REPORT WRITING
What is Report Writing?
A report is a written account of something that one has observed, heard, done, or
investigated. It is a systematic and well organised presentation of facts and findings of an
event that has already taken place somewhere. Reports are used as a form of written
assessment to find out what you have learned from your reading, research or experience
and to give you experience of an important skill that is widely used in the work place.
Types of Reports:
How to identify?
● Newspaper Reports
o question mentions that you are a journalist
o it is a newspaper report
o it is some general interest story
● Magazine Reports
o question mentions that you are writing in a magazine
o it mentions you have a position like school head boy or other informal roles
General Tips:
● A report must always be in four paragraphs only
● News headings should be written in a short phrase whenever possible
● The by-line is written a line below the heading, slightly right.
■ Write the name mentioned in the question or any fictitious name in case it’s not given
■ Designation if mentioned
● Newspaper Reports must always mention the date and place of publication
TO BE WRITTEN IN PAST TENSE
Making a Newspaper Report-
Write the heading in the centre of the first line in title-case
A descriptive title which is expressive of the contents of the report
Write the by-line on the next line below the heading, aligned right
Write the name given in the question
“By ” is preferred
Third person to be used
Leave a line and write the date line for example - Bangalore, 4 August 2021:
Content:
First Paragraph- Answers 5Ws- , WHAT, WHY, WHEN, WHERE, WHO
Second Paragraph- What were the important highlights of the event?
How was it organised?
Complete account of what happened in its chronological sequence (preferably)
Third Paragraph – the remarks of the sources
Last Paragraph- What was the aftermath of the event?
Did it fulfil its purpose/was the event a success? Why or why not?
This will include the action that has been taken so far or that will be taken.
Example:
Kolkata Technology Fair
By Vibha Sharma, Staff Reporter, TOI
Kolkata, 4 August 2021: The Kolkata Technology Fair 2021 organised by “Disha”, an NGO,
was held at Subha Auditorium, Kinari Lane between July 20 and August 3, 2021. More than
20 exhibitors from renowned Indian educational institutions and universities showcased
their professional programmes and courses at this fair.
The interesting features of the fair were seminars and workshops on careers in technology,
prospects of studying abroad, new streams, avenues and so on. Besides this, there were
institute presentations, product demonstrations and LCD presentations by experts.
About 3000 students from prestigious schools and colleges visited the fair and got expert
guidance from well About 3000 students from prestigious schools and colleges visited the
fair and got expert guidance from well qualified teachers and professionals with access to
the latest information and technical expertise.
Counsellors from various universities were to be seen in most stalls encouraging students to
take admission into their universities. Some of them offered discounts in selected courses.
Making a Magazine Report
Write the heading in the centre of the first line in title-case
A descriptive title which is expressive of the contents of the report
Write the by-line on the next line below the heading, aligned right
Write the name given in the question
“By ” is preferred
Content:
First Paragraph (introduction) – It should include the '5 Ws' namely, WHAT, WHY, WHEN and
WHERE along with WHO was invited as the chief guest.
Second Paragraph - Account of the event in details - The proper sequence of events that
occurred along with their description.
Third Paragraph –
o This will include the description of how the event ended.
o It may include quote excerpts from the Chief Guest's speech or organisers
o How did the participants and attendees feel about the event?
Last Paragraph - Did it fulfil its purpose/was the event a success? Why or why not?
In any case, magazine reports allow you to write your personal opinions, unlike newspaper
reports
It is written in the third person or first person
■ Example- “I really think we should have more awareness campaigns like these, it will be of
good use to the younger generation.” in the words of the chief guest, proved that the event
was a grand success.
Example:
Music and Dance Fiesta
By Poorva, Cultural Secretary
Our school organised a week-long Music and Dance festival, which commenced on the 18
August and ended on the 26 August 2021, in which 15 schools of our town participated. It
was a great music and dance extravaganza which saw a wide variety of Indian classical music
and folklore and western music and dance forms.
During this week-long festival, many competitions and programmes were organised in our
school and these were graced by illustrious musicians and reputed dancers.
On the concluding day of this festival, a two-hour-long programme displaying a unique
fusion of classical and western dance and music was put up.
This was a treat and delight for all music and dance lovers and was also the highlight of our
festival. Seeing the huge success of this fiesta, our principal assured us that attempts would
be made to organise it on a regular basis.
Points To Remember:
A well written report must possess the following traits:
adherence to the specifications of report brief
analysis of relevant information
structuring material in a logical and coherent order
presentation in a consistent manner according to the instructions of the report brief
making appropriate conclusions that are supported by the evidence and analysis of
the report
make sure you use language which is suitable for the audience you are addressing to
usage of complex vocabulary for addressing children is not advisable
make sure you write in paragraphs
leave adequate number of lines between paragraphs to make it look clean
read the question at least twice and highlight the important information
plan before you pen
presentation is very important
make sure you double check for grammatical accuracy and spellings
make small sentences as it restricts the scope of grammatical inaccuracies
