Report Writing
Reports are regularly needed for business. There are different reasons for report writing: to present information, to present research findings or to analyse a problem and then recommend a particular action or strategy.
A report can be long or short, formal or informal. The style and vocabulary choice will depend on who is going to read your report, and their level of understanding or expertise.
Requirements for the precise form and content of a report will vary between organisation and departments.
A report will follow the following format, but this can vary, depending on the client's requirements:
• Title page - the report title, the date, the name of the person commissioning the report, the objective of the report.
• Executive Summary - often less than one page; contains summary, conclusion, recommendations.
• Table of Contents - for longer reports, including sections and page references.
• Introduction - the background of the report, what is included, methods and procedures for getting the information, acknowledgements of help.
• Main Body / Discussion - this is the longest part of the report, including all the details organised into headings and sub-headings.
• Summary and Conclusions - summarises the reason for the report, and the conclusions.
• Recommendations - identifies the preferred course of action.
• Appendices - Any extra information, such as illustrations, questionnaires used in preparing the report, or a bibliography.
• References (optional)