Presentation
On
Report Writing
By
Mubarak Sani
Research Methodology
28/04/2025 www.vgu.ac.in
Contents:
1. What is a Report
2. Why report Writing Important
3. Characteristics of Good report
4. Common types of Reports
5. Main Goals of Report Writing
6. Essential Elements of a Report
7. Writing Styles and Language
8. Common Mistake to Avoid
9. Tips for Effective Report Writing
10. Final Thoughts
What is a Report?
Structured and formal document.
Presents information clearly.
Used in business, academics, research, and industry etc.
Why report Writing Important
Records and communicates findings.
Supports decision-making.
Improves problem-solving
Documents processes and research findings
Demonstrates professionalism and analysis skills.
Characteristics of Report
Writing
Clarity
Conciseness
Objectivity
Accuracy
Logical organization
Types of Report Writing
There are two main types of reports:
1. Analytical Report:
Provides information
Analyses information
Draws conclusions from the information
Recommends action on the basis of the information.
2. Informational Report:
Provides information
Does not analyse information
Does not recommend action.
Cont’d…
Both of these reports require:
Analytical thinking and writing
As well as a descriptive overview or background of the topic.
Others types of report writing are:
1. Business Reports
2. Technical Reports
3. Research Reports
4. Progress Reports
5. Feasibility Reports and more …
Main Goals of a Report Writing
Inform: conveying specific information about an issue, event, or project.
Analyze: investigating and analyzing a problem or topic, drawing on research
and existing data
Recommend : Given an insight based on the findings and analysis.
Record : documentation or written evidence of past events, actions, or
information
Cont’d…
1. Title page Introduction
2. Abstract/Summary Background information Methodology
3. Table of Contents Findings
4. Introduction Analysis
5. Main Body Conclusions
6. Conclusion Recommendations
7. Recommendations
8. References/Bibliography
9. appendices
Essential Elements of a
Report
1. Title Page:
Title of the report
Author’s name
Organization/Institution
Date of submission
2. Abstract/Summary:
Brief overview of the report.
Summarizes objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions.
Usually 150–250 words.
Cont’d…
3. Table of Contents:
List of main sections and sub-sections, with page numbers, including tables, illustrations,
reference list, and appendices.
Help reader navigate the report.
4. Introduction:
Introduce the topic
Define the purpose and scope
Provide background or context.
Cont’d…
5. Main Body:
Present findings logically.
Use headings/subheadings.
Include charts, graphs, and tables if needed.
6. Conclusion:
Summarize key findings.
No new information here.
Answer the original objectives/questions.
Cont’d…
7. Recommendations:
Suggest actions based on findings.
Be clear, practical, and specific.
8. References/Bibliography:
List sources cited.
Follow citation styles like APA, MLA, IEEE
E.g.
Cont’d…
1. APA: American Psychological Association
Reference List:
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Article title. Journal Title, volume(issue), page numbers.
Example: Smith, A. A., & Jones, B. B. (2020). The impact of technology on education. Journal of Educational Technology, 5(2),
10-25.
2. MLA: Modern Language Association
Reference List:
Author, First Last. "Article Title." Journal Title, volume, no. issue, date of publication, page numbers.
Example: Smith, A. A., and Jones, B. B. "The Impact of Technology on Education." Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 5,
no. 2, 2020, pp. 10-25.
3. IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Reference List:
Initial Author, Last Name, "Article Title," Journal Abbreviation, vol. Volume, no. Issue, pp. Page Range, Month Year, DOI.
Example: Smith, A. A., and Jones, B. B., "The Impact of Technology on Education," Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 5,
Cont’d…
9. Appendices:
Include additional material (raw data, questionnaires).
Supports the report but not essential to main text.
Writing Style and Language
Use formal, objective language. – no bias, opinion or emotion
Avoid personal opinions unless requested.
Write in third person (usually). – not you yourself or about person you are talking to
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Being too vague or wordy.
Poor organization.
Forgetting the intended audience.
Not proofreading.
Tips for Effective Report Writing
Plan before you write.
Focus on clarity and structure.
Use visuals to support data.
Revise and edit carefully.
Final Thoughts
Good report writing builds professionalism.
Practice improves clarity and impact.
Always aim for clarity, precision, and purpose
References
1. Guffey, M. E., & Loewy, D. (2018). Business Communication: Process and Product (9th ed.). Cengage
Learning.
Lesikar, R. V., & Flatley, M. E. (2008). Basic Business Communication: Skills for Empowering the
Internet Generation (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Pfeiffer, W. S. (2011). Technical Writing: A Practical Approach (7th ed.). Pearson Education.
2. Bailey, S. (2018). Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students (5th ed.). Routledge.
University of Manchester (n.d.). Writing Reports. [Online Guide]
Available at: https://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/report-writing/
3. Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) (n.d.). Report Formats.
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