MUET: Report Writing

Let's tackle a sample question today to break down the process of report writing in
detail. (Question taken from the March monthly exam (Paper 4 MUET), SMK
Puchong. Click on pic to zoom in)





Generally, the question requirements are:
The report should be between 150-200 words. The best thing to do is to
write exactly 200 words or in the range of 190-200 words. Try not to go
over 205 words as important points may not be counted in the marking.
You must use all visuals given in the report. Not mentioning either one,
even those who are meant to be used as additional information, subtracts
from the overall quality of the report. Not using main visuals means not
enough analysis (and synthesis) points.
Remember the general format of the report. (More explained below)
General format- and tips for each section

Introduction
Title
- The question goes: "You have been asked to write a report on missing
children in Malaysia." Most of the time, the main issue of the report will be
highlighted in bold like this one. Therefore, the title of this example is the
same as the words in bold. The title is normally implied in the question -
look for it, and use it (add few words if required for some questions).
Overview (OV)
- The overview introduces the main visuals that are used in relation to the
issue discussed. Statistics such as graphs and pie charts are the most
common form of main visuals, as they contain the 'meat' or points for
analysis. Start with "The visuals show..."
Overall trend (OT)
- The overall trend is a general statement of the most obvious trend or
finding in the report. You would have to analyse all visuals in detail to get
the big picture, which in turn will help you find the most obvious trend.
Usually, this section starts with phrases such as "Generally" or "As a whole".
Body
Analysis
- Analysis is directly presenting the statistics in the main visuals in the
report in the most efficient way, i.e minimizing number of words but
maximizing information (a good report means you have mastered this art)
Synthesis
- Synthesis is implying from the analyses trends in the report - in BM
Rumusan (Summary) SPM, (refresh!) this is the 'maksud tersirat' or 'hidden
meaning' part. (Analysis is 'maksud tersurat'). Syntheses in this part of the
report come from interpretation of the main visuals. In the body, analyses
and syntheses can be either written separately or intertwined in the same
sentence. (In the sample below there isn't much synthesis in the body - there
may be more in other reports, especially if there is only one main visual)
Conclusion
Concluding statement
- This is basically a restatement of the OT - you can use different words with
the same meaning to colour your language, though.
Concluding synthesis
- This synthesis comes either from secondary visuals (news clippings and
other non-numerical visuals) or implying relevant/related suggestions
connected to the report.
Sample report:
(this was the actual report I wrote for my exam. This one got 38/40 - my teacher
said that if I added the title, which I forgot, I could have gotten full marks. Ah,
careless mistakes!)

Missing Children In Malaysia

The visuals show the number of children lost and found in Malaysia from
2006 to 2008 as well as the reasons for children going missing. Generally, even
though the number of missing children cases have decreased, so has its recovery
rate.

In 2006, there were 2405 cases of missing children. This figure dropped
considerably to 1803 cases in 2007 and then dropped further to 1485 cases in 2008.

Out of 2405 cases recorded in 2006, 1712 cases or 71% were solved. In 2007,
the recovery rate dropped by 1%, where 1254 cases or 70% out of 1803 cases were
solved. The recovery rate dropped significantly the following year, where only 60%
or 900 cases were solved out of 1485 recorded cases.

Among the reasons children went missing were abusive parents, which
contributed to 65% of recorded cases, followed by peer pressure at 18%. 10
percent of children who went missing were lured by strangers, whereas 5%
rebelled against their parents. Another 2% of missing cases had unknown causes.

In conclusion, even though the number of missing children cases had dropped
significantly, so has its recovery rate. Therefore, the Malaysian government has
launched a hotline for child and domestic abuses.

(198 words)

I hope this short notes helped, and all the best in your report writing :)