Report Writing Paper

Report Writing Paper

A report is a short, well-planned and concise document that is written to address a specific purpose (to analyze a situation or issue) and audience (educators, a chief, subordinates, etc.)

Write a report on an incident you have been encountered in your work place or anywhere else.  

A report must have:

1.      Title Page 

2.      Abstract or Executive Summary 

3.      Introduction (or Terms of Reference and Procedure) 

4.      Findings and

        Discussion 

5.      Conclusions and Recommendations 

7.      References 

8.      Appendices 

Title Page (Not part of the word count) Gives the title of the report, the student name/number, the name of the person the report is being submitted to, and the completion date.

Abstract or Executive Summary Gives a summary of the whole report. Outlines the report’s purpose, methodology, findings, main conclusions and recommendations. Mainly written in past tense, and prepared last. 

Introduction/Terms of Reference Procedure Outlines the context, background and purpose of the report. Defines terms and sets limits of the investigation. The reader/audience can easily identify what the report is about, how information was gathered, and why the report is needed. Mainly uses past tense and can be written last – but is presented first. Briefly states the purpose and scope of the report. This includes who requested the report, the main issues or problems to be identified, the reason for undertaking the report and the due date of the report. Outlines the methods used to collect information e.g. interviews, questionnaires, observations and/or research. 

Findings and/or Discussion For this section, avoid using the headings “Findings” or “Discussion”. Instead, create headings and sub-headings that identify the main issues or problems. Findings: What was found during the research or investigation. Gives the facts only – no interpretation by the writer of the report. Tables, graphs or diagrams can be used. Must be relevant to the issues and problems identified in the Terms of Reference. Arranged in a logical order with headings and sub-headings. Discussion: You may also be required to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the findings. The discussion draws together different parts of the findings and may refer to findings of other studies and/or theories.

Conclusions and Recommendations Brief statements of the key findings of the report (full explanation is given in the Findings and/or Discussion). Arranged so the major conclusions come first. Should relate directly to the objectives set out in the Terms of Reference or Introduction. Follow logically from the facts in the Findings and/or Discussion. Must be complete enough for recommendations to be made from them. The opinions of the writer of the report about possible changes, or solutions to the problems, including who should take action, what should be done, when and how it should be done 

References (Not part of the word count) A list of the sources that are used in and referred to in the report. Use APA referencing style. 

Appendices (Not always required) Additional relevant information. May include interview questions, surveys, glossary etc. (Appendices are not included in the word count).

Note:

The major part of the report will consist of the Introduction, Findings and/or Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations.

• Refer to minimum (5) references published within the last      3-5 years


• No plagiarism