3. 12-3
Learning Objectives
Understand the makeup of reports
relative to length and formality.
Understand the four main ways that
the writing in short reports differs
from long reports.
Choose an appropriate form for
short reports.
Adapt the short report form to other
types of reports.
9-3
4. Long problems and formal contexts
require a more complex makeup.
Short problems and informal contexts
need a simpler make.
Length and Formality
6. Title fly
Title page
Transmittal message
Table of contents
Executive summary
− Direct order
− Indirect order
Report Components
7. Less need for introductory
information
Predominance of direct
order
More personal writing style
Less need for a structured
coherence plan
Characteristics
of Short Reports
9. Short reports solve routine
problems so they’re direct
Begin with the most
important information—
the conclusion or
recommendation
Busy readers want the
bottom line early
Predominance of
Direct Order
10. Short reports
Are more likely to use I, we
and you than third person.
Usually involve personal
relationships.
Involve personal
investigations, observations,
evaluations and analyses of
their writers.
Writing Style
11. Short reports have less
need for a structured,
coherent plan.
• Readers don’t need the
summaries and reminders of
what they read required by
longer reports.
• An introduction, clear
headings, and strong
transitions should be enough.
Structure
Source: Reprinted with permission of
CartoonStock.com, www.cartoonstock.com
12. Short report
Letter report
Email report
Other forms, such
as newsletters,
pamphlets, and
white papers
Forms of Short Reports
14. “We are drowning
in information, while starving
for wisdom. The world henceforth
will be run by synthesizers, people able to
put together the right information at the
right time, think critically about it, and make
important choices wisely.”
- E. O. Wilson, Pulitzer Prize Winner
Professor, Harvard University
