Technical Communication Fundamentals Chapter 5: Reports

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of including a project description in an introduction?

To define technical terms related to the project

To introduce the main topic of the report

To clarify the scope of the project

To provide background information on the project (correct)

What is the recommended approach for moving from facts to opinions in discussion sections?

Move abruptly from facts to opinions

Use transitional phrases to connect facts and opinions

Clearly separate facts and opinions into distinct sections

Gradually introduce opinions alongside facts (correct)

What is the primary purpose of using frequent headings and subheadings in discussion sections?

To break up long paragraphs and improve readability (correct)

To separate opinions from facts

To summarize main points or conclusions

To introduce new topics or subtopics

Where should excessive detail be placed in a formal report?

In appendices or supplementary materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of including scope information in an introduction?

To clarify the boundaries and limitations of the project Signup and view all the answers

Why are illustrations used in discussion sections?

To clarify complex information and illustrate key points Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of considering the report format in an introduction?

To inform readers of the report's structure and organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended strategy for breaking up long paragraphs in discussion sections?

Using listings or bullet points to organize information Signup and view all the answers

Where should the Letter or Memo of Transmittal be placed in a formal report?

Immediately after the title page Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element to include in a Letter or Memo of Transmittal?

A major point from the report Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Table of Contents in a formal report?

To reveal the report's emphases Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to proofread the Table of Contents carefully?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when creating a Table of Contents?

Leaving out low-level headings Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended format for entries in a Table of Contents?

Parallel form Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Letter of Transmittal?

To acknowledge those who helped with the report Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a well-organized formal report?

It has a logical organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of identifying the document's purpose when planning a report?

To understand the needs of the decision makers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a formal and informal report?

The organization and structure Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to separate fact from opinion in a report?

To add credibility to the report Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using illustrations in a report?

To clarify complex information and persuade the reader Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in planning a report?

Identify the document's purpose Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of editing a report?

To ensure accuracy and clarity Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of making text visually appealing in a report?

It helps the reader to understand the information more easily Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of outlining the main parts of the body in a report?

To organize the information in a logical and clear manner Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reports

General guidelines for reports include planning well before writing, separating fact from opinion, making text visually appealing, using illustrations for clarification and persuasion, and editing carefully.

Planning a Report

Identify the document's purpose, various types of readers, and needs and expectations of decision makers.
Outline the main parts to be covered in the body and plan strategies for writing an effective document.

Introduction in a Formal Report

State the purpose and lead into subsections.
Include a project description, scope information, and consider including information on report format.

Discussion Sections in a Formal Report

Move from facts to opinions.
Use frequent headings and subheadings, and listings to break up long paragraphs.
Use illustrations for clarification and persuasion, and place excessive detail in appendices.

Letter/Memo of Transmittal

Place the letter/memo immediately after the title page.
Include a major point from the report, acknowledge those who helped, and follow letter and memo conventions.

Make it very readable.
Use the contents page to reveal report emphases.
Consider leaving out low-level headings, list appendices, and use parallel form in all entries.
Proofread carefully.

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of reports in technical communication, including general guidelines and guidelines for informal reports. It's based on Chapter 5 of the book Technical Communication Fundamentals by W.S. Pfeiffer and K. Adkins.