8 Must-Know Crucial Steps for Writing a Report Effectively

Reports present investigation and analysis of data on a specific issue with recommended actions and proposals. Although there are different types of reports, the standard writing steps for them are similar. Report Writing follows proper precision as it should be clear, concise, and well-structured.  

Hence, make sure you allocate sufficient time for the planning and preparation process and adhere to the following steps for writing an impressive report.

8 Must-Know Crucial Steps for Writing a Report

Step 1: Deciding the Terms of reference:

Deciding on the terms of reference can get pretty confusing. However, read the given instruction and try to find answers to:

® What is it about? 

® What do you need to do?

® Why is it required? 

® When should you do it?

® Who is it for?

Step 2: Selecting the procedure:

Before writing, you must decide how you are going to write. Try to answer the following questions to draft an outline with the requirements.

· What data do I need?

· Do I have to do background research?

· What academic resources do I need?

· Do I need to visit the library?

· Do I need to interview people?

· Do I have to maintain any record?

· How to go about the task?

Step 3: Finding data:

Finding information for your report is a vital step of writing. Read ample written documents, talk to the people, and make notes. Always countercheck the info with your assessment requirements. Make sure all information is relevant to the given specifications.

Step 4: Structuring your report:

The structure of reports differs on the type. The general structure includes:

§ Title page

§ Executive summary

§ Contents

§ Introduction

§ Terms of reference

§ Procedure

§ Findings

§ Conclusions

§ Recommendations

§ Bibliography maker

§ Appendices

Step 5: Creating the first draft:

After you’ve created the structure, fill the headings with the data you’ve collected. Keep the executive summary and table of contents for the end. In findings add the results of your research – data, photos, charts and graphs. You can also add large tables, brochures, spreading, and other supplementary data in your appendices.

Step 6: Writing the conclusion:

Your conclusion must tie up the entire report. So read through your findings and evaluate what you’ve found. Try answering:

v What did I find?

v What's the significance of my findings?

v What do my findings suggest?

Step 7: Making recommendations:

The recommendation is about what you think is the solution to an issue. For this, read the findings carefully from another person's perspective as well. Keep your recommendations practical and logical and write them in a numbered list from most to least significant.

Step 8: Referencing and revising:

You must cite every source according to the mentioned style guidelines. Read intently to ensure your report:

ü Meets the guidelines

ü Includes the required sections

ü Presents a logical argument with relevant supplementary details

ü Has a valid recommendation and conclusion

ü Is formatted correctly

The success of a report depends on your presentation and preparation. So follow these steps to create a quality piece.

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Created on Aug 27th 2020 06:08. Viewed 275 times.

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