2.16 Making Recommendations

What is the primary purpose of making recommendations in a report?

• To summarise the findings

• To provide solutions or suggestions for improvement

• To entertain the reader

• To list all the data collected

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of making recommendations in a report is to provide solutions or suggestions for improvement based on the findings. This helps guide the reader towards actionable steps.

Which of the following is a key element to consider when making a recommendation?

• The length of the report

• The preferences of the writer

• The feasibility of the recommendation

• The colour of the report cover

Answer explanation

The feasibility of the recommendation is crucial as it assesses whether the suggestion can realistically be implemented. Other options, like report length or cover color, do not impact the effectiveness of the recommendation.

When making recommendations, why is it important to consider the target audience?

• To ensure the recommendations are relevant and actionable

• To make the report look more professional

• To increase the word count of the report

• To impress the audience with complex language

Answer explanation

Considering the target audience is crucial to ensure the recommendations are relevant and actionable. This alignment increases the likelihood that the audience will understand and implement the suggestions effectively.

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of a good recommendation?

• Specific

• Measurable

• Vague

• Achievable

Answer explanation

A good recommendation should be specific, measurable, and achievable. 'Vague' is the opposite of these characteristics, making it the correct choice as it does not provide clear guidance or direction.

In a scientific report, recommendations are usually based on:

• Personal opinions

• Data and evidence collected during the study

• The length of the study

• The popularity of the topic

Answer explanation

Recommendations in a scientific report are grounded in data and evidence collected during the study, ensuring they are objective and reliable, rather than based on personal opinions, study length, or topic popularity.

What is the benefit of prioritising recommendations in a report?

• It makes the report longer

• It helps the reader understand which actions are most important

• It confuses the reader

• It reduces the number of recommendations

Answer explanation

Prioritising recommendations helps the reader identify which actions are most important, allowing for more effective decision-making and implementation. This clarity enhances the report's overall utility.

Which of the following is an example of a recommendation?

• "The study was conducted over a period of six months."

• "It is advised to increase the budget for marketing by 20%."

• "The data was collected using surveys."

• "The report is divided into three sections."

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'It is advised to increase the budget for marketing by 20%', is a recommendation as it suggests a specific action to take, unlike the other options which provide information without suggesting actions.

How can recommendations be effectively communicated in a report?

• By using technical jargon

• By using clear and concise language

• By writing them in a different language

• By placing them at the end of the report without explanation

Answer explanation

Recommendations should be communicated using clear and concise language to ensure they are easily understood. This approach avoids confusion and makes the report more effective.

What should be done if a recommendation is not feasible?

• Ignore it and include it anyway

• Modify it to make it feasible or exclude it

• Highlight it as the most important recommendation

• Use it as a conclusion

Answer explanation

If a recommendation is not feasible, it is best to modify it to make it feasible or exclude it altogether. This ensures that the recommendations provided are practical and actionable.

Why is it important to review recommendations before finalising a report?

• To ensure they are aligned with the report's objectives

• To make the report longer

• To add more technical terms

• To change the font style

Answer explanation

Reviewing recommendations ensures they align with the report's objectives, making the conclusions relevant and actionable. This alignment is crucial for the report's effectiveness and credibility.