What is the method to write a report writing
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Preparation and Planning
First, you should take some time to prepare and plan for your report. Before you start writing, identify the audience. Your report should be written and tailored to the readers' needs and expectations. When planning, ask yourself several questions to better understand the goal of the report. Some questions to consider include:
Who are the readers?
What is the purpose of the report and why is it needed?
What important information has to be in the report?
Once you identify the basics of your report, you can begin to collect supporting information, then sort and evaluate that information. The next step is to organize your information and begin putting it together in an outline. With proper planning, it will be easier to write your report and stay organized.
Formatting the Report Elements
To keep your report organized and easy to understand, there is a certain format to follow. The main sections of a standard report are:
Title Section: If the report is short, the front cover can include any information that you feel is necessary including the author(s) and the date prepared. In a longer report, you may want to include a table of contents and a definition of terms.
Summary: The summary consists of the major points, conclusions, and recommendations. It needs to be short as it is a general overview of the report. Some people will read the summary and only skim the report, so make sure you include all of the relevant information. It would be best to write this when the report is finished so you will include everything, even points that might be added at the last minute.
Introduction: The first page of the report needs to have an introduction. Here you will explain the problem and inform the reader why the report is being made. You need to give a definition of terms if you did not include these in the title section, and explain how the details of the report are arranged.
Body: This is the main section of the report. The previous sections needed to be written in plain English, but this section can include technical terms or jargon from your industry. There should be several sections, each clearly labeled with a subtitle. Information in a report is usually arranged in order of importance with the most important information coming first. If you wish, a "Discussion" section can be included at the end of the main body to go over your findings and their significance.
Conclusion: This is where everything comes together. Keep this section free of jargon as many people will just read the summary and conclusion.
Recommendations: This is where you discuss any actions that need to be taken. In plain English, explain your recommendations, putting them in order of priority.
Appendices: This includes information that the experts in the field will read. It has all the technical details that support your conclusions.
This report writing format will make it easier for the reader to find what he is looking for. Remember to write all the sections in plain English, except the body, which can be as technical as you need it to be. Also remember that the information needs to be organized logically with the most important points coming first.
Make the Right Impression
Reports should be well organized and easy to follow. To achieve this, following a structured format keeps your writing on track. How a report is presented to the reader makes not only a lasting impression but also makes the writer seem credible and the information contained in the report reliable. A finishing touch that can make a great impression on the reader is how you package the report. Always print the final report on good quality paper. You may also want to consider placing the report in a binder or a folder.