Introduction
A report is a clearly structured form of writing which
presents and analyses information clearly and briefly for a particular
audience.
The information is usually the result of an
experiment, investigation, or some other form of primary research such as a
questionnaire or survey.
It will contain headings and sub-headings, as well as
graphics such as graphs, charts and tables.
Reports often use the information they contain to
present recommendations for future action.
They are common not only at university, but also in
industry and government.
How does a report differ from an essay?
“A report
is a statement of an investigation or of any matter on which definitive
information is required.” (Oxford English Dictionary, 2008).
“Essays
are an intellectual exploration of a topic involving looking at different
arguments and evidence and developing the writer’s perspective.” (Plymouth
University, 2011, p1).
Types of reports
They are broadly classified into the
following 6 types:
1. Weekly Reports – It may be a one-pager or a longer report
with particular changes. It is the type of report based on your progress on
various initiatives and goals. They constitute the main part of business
reports.
2. Annual Reports – This would generally summarise a
company’s development and performance during the previous year to inform
managers and team members of the company’s success.
3. Academic Reports – It is written for a class, usually at a
graduate or undergraduate level. This is written formally and explores a topic
linked to the student’s academic pursuits.
4. Sales reports and
Marketing Reports – It’s critical to keep your staff informed on the
progress of your sales and/or marketing strategy. It includes creating graphs
that illustrate profit margins, increased engagement, and other metrics.
5. Project Reports – It is a type of report made to provide a
progress report to clients and team members to keep them informed about the
progress of the many projects you’re working on.
6. Research Reports – It is a good method to convey your
findings, whether they be scientific discoveries, facts, and statistics from a
study, or anything else.