The style of reports should be concise, giving precise detail. Flowery language should not be used. Data may be presented as charts, graphs or tables, if appropriate. Descriptions of methodology should be sufficiently clear and detailed to allow someone else to replicate them exactly.

Unlike an essay, which sets out to defend a writer’s view about a topic and does not have to feature headings, a report discusses a topic in a structured, easy-to-follow format. Reports are divided into sections with headings and subheadings.

Report Writing

1. Step 1: Know your brief. You will usually receive a clear brief for a report, including what you are studying and for whom the report should be prepared.
2. Step 2: Keep your brief in mind at all times.
3. Executive Summary.
4. Introduction.
5. Report Main Body.
6. Conclusions and Recommendations.

When you are reporting your findings, use the past tense (you are reporting on something that has happened). When you are reporting other people’s research, use the present tense (you are relating something that is established knowledge). When you are discussing your findings, use the present tense.

Informal reports and formal reports have two major categories: informational and analytical reports. It’s important to keep in mind that both informal and formal reports can fall into these categories (i.e., you can have an informal informational report or a formal informational report).

A good report is always a complete and self-explanatory document. For this, repetition of facts, figures, information, conclusions and recommendation should be avoided. Report writing should be always complete and self-explanatory. It should give complete information to the readers in a precise manner.

The Expository Style of Writing An expository essay is a short written work that explains a topic or informs an audience. The expository style of writing is a good choice when you want to tell readers what you know about a topic or show readers how to do something.

Unlike an essay, which sets out to defend a writer’s view about a topic and does not have to feature headings, a report discusses a topic in a structured, easy-to-follow format. Reports are divided into sections with headings and subheadings. Reports can be academic, technical, or business-oriented, and feature recommendations for specific actions.

Presenting a report in a simple and concise manner should be of top priority when it comes to report writing. Take note that proper formatting also involves the subsections, font style and size, and the manner in which data is presented.

An essay format refers to a set of guidelines that decides how the elements of your paper should be arranged. The format guidelines cover the essay structure, title, citations, and the basic outline of the essay.

Font – The standard font style for any formal report is Arial or Times New Roman, due to its easy-to-read nature, but your font choice may also depend on the instructions given. Make sure to use only a single font style throughout the document for consistency and formality.