Repot Writing
REPORT WRITING
A take-away guide published by Multimedia
Publishing Ltd
(C) Multimedia Publishing Ltd, 1975
Introduction
A report is a presentation of facts and findings, usually as a basis for recommendations; written for a specific readership, and probably intended to be kept as a record.
When some people write a report, that's all they do: write. But the really successful writers only spend part of their time doing this, and then only towards the end. Before that, they are planning their report - thinking about its purpose, and who is going to read it; deciding what to put in it, and fitting it into shape. And even when they're finally writing it, they'll probably spend just as much time thinking about how best to present their ideas, as actually putting them onto paper.
This guide draws on the experience of such writers, and describes their step-by-step approach, the six stages being:
· Purpose and reader · Materials and structure · Style and presentation
The guide has been devised for you to use as a memory aid once you are back at your desk, and working on your next report. We hope that you'll find it helpful, and that you - and your readers - will benefit.
ISBN 0 904301 03 6
© Multimedia Publishing Limited 1975
First published in 1975 by
Multimedia Publishing Limited
3 Lower Camden Chislehurst Kent BR7 5HY England
Written by Bryan Platt
Purpose and Reader
Experienced writers always allow plenty of time for these - the first two stages in report writing, even when they are working against the clock. They know that once these are clear in their minds, they'll save themselves hours of work and worry later on.
1 Defining the purpose
First, the purpose - the major aim - the reason why you are writing the report at all. This will determine what kind of report you write.
a) Factual report
For example, it may be to inform - when, say, there's been an accident, or a new programme of work. What's needed here is a factual
A take-away guide published by Multimedia
Publishing Ltd
(C) Multimedia Publishing Ltd, 1975
Introduction
A report is a presentation of facts and findings, usually as a basis for recommendations; written for a specific readership, and probably intended to be kept as a record.
When some people write a report, that's all they do: write. But the really successful writers only spend part of their time doing this, and then only towards the end. Before that, they are planning their report - thinking about its purpose, and who is going to read it; deciding what to put in it, and fitting it into shape. And even when they're finally writing it, they'll probably spend just as much time thinking about how best to present their ideas, as actually putting them onto paper.
This guide draws on the experience of such writers, and describes their step-by-step approach, the six stages being:
· Purpose and reader · Materials and structure · Style and presentation
The guide has been devised for you to use as a memory aid once you are back at your desk, and working on your next report. We hope that you'll find it helpful, and that you - and your readers - will benefit.
ISBN 0 904301 03 6
© Multimedia Publishing Limited 1975
First published in 1975 by
Multimedia Publishing Limited
3 Lower Camden Chislehurst Kent BR7 5HY England
Written by Bryan Platt
Purpose and Reader
Experienced writers always allow plenty of time for these - the first two stages in report writing, even when they are working against the clock. They know that once these are clear in their minds, they'll save themselves hours of work and worry later on.
1 Defining the purpose
First, the purpose - the major aim - the reason why you are writing the report at all. This will determine what kind of report you write.
a) Factual report
For example, it may be to inform - when, say, there's been an accident, or a new programme of work. What's needed here is a factual