chapter 8

Question 1

What does “visuals do not speak for themselves” mean?

Answer 1

Do not assume readers can interpret the visual; explain its purpose and significance

Question 2

The managerial organization style of reports:

Answer 2

Presents recommendations early in the report

Question 3

Visuals don’t speak for themselves. They must be explained in the text.
Choose the most effective explanation of this chart from the 2001 Statistical Abstract of the United States from the options below.

Answer 3

As Table 1 shows, turnout among those age 21 to 24 fell by half at the same time turnout by voters over age 65 slightly increased. The increasing percentage of the population over 65 years of age, combined with their increasing turnout and the steady decline of younger voters’ turnout represents a substantial change in the composition of the american electorate. We should consider this shift as we examine the reasons why the only healthcare issue addressed by politicians in the last election was Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Question 4

The chart on this slide generated some controversy in the technical communication community. Why? What’s wrong with the way this slide presents its data?

Answer 4

Use of the 3-D piechart feature distorts the size of the pie slices so that Mac’s 19% wedge looks much larger than the 21.2% wedge for “Others.”

Question 5

The front matter of a report contains which of the following:

Answer 5

Letter of transmittal and cover

Question 6

Which of the following is best suited for display in a pie chart?

Answer 6

Information that portrays parts of a whole

Question 7

When should you consider using a visual in a report? (Select all that apply.)

Answer 7

When you have a point that needs emphasis
.
When you have a point that needs clarification (numbers, statistics, processes, abstract ideas)

Question 8

Reports are designed to be read in what manner:

	1.	
From front to back
	2.	
By jumping from one section to another, depending on what most interests you in the report
	3.	
Only the overviews, and then letting someone else read the details more carefully
	4.	
All of the above

Answer 8

All of the above

Question 9

The back matter of a report includes which of the following:

Answer 9

References and appendices

Question 10

What is a way to enhance a screenshot?

Answer 10

Add callouts

Question 11

The list of figures is a separate page that:

s

Answer 11

Lists all visuals referenced in the report

Question 12

If a visual is too big to fit within the margins of the page, it is best to:

Answer 12

Reduce the size of the image so that it fits on the page.

Question 13

Style guides are useful when writing reports because they

Answer 13

Help resolve questions of style and mechanics during all phases of report production

Question 14

All graphics should be labeled with a caption that includes

Answer 14

Table or figure number, title, and a brief description of the visual’s key point

Question 15

What type of table displays words?

Answer 15

Matrix