park EN306 Unit 8: Final Exam

Assignment

In an essay of approximately 450 words, and responding to the specific questions in the scenario below, coach a hypothetical subordinate in a business organization on techniques for writing an analytic business report.

• Use the objectives of the course as a basis for your comments.
• Also use the Writing Review Checklist and other course materials, as well as our discussions on writing improvement to provide evidence and explanation. A key is to coach the subordinate on the "how" as well as the "what."
• Target audience: a hypothetical subordinate; your instructor.

SCENARIO:

There's a knock at your office door. You look up and see one of your employees standing there with a stack of papers in her hand. He's been working for you for about six weeks now.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" he says, a bit nervously.

"No problem, come on in," you reply

He enters and shows you the notes in his hand. "I need help. I'm working on this report for the boss, but I'm having a tough time getting beyond my rough notes, and it's due in five days.

I'm especially worried about how to find reliable information, and how to organize it. I'd also like to know how to make sure I'm reaching my audience. Finally, I'm concerned about my style. The boss says I'm not as clear as I should be when writing for busy readers. Could you give me some suggestions?"

You look at his notes, and you glance at the stack of papers already on your desk.

"Sure. You bet. Sit down, and let's cover these three areas."

In your answer, provide your response to this scenario.

Use bold print to indicate your main discussion topics.

You may use any references except the Internet or the advice of another person.

Main criteria for excellence:

• Clear explanation, covering the three main concerns of the person coached in the writing task. The reader should be able to write according to your advice. (25%)
• Credible information and explanation, including focused analysis and specific evidence, covering both the standards (the "what") as well as strategies and techniques for achieving those standards (the "how"). (25%)
• Clear style, modeling the standards for clear business and government writing. (25%)
• Minimum of distracting errors in correctness (proofread carefully).(25%