Report Writing - A report is a written account of something that one has observed, heard,

done, or investigated. It is a systematic and well-organized presentation of facts and findings of

an event that has already taken place somewhere.

Reports are used as a form of written assessment to find out what you have learned from your
reading, research, or experience and to give you the experience of an important skill that is
widely used in the workplace.

Format for Report Writing

Format of Report Writing - Generally, two types of reports are asked in the CBSE Class 12
English paper, namely, newspaper report or a magazine report. A newspaper report is the
one which is published in a newspaper and magazine report is generally written for a school
magazine.

Talking about the exam, in the writing section (Section-B of the exam), it comes as a Very long
answer type question (5 marks).

The question for the report writing is supposed to be answered within the prescribed limit of
150-200 words.

Talking about marks, it comes as a 5 marks question. The breakup of marks for a Report
writing

Report Writing Format (Heading and Reporter’s name) 01 mark

Content 03 marks
Expression 1 marks:-

1. Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words, and spellings.

2. Coherence and relevance of ideas and style.
Total 5 marks

A well-written report must possess the following traits:

1. adherence to the specifications of report brief;

2. analysis of relevant information;
 3. structuring material in a logical and coherent order;
4. presentation in a consistent manner according to the instructions of the report brief;
5. making appropriate conclusions that are supported by the evidence and analysis of the
report;

Format of a Magazine Report

1. Heading- A descriptive title that is expressive of the contents of the report.

2. By line- Name of the person writing the report. It is generally given in the question.
Remember, you are not supposed to mention your personal details in your answer.
3. The opening paragraph (introduction) – It may include the '5 Ws' namely, WHAT,
WHY, WHEN, and WHERE along with WHO was invited as the chief guest.
4. The account of the event in detail- The proper sequence of events that occurred along
with their description. It is the main paragraph and can be split into two short paragraphs
if required.
5. Conclusion- This will include a description of how the event ended. It may include quote
excerpts from the Chief Guest's speech or how did the event wind up.

Format of a newspaper report

1. Headline- A descriptive title that is expressive of the contents of the report.

2. By line- Name of the person writing the report along with the designation. It is generally
given in the question. Remember, you are not supposed to mention your personal details
in your answer.
3. Place and date of reporting- It is generally not mentioned in a magazine report
separately, but here, it is.
4. Opening paragraph- It includes the expansion of the headline. It needs to be short as it
is a general overview of the report.
5. The account of the event in detail- It is generally written in two parts: First, complete
account of what happened in its chronological sequence (preferably) and second, the
witness remarks.
6. Concluding paragraph- This will include the action that has been taken so far or that
will be taken. It is the last paragraph.

Report Writing Format - Magazine and Newspaper Report

 MAGAZINE REPORT NEWSPAPER REPORT
Heading Headline
By line By line (along with the designation)
Opening paragraph Date and place
Account of the event Opening paragraph
Conclusion Account of the event and witness remarks
Conclusion

Tips to attempt a question on report writing

Here are a few valuable tips for you to attempt the class 12 English writing skills - report writing
question in a better way-

1. Make sure you use language which is suitable for the audience you are addressing. The
usage of complex vocabulary for addressing children is not advisable.
2. Make sure you write in paragraphs.
3. Practice previous year question papers.
4. Read as many samples as you can. It will give you an idea as to how they are actually
written.
5. Read the question at least twice and highlight the important information. It is very
important to understand the question and read between the lines. Albert Einstein once
said,

"If you can't explain it simply, you didn't understand it well enough."

1. Plan before you pen. Just make a list of all your important points on the rough sheet (last
sheet of your answer booklet) so that you do not forget relevant points while writing. This
also helps you in maintaining a sequence, which is very important.
2. The presentation is very important.
3. Make sure you double-check for grammatical accuracy and spellings. They carry marks.
4. Leave an adequate number of lines between paragraphs to make it look clean.
5. Underlining the main points is very important. But it is advised to do it after finishing
your exam. Use a pencil and scale for underlining.
6. Make small sentences. It restricts the scope of grammatical inaccuracie

Points to be kept in Mind

● A good report should present all the necessary information as clearly as possible.
● Write in a practical and businesslike manner.
● Write in indirect speech and preferably in a passive voice.
 ● Write in third person form and avoid using pronouns like I, me, or you.
● Ornamental language is to be avoided. The contents should include details like what,
when, where, why, who, how, eye-witness account, action/mishap, etc.
● The aim of the report and source from where it was obtained should be mentioned at the
beginning itself.
● It should have a proper heading and simple language, [Link] easy to grasp, in several
small paragraphs.
● Adhere to the word limit of 150-200 words

TYPE 1
Newspaper Reports
Involving Accidents

Value Points
O Be Used In An Accident Report

● What happened
● When
● Why(if known)
● Loss of life and property
● Details of the accident site
● Details of casualties – dead/injured/hospitalised
● Compensation to families of those killed or injured
● Where
● How
● People/vehicles involved
● Eye-witness account (if any)
● Details of rescue and relief operation
● Police action/enquiry ordered
● Warning/recommendations/action required

Format of An Accident Report

Rishikesh is popular in India for its river rafting. A well-known rafting guide gets drowned in the
river after saving six Delhi tourists. Write a report, to be published in a local daily, covering this
rafting mishap. (150-200 words)

A private boat carrying 43 tourists sank between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands leaving 21
people dead. As Pranjal/ Pranshu, staff reporter for ‘The Times of India’, write your report in
150-200 words.
Answer:

21 Dead As Boat Capsizes Off India’S Andaman And Nicobar Islands

by Staff Reporter Pranjal, The Times of India

New Delhi, 26th January, 20XX

A tourist boat capsized off the coast of India’s remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 8:40 PM
yesterday leaving 21 people dead. The private boat was carrying 43 tourists, all believed to be
Indians, when it sank between the popular spots of Ross Island and North Bay near Port Blair,
the capital of the islands. Some people were pulled out from the water and were taken to a
hospital in Port Blair, with several of them in serious condition.
Rescue operations were underway for at least another nine people still missing, who may be
trapped in the now submerged vessel. The Prime Minister expressed shock over the tragedy and
has asked India’s national agencies to help in the rescue and relief operation.

A list of the dead and injured was expected to be released soon with the relatives being urged to
contact the control room for information.

Question 1.
A daylight robbery took place in Bhubaneswar in Khurda Tank police station limits when the
Branch Staff of SBI were on their way back after collecting ₹ 60 lakh from the regional office of
the Reserve Bank. As a staff correspondent for ‘The Indian Express’, write a report in 150-200
words.
Answer:

₹ 60 Lakh Looted In Armed Robbery

by Staff Correspondent Himanshu Sareen, The Indian Express

Bhuvaneswar, 4th February, 20XX

In a daring robbery, armed miscreants shot at employees of the State Bank of India (SBI) and
looted ? 60 lakh from them. A security guard of the bank sustained a bullet injury in the incident.
He is recovering in the city hospital. He has identified one of the dacoits as being an employee of
the bank.

The incident took place at about 1:40 PM when the Branch Staff of SBI were on their way back
to the branch carrying the cash withdrawn from the regional office of the Reserve Bank in a
metal trunk. Their vehicle was intercepted by a Bolero and at least five miscreants got down and
fired in the air. They then smashed one side glass window of the bank’s vehicle, dragged the
driver out and thrashed him.

Other security personnel and the cashier were also roughed up and shot at. Terrorising the SBI
staff, the dacoits fled after snatching their mobile phones and the metal trunk containing the cash.
Khurda SP said that a hunt is on for the dacoits who had prior knowledge about the cash
movement.

Question 2.
A case of racism in Delhi resulted in the death of a 19-year-old, portraying Delhiites as
uncivilised, racist, hypocrites, and psychopaths. Write a report in 150-200 words covering the
protest against the death of the 19-year-old. You are working as a reporter for ‘The Hindustan
Times’.
Answer:

North-East Students Protest Death Of Nido Tania

by Staff Reporter Amrit Singh, The Hindustan Times
New Delhi, 6th February, 20XX

A group of students from-the North-East staged a protest against the death of an Arunachal
Pradesh MLA’s son after being allegedly thrashed to death in Lajpat Nagar.

This protest at the Union Home Minister’s residence followed the earlier demonstration held in
front of the Lajpat Nagar Police Station, under whose jurisdiction the Lajpat Nagar areas falls.

The 19-year-old student Nido Tania was allegedly beaten up by some shopkeepers following an
altercation sparked by their taunts on his hairstyle. Police reached the spot and brokered a
compromise, after which Tania returned home with friends.

However, he did not wake up the next day and was declared brought dead at AIIMS. Protestors
in large numbers gathered outside the Lajpat Nagar Police Station and raised slogAnswer:
against the police. Police have registered a case of murder and are probing the matter. A
magisterial inquiry has also been ordered.

Question 3.
Nearly 158 people are feared dead after an airliner crashed while landing near the South Indian
city of Mangalore. All the passengers on the flight were Indian nationals with many returning
from jobs in the Gulf to visit their families. As a reporter of a national daily, report the accident
in 150-200 words.
Answer:

158 Feared Dead After Airliner Crash

by Staff Reporter Aditi Jhalani, The Hindustan Times

Mangalore, 27th December, 20XX

An Air India Express airliner crashed and burst into flames outside an airport in South India
killing ,158 people, many thought to be Indian migrant workers returning home from Dubai. The
Boeing 737-800 appeared to skid off the table-top runway in rain at Mangalore Airport in
Karnataka state and plunged into the forest below. Flames spouted from the wreckage as rescue
workers fought to bring the fire under control.

Eight people from among 166 passengers and crew on board were rescued and shifted to local
hospitals. Survivors said that they thought they heard what sounded like a tyre bursting just
before the crash. Officials said that all 158 bodies had been recovered, some burned beyond
recognition. The Minister for Civil Aviation said that he felt ‘morally responsible’ for the crash.
He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.

Question 4.
A fire broke out in a slum area near Seemapuri in Delhi. Write a report in 150-200 words for
‘The Times of India’. You are Rohan/Rohini, a staff reporter.
Answer:
 So Killed, Ioo Injured In Massive Fire
by Staff Reporter Rohan, The Times of India

Delhi, 17th August, 20XX

Nearly 500 dwellings were gutted last evening at 5 PM in a fire that broke out in a densely
populated slum near Seemapuri. 50 people are reported dead while another 100 are admitted to
hospital in a critical condition. A lot of hutments of the area were using plastic sheets as
waterproofing for their roofs and these may have caused the fire to spread.

The original cause of the fire is still unknown. According to an official, the piles of plastic fed
the fire which turned wild. Rescue workers were seen carrying the dead and the injured to the
nearby hospitals. The fire rendered a large number of families shelterless and without food.
Many of the casualties occurred due to asphyxiation of the victims. A large number of the
injured were having more than 80% burns, and thus were unlikely to survive.

The Chief Minister of Delhi visited the area and ordered an enquiry to establish the cause of the
fire. He also announced grants in the form of cash and kind.

Question 5.
You are a Staff Reporter for ‘The Hindu’. You have been asked to report an accident where a bus
lost control and hit a car, killing 3 people. Write the report in 150-200 words. Invent other
necessary details.
Answer:

Bus Hits Car, 3 Dead

by Staff Reporter, The Hindu

Kochi, 23rd June, 20XX

A bus travelling from Alleppey to Thrissur rammed into a car yesterday, killing 3 people on the
spot, near Ernakulam Station during the early hours of the morning.

In an attempt to overtake the lorry in front of it, the bus lost control leading to a head-on collision
with a car which was coming from the opposite direction. All the passengers in the car were
killed on the spot. The passengers of the bus who had suffered minor injuries were given first aid
at the nearby railway hospital. An eyewitness said that the bus driver was at fault as he was
trying to overtake at a spot where there was no space.

The Kochi Police night patrol van, which was nearby, immediately arrived at the accident site
and directed the rescue operations. The bus driver was arrested on the spot. An enquiry has been
initiated.

It has been observed that this part of the road has been witnessing numerous accidents primarily
due to vehicles travelling at speed due to lack of speed breakers, which are necessary in such a
crowded area.
 TYPE 2
Reports on Events/ Functions

Value Points
To Be Used In A Report On Events/Functions

● Type of function or its name

● Date, time and place
● Objective and main highlight of the programme
● Description of the event
● Prize distribution
● Conclusion
● Comments about the quality of the programme
● Occasion
● Name/Designation of the Chief Guest
● Inauguration, (if any)
● Chief Guests address to audience
● Vote of thanks
● Contribution of the writer, il any

You are Ameena/Aijaz of VK International School, New Delhi. Recently your school organised
a cultural show as part of a cultural exchange programme. Write a report in 150-200 words for
your school magazine.

Report Writing Exercises

Question 1.
Recently you attended a seminar on Adult Education organised by the CBSE. The sem

Suggested value points: A Report should answer the questions:

1. What - name of event and occasion

2. Where
3. When -date and time Activities (Teaching & Social Work) held
4. A comment on the quality of the activities organized
Report writing - solved questions

Below are a few solved questions for you so that you get an idea as to how to attempt Report
Writing class 12 - Report writing questions well.

Remember, the more you read and practice, the better it is. As per, CBSE guidelines, it should
not exceed the prescribed word limit of 150-200 words

Q1. MMD School, Nashik, recently organized a science symposium on the topic: 'Effect of
pollution on quality of life'. You are Amit/Amita Raazdan, editor of the school magazine.
Write a report on the event for your school magazine. (120 – 150 words)

Science Symposium
-By Amit/ Amita Raazdan, Editor

A symposium was organized on 1 March 2018 in the school on the topic "Effect of Pollution on
Quality of Life". All the science students were a part of the elucidative program.

The event started with the felicitation of the guest speakers. Thereafter, the participants were
espoused by Sh. Suraj Prakash. He acquainted them with the objectives and goals of the
workshop. The resource person Dr. Hari Om Gupta reflected his profound knowledge on the
topic and highlighted how important it is to curb the menace of pollution.

An exalting demonstration of the effects of pollution on our lives galvanized the engrossed
participants. After the lunch break Dr. K.K. Arora, Resource Person, exhibited the possible steps
that can be undertaken at the personal level to reduce pollution. It was followed by another
session on the basic concept behind pollution reduction which triggered the young minds into
thinking innovative ways.

An interactive concourse ignited the inquisitiveness of participants. They have committed

themselves completely to bring about a change in the situation. The informative workshop
culminated with a vote of thanks proposed by the head of the science department.

Q2. You are Karan/ Kirti of L.M. Memorial Public School, Dwarka. Your school has
adopted a village as a social responsibility. Students are being taken to teach the children of
that village on a regular basis. Write a report, for your school magazine, on the various
other programs organized there in 150-200 words.

Answer:

VILLAGE ADOPTION- A STEP TOWARDS BEING SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE

-BY KARAN/ KRITI

On the occasion of World Literacy Day, L.M. Memorial Public School, Dwarka has taken an
oath to embrace the village named Rajpur.

The school has taken the responsibility of educating the people residing in the village. Selected
students from each standard are taken there every weekend, during school hours to impart
knowledge.

The first 6-month motive is to make each and every person capable of reading and writing. Free
books and stationery is being provided for quality education. Children are given time to spend
with each other, play games, and interact.

Apart from educational needs, special care is devoted to hygiene and sanitation. Girls are being
given awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene as well. Various talent hunts have been
organized which left everyone overawed. The immense enthusiasm and zeal in the people to
learn is the main driving factor.

A family kind of environment is being created. The school treats the people of the village as its
own students and is unbiased. By adopting a village, the school is making its students sensitive
towards the needs of the environment at a young age. It is committed to raising the leaders of
tomorrow.

Q3. Cultural Society Sunshine Public School, Nellore organized an adult literacy camp in
its neighborhood. Write a report in 150-200 words on the camp for your school newsletter.
You are P.V. Sunitha, Secretary. Use the following clues: no. of volunteers – hours spent in
teaching – location of the class – chairs, blackboards – no. of people attending the camp –
benefit.

Answer:

ADULT LITERACY CAMP

-BY P. V. SUNITHA, SECRETARY

An adult literacy camp was organized by Cultural Society Sunshine Public School, Nellore in the
school neighborhood yesterday extending educational options to those adults, who have lost the
opportunity and have crossed the age of formal education. The activities of the camp were
carried out by the cultural society of the school and there were a total of 25 volunteers.

The camp began with the welcome speech for the chief guest, Mrs. Kavita Naik, a renowned
social worker. 400 people were a part of the camp. They were divided into different groups in
accordance with their competencies.
They were taught the basics of being able to read and write. Free books and stationery is being
provided for quality education. All the arrangements including desks and blackboards were done
in advance.

Apart from educational needs, special care was devoted to hygiene and sanitation. They were
taught the basics of cleanliness like types of wastes and their management. Refreshments were
also provided to the participants. The immense enthusiasm and zeal in the people to learn was
the main driving factor.

The chief guest distributed the certificates of participation among the volunteers. The camp
ended on a positive note. There was an atmosphere of learning and growing together

Q4. You are Sandhya/ Sohan an active member of the Animal Lovers Club which works
for the welfare of animals by preventing cruelty to them. Recently you visited Mahatma
Gandhi Animal Care Home. You were pleasantly surprised to see the good treatment given
to the animals. Write a report in 150-200 words on your visit.
You may use the following points: injured dogs and cats – abandoned pets – very old
animals – all very well cared for – well-equipped medical room – veterinary surgeon –
green surroundings.

Answer:

Visit Mahatma Gandhi Animal Care Home

-Sandhya/Sohan

Animal Lovers Club was recently invited by the Mahatma Gandhi Animal Care Home for a visit
where an opportunity to oversee the working of the organization was given.

It is home to abandoned pets, rescued animals, and the ones injured on the streets. There were
many old animals as well. It was astounding to see the quality of care the animals are being
given. They have a family-like environment for them. This helps them to heal faster and stay
happy.

The animal home has all the facilities ranging from a well- equipped medical room to a
veterinary surgeon. Regular check-ups of those unwell by a team of veterinary specialists are
carried out.

The surroundings are animal-friendly as well. They are not being ruthlessly kept in cages. They
have green surroundings with enough space for them to play and nurture.
Mahatma Gandhi Animal Care Home is doing a mind-blowing job by understanding and
fulfilling the needs of those who can’t speak for themselves. The experience was an
overwhelming one.

Q5. Independence Day was celebrated in your school. District Magistrate, Ms. Indu Bala
Sharma was the Chief Guest. Write a report on the function in 150-200 words describing
all the activities that took place. You are Head boy/Head girl.

Answer:

GD Goenka School celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor.
On the morning of August 14, 2020, our students presented hand-made greeting cards and tri-
color flag badges to the senior management functionaries of the school.

The cultural program at school commenced with everyone singing ‘Vande Mataram’ followed by
flag hoisting by the chief guest, Ms. Indu Bala Sharma, the District Magistrate.

The spirit of freedom and nationalism was well exhibited by the students as well as the teachers
through a spectrum of patriotic poems, speeches, quizzes on freedom fighter, songs, and dance.

Committed to the task of nation-building, both faculty and student teachers pledged to serve their
motherland through spreading education and serving the community. A presentation on the
historical evolution of the national flag of India was shown.

A documentary on the contribution of unsung heroes of Indian freedom struggle like Tirupur
Kumaran, Kamla Devi Chattopadhayay, and Khudiram Bose enlightened the audience.

A few of them spoke on the history and significance of the Independence Day and shed light on
the special highlight of celebrations this year

It ended with a speech by the principal on the topic, “What does freedom mean to me?” The
celebration concluded with the inspiring words of the principal madam, followed by the National
Anthem and the distribution of refreshments.
NEWSPAPER REPORT

A major bus mishap which left several people seriously injured took place at Nicholas Road,
Nungambakkam, Chennai. Luckily no life was lost. Collect the information from the
eyewitnesses and send a report in 100-125 words to ‘The Nungambakkam Times’. You are
Vinod/Vinodhini, a reporter. (Delhi 2011)
Answer:

Bus Mishap
Vinod, Staff Reporter
The Nungambakkam Times 14th February, 20xx: A major bus mishap took place at Nicholas
Road in Nungambakkam, Chennai yesterday at about 10 a.m. It resulted in serious injuries to
almost twelve of the twenty-five passengers who were on board the bus. Luckily though, there
was no loss of life. An eyewitness accounts how the high speeding bus overturned when it took a
sharp turn in an attempt to avert a collision with a truck that was coming in the wrong direction.

The authorities have arrested the truck driver for his negligence. The bus driver could not be
taken into custody for overspeeding as he is admitted in hospital with grievous injuries. The state
government has announced a compensation of? 25,000 for those seriously injured and ‘10,000
for those whose injurious are not very serious. A state-level inquiry has also been ordered into
the mishap.