How to Create a Formal Report

Many college tutors ask their students to complete a formal report. You may feel daunted by the task, but you needn't be because the very conventions that a formal report require actually make it easier to complete. If you do the background reading and research and follow the format, you should be able to hand in a good report and get an exemplary grade. Formal report writing is an effective skill that goes beyond school. Many jobs require employees to present information in this way because it is effective for summarizing information and disseminating it to colleagues and managers.

Instructions

    • 1

      Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for the report. Some organizations will specify rules about number of words or pages, or whether they require an abstract or letter of transmission. Follow any instructions to the letter.

    • 2

      Research, assimilate and disseminate information in alignment with the benchmark question. Format the report, adhering to your company's format or template. Otherwise, use a template that comes with your word processor. If you are delivering your report to an overseas audience, check to make sure that you do not have to follow different conventions. Complete a title page that includes the name of the report, the word count, and your contact detail. Include a table of contents.

    • 3

      Complete an introduction to your report. Pose the research questions and preview your research findings and analysis. In the body of the report, present your evidence and discuss your findings. Do not include statistics, interview transcripts, or graphs without discussing them. Summarize your findings in the conclusion. If appropriate, include an appendix, reference, and bibliography.

    • 4

      Write an executive summary. If you have met your objectives for the report, you will find this summary easier to write. However, if you find it difficult to write, it may be worth reading through your report again, checking that it is as clear as you can make it. Deliver your report according to the method stipulated or preferred by the company (e.g., printed and bound, PDF, etc.).

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