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Report Writing Objectives and Formats

There are two main types of reports: formal reports and informal reports. Formal reports are more complex, longer, and impersonal, while informal reports are shorter and use personal pronouns. Regardless of type, all good reports should be clear, concise, objective, and non-discriminatory. Common reports include laboratory reports, field reports, and survey reports. These reports generally include sections for the title, abstract, introduction, procedures, results and discussion, and references.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
65 views2 pages

Report Writing Objectives and Formats

There are two main types of reports: formal reports and informal reports. Formal reports are more complex, longer, and impersonal, while informal reports are shorter and use personal pronouns. Regardless of type, all good reports should be clear, concise, objective, and non-discriminatory. Common reports include laboratory reports, field reports, and survey reports. These reports generally include sections for the title, abstract, introduction, procedures, results and discussion, and references.

Uploaded by

Margie Javier
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Objectives and Structures of Various Kinds of Reports

A report relays information or recounts events in a presentable form. It is written for a


specific purpose and for a specific audience. It also follows a format or structure so that
particular data or information is easy to locate.  A report can be written or spoken. 

There are two main types of report: 

1. Formal Report
A formal report is more complex and used in official level. A formal report is longer and
impersonal. It does not use personal pronouns or contractions. A formal report is used for
research papers. It can be an informational report, analytical report or recommendation
report.

2. Informal Report
An informal report differs from a formal report on its length and tone. It is much shorter and
uses personal pronouns and contractions.  It is more controversial and deals with everyday
problems and issues. It is typically an internal report.

An informal report includes progress report, financial report, feasibility report and so on.  No
matter the type of report, a good report should be clear, concise, objective and non-
discriminatory.

1. Clarity. A report should be easy to understand. The writer should be able to transmit the
exact idea to his readers by using concrete words. 

Example: 
Sentence A: Many of the students are reported to be “highly aware” of the Zero Waste Policy of
the school. 

Sentence B: Eighty percent (80 out of 100) of the student-respondents are highly aware of the
school’s Zero Waste Policy. 

Which sentence is clearer? If your answer is Sentence B, then, you got it right. The phrase
“eighty percent of the student-respondents” is more concrete than just simply saying “many”.
How many is “many”, then?

2. Conciseness. A report should be short and simple without distorting its meaning and
emphasis. Remember to KISS. Keep it short and simple, okay?

Example:
Sentence A: The respondents of the study were the 50 male students of Pook Masunurin
National High School. All the respondents were working students. They were all interviewed
using same set of questions. 

Sentence B: The interviewees were the 50 working male students of Pook Masunurin National
High School. 

Which is concise? If your answer is Sentence B, then, you’re correct. It is shorter and simpler
but the meaning is exactly the same with Sentence A. 

3. Objectivity. A report should be based on facts and evidences and not on the writer’s
emotions or feelings. It should also be free from all sorts of biases.  
Example:
Sentence A: It was so unfortunate and disheartening that many of the respondents were
reported to be highly exposed to violence at home.
 
Sentence B: It was revealed that fifty percent of the respondents were highly exposed to
violence at home. 

Which between the two sentences is objectively written? Yes, it’s Sentence B. Simply, the words
“unfortunate” and “disheartening” show the author’s emotions towards the result of the data
gathered. Thus, Sentence A is subjective, not objective.

1
4. Non-Discrimination. A report should show that the writer treats people with equality
and respect regardless of their gender, age, religion, status, or sexual orientation.

Hence, it is expected that a good report writer should demonstrate the following qualities:
honesty, accuracy, precision, thoroughness or comprehensiveness, transparency, orderliness
and brevity.

The following are the most common reports that we commonly encounter at school, even at the
workplace.

1. Laboratory Report. It is an objective and systematic documentation of what has taken place
in the laboratory experiment. It allows students to see how a principle is applied and practice
procedures in real life. 

A laboratory report usually contains Title Page, Abstract, Introduction, Procedures, Results and
Discussion and References. 

2. Field Report. It is a documentation of person’s experience while in the field e.g. in


practicum. Its purpose is to report the experience and reflect on it.
 
3. Survey Report. It is an objective and systematic written presentation of the goals and
findings of a survey. It aims to collect data by asking a group of people questions. 

A survey report usually includes Introduction, Procedures, Results, Conclusions and


Recommendations, Appendix and References. 

Although reports don’t have a standard or set format, there are general sections or parts that
should be included in writing one. 

1. Title Page. The title page should contain the following elements: report title, the name of
the person (s) who submitted the report and the name of the person or organization who
will receive the report. 
2. Abstract. This part is the summary of the report. Although it’s located at the beginning,
this part is written last. The abstract cannot be written prior to conclusions. It contains
the most important data such as the purpose of the report, the methods and procedures
done, the results and the conclusion. 
3. Introduction. This section presents the background and the objectives or purpose of the
report. 
4. Procedures. This part presents the methods or processes the writer went through in
order to come up with the report, as well as the materials used and people involved. 
5. Results and Discussion. This section contains the findings from the procedures done. 
6. Conclusion. The conclusion includes the summed up points or ideas based on the
results. It may also contain answer(s) to the questions or issues posed in the
introduction. 
7. References. This section contains a list of books, journals, websites and the like which
the author cited in the report. 

Common questions

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Conciseness improves a report's effectiveness by making it easier for the reader to grasp the essential information without unnecessary language. An example of this is replacing the lengthy sentence “The respondents of the study were the 50 male students of Pook Masunurin National High School. All the respondents were working students. They were all interviewed using the same set of questions” with “The interviewees were the 50 working male students of Pook Masunurin National High School” .

The abstract serves as a summary of the report, highlighting the purpose, methods, results, and conclusion. It provides readers with a concise overview of the contents to determine its relevance. The abstract is typically written last to accurately reflect the conclusions and essential points of the report .

A report can ensure objectivity by being based on facts and evidence, not emotions or personal biases, and by avoiding subjective language. This is vital to maintain credibility and provide a clear, factual representation of the information. For instance, using "It was revealed that fifty percent of the respondents were highly exposed to violence at home" rather than including emotional descriptors like "unfortunate" or "disheartening" .

A structured format aids in clarity, organization, and the systematic presentation of information, ensuring that all necessary aspects are covered and easy to locate. For instance, including sections like Introduction, Results, and References helps target specific information such as objectives, findings, and supportive literature, respectively. This standardized approach aids in achieving the report's objective by enhancing accessibility and comprehension for the audience .

Field reports differ by documenting personal experiences and reflections encountered during real-world engagement, such as practicum experiences. Unlike other reports focused solely on data analysis, field reports blend experience reporting with reflective insights. They may include personal observations, evaluations of processes or phenomena encountered, and reflective thought on the practical implications of these experiences .

Clarity in report writing is important as it ensures the message is easily understood by the audience. It can be achieved by using specific, concrete language rather than vague terms. For example, stating “Eighty percent (80 out of 100) of the student-respondents are highly aware of the school’s Zero Waste Policy” is clearer than saying “many of the students are reported to be ‘highly aware’” .

To ensure reports are concise yet informative, writers should focus on eliminating redundant words or phrases while maintaining necessary details. Key considerations include using clear and direct language, structuring information logically, and focusing solely on information that supports the report's objectives. Reducing extraneous data and ensuring each sentence contributes to the report’s central goals is vital for conciseness .

Non-discrimination is crucial in report writing to ensure fairness and respect for all individuals regardless of characteristics such as gender, age, or religion. It promotes honesty, accuracy, and precision, essential for an unbiased presentation of information. A writer can apply this by being mindful of language and ensuring equal treatment and representation in the report to uphold integrity and credibility .

Laboratory reports usually include a Title Page, Abstract, Introduction, Procedures, Results and Discussion, and References. The Title Page identifies the experiment. The Abstract summarizes the report’s content. The Introduction provides background and objectives. Procedures detail the methods used. Results and Discussion present findings and their implications. References list sources. Each element ensures a comprehensive and systematic documentation of laboratory work .

Formal reports are complex, longer, and impersonal, often used for research papers. They avoid personal pronouns and contractions and can take forms such as informational, analytical, or recommendation reports. Conversely, informal reports are shorter, less formal in tone, involve personal pronouns, and typically address everyday problems or issues through formats like progress, financial, or feasibility reports .

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