Report Writing (5 Marks)
A report is a well-organised written piece, which defines and analyses a subject or a problem and is
aimed at informing the readers about the same in a factual manner.
Features
• Facts are used as far as possible for objectivity.
• Events are arranged in a chronological order.
• The impersonal passive voice and reported speech are often used.
• Reports are written in the past tense primarily, or timeless present tense.
• Clear and concise language is used, personal comments or interpretations are avoided, as far
as possible.
Difference between a report and an article
● Report is factual whereas article is based on opinions.
● Report should be written in third person and mostly passive voice whereas article is written mostly in
first person and active voice.
● Report is written to report an event/ incident/ process in detail or to inform people about a latest
occurrence. It is thoroughly impersonal while an article clearly states the opinion of the writer on a
given issue and may also be used to spread awareness.
● A report includes date and place, whereas an article does not.
● The format of a newspaper report includes a headline followed by the name of the correspondent
and newspaper along with the date and place whereas an article includes only the title and the byline.
Ideally, the headline should tell one enough to attract their attention but leave them wanting to know
more so they read on to find out more information.
Content includes the following points: 4 W 1H
● Who was involved?
● Where the event occurred?
● When it happened?
● What happened?
● How did it happen?
The major distinction between a News Paper Report and a Magazine Report is that a
magazine report only needs to include title and by line as the format while the newspaper
report needs to include title, by line with credentials, date and location.
Strategies to create points:
For auspicious events like inauguration, cultural festival, celebration and more, we can use the following
points and present them in a chronological fashion.
• Day and Time of commencement or weather.
• Number of crowd gathering (...in large numbers)
• Welcome address by the Principal
• Opening Speech Chief Guest
• Lamp lighting
• Performance
• Snacks served
• Awards
• Magazine Launch Release
• Key note speaker
• Vote of Thanks
For tragic events like accidents, terror attack and theft, we can elaborate the following factors:
• Description of individuals involved with anonymity
• Site of incident
• Items stolen/ damage caused
• Nearby hospital where the injured were taken to
• Findings of Medical Staff
• Investigating officers
• Eye witness account
INVERTED TRIANGLE
Leading Paragraph - The most important information
The 5 Ws: Who? What? When? Where? Why? (and sometimes
How?) Typically, about 30-40 words
Body 1 & 2 - The crucial information
This is the narrative, issue or controversy, and
includes information like evidence, background
details
Includes evidences that support, dispute or
expand the report
Tail - Any extra
information
Includes any extra
interesting or related
information
Format: 1
Organisation of Ideas: 1
Content: 2
Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar :1
Word Limit: 120- 150 words
Format
• Headline & By line
• Reporting place and date
• Paragraphing organisation (Introductory paragraph + one or two Body paragraphs including event details
+ Concluding paragraph inclusive of witness accounts)
Organisation & Content:
The report should answer these questions
WHO? (Name of event, sponsor/ organiser, special guests, if any)
WHERE & WHEN? (Date, time, place- town/ city+ venue)
WHAT & HOW? (Event/ programme details)
WHAT DID THOSE PRESENT THINK? (Observations/ comments)
→ Reason why the programme was launched was
→ organised—by whom? When? Who attended?
→ Event details (refer to cues)
→ Conclude including witness/ participant account/s
Sample Paper Questions
1. The R.W.A (Resident Welfare Association), Nandipura -II, launched a volunteer programme for the
young adults in and around the neighbourhood, on 18 January 2023. As Sunitha. J, the local correspondent
of the neighbourhood newsletter, write a report, covering this event. Support your ideas with outline cues
given below, to craft your report.
→ Which volunteer programme? Purpose of the launch event- its importance
→ Activities that took place- Who attended?
→ Any key messages delivered?
→ How were young adults encouraged to join the volunteer programme?
→ Any resources and information provided to attendees?
→ Any insight into follow-up activities planned?
→ What impact is expected to be achieved in the community?
2. The senior residents of your colony have initiated a Reading Club for the children of a neighbourhood
slum. As Ramesh/Ranjita, the local correspondent of the neighbourhood newsletter, write a report covering
the project. Support your ideas with the cues given below.
→ Senior citizens’ initiative
→ 2-hour voluntary service on Sunday morning
→ Support reading of school texts
→ Comprehension quizzing
→ Read newspaper- share information- encourage discussion
3. Addiction to mobile phones is becoming a cause of concern today. It is impacting both physical and
mental health of young and old alike. You attended a workshop on ‘Joy of Missing Out’ organised by Home
Association. As the local correspondent, write a report on the event. You may use the following cues along
with your own ideas. You are Rita/Rakesh of Savitri Nagar.
Problems
→ Preoccupation and compulsion of mobile phone use
→ Withdrawal symptoms such as irritation, anxiety and depression when stopped
Solutions
→ Set limits for usage
→ Turn your phone off
→ Practice mindfulness
→ Engage in physical activities
4. A group of college students put up a week-long street theatre festival highlighting the issue of digital
addiction and how it affects human life socially and emotionally. As Rani/Rohit, local correspondent of the
neighbourhood newsletter, write a report covering this event. Support your ideas with the following cues.
→ Street theatre- entertainment
→ Conveyed relevant message in an engaging manner
→ Interaction between players and the audience- sharing personal stories
→ Local incidents were interwoven into the play
→ Purpose to change attitudes and behaviour
→ Daily reflection
