Report writing in English In a professional context

Plan Definition Basic report structure Further reading Your first report

What is a report? A report is a statement of the results of an investigation or of any matter on which definite information is required. (Oxford English Dictionary)

Report structure Title Page Contents Executive summary Introduction Methodology Results or findings Discussion Conclusion or recommendations References/Sources

Title Page This should include:  the title of the report (clearly indicative of the subject)  the author’s name  the date

Contents List all the main sections of the report

Executive summary (or abstract) A short paragraph summarising the main contents of the report. It should include:  a short statement of the main task  the methods used  conclusions reached  any recommendations to be made. Write this section after you have written the report.

Introduction Give the context of the report State your objectives clearly, define the limits of the report, outline the method of enquiry give a brief general background to the subject of the report Indicate the proposed development.

Methodology State how you carried out your enquiry What form did your enquiry take ? Did you carry out interviews or questionnaires? How did you collect your data ? What measurements did you make ? How did you choose the subjects for your interviews ? Present this information logically and concisely

Results Present your findings in as simple a way as possible Use graphics to help: Tables Graphs Pie charts Bar charts Diagrams

Discussion A short paragraph  Analyse  Interpret

Conclusion/recommendations Do not not present any new information Give suggestions or recommendations