Fast Stream Analysis & Written Exercises — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A briefing note should begin with which section?
- Purpose — what the note is about and what decision or action is required (Correct answer)
- Background — all the historical context for the issue
- Recommendations — the proposed course of action
- Annexes — supporting data and evidence
Correct answer: Purpose — what the note is about and what decision or action is required
A briefing note must immediately tell the reader what it is about and what is required of them. Ministers and senior officials read many briefings and need purpose stated upfront.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the 'so what?' test for written analysis?
- Does the analysis explain why the findings matter and what should be done as a result? (Correct answer)
- Does the analysis contain enough data to support the conclusions?
- Is the analysis written in plain English that anyone can understand?
- Does the analysis cover all possible options regardless of feasibility?
Correct answer: Does the analysis explain why the findings matter and what should be done as a result?
The 'so what?' test asks whether the analysis is connected to a clear purpose and outcome. Data without interpretation or implication is not useful analysis.
Question 3: In an analysis exercise, you are given three policy options with different costs, risks and benefits. Which approach is most appropriate?
- Evaluate each option against the stated criteria and make a clear recommendation with justification (Correct answer)
- List all three options without a recommendation to avoid appearing biased
- Choose the cheapest option as cost is always the primary factor
- Choose the option with the highest benefit regardless of risk or cost
Correct answer: Evaluate each option against the stated criteria and make a clear recommendation with justification
Good analysis applies consistent criteria and leads to a clear, justified recommendation. Refusing to recommend or ignoring trade-offs are both weaknesses.
Question 4: Which of the following is a logical fallacy you should avoid in written analysis?
- Ad hominem — attacking the person making an argument rather than the argument itself (Correct answer)
- Occam's Razor — preferring simpler explanations when evidence is equal
- Confirmation bias avoidance — seeking disconfirming evidence
- Steelmanning — representing opposing views at their strongest
Correct answer: Ad hominem — attacking the person making an argument rather than the argument itself
An ad hominem attacks the credibility of a person rather than engaging with their argument. It is a fallacy that weakens any analytical piece.
Question 5: A written exercise asks you to recommend a course of action. You should ensure your recommendation is:
- Specific, actionable, justified by evidence, and linked to the stated objective (Correct answer)
- General enough to cover all eventualities
- Aligned with the most popular view in the evidence
- Based on your personal experience in similar situations
Correct answer: Specific, actionable, justified by evidence, and linked to the stated objective
A strong recommendation is clear and specific, supported by evidence, and directly tied to the exercise objective. Vague or evidence-free recommendations are weak.
Question 6: What is the purpose of an executive summary in a written exercise?
- To give the reader all the key information and conclusions without requiring them to read the full document (Correct answer)
- To introduce the background and context of the issue in full detail
- To list all the data sources and references used in the analysis
- To describe the methodology used to gather and analyse information
Correct answer: To give the reader all the key information and conclusions without requiring them to read the full document
An executive summary allows a senior official to understand the issue, analysis and conclusion quickly. It is not background, methodology or references.
Fast Stream Analysis & Written Exercises
A briefing note should begin with which section?