Definition of Writing a Report

Many jobs require report-writing skills.

A report is a vital part of the business and the academic worlds. The writing a report involves gathering and analyzing information, and then presenting it appropriately to a target audience.

Introduction

Usually, a report includes an introductory section that provides background. This allows the reader to see where you are coming from and puts your report in a historical and cultural context.

Presenting Research

All reports require the writer to gather information. The writer either generates new content (such as market research for a business plan, or raw data for a scientific paper), or researches information from outside sources (such as historical background in a psychological study), or both.

Analysis and Conclusion

The writer then looks at the data gathered and interprets what it means. A report ultimately is a subjective work, but the writer must be objective, meaning that evidence should support the writer's opinion.

Presentation

Because a person writes a report specifically for others, the writer must present the report in a clear and logical way. The language should be cear, concise, and free of grammatical mistakes. Graphs and tables should be easy to understand. Data should be presented in a logical order.

References

• The International Development Research Centre: Writing A Research Report
• Community Empowerment: Report Writing