960's
E) Struggle for survival in the 1970's
Answer: C Page: 303-305 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: All except one have a time element. Obviously, the subject is divided on
the basis of time.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
114. Which one of the following outline headings is not logically consistent with the
others?
A) Record production in Los Angeles
B) Little chance in Chicago
C) Slow increase in Detroit
D) Slight loss in Houston
E) New production techniques tested
Answer: E Page: 303-305 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: Four headings show place division; one is a factor division.
115. Mark the heading that is not parallel with the others.
A) Leading position of the East
B) Runner-up status of Midwest
C) Close third rank of Far West
D) Rapidly gaining South ranks fourth
E) Last position of Mountain States
Answer: D Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Only one is a sentence; the other headings are noun phrases.
116. One of the following headings is not parallel with the others. Mark it.
A) Slight increase in bank debits
B) Freight loadings increase slightly
C) Postal receipts remain unchanged
D) Construction activity stabilizes
E) Retail sales reach new high
Answer: A Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Four headings are complete sentences (note the verbs), and one is a noun
phrase.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
117. Mark the heading that is not consistent with the others. The headings cover the
question of transportation facilities for cities being considered for the location of a
new plant.
A) Abletown has best all-around facilities
B) Baker City holds second position
C) Cape Point has best port facilities
D) Danville's facilities are inferior
E) All cities have comparable tax rates
Answer: E Page: 303-305 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: All headings except one are based on a place division; one is a factor
division.
118. Which one of these headings is not parallel with the others?
A) Morale is declining
B) Absenteeism a problem
C) Equipment wears out
D) Breakdowns are occurring
E) Production is lagging
Answer: B Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: All but one are sentences; one is missing the verb (is).
119. Which one of the following headings is not parallel with the others?
A) Formula D gives a low yield
B) Slight gain with Formula C
C) No change results from Formula B
D) Formula A yields a moderate increase
E) Formula E produces a bumper crop
Answer: B Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: All but one are sentences (note the presence of verbs), and one is a noun
phrase.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
120. Mark the parallelism error among the headings from a report section covering the
factors to be considered in introducing and selling a new product.
A) Production facilities are available.
B) Consumer demand high
C) Marketing system adequate
D) Necessary finances sufficient
E) Product design competitive
Answer: A Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: All are incomplete sentences (verb omitted) except A, which is a complete
sentence.
121. Which, if any, of the following four headings is not parallel with the others? If all are
parallel, mark E.
A) Increasing costs of housing
B) Leveling off of food expenses
C) Declining costs of clothing
D) Recreation costs increased
E) All are parallel.
Answer: D Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: All are noun phrases except D, which is a sentence.
122. If one of the following headings is not logically consistent with the others, mark it. If
all are consistent, mark E.
A) Negative attitudes are evident in District 1
B) Unconcern prevails in District 2
C) Outlook is positive in District 3
D) Attitudes are related to advertising policy
E) All are consistent
Answer: D Page: 303-305 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: The first three show a place division; the fourth concerns a factor.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
123. Which, if any, of the following four headings is not consistent with the others in terms
of content coverage? If all are consistent, mark E.
A) Standstill experienced in Gulf Coast area
B) Moderate gains evident along Atlantic Seaboard
C) Production costs at record levels
D) Sharp gains enjoyed in Southwest
E) All are consistent
Answer: C Page: 303-305 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: All are based on a place division except C, which is based on factor.
124. Which, if any, of the following four headings is not consistent? If all are consistent,
mark E.
A) The early yearsbefore 1910
B) Period of rapid growth1911 to 1939
C) Years of stability1940 to 1970
D) Period of prosperity1980 to present
E) All are consistent
Answer: E Page: 303-305, 308-309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 4
AACSB Standard: 3
Rationale: All are based on a time division (and all are grammatically parallel).
125. If one of these headings is not grammatically parallel with the others, mark it. If all are
parallel, mark E.
A) District A leads in sales
B) District B ranks second
C) District D sales a close third
D) District C sales lags far behind
E) All are parallel
Answer: C Page: 308-309 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 5
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: All are sentences except C, which is missing the verb (are).
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
126. From the choices listed below, pick the most important function of a report introduction.
A) To clearly state the purpose of the report.
B) To convey the writers confidence in the findings.
C) To convey the limitations of the research methods used.
D) To say who authorized the report.
E) To announce how the report will be organized.
Answer: A Page: 310-311
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Saying clearly what problem you studied and why is more important than the other
possible goals.
127. Which of the following is not true of effective impersonal writing?
A) May use passive voice
B) Likely to be dull and awkward
C) Doesnt use I or you
D) More formal
E) All are true.
Answer: B Page: 311 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Writing in the impersonal style does not need to be dull or awkward.
128. The comment that does not support the case for personal writing in reports is that
A) Personal writing is more forceful and direct
B) Personal writing is more interesting
C) Personal writing can be objective
D) Personal writing emphasizes passive voice
E) All support the case
Answer: D Page: 311 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Personal writing does not emphasize passive voice. The contrary is true.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
129. When you use the past time viewpoint in your report, you may use present tense verbs
for
A) A preceding section
B) Prevailing concepts and proven conclusions
C) Research findings
D) Research methodology
E) Problem history
Answer: B Page: 312 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: One of the two exceptions to the general use of past time viewpoint is a
reference to prevailing concepts and proven conclusions.
130. Using present time viewpoint requires that verbs should
A) All be in present tense
B) All be in past tense
C) Be in whatever tense places each fact in its proper place in time at the time of
writing
D) All be in the past, except for projections
E) All be in the present, except for projections
Answer: C Page: 312 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The present time viewpoint places every fact in its logical position in time
at the time of writing.
131. Which word group does not show the same transitional relationships as the others?
A) On the other hand . . . .
B) In spite of . . . .
C) In contrast . . . .
D) In like manner . . . .
E) On the contrary . . . .
Answer: D Page: 315 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: All show contrast except one, which shows likeness.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
132. What relationship is shown by the transitional word or words in this sentence: "The
Mills Company, for example, has had such a program for the past eleven years"?
A) Contrast
B) Cause-effect
C) Likeness
D) Explanation or elaboration
E) Listing or enumerating of subjects
Answer: D Page: 315 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The transitional words for example further elaborate the topic just
discussed.
133. What relationship is shown by the transitional word or words in this sentence:
"Similarly, Crompton has outstanding qualities"?
A) Contrast
B) Cause-effect
C) Likeness
D) Explanation or elaboration
E) Listing or enumerating of subjects
Answer: C Page: 315 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The transition word similarly explains how Crompton is like the topic
previously discussed.
134. What relationship is shown by the transitional word or words in this sentence: "The
requirements for updating the southern site, however, are simple"?
A) Contrast
B) Cause-effect
C) Likeness
D) Explanation or elaboration
E) Listing or enumerating of subjects
Answer: A Page: 315 Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 6
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: The transition word however explains how the southern site contrasts with
another site on the matter of updating.
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Chapter 10 Basics of Report Writing
135. If one of the following is not a reason for collaborative writing, mark it. If all are
reasons, mark choice E.
A) Report quality improves due to specialized knowledge of group members.
B) Group writing serves the social needs of the group members.
C) Combined talents of group members will probably produce a better report than
one written separately by individuals.
D) Assigned work to different members reduces the time needed for a project.
E) All of the above.
Answer: B Page: 316 Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 7
AACSB Standard: 1
Rationale: Although some would argue that being social is a natural occurrence in a
group, business reports are economic projects. Having fun can be a byproduct of the
experience, but it is not the major objective of the project.
147