Report Writing

A report is a compilation of information systematically organized on a specific topic, subject, issue, matter or incident.

Reports can inform, investigate, provide an update, explain, justify, recommend, analyze or evaluate.

1. informative
2. field trip
3. newspaper
4. investigative
5. progress
6. sales
7. incident/accident
8. eye-witness
9. evaluation

Introduction

1. purpose - a statement of the objectives of the report
2. scope - a specific area treated in the report
3. procedure - the method used to gather data

Discussion - analysis, description, interpretation, presentation of the information

Ending - summary, conclusions, recommendations (if asked)

Careful and logical arrangement

Clarity in expressing information

Conciseness which requires the exclusion of all unnecessary words, expressions and irrelevant data

Information is recorded objectively - exclude opinions, preferences and judgments

1. The subject of the report should be written first
2. the introduction should contain purpose, scope and terms of reference
3. in complex reports the content should be arranged under sections and headings
4. in the conclusion you may make recommendations/suggestions (if asked)

1. Does the report have a heading?
2. Does it indicate to whom the report is addressed?
3. Does it indicate the person who is writing the report?
4. Is the information logically arranged?
5. Is the language formal?