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Long Reports

Long reports require you to use and combine many of

the writing skills and research strategies you have
CHAPTER 15 already learned. Key element of long reports include:

Scope. It provides an in-depth view of a key problem or idea.
Writing Careful
Research. It requires extensive research.
Long Reports
Format. It is too detailed and complex to be organized in memo or
letter format.

Timetable. It requires you to prepare a timetable for completion of
the report.
Philip C. Kolin
Audience. It is always directed at top level management.
University of Southern Mississippi
Collaborative effort. It is often the work of several individuals.

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The Process of
Writing a Long Report
Parts of a Long Report

The following guidelines will help you plan and
The 12 parts of a long report fall into three
write a long report: broad categories:
• Identify a significant topic.
Front matter consists of everything that precedes the
actual text of the report: letter of transmittal, title page,
• Expect to confer regularly with your supervisor(s). table of contents, list of illustrations, and abstract.
• Revise you work often.
Report text encompasses the main section of the
• Keep the order flexible at first. report: introduction, body, conclusion, and
recommendations.
• Prepare both a day-to-day calendar and a checklist.

Back matter includes all of the supporting data:
glossary, references cited, and appendices.

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Front Matter Text of the Report

The front matter includes: • The report text includes:

Letter of transmittal. The letter of transmittal is a one-page letter • Introduction. The introduction tells readers why your report was
stating the purpose, scope, and major recommendation of the report. written – it should include background information, identification of
the problem, a purpose statement, and an indication of the report’s

Title page. The title page includes the full title of the report, which
scope.
should be neither vague, too short, or too long.
• Body. The body takes up most of the report – it contains statistical

Table of contents. The table of contents should list the major
information, details, physical descriptions, and interpretations.
heading and subheadings of the report, and provide page numbers.
• Conclusion. The conclusion should tie everything in the report

List of illustrations. The list of illustrations contains titles for all of the
together and present the report’s findings.
visuals and indicates where in the report they can be found.
• Recommendations. The recommendations section tells readers

Abstract. The abstract summarizes the report, including the main
what should be done about the findings recorded in the conclusion.
problem you’ve investigated, the conclusions you reached, and any
recommendations you may make.

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Back Matter

The back matter includes:

Glossary. The glossary is an alphabetical list, with definitions, of the
specialized vocabulary used in the report.

Citations list. The citations list should include all sources cited when
researching the report: Web sites, books, articles, television
programs, interviews, reviews, audiovisuals, etc.

Appendix. The appendix contains supportive data too long to
include in the body of the report: Lengthy tables, sample
questionnaires, complete budgets/cost estimates, correspondence,
case histories, transcripts, etc.

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