Government Women University Faisalabad

Semester

Course Code:

Course Title :

Lecture # 1.
How To Write A
REPORT
 What is a Report?

In academia there is some overlap between reports and essays, and

the two words are sometimes used interchangeably, but reports are
more likely to be needed for business, scientific and technical
subjects, and in the workplace
• Whereas an essay presents arguments and reasoning, a
report concentrates on facts

• Essentially, a report is a short, sharp, concise

document which is written for a particular
purpose and audience. 

• It generally sets outs and analyses a situation or problem, often

making recommendations for future action. It is a factual
paper, and needs to be clear and well-structured
 Reports may contain some or all of the following elements:

•A description of a sequence of events or a situation;

•Some interpretation of the significance of these events or situation,
whether solely your own analysis or informed by the views of others,
always carefully referenced of course (see our page on 
Academic Referencing for more information);
•An evaluation of the facts or the results of your research;
•Discussion of the likely outcomes of future courses of action;
•Your recommendations as to a course of action; and
Not all of these elements will be essential in every report.
If you’re writing a report in the workplace, check whether
there are any standard guidelines or structure that you need
to use.
For example, in the UK many government departments have
outline structures for reports to ministers that must be
followed exactly.
 Sections and Numbering :
• A report is designed to lead people through the information in a structured
way, but also to enable them to find the information that they want quickly
and easily.
• Reports usually, therefore, have numbered sections and subsections, and a
clear and full contents page listing each heading. It follows that page
numbering is important.
• Modern word processors have features to add tables of contents
(ToC) and page numbers as well as styled headings; you should
take advantage of these as they update automatically as you edit
your report, moving, adding or deleting sections.
 What makes a good report?
Two of the reasons why reports are used as forms of written assessment
are:
• to find out what you have learned from your reading, research or
experience;
•to give you experience of an important skill that is widely used in the
work place. 
An effective report presents and analyses facts and evidence that are
relevant to the specific problem or issue of the report brief. All sources
used should be acknowledged and referenced throughout, in accordance
with the preferred method of your department. For further information see
the Learning Development guide: Avoiding Plagiarism. The style of
writing in a report is usually less discursive than in an essay, with a more
direct and economic use of language. A well written report will
demonstrate your ability to: 
•understand the purpose of the report brief and adhere to its
specifications;
•gather, evaluate and analyse relevant information;
•structure material in a logical and coherent order;
•present your report in a consistent manner according to the
instructions of the report brief;
•make appropriate conclusions that are supported by the evidence and
analysis of the report;
•make thoughtful and practical recommendations where required.
Thank You..