Report Writing- Step by step guide

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. Reports generally involve presenting your investigation and analysis of information or an issue, recommending actions and making proposals.There are many different types of reports, including business, scientific and research reports, but the basic steps for writing them are the same. These are outlined below.

Step 1: Decide on the 'Terms of reference'

·         What is it about? 

·         What exactly is needed?

·         Why is it needed?

Step 2: Decide on the procedure                                                                     

·         What information do I need?

·         Do I need to do any background reading?

·         What articles or documents do I need?

Step3: Find the information

                The next step is to find the information you need for your report. To do this you may need to read written material, observe people or activities, and/or talk to people.

Step 4: Decide the structure

Depending on the type of report, the structure can include:

·         A title page.

·         Executive summary.

·         Contents.

·         An introduction.

·         Terms of reference.

·         Procedure.

·         Findings.

·         Conclusions.

Step 5: Draft the first part of your report

Step 6: Analyse your understanding and draw conclusion

The conclusion is where you analyse your findings and interpret what you have found. To do this, read through your findings and ask yourself:

·         What have I found?

·         What's significant or important about my findings?

For example, your conclusion may describe how the information you collected explains why the situation occurred, what this means for the organisation, and what will happen if the situation continues 

Step7: Make Recommendations

Step 8: Draft the executive summary and table of contents

Step 9: Compile a reference list  

Step 10: Revise your final draft