CONTENTS FEATURE: In reports, 'it's what's up front that counts' GRAMMAR COACH: Fielding your questions FINDER'S FEE: Recommend a friend—and earn up to $500 FEATURE: In report writing, 'it's what's up front that counts'      In the late 1950s, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. began telling smokers, "it's what's up front that counts." Although that grammatically awkward slogan was intended to draw attention to the filters of Winston cigarettes, its sentiment also can apply to written reports.      An abstract, synopsis, executive summary, précis or other preliminary material that appears at the beginning of many business or research reports should be regarded as more than obligatory. An executive summary sometimes can be of greater consequence than the report itself. The distinctions between the preliminary parts of a report—the "front matter"—are not always clearly understood, however. Each element has a distinct function.      A preface is not equivalent to an executive summary. An abstract should be anything but the adjectival sense of "abstract"; it should tangibly identify and condense the essential functions of a research study. An executive summary isn't "executive," but it's intended for readers who are. Abstract      An abstract is a technical summary of a report, in either of two formats: descriptive or informative. A descriptive abstract is somewhat like a narrative table of contents; it describes the purpose, hypotheses, scope and methods used in the research study. An informative abstract additionally indicates the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the full research report. Information in either form of an abstract should be written in the same sequence and tone as the full report.      The abstract often is the only portion of a document that appears during a library search; access to the entire article may be restricted. Terminology usually is geared to other equally sophisticated researchers. Abstracts usually contain fewer than 250 words. précis      A précis (pronounced PRAY-see) is a concise, factual summary of the thesis, essential points, statements, research methods and logic of a report, but it does not evaluate the report. The term précis, commonly used in social sciences research papers, is analogous to an abstract written for a scientific research study. The organization of the précis must coincide with the full article; the main arguments must be presented in identical order. Preface      A preface presents background material. It indicates the purpose of the report, condenses its findings, credits people who participated in research or writing, and may identify the audience for which it is intended. Foreword      A foreword, usually written by a person of authority other than the author of the report, presents an overview of the contents of the work. It may comment on the practicality of the report and its recommendations. Synopsis A synopsis is a brief declaration of the principal argument or intention of a report, along with the main conclusions or recommendations. It is not as rigid in form as an abstract or précis. It is written for a general audience, unlike an executive summary, which has an explicit purpose. Executive summary      An executive summary, which should be far more comprehensive than a synopsis, is directed to people who have decision-making authority. An executive summary should present background information that establishes a context for the purpose of the report. It should state the principal conclusions and recommendations, including arguments that support the recommended actions.      While an abstract is a technical statement written for people who have expertise in the subject of a report, an executive summary is written for policy makers and executives who administer programs but may have limited technical understanding. An executive summary should be written with the presumption that its readers will not examine the full report. It must therefore concisely convey all of the essential factual and persuasive information a policy maker would require to make an informed decision.      Executive summaries, which may be one to three pages long, are organized in a sequence that mirrors the full report. This is the only portion of the report that an aide is likely to show to a legislator. This is the only portion of the report that a program executive is likely to examine prior to the board meeting in which adoption or rejection of the report proposal will be deliberated. For that reason, an executive summary should be as thoughtfully composed as the full report. Introduction      The introduction, which immediately precedes the main body of the report, is intended to set the stage for the report. It should define the context of the research topic—the conditions that prompted the report to be commissioned. The introduction should identify the purpose of the report and describe the organization of the report. An introduction also may indicate whether the report builds upon or contradicts previous studies or prevailing beliefs.      A report might contain one, two or a few—but not all—of these "front matter" elements. Regardless of which you include in your report, all "front matter" elements should be written with the intention of captivating the attention of readers. Without sacrificing formality or dignity, "sell" readers on the urgency of the situation and the wisdom of your recommendations.      If the problem was important enough to command your time, if your analysis was thoughtful, if your recommendations are wise, persuade readers that the report and the problem or opportunity it identifies is worthy of their serious attention. Make the material at the front of your report count. GRAMMAR COACH: Fielding your questions Paul wrote:      "I read the page at http://www.editpros.com/news0804.html ('The truth about "lie"—and other tricky words'). These are all good points. I so often hear many of these terms misused and I'm sure I misuse some of them once in a while, too. I don't think I ever hear lie/lay used properly (especially on American television).      Do you think that these rules and distinctions will eventually vanish and some of these uses will reverse? I think that the publicly accepted use of 'lie' and 'lay' are in fact opposite of what is dictated in school. What do you say about language changes in general?      As a linguist I am interested to hear your opinion." The grammar coach replies:      The English language is continually evolving in response to the introduction of new technology and other innovations that require new names. The ways in which we use the language evolve also, often in conflict with existing standards. Linguistic purists tend to resist change derived from slang, disregard and misunderstanding of long-standing conventions of the language.      Many terms that are now regarded as standard and perfectly civil, however, once were viewed with disdain in learned circles. Those of us who wish to maintain the integrity of the language rely on dictionary usage panels and the editorial boards of the most widely accepted editorial style guides to judge the acceptability of terminology and usages. We realize, however, that we're in a distinct minority and that most people judge us as curmudgeonly and rigid because of our cautionary stance.      People who feel uninhibited about taking liberties with the language defend their approach as "creative." Many colorful and playful terms that have entered our language were "coined" by creative people. We also know, however, that many terms and constructions that have crept into the lexicon emanated from ignorance or carelessness.      The Associated Press Stylebook and reputable dictionaries continue to make a firm stance on the distinctions between, and proper use of, the verbs "lay" and "lie." Because the conjugations of those verbs are irregular, they're confusing to most people and are widely and commonly misused. Dictionaries are littered with "usage notes" about words that were once distinct from one another, or that previously had entirely different meanings, which gradually vanished through changes in conversational use.      The distinction between the verbs "lay" and "lie" is commonly ignored. Their interchangeability probably will become increasingly accepted over time through recurrent misuse.      Careful writers have an obligation to resist corruption of linguistic standards. They can best do so through example—by respecting the language and continuing to write with propriety and clarity. We at EditPros believe that is the best line of defense against erosion of the integrity of the language.      Are you perplexed by some aspect of grammar or word usage? Don't be shy! Ask the "grammar coach" at EditPros and we'll try to help—at no charge, just for the sport of it. FINDER'S FEE: Recommend a friend—and earn a finder's fee of up to $500      Do you know of a friend or colleague whose office can benefit from EditPros services? If you do, EditPros may reward you with a "finder's fee" of up to $500.      EditPros, established in 1993, performs writing, editing, proofreading and publication management services for newsletters, brochures, Web sites, annual reports, research studies, business proposals and other informational and marketing materials. Our office is in Davis, Calif., between Sacramento and San Francisco.      Our clients include educational institutions, private corporations, health-care organizations, trade associations, scientific research institutions, Web site developers and government agencies. We have worked with some of them for more than 10 years.      If you recommend our services to a friend or business colleague, and that introduction leads to an assignment for EditPros, we will award you a "finder's fee" equaling 10 percent of the amount we earn on the first assignment for the new client, up to a maximum finder's fee of $500. Naturally, the finder's fee is applicable only to clients for which we have not worked previously.      This offer will remain in effect until further notice. 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