Communication & Report Writing Flashcards
7 cards from real CFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Communication & Report Writing flashcards as text
When documenting observations in a field report, which tense should be used?
Answer: Past tense to record what was observed
Field reports document completed observations, so past tense is the standard and professional convention.
A field agent's report contains the phrase 'the subject seemed nervous.' What is the primary problem with this wording?
Answer: It is subjective and not based on documented observable behavior
'Seemed nervous' is an interpretation; the report should instead describe specific observable behaviors such as 'subject's hands were trembling and eyes averted.'
Which element is most critical to include when reporting a witness interview in writing?
Answer: Verbatim quotes alongside the agent's paraphrased summary
Including both direct quotes and a paraphrased summary ensures accuracy and context while preserving the witness's own words.
What does the acronym 'BLUF' stand for in professional report writing?
Answer: Bottom Line Up Front
BLUF means Bottom Line Up Front, a communication technique where the most important finding or conclusion is stated at the beginning of the report.
An agent must relay urgent field findings to a supervisor who is currently in a meeting. What is the most appropriate initial communication method?
Answer: Send a brief text or encrypted message flagged urgent, then follow up with a full report
Urgent findings require immediate notification via the fastest secure channel, followed by formal written documentation.
In a CFA written report, what is the purpose of an 'executive summary'?
Answer: To give a concise overview of key findings for readers who need a quick briefing
An executive summary condenses the most important findings so decision-makers can quickly grasp the essence of the report without reading every detail.
Which of the following best describes 'active voice' in report writing?
Answer: The subject of the sentence performs the action
Active voice means the subject performs the action (e.g., 'The agent observed the vehicle'), making reports clearer and more direct than passive constructions.