This document provides criteria for writing a good report, including using an opening sentence that introduces the topic, organizing notes into main ideas and paragraphs, employing sub-headings to separate different parts of the subject, asking questions to engage the reader, ordering ideas logically without jumping around, using formal and impersonal language, sticking to facts while adding descriptive phrases, and closing with a paragraph that summarizes key points.

1. Nonchr onological
r epor ts
What are the features?

2. Criteria for report
writing
 To write a good report follow the rules in
this Powerpoint and keep checking your
work to see you have remembered
everything.

3. Opening sentence
 Make sure your opening sentence or
paragraph lets the reader know what
your report is going to be about.
 Avoid saying, ‘My report is going to be
about….’, or ‘I am writing a report
about….’

4. Notes for the report
 Organise your notes into main ideas and
write a paragraph for each main idea.

5. Sub-headings
 It is a good idea to use sub-headings for
each new part of your subject.
 It also helps you to remember to use
paragraphs!

6. Questions
 Questions are a good way of making
your reader think.

7. Ideas
 Make sure you put your ideas in a logical
order.
 Don’t move backwards and forwards
from one idea to another.

8. Language to use
 Use formal and impersonal language.
 You will need to be business-like.
 Talk about ‘people’ and ‘they’. Try not to
use personal pronouns, such as I or me.

9. Information
 Stick to the facts!
 Try to use some descriptive phrases to
add interest to your report.

10. How to end the report!
 Your last/closing paragraph should sum
up your report and may recap key points.