Report Writing

What is a report?

In technical terms, the definition of a report is pretty vague: any account, spoken or written, of
the matters concerning a particular topic. This could refer to anything from a courtroom
testimony to a grade schooler’s book report.

Really, when people talk about “reports,” they’re usually referring to official documents
outlining the facts of a topic, typically written by an expert on the subject or someone assigned to
investigate it. There are different types of reports, explained in the next section, but they mostly
fit this description.

What kind of information is shared in reports?

Although all facts are welcome, reports, in particular, tend to feature these types of content:

 Details of an event or situation

 The consequences or ongoing effect of an event or situation
 Evaluation of statistical data or analytics
 Interpretations from the information in the report
 Predictions or recommendations based on the information in the report
 How the information relates to other events or reports

Moreover, reports are heavily organized, commonly with tables of contents and copious headings
and subheadings. This makes it easier for readers to scan reports for the information they’re
looking for. Essays, on the other hand, are meant to be read start to finish, not browsed for
specific insights.

Types of report formats

There are a few different types of reports, depending on the purpose and to whom you present
your report. Here’s a quick list of the common types of reports:

 Academic report: Tests a student’s comprehension of the subject matter, such as book reports,
reports on historical events, and biographies
 Business reports: Identifies information useful in business strategy, such as marketing reports,
internal memos, SWOT analysis, and feasibility reports
 Scientific reports: Shares research findings, such as research papers and case studies, typically
in science journals
 Reports can be further divided into categories based on how they are written. For example, a
report could be formal or informal, short or long, and internal or external. In business, a vertical
report shares information with people on different levels of the hierarchy (i.e., people who work
above you and below you), while a lateral report is for people on the author’s same level, but in
different departments.

What is the structure of a report?

The report format depends on the type of report and the requirements of the assignment. While
reports can use their own unique structure, most follow this basic template:

 Introduction: Setting up the body of the report, your introduction explains the overall topic that
you’re about to discuss, with your thesis statement and any need-to-know background
information before you get into your own findings.
 Body: The body of the report explains all your major discoveries, broken up into headings and
subheadings. The body makes up the majority of the entire report; whereas the introduction and
conclusion are just a few paragraphs each, the body can go on for pages.
 Conclusion: The conclusion is where you bring together all the information in your report and
come to a definitive interpretation or judgment. This is usually where the author inputs their own
personal opinions or inferences.

Report Writing Sample

2nd September, 2024

The Principal,

High School, Islamabad

X.Y.Z,

Member Disciplinary Committee

Subject: Frequent Disciplinary Issues Observed in the College

Introduction:

In recent weeks, our institute has seen a rise in disciplinary issues, including bullying, vandalism,
and academic dishonesty. These incidents are disrupting the learning environment and creating a
hostile atmosphere for students and staff. This report outlines the problems, examines possible
causes, and offers suggestions to help restore a positive and productive environment at the
institute.

Report:

Over the past few weeks, several disciplinary issues have been observed among the students at
our institute. There have been reports of bullying, both verbal and physical, among students,
which is creating a hostile environment for some. Instances of vandalism, such as graffiti on
walls and damage to school property, have been noted. Furthermore, cases of academic
dishonesty, including cheating during tests and plagiarism in assignments, have been reported.

The causes of these disciplinary issues seem to be multifaceted. Some students lack adequate
supervision and guidance at home, leading to poor behavior in school. Secondly, students may
engage in disruptive behavior to gain acceptance or popularity among their peers. Moreover, the
pervasive influence of social media has led to inappropriate behavior, including cyberbullying
and distractions during school hours.

The ongoing disciplinary issues have significantly impacted the learning environment. Frequent
interruptions in class prevent teachers from delivering lessons effectively, thereby affecting the
academic performance of all students. Secondly, bullying and harassment have led to a decline in
student morale, with some students feeling unsafe or demotivated. Lastly, repeated incidents of
indiscipline may tarnish the reputation of the institute, making it less attractive to prospective
students and faculty.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, addressing the disciplinary issues at our institute requires a collaborative effort
from all stakeholders, including the administration, faculty, students, and parents. By
implementing the above measures, we can restore a positive and conducive learning environment
for all.

Suggestions/Recommendations:

To address these issues, the following remedial measures are proposed:

i. Regular meetings with parents should be organized to discuss their children's

behavior and strategies for improvement.
ii. Workshops and seminars on bullying and its consequences should be conducted
to raise awareness among students.
 iii. Enhanced supervision during break times and in common areas can help prevent
instances of vandalism and bullying.

Signed:

X.Y.Z.