Which statement best describes the tone and structure of an incident follow-up memo?

• A. Informal tone with long narrative paragraphs; include personal opinions.
• B. Formal tone with concise paragraphs; summarize key findings, actions taken, responsible parties, and date.
• C. Formal tone with detailed step-by-step procedures but no dates.
• D. Casual email style; no dates.

Answer: (B)

Incident follow-up memos should be formal and concise, presenting key findings, actions taken, responsible parties, and dates. This format creates a clear, objective record that supports accountability and future reference. A formal tone and concise paragraphs keep the document focused on facts rather than opinions, making it easier for reviewers to understand what happened and what was done. Including dates establishes the timeline, which is essential for tracking actions and responsibilities. The other approaches fall short: informal tones and personal opinions undermine professionalism; long narrative paragraphs can obscure critical details; omitting dates—or using a casual email style—fails to provide a reliable, auditable timeline.