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Reports

Reports are formal documents that provide information on a particular subject for an informed reader. They are generally longer and more detailed than articles. Reports have a clear layout including an introduction explaining the aim and methods, organized sections presenting findings, and a conclusion summarizing information and recommendations. They use impersonal language and tentative statements to avoid definite claims unless absolutely certain.

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44 views

Reports

Reports are formal documents that provide information on a particular subject for an informed reader. They are generally longer and more detailed than articles. Reports have a clear layout including an introduction explaining the aim and methods, organized sections presenting findings, and a conclusion summarizing information and recommendations. They use impersonal language and tentative statements to avoid definite claims unless absolutely certain.

Uploaded by

Amigo Candy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Reports

Notes

A report is a formal document prepared by one person or a group of people who have been
studying a particular subject (e.g. The committee published its final report, recommending
legislation against racism.).

Both articles and reports may deal with similar subject matter but the treatment is different.
While an article is designed to make a topic interesting for the general reader, a report is
usually written for a more informed reader who already knows something about the subject.

Reports are generally longer and more detailed than articles.

Approach:

There are two basic kinds of report:


The first simply provides information on a topic and gives a brief conclusion, or summary,
at the end. Example: a report on the educational system in a particular country, written to
help someone research the subject.
The second sets out to identify strengths and weaknesses in a particular situation and
makes recommendations for improvement. Example: a report on the library facilities in a
college written at the request of the principal.

Language and Register

Reports are the most impersonal kind of writing and it is usually best to avoid expressing
personal opinions or feelings, except, perhaps, in the conclusion. Instead of I think that ... or I
found that..., for example, you can use the impersonal “it” construction and a passive, e.g. It
seems that ... It was found that... (see Useful Language section).

It’s also advisable to avoid making very definite statements unless you're absolutely sure
they're true. Instead of saying It is, for example, you can use modal verbs, e.g. It
could/might/may be or a more tentative expression such as It seems to be … or It tends to be.

Layout and Organisation

Reports should have a clear, factual heading and may also have subheadings which divide
the writing into shorter sections. The information should be organized and presented as
clearly and logically as possible, with a short introduction, explaining the aim of the report
and how the information was obtained and a suitable conclusion, summing up the
information and making recommendations if necessary.
Example
Clear, factual heading. LEISURE FACILITIES IN ANYTOWN

The introduction says Introduction


what the aim of the The aim of this report is to describe and assess the leisure
report is and how the facilities available in Anytown. It is based on information made
information was available by the Anytown Tourist Office, and on views expressed
obtained. by local people who were interviewed.

Sport
Anytown has a wide range of sports facilities, both public and
private. There is a large modern leisure centre in the High Street
and facilities include a swimming pool, a sports hall for judo,
fencing and other activities, and tennis courts. The centre runs
courses in all these sports and these tend to be very popular
Membership costs £150 a year, which was felt to be rather
expensive, but a special temporary membership is available to
visitors. The public swimming pool on the outskirts of town at
Downmarket is older, less attractive and often overcrowded, but
entry is only £1.50.

Theatres
There are two theatres in town, the Kings Theatre in Bee Street,
which offers mainly “serious” drama and has a good reputation
for its productions of Shakespeare plays, and the Little Theatre in
Sea Street which specialises in lighter entertainment and the
occasional pop concert. In general, it seems that the Kings
Theatre is more popular with the older members of the
community while the Little appeals more to people in their teens,
twenties and early thirties.

Museums and Art Galleries


The City Museum has an extensive collection of maps, pottery
and other articles connected with Anytown's history. The
attendants are said to be very friendly and helpful, and there is
also a small café with reasonably priced home-made snacks.
Interestingly, few of the local Anytowners interviewed had ever
been to the museum but it was recommended highly by several
tourists.

Shopping
The conclusion provides Conclusion
a brief summary of the Anytown is well-provided with leisure facilities for a town of its
information and may size and these are well-used by the townspeople, on the whole.
include recommendations Sport seems to be the most popular leisure activity (after
for improvement. shopping) while cultural activities like visiting the museum or
art gallery appeared to be the least popular amongst the
Anytowners who were interviewed.

Perhaps the City Council should consider launching a publicity


campaign to show how much these facilities have to offer.

Useful Language

Introduction: The aim of this report is to .. . It is based on …


This report is intended to ... It draws on …
This report looks at/describes … It uses …

Reporting an It seems/appears that … It was found that …


observation: … tend(s) to (do) It was felt that …
A/The majority/minority of ... ... were in the majority/minority

Quoting: According to … As X said … In the words of …

Speculating: It may/could/might (well) be that …


… may/could/might + (do/have done)

Generalising: In general On the whole In the main

Commenting: Interestingly Curiously Oddly Strangely


Surprisingly Predictably
As might be (have been) expected It is interesting that ... (etc.)

Making a It is recommended that …


recommendation: (Perhaps) It is/would be advisable for X to (do)
(Perhaps) X might/should consider + ing

Summing up: To sum up/To summarise On balance In short

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