A report is a formal communication that includes a description of procedures followed to collect and analyze data, the significance of the results, conclusions drawn, and recommendations. It consists of factual data derived from various sources that is analyzed to get an in-depth understanding of the topic. A report has a specific structure and format that must be followed, as the rules can vary between organizations. It provides both a description of past events and recommendations for the future.

5. A report is a formal communication written
for a specific purpose; it includes a
description of procedures followed for
collection and analysis of data, their
significance, the conclusions drawn from
them, and recommendations, if required.
R C Sharma, Krishna Mohan, Business Correspondence and Report
Writing, Mc Graw Hill, India, 2011, Fourth Edition, p. 178.
Report is a document with a
description of past and a
prescription for future.
- Sumangal Haldar

6. When we say formal it
means something
serious and important.
We don’t write a formal
report with our
whimsical flow of mind.
It is not about our free-
flow of ideas. It has
certain rules and
prescriptions that are
meant to be followed.
These rules vary from
organization to
organization
A report consists of
data derived from
various ideas, facts
and figures. This data
is analysed in a
particular way so as to
get to the depth of any
matter. Before this
analysis comes the
collection of data and
this has to be factual.
If this data is not
factual the report
cannot be formal.

7. Why am I
writing this
report?
Who will
read my
report?

8. 1. Cover or Title Fly
2. Frontispiece
3. Title Page
4. Copyright notice
5. Forwarding Letter
6. Preface
7. Acknowledgements
8. Table of Contents
9. Abstract or Summary
1. Appendices
2. Index
3. Glossary
4. Bibliography

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Sumangal Haldar
editor.genesis@gmail.com