2. What is a report writing?
A report is a written account of something that one has
observed, heard, done, or investigated. It is a systematic and well-
organized presentation of facts and findings of an event that has
already taken place somewhere.
● Report is an administrative necessity.
● Most official form of information or work are completed via report.
● Report is always written in a sequential manner in order of
occurrence
3. Types of reports:
1. Formal and Informal reports:Formal reports are carefully structured; they
stress objectivity and organization, contain much detail, and are written in a style that
tends to eliminate such elements as personal pronouns. Informal reports are usually
short messages with natural, casual use of language. The internal memorandum can
generally be described as an informal report.
2. Short or long reports:This is a confusing classification. A one-page
memorandum is obviously short, and a twenty page report is clearly long. But where is
the dividing line? Bear in mind that as a report becomes longer (or what you determine
as long), it takes on more characteristics of formal reports.
3. Informational or analytical reports:Informational reports (annual reports,
monthly financial reports, and reports on personnel absenteeism) carry objective
information from one area of an organization to another. Analytical reports (scientific
research, feasibility reports, and real-estate appraisals) present attempts to solve
problems.
4. 4. Proposal report:The proposal is a variation of problem-solving reports.
A proposal is a document prepared to describe how one organization can meet
the needs of another. Most governmental agencies advertise their needs by
issuing “requests for proposal” or RFPs. The RFP specifies a need and potential
suppliers prepare proposal reports telling how they can meet that need.
5. Vertical or lateral reports:This classification refers to the direction
a report travels. Reports that more upward or downward the hierarchy are
referred to as vertical reports; such reports contribute to management
control. Lateral reports, on the other hand, assist in coordination in the
organization. A report traveling between units of the same organization level
(production and finance departments) is lateral.
6. Internal or external reports :Internal reports travel within the
organization. External reports, such as annual reports of companies, are
prepared for distribution outside the organization.
5. Magazine report format:
1. Heading– A descriptive title that is expressive of the contents of the report.
2. By line- Name of the person writing the report. It is generally given in the question.
Remember, you are not supposed to mention your personal details in your answer.
3. The opening paragraph (introduction) – It may include the ‘5 Ws’ namely, WHAT,
WHY, WHEN, and WHERE along with WHO was invited as the chief guest.
4. The account of the event in detail- The proper sequence of events that occurred
along with their description. It is the main paragraph and can be split into two short
paragraphs if required.
5. Conclusion– This will include a description of how the event ended. It may include
quote excerpts from the Chief Guest’s speech or how did the event wind up
6. Newspaper report format:
1. Headline- A descriptive title that is expressive of the contents of the report.
2. By line- Name of the person writing the report along with the designation. It is generally given in the
question. Remember, you are not supposed to mention your personal details in your answer.
3. Place and date of reporting- It is generally not mentioned in a magazine report separately, but here,
it is.
4. Opening paragraph- It includes the expansion of the headline. It needs to be short as it is a general
overview of the report.
5. The account of the event in detail- It is generally written in two parts: First, complete account of
what happened in its chronological sequence (preferably) and second, the witness remarks.
6. Concluding paragraph- This will include the action that has been taken so far or that will be taken. It
is the last paragraph.
7. Tips for writing a report:
1. Make sure you use language which is suitable for the audience you are addressing. The usage of
complex vocabulary for addressing children is not advisable.
2. Make sure you write in paragraphs.
3. Practice previous year question papers.
4. Read as many samples as you can. It will give you an idea as to how they are actually written.
5. Read the question at least twice and highlight the important information. It is very important to
understand the question and read between the lines
Albert Einstein once said,
“If you can’t explain it simply, you didn’t understand it well enough.”
8. Example of a report
Report on Science Symposium held at MMD School, Nashik
-By Amit/ Amita Raazdan, Editor of the school magazine
A symposium was organized on 1 January 2021 in the school on the topic “Effect of Pollution
on Quality of Life”. All the science students were a part of the elucidate program.
The event started with the felicitation of the guest speakers. Thereafter, the participants
were espoused by Sh. Suraj Prakash. He acquainted them with the objectives and goals of
the workshop. The resource person Dr. Hari Om Gupta reflected his profound knowledge
on the topic and highlighted how important it is to curb the menace of pollution.
An exalting demonstration of the effects of pollution on our lives galvanized the engrossed
participants. After the lunch break Dr. K.K. Arora, Resource Person, exhibited the possible
steps that can be undertaken at the personal level to reduce pollution. It was followed by
another session on the basic concept behind pollution reduction which triggered the young
minds into thinking innovative ways.
An interactive concourse ignited the inquisitiveness of participants. They have committed
themselves completely to bring about a change in the situation. The informative workshop
culminated with a vote of thanks proposed by the head of the science department.