Chapter 3: Supervisory Writing

Question 1

A bullet statement is an accurate, brief, and specific “bottom line” of an idea or of a single accomplishment with its associated impact.

a. True
b. False

Answer 1

True

Question 2

List he two variations of the accomplishment-impact bullet statement.

Answer 2

action verb, modified verb, and specific achievement

Question 3

In the action verb variation of the accomplishment element begins with a strong action verb and ends with an expressly stated impact element.

a. True
b. False

Answer 3

a. True

Question 4

Quickly developed procedures to resolve staffing issues resulting in completion of the project on schedule.

This is an example of which variation of the accomplishment-impact bullet statement.

a. Action verb
b. Modified verb

Answer 4

b. Modified verb

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a reason the Air Force used the bullet statement style of writing?

a. Bullet statements present a clear picture of an idea or accomplishment and its impact.
b. Bullet statements allow the writer to concisely deal with specific points.
c. Bullet statements take less time to read.
d. Bullet statements present all achievements in one sentence.
e. Bullet statements allow the writer to communicate more information within a smaller space.

Answer 5

d. Bullet statements present all achievements in one sentence.

Question 6

List the three attributes of effective bullet statements. _______________, ________________, and __________________ Put the steps for building bullet statements in the correct order.

____ a. Define the accomplishment and impact
____ c. Connect the accomplishment and impact elements together
____ b. Check for accuracy, brevity, and specificity

Answer 6

Accuracy
Brevity
Specificity

Question 7

A1C Ivey asks SSgt Johnson, “What is the best way to write a talking paper. SSgt Johnson replies “Make sure you use bullet statements that are concise with one concept that serves a purpose. This will help keep you on track while you’re writing.” SSgt Johnson’s comments BEST explain the ____________.

a. single idea bullet statement
b. specific achievement bullet statement
c. accomplishment impact bullet statement

Answer 7

a. single idea bullet statement

This scenario best illustrates the single idea bullet. According to the Supervisory Writing chapter, the single idea bullet is a concise written statement of a single idea or concept that is typically used for Talking Papers, Point Papers, and Bullet Background Papers.

Question 8

Before submitting an Enlisted Performance Report for review, MSgt Wilson makes sure the information he uses is correct and truthful. He is careful not to exaggerate the truth or embellish the facts because he believes that falsifying the truth hurts his subordinates, and damages his credibility as a supervisor. MSgt Wilson’s actions BEST illustrate ______________ and its impact on his effectiveness.

a. Brevity
b. Accuracy
c. Specificity

Answer 8

b. Accuracy

This scenario best illustrates accuracy. According to the Supervisory Writing chapter, “For anything to be “accurate” it must be “correct.” People who have the most trouble with accuracy are those who try to stretch the truth. Mild exaggeration or embellishment of the facts is poison and is only a half-step away from outright lying and falsifying the facts.”

Question 9

SSgt Maramba decided to reward one of his subordinates so he requested a Décor 6. He reviewed past performance reports for information to complete the decoration citation. Once the Décor 6 and the citation were completed, he forwarded them to CSS for review. After making several corrections to the document, the CSS forwarded it to the commander who promptly approved the decoration.

 SSgt Maramba’s \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ will MOST likely \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ his subordinate’s effectiveness. 

a. effective use of types of narrative writing; enhance b. ineffective use of types of narrative writing; hinder c. effective use of bullet statements; enhance
d. ineffective use of bullet statements; hinder

Answer 9

a. effective use of types of narrative writing; enhance

This scenario best illustrates SSgt Maramba’s effective use of types of narrative writing. According to the Supervisory Writing chapter, types of narrative writing include awards and recognitions. People or units who receive awards and decorations under this program must clearly demonstrate sustained and superior performance. To initiate the recommendation submission process, it is your responsibility as the supervisor to request, fill out, and submit a Recommendation for Decoration Printout (RDP- DÉCOR-6). In addition to accomplishing the Décor 6, you must then compose a decoration citation. (…. “He reviewed past performance reports for information to complete the decoration citation. Once the Décor 6 and the citation are completed, he forwarded them to CSS for review”).