CH22 - The Rhetorical Nature of Reports Flashcards
What is a report?
A transmission of any information.
This definition indicates that reports can be both written and oral.
What is a more detailed definition of a report?
An account of your investigation into a subject, presented in a written document or oral presentation that has conventional formatting.
What are the different forms that reports can take?
Reports can be:
* written
* oral
* informal
* formal
* semi-formal
* persuasive
* informative
* form reports
What percentage of their time can engineers spend writing reports?
20% to 95% of their time.
What are the two main categories of reports?
Informative reports and persuasive reports.
What is an informative report designed to achieve?
To establish your credibility so the audience accepts the facts.
What is a persuasive report designed to achieve?
To persuade the audience to accept the facts and potentially change their thinking and actions.
Fill in the blank: Reports can be presented either ______ or ______.
[orally] or [in writing].
What is a form report?
A form that you fill out to report something, typically requiring concise statements.
What is an example of a form report?
Tax return, incident report, expense report.
What type of report is created when applying for a job?
Job application report.
What rhetorical theory is used to craft reports?
The theory of Bitzer and Aristotle.
True or False: All reports are written documents.
False.
What is a semi-formal report?
A report that is less formal than a formal report but more structured than an informal report.
What is an example of an informal oral report?
An impromptu update during a team meeting.
What is a common form of informal written report?
Text messages.
What type of reports require a higher level of persuasion?
Reports like job applications and business plans.
What is the main goal of reports in a professional context?
To create effective, persuasive communication.
Fill in the blank: Composing a report may seem overwhelming, but you have already created several ______ in your life.
[reports].
What is a common characteristic of formal reports?
They are much more technical and are likely seen by a larger audience.
In what context are memos and letters typically used?
Official capacities.
What is the purpose of an expense report?
To demonstrate professionalism and obtain reimbursement.
What are the two reports you will create in this course?
A written formal research report and an oral persuasive presentation.
