28 Questions
What is a formal report more likely to be referred to as?
Feasibility study
Where does the Summary appear in a formal report?
Immediately after the title page
What is the purpose of the Summary in a formal report?
To encourage readers to continue reading the report
When should the Summary of a formal report be written?
After the rest of the report has been written
What is the recommended size for illustrations in a report?
Smaller than a full page
Why should Conclusions and Recommendations not offer surprises?
To present no new information
How should Conclusions be presented?
In descending order of importance
What voice should be used when writing Recommendations?
Active voice
What should the reference list in a report include?
All sources cited in the body of the paper
How should reference list entries be formatted?
Alphabetized by the last name of the first author
What type of information should be included in the Appendix?
Complex analyses and statistics
How should appendices be labeled?
With a capital letter if there are multiple appendices
What is the recommended format for Tables & Figures in a report?
Check list format
What is the recommended line spacing for the reference list?
Double-spaced
Why should the Appendix contain complex analyses and statistics?
To avoid interrupting reading continuity
What should be the first line of each entry in the reference list?
Indented one-half inch from the left margin
What does the Introduction section of a report typically include?
Background, Purpose, and Scope of the project
Why is the Discussion section of a report considered crucial?
It must be clear, avoiding technical jargon and meeting readers' expectations
Why is it important to identify the primary readers when planning a report?
To tailor the report accordingly and meet the readers' needs
What do readers expect besides facts in a report?
To know how the facts are derived
Why should headings be included in a report?
To help readers assess the hierarchy of information
What purpose does a table of contents serve in a report?
Helps readers find specific information and see how the report is organized
What should be avoided when writing a report?
Underestimating or overestimating readers' knowledge
Why should illustrations be chosen and inserted carefully in a report?
To enhance the report's clarity and effectiveness
What is the primary purpose of the Executive Summary in a report?
To provide a brief overview of the entire report
Why is it important to avoid technical jargon in the Discussion section of a report?
To ensure clarity and meet readers' expectations
What should the report's content be tailored according to?
The needs and expectations of the primary readers
Why should the scope of a project be included in the Introduction section of a report?
To provide context and understanding of the project
Study Notes
Report Writing Essentials
- A table of contents helps readers find specific information and see how the author has organized the report.
- The Introduction includes the Background, Purpose, and Scope of the project.
- The Discussion section is crucial and must be clear, avoiding technical jargon and meeting readers' expectations.
- Common pitfalls in report writing include underestimating or overestimating readers' knowledge.
- Identifying the primary readers and planning the report accordingly is essential.
- Readers not only want facts but also want to know how they are derived.
- Headings in the report help readers assess the hierarchy of information.
- Illustrations should be chosen and inserted carefully in the report.
Test your knowledge of report writing essentials with this quiz. From the structure of a report to common pitfalls and best practices, this quiz covers everything you need to know to create clear, organized, and effective reports.
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