how to write a report. what is are reports? reports are documents that are used for getting and...
TRANSCRIPT
How to Write a Report
What is are reports?
• Reports are documents that are used for getting and receiving factual information.
• They are presented formally in writing.• The main purpose of a report is to
provide the information needed for decisions to be made and actions to be taken.
Checklist for writing effective reports
• Use formal language• Keep to the correct format and structure• Keep to the facts• Make sure your meaning is clear• Use correct grammar, spelling and
punctuation
Example reports
• SBL Ofsted Report• Tesco Annual ReportThese are quite long but you will get the idea. Previous exam questions have required candidates to write reports on:• Their local community sports facilities• Extra-curricular opportunities at their school• Transport services for teenagers in their local
area
The basic formula
• Heading and title (what are you reporting on)• Introduction (the Ofsted report has a good
example of an introduction)• Findings (these will most likely contain facts,
statistics, impersonal language. It will not use ‘I’ – it will use ‘this report…. ‘ )
• Conclusions and recommendations
Heading and Title
• Be specific and formal
• Eg: Report on holiday arrangements for the forthcoming year 2013
Introduction
• The purpose of the report and who it is being prepared for
• Eg: this report summarises the plans for holiday arrangements for the forthcoming year 2013 for A & C Services Ltd. It was requested by Alison Collins following the meeting on 21st May 2012.
Findings/Outcomes
• This is the main body of the document. Here you will give the significant information that needs to be transferred to the reader of the report.
• This should include WHAT, WHY, HOW, WHO, WHEN, WHERE
• This is the longest part of the report and should include sub-headings and numbers/stats etc.
• Don’t give away personal opinions and avoid words like I/We/You
Conclusions and recommendations
• This is the part that rounds everything off and sums everthing up – don’t introduce new facts here.
• Give recommendations and outline action to be taken
• Add a signature, name and date to the report