1. © 2015 McGraw-Hill Education.
chapter
nine
© 2015 McGraw-Hill Education.

2. 9-2
nine
chapter
Writing Short Reports

3. Learning Objectives
9-3
Understand the makeup of reports relative to length and formality.
Understand the four main ways that the writing in short reports differs from long reports.
Choose an appropriate form for short reports.
Adapt the short report form to other types of reports.
12-3

4. Length and Formality
Long problems and formal contexts require a more complex makeup.
Short problems and informal contexts need a simpler make.

5. Report Classification Plan
9-5
Report Classification
Plan

6. Report Components Title fly Title page Transmittal message
Table of contents
Executive summary
Direct order
Indirect order

7. Characteristics of Short Reports
Less need for introductory information
Predominance of direct order
More personal writing style
Less need for a structured coherence plan

8. Introductory Information
Short reports have less need for introductions because they
concern day to day problems.
tend to have a short life.
are intended for only a few readers.
Source: Copyright © 2009 Ted Goff.

9. Predominance of Direct Order
Short reports solve routine problems so they’re direct
Begin with the most important information— the conclusion or recommendation
Busy readers want the bottom line early

10. Writing Style Short reports
Are more likely to use I, we and you than third person.
Usually involve personal relationships.
Involve personal investigations, observations, evaluations and analyses of their writers.

11. Structure Short reports have less need for a structured,
coherent plan.
Readers don’t need the summaries and reminders of what they read required by longer reports.
An introduction, clear headings, and strong transitions should be enough.
Source: Reprinted with permission of CartoonStock.com,

12. Forms of Short Reports Short report Letter report Email report
Other forms, such as newsletters, pamphlets, and white papers

13. Types of Short Reports Routine operational report Progress report
Problem-solving report
Audit report
Meeting minutes

14. “We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom
“We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely.”
- E. O. Wilson, Pulitzer Prize Winner Professor, Harvard University