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Report Writing

• Updated on  
• Nov 4, 2023

The term “report” refers to a nonfiction work that presents and/or paraphrases the facts on a specific occasion, subject, or problem. The notion is that a good report will contain all the information that someone who is not familiar with the subject needs to know. Reports make it simple to bring someone up to speed on a subject, but actually writing a report is far from simple. This blog will walk you through the fundamentals of report writing, including the structure and practice themes.

This Blog Includes:

What is a report, reporting formats, newspaper or magazine reports, business reports, technical reports, what is report writing, report writing: things to keep in mind, structure of report writing, magazine vs newspaper report writing format, report writing format for class 10th to 12th, report writing example, report writing for school students: practice questions, report writing slideshare.

• Report Writing in 7 steps

Also Read: Message Writing

A report is a short document written for a particular purpose or audience. It usually sets out and analyses a problem often recommended for future purposes. Requirements for the precise form of the report depend on the department and organization. Technically, a report is defined as “any account, verbal or written, of the matters pertaining to a given topic.” This could be used to describe anything, from a witness’s evidence in court to a student’s book report.

Actually, when people use the word “report,” they usually mean official documents that lay out the details of a subject. These documents are typically written by an authority on the subject or someone who has been tasked with conducting research on it. Although there are other forms of reports, which are discussed in the following section, they primarily fulfil this definition.

What information does reporting contain? All facts are appreciated, but reports, in particular, frequently contain the following kinds of information:

• Information about a circumstance or event
• The aftereffects or ongoing impact of an incident or occurrence
• Analytical or statistical data evaluation
• Interpretations based on the report’s data
• Based on the report’s information, make predictions or suggestions
• Relationships between the information and other reports or events

Although there are some fundamental differences, producing reports and essays share many similarities. Both rely on facts, but essays also include the author’s personal viewpoints and justifications. Reports normally stick to the facts only, however, they could include some of the author’s interpretation in the conclusion.

Reports are also quite well ordered, frequently with tables of contents of headers and subheadings. This makes it simpler for readers to quickly scan reports for the data they need. Essays, on the other hand, should be read from beginning to end rather than being perused for particular information.

Depending on the objective and audience for your report, there are a few distinct types of reports. The most typical report types are listed briefly below:

• Academic report: Examines a student’s knowledge of the subject; examples include book reports, historical event reports, and biographies.
• Identifies data from company reports, such as marketing reports, internal memoranda, SWOT analyses, and feasibility reports, that is useful in corporate planning.
• Shares research findings in the form of case studies and research articles, usually in scientific publications.

Depending on how they are written, reports can be further categorised. A report, for instance, could be professional or casual, brief or lengthy, and internal or external. A lateral report is for persons on the author’s level but in separate departments, whereas a vertical report is for those on the author’s level but with different levels of the hierarchy (i.e., people who work above you and below you).

Report formats can be as varied as writing styles, but in this manual, we’ll concentrate on academic reports, which are often formal and informational.

Also Read: How to Write a Leave Application?

Major Types of Reports

While the most common type of reports corresponds to the ones we read in newspapers and magazines, there are other kinds of reports that are curated for business or research purposes. Here are the major forms of report writing that you must know about:

The main purpose of newspaper or magazine reports is to cover a particular event or happening. They generally elaborate upon the 4Ws and 1H, i.e. What, Where, When, Why, and How. The key elements of newspaper or magazine report writing are as follows:

• Headline (Title)
• Report’s Name, Place, and Date
• Conclusion (Citation of sources)

Here is an example of a news report:

Credit: Pinterest

Business reports aim to analyze a situation or case study by implementing business theories and suggest improvements accordingly. In business report writing, you must adhere to a formal style of writing and these reports are usually lengthier than news reports since they aim to assess a particular issue in detail and provide solutions. The basic structure of business reports includes:

• Table of Contents
• Executive summary
• Findings/Recommendations

The main purpose of the technical report is to provide an empirical explanation of research-based material. Technical report writing is generally carried out by a researcher for scientific journals or product development and presentation, etc. A technical report mainly contains 

• Introduction
• Experimental details
• Results and discussions
• Body (elaborating upon the findings)

Must Read: IELTS Writing Tips

A report is a written record of what you’ve seen, heard, done, or looked into. It is a well-organized and methodical presentation of facts and results from an event that has already occurred. Reports are a sort of written assessment that is used to determine what you have learned through your reading, study, or experience, as well as to provide you with hands-on experience with a crucial skill that is often used in the business.

Before writing a report, there are certain things you must know to ensure that you draft a precise and structured report, and these points to remember are listed below:

• Write a concise and clear title of the report.
• Always use the past tense.
• Don’t explain the issue in the first person, i.e. ‘I’ or ‘Me’. Always write in the third person.
• Put the date, name of the place as well as the reporter’s name after the heading.
• Structure the report by dividing it into paragraphs.
• Stick to the facts and keep it descriptive.

Must Read: IELTS Sample Letters

The format of a report is determined by the kind of report it is and the assignment’s requirements. While reports can have their own particular format, the majority use the following general framework:

• Executive summary: A stand-alone section that highlights the findings in your report so that readers will know what to expect, much like an abstract in an academic paper. These are more frequently used for official reports than for academic ones.
• Introduction: Your introduction introduces the main subject you’re going to explore in the report, along with your thesis statement and any previous knowledge that is necessary before you get into your own results.
• Body: Using headings and subheadings, the report’s body discusses all of your significant findings. The majority of the report is made up of the body; in contrast to the introduction and conclusion, which are each only a few paragraphs long, the body can span many pages.
• In the conclusion, you should summarize all the data in your report and offer a clear interpretation or conclusion. Usually, the author inserts their own personal judgments or inferences here.

Report Writing Formats

It is quintessential to follow a proper format in report writing to provide it with a compact structure. Business reports and technical reports don’t have a uniform structure and are generally based on the topic or content they are elaborating on. Let’s have a look at the proper format of report writing generally for news and magazines and the key elements you must add to a news report:

To Read: How to Learn Spoken English?

The report writing structure for students in grades 10 and 12 is as follows.

• Heading :  A title that expresses the contents of the report in a descriptive manner.
• Byline : The name of the person who is responsible for drafting the report. It’s usually included in the query. Remember that you are not allowed to include any personal information in your response.
•  (introduction) : The ‘5 Ws,’ or WHAT, WHY, WHEN, and WHERE, as well as WHO was invited as the main guest, might be included.
• The account of the event in detail : The order in which events occurred, as well as their descriptions. It is the primary paragraph, and if necessary, it can be divided into two smaller paragraphs.
• Conclusion : This will give a summary of the event’s conclusion. It might include quotes from the Chief Guest’s address or a summary of the event’s outcome.

Credit: sampletemplates.com

Credit: SlideShare

Now that you are familiar with all the formats of report writing, here are some questions that you can practice to understand the structure and style of writing a report.

• You are a student of Delhi Public School Srinagar handling a campus magazine in an editorial role. On the increasing level of global warming, write a report on the event for your school magazine. 
• On the Jammu-Srinagar highway, a mishap took place, where a driver lost his control and skidded off into a deep gorge. Write a report on it and include all the necessary details and eyewitness accounts. 
• As a reporter for the Delhi Times, you are assigned to report on the influx of migrants coming from other states of the country. Take an official statement to justify your report.
• There is a cultural program in Central Park Rajiv Chowk New Delhi. The home minister of India is supposed to attend the event apart from other delegates. Report the event within the 150-200 word limit. 
• Write today’s trend of COVID-19 cases in India. As per the official statement. include all the necessary details and factual information. Mention the state with a higher number of cases so far.
• In Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, a table tennis tournament was held between Delhi Public School New Delhi and DPS Punjab. Report the event in 250-300 words.

Also Read: Formal Letter Format, Types & Samples

Credits: Slideshare

Report Writ ing in 7 steps

• Choose a topic based on the assignment
• Conduct research
• Write a thesis statement
• Prepare an outline
• Write a rough draft
• Revise and edit your report
• Proofread and check for mistakes

Make sure that every piece of information you have supplied is pertinent. Remember to double-check your grammar, spelling, tenses, and the person you are writing in. A final inspection against any structural criteria is also important. You have appropriately and completely referenced academic work. Check to make sure you haven’t unintentionally, purposefully, or both duplicated something without giving credit.

Related Articles

Any business professional’s toolkit must include business reports. Therefore, how can you create a thorough business report? You must first confirm that you are familiar with the responses to the following three questions.

Every company report starts with an issue that needs to be fixed. This could be something straightforward, like figuring out a better way to organise procuring office supplies, or it could be a more challenging issue, like putting in place a brand-new, multimillion-dollar computer system.

You must therefore compile the data you intend to include in your report. How do you do this? If you’ve never conducted in-depth research before, it can be quite a daunting task, so discovering the most efficient techniques is a real plus.

Hopefully, this blog has helped you with a comprehensive understanding of report writing and its essential components. Aiming to pursue a degree in Writing? Sign up for an e-meeting with our study abroad experts and we will help you in selecting the best course and university as well as sorting the admission process to ensure that you get successfully shortlisted.

Ankita Mishra

A writer with more than 10 years of experience, including 5 years in a newsroom, Ankita takes great pleasure in helping students via study abroad news updates about universities and visa policies. When not busy working you can find her creating memes and discussing social issues with her colleagues.

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133 excellent analytical report topics free to use.

In academia, analytical report writing is one of the predominant, essential aspects of research writing. It’s a technical aspect of report writing that requires the collating of a bunch of qualitative and quantitative data, gathering relevant findings which will help the researcher come to a reasonable and workable solution.

This pattern of research writing can be found in different fields but is prevalent within business writing, making it a primarily used writing technique in MBA classes. Topics for analytical reports are widespread among MBA students in both colleges and universities.

On the other hand, Analytical reporting has intrinsic parts that complete the writing process. They include; the title page, table of contents, a clause, the main discussion, the conclusions, the recommendations, and sections for bibliography or appendices, which are required only when necessary.

Understanding the various roles the parts play within an analytical report enables you to select an analytical report topic. You’ll find in this piece some fascinating analytical essay topics for college and easy analytical essay topics for your research.

Uncomplicated Topics for Analytical Report

As a student engulfed with loads of school work to constantly deal with, the last thing you’d want to add to your plate is working on a complicated topic for an analytical essay. Here are some easy, straightforward analytical essay ideas.

• Does digital marketing create more traction than traditional marketing has ever done?
• A study into the effects of the proliferation of digital marketing on young adults
• The relationship and distinction between digital marketing and digital advertising in the 21st century
• A study on how advertising in the 21st century has risen exponentially than in the 20th century using reliable data information
• An overview of some of the areas through which marketing will be challenged in the case of the decline of technology
• Advantages and disadvantages of using personal social media accounts for marketing and advertising reasons
• Some of the growing benefits of online shopping as against physical store shopping
• Accessing the impact of digital marketing on the growth and performance of a company
• Accessing the use of hybrid marketing strategy for upcoming businesses
• The effect of the global pandemic on small scale businesses
• A study of marketing strategy during the global lockdown
• Analyze the preparation of a digital marketing campaign
• Efficient ways to carry out digital marketing
• Effective digital advertising strategies
• Should discounts and gifts be regarded as an effective digital marketing strategy?
• Sampling as an effective marketing tool
• Marketing tips that enabled wellness companies to double their revenue amidst a pandemic
• Effective ways brands can carry out advertisements and marketing on products that are liable to cause health hazards
• Importance of using Instagram for marketing
• How Instagram is gradually turning into a business platform and how business owners can utilize it
• Instagram vs. Twitter: Which is most effective for carrying out products surveys
• A study on how small businesses can utilize Instagram stories to level up their revenue
• A study of social media content creation as a substantial part of marketing.

Advanced Analytical Research Paper Topics

Aside from focusing on easy topics for analytical essays while choosing your analytical report topic ideas, many advanced analytical research papers will need to be written as you advance in your degree. Here are some of the cutting-edge analytical report topics to look into.

• Reasons why certain businesses experience intense lapses in their first trimester.
• Some of the best ways through which the government can better regulate taxes in favor of small businesses.
• Why large scale businesses need to pay more in taxation.
• The effects of multiple taxations on small scale businesses.
• Causes of insufficient taxation targeted at large scale businesses.
• A Taxing Problem: Why taxing amongst small, medium, and large enterprises should be regulated according to the revenue power.
• A study on why low-income neighborhoods are at the lowest echelon of government care.
• High crime rates in low-income communities and how it’s being propagated by capitalism.
• Capitalism and Socialism: Which is the lesser evil?
• NeoCapitalism and its contribution to poverty rates.
• Pros and Cons of practicing capitalism in America.
• A study of the food waste system and food insecurity in America.
• Agriculture: why it’s not the answer to food insecurity.
• Analyze how poverty promotes the influx of capitalism into low-income neighborhoods.
• Gentrification as a capitalist means of impoverishing people in low-income neighborhoods.
• Should Small and Medium-sized enterprises pay tax?
• Importance of tax refunds.
• How racial inequalities primarily sponsor taxation.
• How does racial equality grow the economic power of a nation?
• Analyze the relationship between capitalism and neo-capitalism.
• Analytically discuss the causes of inflation and how it can be curbed in advanced countries like America
• Rising causes of the present recession faced by countries.
• Cappletalism: the end of Apple’s capitalization?
• Global Jihad and the impact of the Taliban’s victory.
• Analyze the Great Depression and how it shaped the industrial revolution.

Analytics Essay Topics for College Students

For college students looking for analytical topics on various issues for college assignments or which topic is best for an analytical essay, this list contains fascinating topics for analytical essay prompts.

• How does the Internet impact the behaviors of young adults?
• What processes could be carried out by fintech companies to achieve cashless and unrestricted transactions worldwide?
• An overview of the economic benefits of wireless transactions.
• Economic unrestricted transactions proffer.
• Pros and Cons of only using digital media for business transactions.
• Benefits of digital media as the only means of business promotion.
• What is the importance of promoting free healthcare in countries?
• Why older generations are victims of cyber fraud.
• Cyberbullying and ways to address it.
• Is anti-cyberbullying effective?
• Possible ways through which drug addiction amongst youths can be curbed.
• The role of education in enhancing one’s knowledge.
• The benefits of internet connectivity to businesses.
• Exploring the upside and downside of the global pandemic.
• Pros and Cons of online shopping.
• Effective measures to curbing alcohol and drug abuse amongst college students.
• Effective ways through which students can progress in their academics.
• Why screen time should be regulated for college students.
• Substantial causes of depression amongst college students.
• How social media influences character build.
• Worldwide thrifting as a viable means of curbing the rising consequences of fast fashion.
• A look into the causes of food insecurity in low-income neighborhoods.
• What governments fail to know about privacy infringement.
• The rise of cyberfraud and the implications of cryptocurrency.
• Explain how the Blockchain industry is a haven for criminals and frauds.

Analytical Paper Ideas on Environmental Issues

For students who are focusing their analytical report writing on environmental issues, there is a wide range of topics for an analytical essay in this field. Here are some analytical writing prompts to look into.

• What are the intrinsic benefits of encouraging the growth of house and indoor plants?
• Analyze the helpful impacts of encouraging the use of sustainable products in our environments.
• A study of the harmful effects of the constant use of plastics.
• How the continuous dumping of plastics in the ocean affects aquatic lives.
• Ways to encourage go-green strategies in the environment and possible ways to maintain it.
• The cost of moving from plastic to the use of sustainable products.
• How the use of bamboo for production purposes also affects the environment.
• World Earth Day: what does it signify and plausible ways to attain its purpose.
• Ways to find a balance between plastic use and sustainable products.
• Recycling: how does it benefit the environment?
• Ways to promote the use of sustainable products.
• Climate change: how to resolve it or plausible ways to manage it.
• An overview into global warming and how it is affecting our environments today.
• Some unnoticed effects of global warming on the animals in our environments.
• Effective ways to manage and control global warming.
• Agriculture: a study into how it can promote healthy living and curb the existing effects of global warming.
• Analysis on how planting can hinder the continuous upsurge of global warming in our society.
• A look into the cost of managing our environments.
• Health benefits of practicing green living.
• The connections between veganism and sustainable living.
• How to better manage plastic waste
• Effective ways to curb the widespread global warming.
• Why governments should implement the carbon tax.
• Carbon tax: benefiting the rich or the poor?
• Impact of sustainable fashion on global warming and climate change.

Analytical Essay Topic Ideas for Test and Practices

As a college student preparing to write your analytical report essay, most times, to keep you grounded, you’ll be required to carry out some tests and practices to ensure your familiarity with the writing. Here are some analytical essay topic prompts to assist you.

• What is the distinction between personality and one’s upbringing?
• How does one’s upbringing interfere with their personality?
• On dealing with issues of the abortion ban, how does this deny women access to care for their bodies?
• The effects of promoting abortion pill control
• A study on how abortion regulation tampers with human and women’s rights
• How could suicide as a growing social epidemic be curbed in our societies
• Harmful effects of cyberbullying on teenagers and how it affects their psyche
• Mental health: Why therapy should be a free healthcare benefit
• Teacher-Student relationship and how it interferes with the etiquettes of teaching and learning
• What are the ways government can promote free therapy services to underserved citizens?
• Psychology: A case study of some of the vital ways through which family affects the psychological reactions of children
• How living in foster homes and growing up as foster kid impacts how most people see the world
• Food insecurity and how it affects the academic performance of most students
• Welfare services: A study on whether or not welfare services should be promoted in underdeveloped countries
• At what stage does a country move from underdeveloped to developing?
• What is the significant distinction between underdeveloped countries and developing countries?
• An analysis into the root causes of child mortality rate in black and low-income neighborhoods in America
• A study of recession and inflation and how they both impact the economic well-being of a given country
• An analytical study of sex, gender, gender roles and how they all impact the society
• A study of the harmful results of unresolved cases of teenage drug abuse and how it causes growth deficit
• Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and how government should help in promoting them
• The distinction and similarities between rehabilitation centers and alcoholic anonymous meetings

Interesting Analytical Writing Topics

It’s important to note that analytical essay topics can focus on any particular issue at all. The following contains some exciting analysis topics and ideas you can explore.

• A study on how GRE exams enable college students to make better choices in school
• A look into the benefits of GRE exams to international students
• Why international students should pay attention to exams like IELTS
• The importance of introducing race relation topics to high school and college students
• An in-depth comparison of the education system in the UK and that of the US
• Exploring the issue of student loans and possible ways to curb it
• Why every student, both foreign and local students should aspire towards fully funded scholarships
• The importance of fully-funded scholarships to students from underdeveloped countries
• The devaluation of currencies and how this affects the global economy
• An in-depth analysis into how the global pandemic disrupted the global economy
• Analyze the Pros and Cons of government stimulus checks handed out during the pandemic
• What are the ways through which coronavirus can be curbed effectively across the globe
• Is Coronavirus an effect of global warming?
• The emergence of 5G networks and where technology hopes to go shortly
• Compare and Contrast the 4G network and 5G network and ways through which they promote globalization
• Is email marketing the most viable means of digital marketing?
• What are some of the underlying influences of the interference of politics in business and how it could hinder or promote sustainable growth
• The importance of restricting the upsurge of gentrification in low-income neighborhoods
• Gender roles: how does the social assigning of various functions to different genders contribute to gender-based violence in our society?
• Screen time: Why students should ensure to practice boundaries on how they use the internet and social media
• Possible ways to regulate the high risk of crimes prevalent in low-income neighborhoods
• A study of the effects of policing the female body.

Analytical Report Help Is Here

Are you a student looking to write a custom analytical essay and need easy and researchable ideas to achieve this? Look no further, for there are online expert writers who offer essay writing help for college and for university students who require fast essay writing services that are of high quality and also at cheap rates.

Report Writing: Format, Topics, and Examples

Learn the essentials of report writing with this comprehensive guide. Explore the proper format, find inspiring topics, and discover real-world examples to enhance your report writing skills.

What is Report Writing?

A Report Writing is a written account that helps us to know about an event, situation, or occurrence in detail that has already taken place.

Report Writing is a narrative of Events described in an impartial approach. Rules and Format of Report Writing are necessary to know for English report writing. Examples of Report Writing help us in doing this easily.

The Power of Effective Report Writing

Report writing is a skill that transcends industries and disciplines, playing a vital role in conveying information, analyzing data, and making informed decisions. 

Whether you are a student, a researcher, a business professional, or someone looking to improve your communication abilities, mastering the art of report writing is essential for success. 

This article will provide you with insights into the format, topics, and real-world examples of report writing to help you become a proficient report writer.

Understanding the Format of a Report

A well-structured report not only facilitates easy comprehension but also leaves a lasting impact on the reader. Understanding the proper format is the foundation of creating an effective report. In crafting a comprehensive and impactful report, one must carefully consider and include the following crucial elements. :

1. Title Page

The title page should include the report’s title, the name of the author or organization, the date of submission, and any relevant affiliations.

2. Abstract or Executive Summary

The abstract or executive summary is a concise overview of the report’s main points, providing the reader with a snapshot of the entire report’s content.

3. Table of Contents

The table of contents outlines the report’s structure, listing the headings and subheadings with corresponding page numbers.

4. Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the report, providing context, stating the purpose, and highlighting the significance of the topic.

5. Methodology

In research-oriented reports, the methodology section explains the approach taken to gather data, conduct experiments, or perform studies.

6. Findings

The findings section presents the data collected or the results of the research in a clear and organized manner, often using tables, graphs, or charts.

7. Discussion

The discussion section interprets the findings, provides insights, and offers explanations for observed patterns or trends.

8. Conclusion

The conclusion summarizes the main points, draws conclusions based on the findings, and may include recommendations for future actions.

9. Recommendations

In reports with actionable outcomes, the recommendations section suggests specific steps or strategies based on the findings.

10. References

The references section lists all the sources cited in the report, ensuring proper acknowledgment of external work and adding credibility.

Writing Tips for an Effective Sample Report

Creating a compelling report requires not just proper structure but also excellent writing skills. Here are some valuable tips to enhance your report writing:

1. Know Your Audience

Understanding your target audience is crucial when writing a report. Tailor your language, tone, and content to suit the reader’s level of expertise and interest.

2. Use Clear and Concise Language

Keep your writing clear, straightforward, and to the point. Avoid jargon and unnecessary technical terms that may confuse readers.

3. Organize Information Logically

Present information in a logical sequence, ensuring that each section flows smoothly into the next. Use headings and subheadings to provide a clear structure.

4. Support Claims with Evidence

Back up your statements with credible evidence and data. This adds credibility to your report and strengthens your arguments.

5. Edit and Proofread Thoroughly

Always review your report for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A well-edited report shows professionalism and attention to detail.

6. Seek Feedback

Before finalizing your report, seek feedback from colleagues or peers. Fresh perspectives can help identify areas of improvement.

Selecting Engaging Report Writing Topics

Choosing the right topic is essential for crafting a compelling report. Whether it’s for academic, business, or research purposes, an engaging topic will capture the reader’s interest and keep them invested in your report. Here are some inspiring report writing topics:

1. The Impact of Technology on Modern Workplace s

Explore how technology has transformed traditional workplaces, affecting productivity, communication, and employee satisfaction.

2. Environmental Sustainability in Urban Cities

Examine the efforts made by urban cities to promote environmental sustainability, including green initiatives and waste reduction strategies.

3. The Rise of E-Learning: A Comprehensive Analysis

Analyze the growth of e-learning platforms, their effectiveness in education, and their potential to revolutionize the traditional learning system.

4. Cybersecurity Threats and Mitigation Strategies for Businesses

Investigate the latest cybersecurity threats faced by businesses and outline effective strategies to safeguard sensitive data and prevent cyber attacks.

5. Mental Health in the Workplace: Strategies for Employee Well-Being

Discuss the importance of addressing mental health issues in the workplace and propose strategies to support employee well-being.

Real-World Examples of Impactful Reports

To gain a deeper understanding of report writing’s practical applications, let’s explore some real-world examples:

1. World Health Organization (WHO) – Global Health Report

The WHO publishes comprehensive reports on global health issues, providing data on disease outbreaks, vaccination rates, and healthcare access worldwide. These reports play a crucial role in shaping global health policies and initiatives.

2. McKinsey & Company – Industry Research Reports

Management consulting firm McKinsey & Company produces insightful industry research reports that analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and business strategies. These reports serve as valuable resources for executives and decision-makers.

3. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – Climate Assessment Reports

The IPCC releases periodic reports on climate change, assessing its impacts, causes, and potential solutions. These reports are instrumental in guiding environmental policies and international climate agreements.

A Sample Report Writing Format on A Bank Robbery.

The following points will make it easy to write a report easily shown below.

( Heading) DARING BANK ROBBERY

( Who Reported ) By a Special Correspondent

Where, When, What: Kolkata, August 14 (Introduction): A daring (CART) robbery took place today at 3 p.m. at the United Bank of India, Gariahat Branch, Kolkata.

How, why, Casualty: According to the Branch Manager, three men armed with pistols overpowered the security staff and locked the gate from the inside. One of the miscreants (710) herded the customers and the staff into one corner of the bank and kept them silent at gunpoint. The other two miscreants snatched the keys from the Manager.

Condition: Then they unlocked the vault and bagged cash and jewelry worth Rs. 40 lacks. They came out of the bank hurling bombs, jumped into a black Maruti Van, and sped away.

Reaction & Measures Taken (Conclusion): The police arrived within half an hour. No one has been arrested yet. Investigations are on, as the Deputy Commissioner of Police told the media.

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Report writing types in english:.

Basically, Report writing in English is of  three types .

• General Report Writing:  These reports give an account of a person’s experience of an event or an incident.
• Newspaper Report Writing:  Newspaper reports are based on true incidents or accidents meant to express some information to the public.
• Business Report Writing:  Business reports are made on orders based on observation, investigation, and analysis.

General Report Writing Examples

Example 1: Business Report – Market Analysis

Title: Market Analysis for XYZ Company’s Product Expansion

Executive Summary: The market analysis report assesses the potential of XYZ Company to expand its product line into a new market segment.

Introduction: This report aims to investigate the feasibility and potential challenges associated with XYZ Company’s entry into the youth-oriented consumer electronics market.

Methodology: Data was collected through a combination of surveys, focus groups, and secondary research from reputable industry reports.

Findings: The youth-oriented consumer electronics market is growing rapidly, with an annual growth rate of 12% over the past three years.

XYZ Company’s brand recognition is relatively low among the target audience.

The price sensitivity of the target market is a significant factor to consider.

• Analysis: The findings suggest that while there is a lucrative opportunity for XYZ Company to enter the market, it will require a focused marketing campaign and competitive pricing strategies to overcome initial brand awareness challenges.
• Discussion: By leveraging social media and influencers, XYZ Company can effectively reach the target audience and build brand loyalty. Additionally, offering a competitive pricing model will attract price-conscious customers.
• Recommendations:
• Collaborate with popular influencers to gain credibility and reach a wider audience.

Offer attractive introductory pricing and discounts to entice price-sensitive customers.

Conclusion: Entering the youth-oriented consumer electronics market presents a promising opportunity for XYZ Company. By implementing the recommended strategies, the company can capitalize on this potential growth and expand its product line successfully.

Remember that the specific format and content of a report may vary based on the requirements set by your institution, organization, or supervisor. Always check for any specific guidelines before starting your report writing.

Write a newspaper report on the “Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony in your school” 

Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony in your school

By Staff Reporter

[City, Date]: The air was abuzz with excitement and anticipation as [Your School Name] hosted its grand Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony yesterday. The event, held in the school auditorium, was a momentous occasion that celebrated the academic excellence and achievements of the students.

Distinguished guests, parents, and faculty members graced the ceremony with their presence. The school principal, in his opening address, emphasized the significance of recognizing and applauding students’ efforts beyond academics.

The highlight of the event was the distribution of prizes to the meritorious students, acknowledging their outstanding performance in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. The audience erupted with applause as the achievers walked up the stage to receive their awards.

The melodious music, vibrant dances, and thought-provoking skits captivated the audience.

The Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony concluded on a high note, leaving everyone inspired and motivated. It served as a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing holistic development among its students.

[Your School Name] once again proved that it is not only a center of academic excellence but also a platform for nurturing well-rounded individuals.

By [Your Name]

Write a newspaper repot on “A terrible fire broke out in Kolkata”

Terrible fire breaks out in kolkata, causing extensive damage.

Kolkata, Date: A devastating fire broke out in a commercial area of Kolkata yesterday, causing widespread destruction and panic among residents and businesses. The incident occurred in the bustling market district, engulfing several multi-story buildings.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started in one of the shops due to an electrical short circuit and quickly spread to nearby establishments. Despite the immediate response from firefighters, the blaze proved challenging to control, as narrow streets hindered their access.

Local authorities and emergency services rushed to the scene, evacuating people from nearby buildings and providing medical assistance to those affected. Tragically, a few individuals sustained minor injuries in the process.

The fire caused extensive damage to properties, resulting in significant financial losses for business owners. The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.

Investigations into the incident are underway to determine the exact cause and potential safety lapses. As the city mourns the loss of properties and livelihoods, efforts are being made to extend relief and support to the affected residents.

1. Write a report for a newspaper about A Terrible Train Accident.

Odisha Train Accident / Coromandel Express Train Accident

Balasore, 3rd June 2023: At around 7 pm, 2nd June on Friday evening 10-12 coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed near Baleswar and fell on the opposite track. After some time, another train from Yeswanthpur to Howrah dashed into those derailed coaches resulting in the derailment of its 3-4 coaches. The train crash involving two passenger trains and a goods train in Odisha’s Balasore on Friday is said to be one of the deadliest rail accidents in India. More than 230 people have lost their lives in the accident and 900 have been injured. NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services are still working to cut the bogie and try to recover the living or the dead. Local people were seen helping the teams responsible for rescue and relief operations and they queued up to donate blood for the injured in Balasore. As a result, Local people became able to rescue 200-300 injured people A high-level committee has been declared to conduct an inquiry into the train accident. The Centre has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 Lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 2 Lakh to grievous and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said.

2. Write a report for a newspaper about A Magic Show .

By Anik Dutta

On Friday, November 18:  our school authority invited a magician to surprise the students of the school with a magic show. The magic show was a gift to the students from the school’s authoritative body as the school won the award for Best Disciplined School in Kolkata for the year 2015. The magic show was organized on the school’s open-air stage. The show went on for 2 hours, from 12 to 2 pm. The first magic shown by the great magician was pulling out of a rabbit from his hat which was absolutely empty when he wore it. The spectators were pleasantly surprised. He showed exciting magic tricks one after the other and ended the show with a message to the awestruck students, ‘Practice maths well, and you can do magic too as it is nothing but a game of calculation’. The show was immensely appreciated by all.

3. Write a report for a newspaper about Health Issues of the people of your District .

Health Issues of the People of Your District

By Ravi Yogi

On 20 May 2021:  a health awareness campaign camp was organized in the Howrah district by the World Health Organisation. Some volunteers were chosen, who from then on, visit each house every month to remind people to get their children vaccinated. People now follow their instructions and keep their surroundings clean to avoid certain diseases. The volunteers distributed water purifiers at a cheap rate so that people could use them to get pure water. The mosquito-repellant sprays are used every month and mosquito nets are now used to keep mosquitoes away. If the volunteers arrange a blood donation camp every month it could help the people in need. Also, a free health checkup camp could be arranged for further health improvement of the people of the locality.

4. Write a report for a newspaper about the Annual sports Event of Your School .

Annual Sports Event of Your School

By Anwesha Das

The annual sports day of our school (St. Agnes H.S. School) was held on February 15 for the junior students at the school grounds. The event for the junior students started at 9:30 in the morning with a relay race. The next race they had was a tricycle race and the last one the junior students had was a treat to watch. The junior ones’ had to run wearing long gowns and they had to run the track without falling even once.

The juniors enjoyed the fun sporting events a lot, while the visitors’ race involving the parents remained the highlight of the day. At the end of the program Chief Guest Sourav Ganguly gave away the awards to the winners and the class teacher of each class distributed a box containing candies, a chocolate pastry, an orange, and two vanilla cream-filled wafer biscuits to every pupil of her class. The event turned out to be a joyful one with a smile on everyone’s face.

Newspaper Report Writing : Format, Topics, Examples

5. write a newspaper report on the first downpour of the season ..

FIRST DOWNPOUR OF THE SEASON

Kolkata, June 13:  Today Kolkata experienced its first downpour during the season. The showers were brought about by a deep depression over the Gangetic West Bengal. There was incessant (WESO) rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning. In Kolkata, it rained throughout the day with occasional breaks. The weather office at Alipore has recorded a rainfall of 20 cm. Many low-lying areas went underwater. Some of the major roads were waterlogged for several hours. There were traffic jams on many roads. The hand-pulled rickshaws had stopped. Train and air services were disrupted. There were cable faults in many parts of the city. Two persons were electrocuted. But they have not yet been identified, said the police officials.

6. As a Reporter for an English daily, write a report about A violent cyclonic storm .

A VIOLENT CYCLONIC STORM

By a Special Correspondent

Katak, August 12:  A violent cyclonic storm ravaged the coastal areas of Odisha today. The cyclone started at about 6.45 p.m. It was said to have rushed at a speed of 80 km per hour. The worst-affected areas include Puri, Baleswar, and Paradip. The cyclone raised the sea to an alarming height. The high tidal waves submerged the low-lying coastal areas. It caused incalculable damage to life and property. More than 10,000 people were rendered homeless. Train services were totally disrupted. The State Government sent its rescue team along with central paramilitary forces to tackle the situation. A sum of Rs. 3 crores has been sanctioned for the relief and rehabilitation of the cyclone-hit people.

7. Write a report for a newspaper about A Serious Road Accident

A Serious Road Accident

Kolkata, January 18:  As many as 20 persons including two women and a child were injured in an accident at about 8 pm, on M, G, Road yesterday. The accident took place when a speeding minibus, in a bid to overtake a private bus, skidded off the road. The vehicle carrying 45 passengers went straight into a shopping mall, after breaking the roadside railing, Persons inside the mall and the bus suffered serious injuries Local people started the rescue operation. The injured were taken to the nearest hospital. Locals got agitated and blocked the road causing the suspension of traffic for more than 3 hours. However, the police came and brought the situation under control.

8. Write a report within 100 words for an English daily about Cyclone hitting Coastal West Bengal .

Cyclone hits Coastal West Bengal

-By a Staff Reporter

Kolkata, June 12, 2013:  A severe cyclone with a speed of 80 km. per hour hit the coastal areas of West Bengal yesterday evening at about 6-45 p.m. Caused by a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal, the cyclone ripped through the state resulting in huge damage to life and property. 60 persons have died and thousands have been rendered homeless. Train services have been disrupted leaving a number of people stranded. The state government has taken immediate steps to provide relief to the victims. More than 5000 people have been evacuated to temporary relief shelters. The Chief Minister has reviewed the situation and assured the people of all help.

9. Write a newspaper report on a road accident within 100 words .

BRAKE FAILURE BUS COLLIDES WITH A TRUCK

By a Staff Reporter

Kolkata, October 1, 2015:  Yesterday at around 10:30 am an accident took place at Sinthi More when an Esplanade bound bus, of route no 78/1, suddenly collided with a truck. The report says the brake failure of the bus was the cause of this mishap. Five passengers were injured including a child and a woman. According to passengers, the ill-fated bus was moving at a great speed. Near Sinthi More the driver lost control and banged behind a truck. Local people rushed in, and took the injured to the nearest hospital where they were released after first aid. Traffic got disrupted. Cops reached the spot quickly, intervened, and normalcy was restored within an hour.

10. Write a report on a Railway accident.

A MAN DIED IN A RAILWAY ACCIDENT

By Kishore Ganguli

Kolkata, April 25:  A man died after he had been hit by a Sealdah bound train close to Barrackpore station around 5.40 am today when the victim was returning home from a regular morning walk. According to an eyewitness, the man was trying to cross the tracks, got confused, and ended up on the track on which the train was coming on. Being hit on his head, he was hospitalized immediately. But the doctors declared him dead. The locals made a blockade on the railway tracks. The police came, dispersed the irate mob and the train service was restored. The railway authorities announced an exgratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. The situation is tense till now.

FAQs about Report Writing

Q: what is the ideal length for a report.

Reports can vary in length depending on their purpose and complexity. However, a concise report of 10-20 pages is often preferred to keep the reader engaged.

Q: Can I use bullet points in my report?

Yes, using bullet points can enhance readability and make key information stand out. However, use them sparingly and only when appropriate.

Q: Should I include visuals in my report?

Yes, incorporating relevant visuals like graphs, charts, and images can make complex data easier to understand.

Q: Can I include my opinion in the report?

While reports should be objective and fact-based, there might be instances where your expert opinion is valuable. If so, clearly distinguish between facts and opinions.

Q: How can I make my executive summary compelling?

The executive summary should be concise yet informative. Highlight the most important findings and recommendations to pique the reader’s interest.

Q: Is it necessary to follow a specific report writing style?

Different organizations or fields may have their preferred report writing style. Always follow the guidelines provided by your institution or industry standards.

Q: What is the main purpose of a report?

A: The main purpose of a report is to present information, findings, and recommendations in a structured and organized manner.

A: Yes, bullet points can help present information concisely and improve readability.

Q: How long should an executive summary be?

A: An executive summary should be concise, typically ranging from one to two pages.

Q: Is it necessary to include visuals in a report?

A: Including visuals such as charts, graphs, and images can enhance the reader’s understanding of complex data.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid in report writing?

A: Common mistakes to avoid include using overly technical language, neglecting to cite sources properly, and lacking a clear structure.

Q: How can I make my report more engaging?

A: To make your report engaging, use real-life examples, incorporate visuals, and use a conversational tone when appropriate.

Report Writing: Learn How To Write a Comprehensive Report

Discover our guide to report writing with the best writing tips, format template and advice to help you succeed!

Get ready to master the art of report writing, where compelling and exciting arguments are matched with data and factual research. If you’re writing a report for school, college or as practice for an upcoming exam, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of how to write a report that resonates with your reader.

Report writing is the skill of creating a cohesive written document that shares information and findings. For English students, report writing is required to present research and data analysis in an organized way. It’s a fantastic activity that empowers students to become confident in their writing and cultivates communication and research skills that greatly benefit professional careers.

Whether you’re new to writing reports or a pro looking to elevate your writing skills, our guide will help you pick a  report writing topic , format your writing correctly, choose the right report, and begin writing. With plenty of helpful tips and tricks, you’ll become a master wordsmith in no time!

Informational Reports

Analytical reports, recommendation reports, step 1. preparing to write, step 2. gathering information, step 3. organizing information, step 4. writing the report, step 5. editing and revising, table of contents, executive summary, introduction, recommendations, 1. use clear and concise language, 2. avoid jargon and technical terms, 3. use headings and subheadings, 4. use visuals to support the text, 5. proofread thoroughly, types of reports.

There are three different types of reports for you to master: informational reports, analytical reports and recommendation reports. Let’s look at the differences between these types of reports so you can decide which one best suits your subject.

Informational reports are designed to present factual data, details or summaries without an in-depth analysis. These reports give the reader straightforward information that’s easy to understand. Usually, these reports are a type of business report used to update colleagues in the workplace or provide information to involved third parties. 

An example of an informational business report could be a company update announcing a company name change or an annual report displaying financial updates for shareholders. These reports are purely informative and state only the facts.

Analytical reports present and analyze data, interpret information and draw conclusions. Analytical reports are typically used for research projects, literary analysis and scientific studies. Students often create an analytical report as a part of their final exam. 

These reports involve assessing data, looking for patterns and trends and offering insight into the findings. The author often draws conclusions based on the data and offers their opinion backed by data.

Recommendation reports are written to porose the options available to solve a problem or query. These reports use background information and data analysis to give insight into a recommended course of action. Recommendation reports are excellent for helping organizations make decisions.

For example, as a student, you might be asked to create a recommendation report in business class with a hypothetical situation that must be resolved or in environmental science to recommend sustainable practices for the local community.

Steps in Report Writing

Preparation is the key to success , so it’s important to prepare before you begin writing! Take steps to define the purpose of your report, consider your audience and think about the scope of your report.

Establish an understanding of what you will communicate in your report, choose the type of report your will be writing and take note of the most important information to include. Once you understand what your report will be about, you’ll want to set a timeline to complete it. 

Give yourself a goal for when your outline will be completed, then allow for time to gather data and information, organize your information, complete the writing process and proofread. Remember, it’s always best to have extra time than too little time, so overestimate how long each stage will take.

Gathering your data and information is one of the most important report-writing steps. Collect relevant information from credible sources like interviews, surveys, academic papers and research or observational data. Make sure you have plenty of accurate information to fill out your report to make a compelling conclusion.

When you’ve gathered your information and data, you can begin organizing your information and creating a loose structure for your report. Determine the main points and key findings you will present in your report and lay them out in an order that makes sense for your report topic. Structuring your information logically will make your report easy to understand and allow you to accurately convey your thoughts and findings.

Once you’ve created a plan and organized your information into an outline, it’s time to begin writing. Your report has three main sections: the introduction, the body and the conclusion.

Begin with an engaging introduction that outlines the main points and scope of the report. Then, present your information using headings and subheadings in the body of your report. Using subsections is a great way to showcase important points and create a good report. Conclude by showing your findings and recommendations if applicable to the topic.

You’ll also need to create a title page, table of contents, executive summary, recommendations (if required) and a reference page. Later in this article, you’ll find more information on properly structuring your report. Writing a  business report ? Check out our guide!

After writing your first draft, it’s important to dedicate some time to editing and revising your report. Check for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors as well as general readability. You can use  proofreading software  to help you with this step to ensure you correct any missed mistakes. Editing is one of the most important steps as it refines your work and ensures that it’s up to high standards before submitting. Read our  writing tips  for some extra help when writing your report.

Report Structure

Getting your report writing format right is vital for landing a top grade and creating a research report, book report or analytical report that resonates with the reader. Following the correct report writing format shows the reader that you are a professional, take the subject matter seriously and have dedicated time to creating a cohesive written report.

The title page of your report is the first thing your readers will see. The title page will show your report title, your name, the date of submission and your institution or organization’s name. The title page sets the tone for your report, so make sure to choose an appropriate title that accurately reflects the content of your report.

The table of contents lists the sections of your report along with the page numbers. This page acts as a roadmap to the content of your report so that readers can easily navigate to the appropriate page.

The executive summary summarizes the report in a few short sentences. It highlights the main points and conclusions so readers can grasp the report’s content without reading the entire document. Use your executive summary to give readers an insight into the report and conclusions at a glance in case they don’t have the time to read the entire report.

The introduction sets the tone for your report and introduces the main ideas and purpose of the report. It often includes a summary of the content discussed in the report and explains why the writer has chosen to create this report. For example, if you’re writing an analytical report, you can use the introduction to explain why you are analyzing this data and what you hope to achieve in the report.

The body of your report is where you’ll present all of your information, research data and findings. Divide your body into sections with relevant headings and subheadings for your topic. Focus each section on one specific aspect of your report and include the relevant information you have gathered to support your statements. The body content is the main section of your report, so take this chance to showcase all of your research and information.

The conclusion section of your report summarizes the key points discussed in the report. Use this section to wrap up your findings from all of your research and reiterate the main points of your report. State your conclusion confidently and take pride in the report that you have created.

If you are writing a recommendation report, this is the section where you should provide it! This section should include action-based recommendations on your findings for the reader to carry out. These suggestions should offer solutions to any identified issues in the report and guide the reader to resolve them.

The references section of your report should include a list of all the sources you have used to gather information, research data, ideas and opinion. Include a comprehensive list of all the material you have used to create your report, including books, articles, websites, interviews and more.

It’s important to use the specific citation style you have chosen or been assigned to use if you’re writing a college paper.  What are MLA citations?  Citation styles give a set format for writing your references, such as APA MLA and Chicago. Check out our guide for everything you need about an  MLA format works cited page .

The appendix of your report comes at the very end after your reference list. The appendix should include any additional information the report uses, like interview transcripts, survey data, and raw data. 

Make sure to label your appendices clearly. For example, each piece of data should be marked (Appendix 1, Appendix 2, Appendix 3.) You’ll need to assign each piece of information or data to your appendices throughout your report. Use phrases like “See Appendix 1” to direct your reader to the data.

If you have taken data from outside sources rather than independent work, you must reference them in the correct citation style. Include an  in-text citation  next to the item in your appendices and add the full reference to your references list. Check out our guide on  how to organize in-text citations .

Report Writing Tips

Clarit y is one of the most important things in report writing. Use simple and straightforward language and get to the point quickly! Avoid over-complicating your sentences, and keep readability at the forefront of your mind when writing.

Unless your report targets a specialized audience, it’s best to keep jargon and technical terms to a minimum. You want to ensure that the reader understands what you’re saying and doesn’t need to pause to look up terms or phrases they don’t understand. Keep your writing clear and concise, and use language that can be easily understood.

Split your report into sections to organize your information and make it easier for readers to navigate your report. Break up the content into relevant headings and subheadings and include all related information under each section. This is a great way to highlight your research and make the information stand out in your report.

Visual aids like charts, graphs and tables can leave a lasting impact on your readers and help them understand the information you are trying to convey. Visuals make complex information easier to understand and can also be used to split up large sections of text and information into bitesize chunks.

Once you have completed your report, dedicate a significant portion of your time to proofreading and editing your draft. Assess your report’s readability and look for grammar, spelling and formatting errors.

A polished report that is free from mistakes will show your level of understanding of the topic and convey professionalism. Check out our guide with the  best grammar checkers  to use for your report!

Organizing your report correctly is critical in landing a top grade as a student and leaving a lasting impact on your readers as a professional. When you create a clear structure and follow report writing rules, readers can find information quickly and understand your carefully researched information. Report writing is a vital skill for all industries to be able to make informed decisions and practice clear communication.

In business, reports can be used for market analysis, problem-solving and strategic planning. Throughout all professional industries, reports are a valuable tool that allows individuals and teams to share information, analyze data and create success.

Students graduate from essay writing to report writing in school and college to hone their research, communication and writing skills while assessing their understanding of topics. Whether you’re a student or professional, learning how to write a report is key to successfully communicating your ideas in a structured and impactful way.

• See Analytical Report Examples For Quality Data Analysis
• How do you write a clear and concise executive summary for a data analysis report?
• Recommendation Report
• Report writing
• Unit 37: Report Objective: Informational and Analytical – Communication at Work
• Appendices – Oxford Brookes University

Meet Rachael, the editor at Become a Writer Today. With years of experience in the field, she is passionate about language and dedicated to producing high-quality content that engages and informs readers. When she's not editing or writing, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, finding inspiration for her next project.

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How to Write a Report (2023 Guide & Free Templates)

You have a report due in a few days, but you’re still procrastinating like a pro.

Sounds familiar?

If you’ve been staring at a blank page, wondering how to write a report the best way possible, you’re not alone. For many, writing a report, especially for the first time, can feel like rolling a giant boulder uphill.

The good news is that from a first draft to creating reports that people love to read is a skill you can develop and polish over time.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who wants to up their report-writing game, keep reading for a 2023 guide and step-by-step instructions on how to write a report. Plus, learn about the basic report format.

You’ll also get access to report templates that you can edit and customize immediately and learn about a tool to make reports online (no need to download software!). You can also jump right into customizing templates by creating a free account .

What is report writing?

Report writing is a way of communicating information, data, insight, or analysis. It’s an essential skill that will come in handy in various settings, from academic research or diving into historical events to business meetings.

But creating a report can be a bit intimidating at first.

In its simplest form, report writing starts with researching and gathering all the information, analyzing your findings, and presenting it in a way that’s easy for your audience to understand.

Sounds easy enough, right? 

Well, there’s a bit more to it than that. We’ll guide you through every step of the process to write an entire report from a rough draft and data in the next section. 

But first, let’s get to know the different types of reports.

Types of reports

Reports come in all shapes and sizes, and the type of report you write will depend on your specific goals and audience. Each type of report has its unique purpose, format, and style.

The most common types of reports are: 

• Academic report – These include school reports, book reports, thesis reports, or analytical reports between two opposing ideas.
• Business report – Business reports range from annual reports to SWOT analyses . The goal of business reports is to communicate ideas, information, or insights in a business setting.
• Research report –  Research reports are often more scientific or methodological in nature. They can take the form of case studies or research papers. 

Learn more : 20 Types of Reports and When to Use Them (Plus Templates)

How to write a report without feeling overwhelmed

Breaking down the report writing process into three stages can make it much more manageable for you, especially if it’s your first time to create one. 

These three stages are: 

• Pre-writing stage
• Writing stage
• Post-writing stage

Let’s take a look at the steps for each stage and how to write a good report in 2023 that you can be proud of.

Stage 1: Pre-writing 

The pre-writing stage is all about preparation. Take some time to gather your thoughts and organize your main idea. Write a summary first.

Here are important steps to help you deal with the overwhelm of creating an insightful report. 

Understand the purpose of your report

Knowing your purpose will help you focus and stay on track throughout the process. Dig into the why of your report through these questions:

• Who is your intended reader? Are you familiar with your audience’s language and how they think?
• What are you trying to achieve with your report? Are you trying to inform, persuade, or recommend a course of action to the reader? 

Research your topic

It’s time to gather as much information as you can about your topic. This might involve reading books, articles, and other reports. You might also need to conduct interviews with subject matter experts.

Pro tip on how to write a report : Pick reputable sources like research papers, recently-published books, and case studies by trustworthy authors. 

Make a report outline

An outline is a roadmap for your report. It covers your title, introduction, thesis statement, main points, and conclusion. Organizing your thoughts this way will help you keep focus and ensure you cover all the necessary information.

While you can create a report without creating an outline, you could write a better report with an outline. An outline helps you organize your facts and important points on paper. 

Stage 2: Writing

Once you have completed the pre-writing stage, it’s time to write your report. 

Follow the proper report writing format

You will feel a lot of resistance at this point because this is where most of the tedious work of report writing happens. However, the process can be a breeze if you follow a proper structure and report writing format.

The structure of your report can vary depending on the type of report you’re creating, but the report writing format below can serve as a guide for anyone.

• Title page. This is the first page of your report and should include the report’s title, the author’s name, the date of presentation or submission, and any other relevant information, such as your name or the organization’s name.
• Table of Contents (TOC ). This section contains subsections of your report and their corresponding page numbering.  A well-written TOC will help readers navigate your report easily and find the information they need.
• Brief summary . This part provides an overview of the report’s particular purpose, subject, methodology, key findings, and recommendations. This section is often called the executive summary in corporate reports.
• Introduction . The introduction should provide background information about the topic and explain why the report was written. It should also state the aims and objectives of your report and give an overview of the methodology used to gather and analyze the data. Make sure you include a powerful topic sentence.
• Main body. The main body of the report should be divided into subsections, each dealing with a specific aspect of the topic. These sections should be clearly labeled and organized in a logical order. In most reports, this is also the part where you explain and present your findings, analysis, and recommendations.
• Conclusion. Summarize the main points of your report and provide a final summary, thought, or suggestions. Review your thesis statement. The conclusion also includes any limitations of the study and areas for further research or future action.
• References . This section should include a list of all the sources cited in the report, like books, journal articles, websites, and any other sources used to gather information on your subject.
• Appendices . In the appendices section, you should include any additional information relevant to the report but not in the article’s main body. This might consist of raw data, event details, graphs, charts, or tables.

With all these key report elements, your readers can look forward to an informative, well-organized, and easy-to-read report.

Pro tips: Remember to use clear and concise language in your essay. It is also required to follow a specific type of formatting set by your organization or instructor.

Plus, use the active voice when you can because it helps improve clarity. To write a report essay in a passive voice makes it sound less concise.

Reports should usually be written in the third person.

Edit and proofread the article

Once you have completed your first essay draft, take some time to edit and proofread your work. Look for spelling mistakes and grammar errors, as well as any areas where the flow of your article could be improved. Review your topic sentence.

If hiring a professional editor isn’t possible, have a colleague or someone else read your rough draft and provide feedback. You can also use tools like Grammarly and the Hemingway App . 

Stage 3: Post-writing

You’re almost there! This stage is about finalizing your report and ensuring it is ready to be shared. 

Format your report

Ensure your report is formatted correctly, with clear and easy-to-read fonts, headings, and subheadings.

Incorporate visuals

Adding visuals to your report article is another great way to help your audience understand complex information more easily.

From charts to illustrations, the right visual can help highlight and explain key points, events, trends, and patterns in your data, making it easier for the reader to interpret the information.

Want to check out more templates? Get access to the template gallery today .

However, it’s important to use visuals sparingly and ensure they are relevant and effectively support the texts. You will learn more about effectively incorporating visuals into your report as you scroll down below to the next sections. 

Share your report

Once your report is complete, share it with your audience. This might involve submitting it to your boss, presenting it to a group, or sharing it online.

A final note for this section: Remember to take your time, stay organized, and most importantly, have fun! Writing a report can be a rewarding experience, especially if you get positive feedback when you present.

How to add visuals to your report

Adding visuals to your report is more than just putting a graph or chart for every piece of information.

There are no hard and fast rules but use the pointers below as guidelines:

• Each visual in your report should have a purpose. Don’t just add a pie chart or bar graph for the sake of adding one. Your visual of choice should offer clarity to readers that’s impossible to achieve with words alone. Piktochart’s report maker lets you search for free stock images and illustrations to add to any page with drag and drop.
• Add captions, legends, or arrows to your visuals when possible. For more technical reports, graphics are either Tables or Figures. Number them in order of appearance (Figure 1, Figure 2, Table 1, etc.) and give each a descriptive title.
• Place the visual close to the relevant text on the page.
• Document the source of the visual, citing it in both the caption and references section if necessary.
• Make the graphic stand out with colors, borders, boxes, spacing, and frames.

Learn more : How to Improve Your Data Visualization Design in 6 Steps 

Write reports like a pro with Piktochart’s easy-to-edit report templates

Creating reports from scratch can be time-consuming. The great news is you don’t have to make reports from scratch like how it used to be in the 90s and early 2000s. Organizations of all shapes and sizes now understand that you can also create the perfect report with the help of templates.

For example, Piktochart offers a variety of fully customizable templates, allowing you to easily add your branding, colors, and text within the online editor. You can visualize your thesis statement and first draft in less than an hour. It’s also possible to start writing directly in the tool, adding graphics page by page.

These templates range from reports for school presentations to sales reports. By editing them, you can create professional-looking reports without the hassle of formatting and design.

Here are some examples of Piktochart’s professionally-designed templates. If you can’t pick one that matches your report writing format and needs, create a free Piktochart account to get access to more templates. 

Survey report template 

This survey report template includes clear visualizations, making your report findings easier to understand. From customer surveys to employee satisfaction reports, this template is quite versatile. 

Research report template 

This research report template is perfect for anyone looking to create a thorough and professional research report. The template includes all the necessary sections to help you easily organize your research and present your findings in a concise document.

Corporate report template 

Looking for a corporate report template example with an editable table of contents and foreword? This template is the perfect fit!

Whether you’re presenting to investors or sharing information with your team, this corporate report template will help you create a polished and informative executive summary for any corporate organization.

Case study report template

Whether you’re conducting a business case study or an academic case study, this case study report template can help you earn your readers’ trust. This template is specifically designed with fashion as its main theme, but you can edit the photos and details to make it more on-brand with your niche.

Marketing report template

Use this template to create comprehensive marketing reports. The template includes editable sections for social media, data from search engines, email marketing, and paid ads. 

Financial report template 

With this customizable finance report template, you don’t need to make a financial report from scratch. Once you’ve written your content, save your report in PDF or PNG formats.

Annual report template 

This annual report template is the right template for creating a professional and informative executive summary of your organization’s performance over the past year. This template was designed for HR annual reports, but you can also repurpose it for other types of yearly reports. 

See more report templates by creating a free Piktochart account . 

Quick checklist for better report writing

Before you submit or present your report, use the quick checklist below to help ensure that your report is well-structured, accurate, clear, and properly cited. Most of all, you must ensure that your report meets your audience’s expectations and has all the information and details they need. 

Purpose and audience

• Does the report address its purpose and meet the needs of the intended audience?

Structure and organization

• Is the material appropriately arranged in sections?
• Have irrelevant details been removed?

Accuracy and analysis

• Has all the material been checked for accuracy?
• Are graphs and tables clearly labeled? Check the page numbers too.
• Is the data in graphs or tables analyzed and explained in words?
• Does the discussion or conclusion show how the results relate to the objectives mentioned in the introduction?
• Have the results been compared with existing research from the literature survey?

Writing style and clarity

• Is the report written in a tone that’s indicated in the brand style guide (for corporate reports)? Does it avoid colloquialisms or contractions? 
• Does it follow the organization’s specific guidelines for writing style? 
• Is it jargon-free and clearly written? Have you translated technical terms into simpler words?
• Use the active voice when you can because it helps improve clarity. A written report in a passive voice may make it sound less concise. 

Acknowledgment and citation

• Have all ideas and event data taken from or inspired by someone else’s work been acknowledged with a reference?
• Have all illustrations and figures taken from someone else’s work been cited correctly?

Proofreading

• Has the report been carefully proofread for typos, spelling errors, and grammatical mistakes?

Make engaging and effective reports quickly with Piktochart

Writing a report is a must-have skill for anyone looking to communicate more effectively in their personal and professional lives. 

With the steps we’ve provided in this guide, anyone can learn how to write a report that is informative, engaging, and comprehensive.

Plus, the free templates we highlighted are valuable for individuals looking to create reports quickly and efficiently. They can also be used to transform a longer report filled with texts into something more engaging and easy to digest.

Sign up for a free Piktochart account today, and look forward to writing reports with its library of modern, customizable report templates. 

Piktochart offers professionally designed templates for all your visual communication needs. It is your one-stop shop for presentations , posters , logos , email signatures , infographics , and more. Customize all templates according to your brand assets in seconds. Get started for free today.

Kyjean Tomboc is an experienced content marketer for healthcare, design, and SaaS brands. She also manages content (like a digital librarian of sorts). She lives for mountain trips, lap swimming, books, and cats.

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Ultimate Guide on How to Write a Report Tips and Sample

Defining a Report

A report is a type of writing that represents information, data, and research findings on a specific topic. The writer is expected to deliver a well-structured, credible, and informative text that dives into the small details of a certain topic, discussing its benefits and challenges.

Reports serve many important purposes. They provide recorded facts and findings. They are used to analyze data and draw insights that can be used for decision-making. Some reports serve as compliance checks to ensure that organizations meet certain standards and requirements. Also, reports are a formal way to communicate valuable information to decision-makers and stakeholders.

A report paper can be academic or about sales, science, business, etc. But unlike other texts, report writing takes much more than getting acquainted with the subject and forming an opinion about it. Report preparation is the most important stage of the writing process. Whether you are assigned to write an academic or a sales paper, before you start writing, you must do thorough research on the topic and ensure that every source of information is trustworthy.

Report writing has its rules. In this article, we will cover everything from how to start a report to how to format one. Below you will find a student research report sample. Check our paper writer service if you want one designed specifically for your requirements.

Student Research Report Sample

Before you read our article on how to write an act essay , see what an informative and well-structured report looks like. Below you will find a sample report that follows the format and tips we suggested in the article.

Explore and learn more about comprehensive but concise reports.

What are the Report Types

As mentioned, there are plenty of different types of report papers. Even though they are very formal, academic reports are only one of many people will come across in their lifetime. Some reports concentrate on the annual performance of a company, some on a project's progress, and others on scientific findings.

Next, we will elaborate more on different sorts of reports, their contents, and their purpose. Don't forget to also check out our report example that you can find below.

Academic Reports

An academic report represents supported data and information about a particular subject. This could be a historical event, a book, or a scientific finding. The credibility of such academic writing is very important as it, in the future, could be used as a backup for dissertations, essays, and other academic work.

Students are often assigned to write reports to test their understanding of a topic. They also provide evidence of the student's ability to critically analyze and synthesize information. It also demonstrates the student's writing skills and ability to simply convey complex findings and ideas.

Remember that the report outline will affect your final grade when writing an academic report. If you want to learn about the correct report writing format, keep reading the article. If you want to save time, you can always buy essays online .

Project Reports

Every project has numerous stakeholders who like to keep an eye on how things are going. This can be challenging if the number of people who need to be kept in the loop is high. One way to ensure everyone is updated and on the same page is periodic project reports.

Project managers are often assigned to make a report for people that affect the project's fate. It is a detailed document that summarizes the work done during the project and the work that needs to be completed. It informs about deadlines and helps form coherent expectations. Previous reports can be used as a reference point as the project progresses.

Sales Reports

Sales reports are excellent ways to keep your team updated on your sales strategies. It provides significant information to stakeholders, including managers, investors, and executives, so they can make informed decisions about the direction of their business.

A sales report usually provides information about a company's sales performance over a precise period. These reports include information about the revenue generated, the total number of units sold, and other metrics that help the company define the success of sales performance.

Sales report preparation is a meticulous job. To communicate information engagingly, you can put together graphs showing various information, including engagement increase, profit margins, and more.

Business Reports

If you were assigned a business report, something tells us you are wondering how to write a report for work. Let us tell you that the strategy is not much different from writing an academic report. A Strong thesis statement, compelling storytelling, credible sources, and correct format are all that matter.

Business reports can take many forms, such as marketing reports, operational reports, market research reports, feasible studies, and more. The purpose of such report writing is to provide analysis and recommendations to support decision-making and help shape a company's future strategy.

Most business reports include charts, graphs, and other visual aids that help illustrate key points and make complex information easy to digest. 

Scientific Reports

Scientific reports present the results of scientific research or investigation to a specific audience. Unlike book reports, a scientific report is always reviewed by other experts in the field for its accuracy, quality, and relevance.

If you are a scientist or a science student, you can't escape writing a lab report. You will need to provide background information on the research topic and explain the study's purpose. A scientific report includes a discussion part where the researcher interprets the results and significance of the study.

Whether you are assigned to write medical reports or make a report about new findings in the field of physics, your writing should always have an introduction, methodology, results, conclusion, and references. These are the foundation of a well-written report.

Annual Reports

An annual report is a comprehensive piece of writing that provides information about a company's performance over a year. In its nature, it might remind us of extended financial reports.

Annual reports represent types of longer reports. They usually include an overview of a company's activities, a financial summary, detailed product and service information, and market conditions. But it's not just a report of the company's performance in the sales market, but also an overview of its social responsibility programs and sustainability activities.

The format of annual report writing depends on the company's specific requirements, the needs of its stakeholder, and the regulation of the country it's based.

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Report Format

As we've seen throughout this article, various types of reports exist. And even though their content differs, they share one essential element: report writing format. Structure, research methods, grammar, and reference lists are equally important to different reports.

Keep in mind that while the general format is the same for every type, you still need to check the requirements of the assigned report before writing one. School reports, lab reports, and financial reports are three different types of the same category.

We are now moving on to discuss the general report format. Let's direct our attention to how to start a report.

Title : You need a comprehensive but concise title to set the right tone and make a good impression. It should be reflective of the general themes in the report.

Table of Contents : Your title page must be followed by a table of contents. We suggest writing an entire report first and creating a table of content later.

Summary : The table of contents should be followed by an executive report summary. To create a comprehensive summary, wait until you have finished writing the full report.

Introduction : A major part of the report structure is an introduction. Make sure you convey the main idea of the report in just a few words. The introduction section must also include a strong thesis statement.

Body : The central part of your work is called the report's body. Here you should present relevant information and provide supported evidence. Make sure every paragraph starts with a topic sentence. Here you can use bullet points, graphs, and other visual aids.

Conclusion : Use this part to summarize your findings and focus on the main elements and what they bring to the table. Do not introduce new ideas. Good report writing means knowing the difference between a summary and a conclusion.

Recommendations : A report is designed to help decision-makers or provide crucial information to the conversation, including a set of goals or steps that should be taken to further advance the progress.

Appendices : As a finishing touch, include a list of source materials on which you based the information and facts. If you want your report to get acknowledged, don't neglect this part of the report format.

How to Write a Report Like a PRO

Mastering the report writing format is only a fraction of the job. Writing an exceptional report takes more than just including a title page and references.

Next, we will offer report-writing tips to help you figure out how to write a report like a PRO. Meanwhile, if you need someone to review your physics homework, our physics helper is ready to take on the job.

Start With a Strong Thesis

A strong thesis is essential to a good paper because it sets the direction for the rest. It should provide a well-defined but short summary of the main points and arguments made in the report.

A strong thesis can help you collect your thoughts and ensure that the report has a course and a coherent structure. It will help you stay focused on key points and tie every paragraph into one entity.

A clear thesis will make your report writing sound more confident and persuasive. It will make finding supporting evidence easier, and you will be able to effectively communicate your ideas to the reader.

Use Simple Wording

Reports are there to gather and distribute as much information to as many people as possible. So, the content of it should be accessible and understandable for everyone, despite their knowledge in the field. We encourage you to use simple words instead of fancy ones when writing reports for large audiences.

Other academic papers might require you to showcase advanced language knowledge and extensive vocabulary. Still, formal reports should present information in a way that does not confuse.

If you are wondering how to make report that is easy to read and digest, try finding simpler alternatives to fancy words. For example, use 'example' instead of 'paradigm'; Use 'relevant' instead of 'pertinent'; 'Exacerbate' is a fancier way to say 'worsen,' and while it makes you look educated, it might cause confusion and make you lose the reader. Choose words that are easier to understand.

Present Only One Concept in Each Phrase

Make your reports easier to understand by presenting only one concept in each paragraph. Simple, short sentences save everyone's time and make complex concepts easier to digest and memorize. 

Report writing is not a single-use material. It will be reread and re-used many times. Someone else might use your sales report to support their financial report. So, to avoid confusion and misinterpretation, start each paragraph with a topic sentence and tie everything else into this main theme.

Only Present Reliable Facts

You might have a strong hunch about future events or outcomes, but a research report is not a place to voice them. Everything you write should be supported by undisputed evidence.

Don't forget that one of the essential report preparation steps is conducting thorough research. Limit yourself to the information which is based on credible information. Only present relevant facts to the topic and add value to your thesis.

One of our report writing tips would be to write a rough draft and eliminate all the information not supported by reliable data. Double-check the credibility of the sources before finalizing the writing process.

Incorporate Bullet Points

When writing a research report, your goal is to make the information as consumable as possible. Don't shy away from using visual aids; this will only help you connect with a wider audience.

Bullet points are a great way to simplify the reading process and draw attention to the main concepts of the report. Use this technique in the body part of the report. If you notice that you are writing related information, use bullet points to point out their relation.

Incorporating bullet points and other visual aids in your report writing format will make a report easy to comprehend and use for further research.

While you are busy coming up with effective visual aids, you may not have enough time to take care of other assignments. Simply say, ' write my argumentative essay ,' and one of our expert writers will answer your prayer.

Review the Text for Accuracy and Inconsistencies

After completing report preparation and writing, ensure you don't skip the final stage. Even the greatest writers are not immune to grammatical mistakes and factual mix-ups.

Reviewing what you wrote is just as important as the research stage. Make sure there are no inconsistencies, and everything smoothly ties into the bigger scheme of events. Look out for spelling mistakes and word count.

If you want to further advance your writing skills, read our article about how to write a cover letter for essay .

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• Research paper

How to Write a Research Paper | A Beginner's Guide

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that provides analysis, interpretation, and argument based on in-depth independent research.

Research papers are similar to academic essays , but they are usually longer and more detailed assignments, designed to assess not only your writing skills but also your skills in scholarly research. Writing a research paper requires you to demonstrate a strong knowledge of your topic, engage with a variety of sources, and make an original contribution to the debate.

This step-by-step guide takes you through the entire writing process, from understanding your assignment to proofreading your final draft.

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Table of contents

Understand the assignment, choose a research paper topic, conduct preliminary research, develop a thesis statement, create a research paper outline, write a first draft of the research paper, write the introduction, write a compelling body of text, write the conclusion, the second draft, the revision process, research paper checklist, free lecture slides.

Completing a research paper successfully means accomplishing the specific tasks set out for you. Before you start, make sure you thoroughly understanding the assignment task sheet:

• Read it carefully, looking for anything confusing you might need to clarify with your professor.
• Identify the assignment goal, deadline, length specifications, formatting, and submission method.
• Make a bulleted list of the key points, then go back and cross completed items off as you’re writing.

Carefully consider your timeframe and word limit: be realistic, and plan enough time to research, write, and edit.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

There are many ways to generate an idea for a research paper, from brainstorming with pen and paper to talking it through with a fellow student or professor.

You can try free writing, which involves taking a broad topic and writing continuously for two or three minutes to identify absolutely anything relevant that could be interesting.

You can also gain inspiration from other research. The discussion or recommendations sections of research papers often include ideas for other specific topics that require further examination.

Once you have a broad subject area, narrow it down to choose a topic that interests you, m eets the criteria of your assignment, and i s possible to research. Aim for ideas that are both original and specific:

• A paper following the chronology of World War II would not be original or specific enough.
• A paper on the experience of Danish citizens living close to the German border during World War II would be specific and could be original enough.

Note any discussions that seem important to the topic, and try to find an issue that you can focus your paper around. Use a variety of sources , including journals, books, and reliable websites, to ensure you do not miss anything glaring.

Do not only verify the ideas you have in mind, but look for sources that contradict your point of view.

• Is there anything people seem to overlook in the sources you research?
• Are there any heated debates you can address?
• Do you have a unique take on your topic?
• Have there been some recent developments that build on the extant research?

In this stage, you might find it helpful to formulate some research questions to help guide you. To write research questions, try to finish the following sentence: “I want to know how/what/why…”

A thesis statement is a statement of your central argument — it establishes the purpose and position of your paper. If you started with a research question, the thesis statement should answer it. It should also show what evidence and reasoning you’ll use to support that answer.

The thesis statement should be concise, contentious, and coherent. That means it should briefly summarize your argument in a sentence or two, make a claim that requires further evidence or analysis, and make a coherent point that relates to every part of the paper.

You will probably revise and refine the thesis statement as you do more research, but it can serve as a guide throughout the writing process. Every paragraph should aim to support and develop this central claim.

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See an example

A research paper outline is essentially a list of the key topics, arguments, and evidence you want to include, divided into sections with headings so that you know roughly what the paper will look like before you start writing.

A structure outline can help make the writing process much more efficient, so it’s worth dedicating some time to create one.

Your first draft won’t be perfect — you can polish later on. Your priorities at this stage are as follows:

• Maintaining forward momentum — write now, perfect later.
• Paying attention to clear organization and logical ordering of paragraphs and sentences, which will help when you come to the second draft.
• Expressing your ideas as clearly as possible, so you know what you were trying to say when you come back to the text.

You do not need to start by writing the introduction. Begin where it feels most natural for you — some prefer to finish the most difficult sections first, while others choose to start with the easiest part. If you created an outline, use it as a map while you work.

Do not delete large sections of text. If you begin to dislike something you have written or find it doesn’t quite fit, move it to a different document, but don’t lose it completely — you never know if it might come in useful later.

Paragraph structure

Paragraphs are the basic building blocks of research papers. Each one should focus on a single claim or idea that helps to establish the overall argument or purpose of the paper.

Example paragraph

George Orwell’s 1946 essay “Politics and the English Language” has had an enduring impact on thought about the relationship between politics and language. This impact is particularly obvious in light of the various critical review articles that have recently referenced the essay. For example, consider Mark Falcoff’s 2009 article in The National Review Online, “The Perversion of Language; or, Orwell Revisited,” in which he analyzes several common words (“activist,” “civil-rights leader,” “diversity,” and more). Falcoff’s close analysis of the ambiguity built into political language intentionally mirrors Orwell’s own point-by-point analysis of the political language of his day. Even 63 years after its publication, Orwell’s essay is emulated by contemporary thinkers.

Citing sources

It’s also important to keep track of citations at this stage to avoid accidental plagiarism . Each time you use a source, make sure to take note of where the information came from.

You can use our free citation generators to automatically create citations and save your reference list as you go.

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The research paper introduction should address three questions: What, why, and how? After finishing the introduction, the reader should know what the paper is about, why it is worth reading, and how you’ll build your arguments.

What? Be specific about the topic of the paper, introduce the background, and define key terms or concepts.

Why? This is the most important, but also the most difficult, part of the introduction. Try to provide brief answers to the following questions: What new material or insight are you offering? What important issues does your essay help define or answer?

How? To let the reader know what to expect from the rest of the paper, the introduction should include a “map” of what will be discussed, briefly presenting the key elements of the paper in chronological order.

The major struggle faced by most writers is how to organize the information presented in the paper, which is one reason an outline is so useful. However, remember that the outline is only a guide and, when writing, you can be flexible with the order in which the information and arguments are presented.

One way to stay on track is to use your thesis statement and topic sentences . Check:

• topic sentences against the thesis statement;
• topic sentences against each other, for similarities and logical ordering;
• and each sentence against the topic sentence of that paragraph.

Be aware of paragraphs that seem to cover the same things. If two paragraphs discuss something similar, they must approach that topic in different ways. Aim to create smooth transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and sections.

The research paper conclusion is designed to help your reader out of the paper’s argument, giving them a sense of finality.

Trace the course of the paper, emphasizing how it all comes together to prove your thesis statement. Give the paper a sense of finality by making sure the reader understands how you’ve settled the issues raised in the introduction.

You might also discuss the more general consequences of the argument, outline what the paper offers to future students of the topic, and suggest any questions the paper’s argument raises but cannot or does not try to answer.

You should not :

• Offer new arguments or essential information
• Take up any more space than necessary
• Begin with stock phrases that signal you are ending the paper (e.g. “In conclusion”)

There are four main considerations when it comes to the second draft.

• Check how your vision of the paper lines up with the first draft and, more importantly, that your paper still answers the assignment.
• Identify any assumptions that might require (more substantial) justification, keeping your reader’s perspective foremost in mind. Remove these points if you cannot substantiate them further.
• Be open to rearranging your ideas. Check whether any sections feel out of place and whether your ideas could be better organized.
• If you find that old ideas do not fit as well as you anticipated, you should cut them out or condense them. You might also find that new and well-suited ideas occurred to you during the writing of the first draft — now is the time to make them part of the paper.

The goal during the revision and proofreading process is to ensure you have completed all the necessary tasks and that the paper is as well-articulated as possible. You can speed up the proofreading process by using the AI proofreader .

Global concerns

• Confirm that your paper completes every task specified in your assignment sheet.
• Check for logical organization and flow of paragraphs.
• Check paragraphs against the introduction and thesis statement.

Fine-grained details

Check the content of each paragraph, making sure that:

• each sentence helps support the topic sentence.
• no unnecessary or irrelevant information is present.
• all technical terms your audience might not know are identified.

Next, think about sentence structure , grammatical errors, and formatting . Check that you have correctly used transition words and phrases to show the connections between your ideas. Look for typos, cut unnecessary words, and check for consistency in aspects such as heading formatting and spellings .

Finally, you need to make sure your paper is correctly formatted according to the rules of the citation style you are using. For example, you might need to include an MLA heading  or create an APA title page .

Scribbr’s professional editors can help with the revision process with our award-winning proofreading services.

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Checklist: Research paper

I have followed all instructions in the assignment sheet.

My introduction presents my topic in an engaging way and provides necessary background information.

My introduction presents a clear, focused research problem and/or thesis statement .

My paper is logically organized using paragraphs and (if relevant) section headings .

Each paragraph is clearly focused on one central idea, expressed in a clear topic sentence .

Each paragraph is relevant to my research problem or thesis statement.

I have used appropriate transitions  to clarify the connections between sections, paragraphs, and sentences.

My conclusion provides a concise answer to the research question or emphasizes how the thesis has been supported.

My conclusion shows how my research has contributed to knowledge or understanding of my topic.

My conclusion does not present any new points or information essential to my argument.

I have provided an in-text citation every time I refer to ideas or information from a source.

I have included a reference list at the end of my paper, consistently formatted according to a specific citation style .

I have thoroughly revised my paper and addressed any feedback from my professor or supervisor.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (page numbers, headers, spacing, etc.).

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 perfect persuasive essay topics for any assignment.

General Education

Do you need to write a persuasive essay but aren’t sure what topic to focus on? Were you thrilled when your teacher said you could write about whatever you wanted but are now overwhelmed by the possibilities? We’re here to help!

Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories. To help get you started, we also discuss what a persuasive essay is, how to choose a great topic, and what tips to keep in mind as you write your persuasive essay.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

In a persuasive essay, you attempt to convince readers to agree with your point of view on an argument. For example, an essay analyzing changes in Italian art during the Renaissance wouldn’t be a persuasive essay, because there’s no argument, but an essay where you argue that Italian art reached its peak during the Renaissance would be a persuasive essay because you’re trying to get your audience to agree with your viewpoint.

Persuasive and argumentative essays both try to convince readers to agree with the author, but the two essay types have key differences. Argumentative essays show a more balanced view of the issue and discuss both sides. Persuasive essays focus more heavily on the side the author agrees with. They also often include more of the author’s opinion than argumentative essays, which tend to use only facts and data to support their argument.

All persuasive essays have the following:

• Introduction: Introduces the topic, explains why it’s important, and ends with the thesis.
• Thesis: A sentence that sums up what the essay be discussing and what your stance on the issue is.
• Reasons you believe your side of the argument: Why do you support the side you do? Typically each main point will have its own body paragraph.
• Evidence supporting your argument: Facts or examples to back up your main points. Even though your opinion is allowed in persuasive essays more than most other essays, having concrete examples will make a stronger argument than relying on your opinion alone.
• Conclusion: Restatement of thesis, summary of main points, and a recap of why the issue is important.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

Theoretically, you could write a persuasive essay about any subject under the sun, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Certain topics are easier to write a strong persuasive essay on, and below are tips to follow when deciding what you should write about.

It’s a Topic You Care About

Obviously, it’s possible to write an essay about a topic you find completely boring. You’ve probably done it! However, if possible, it’s always better to choose a topic that you care about and are interested in. When this is the case, you’ll find doing the research more enjoyable, writing the essay easier, and your writing will likely be better because you’ll be more passionate about and informed on the topic.

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

Just being passionate about a subject isn’t enough to make it a good persuasive essay topic, though. You need to make sure your argument is complex enough to have at least two potential sides to root for, and you need to be able to back up your side with evidence and examples. Even though persuasive essays allow your opinion to feature more than many other essays, you still need concrete evidence to back up your claims, or you’ll end up with a weak essay.

For example, you may passionately believe that mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best ice cream flavor (I agree!), but could you really write an entire essay on this? What would be your reasons for believing mint chocolate chip is the best (besides the fact that it’s delicious)? How would you support your belief? Have enough studies been done on preferred ice cream flavors to support an entire essay? When choosing a persuasive essay idea, you want to find the right balance between something you care about (so you can write well on it) and something the rest of the world cares about (so you can reference evidence to strengthen your position).

It’s a Manageable Topic

Bigger isn’t always better, especially with essay topics. While it may seem like a great idea to choose a huge, complex topic to write about, you’ll likely struggle to sift through all the information and different sides of the issue and winnow them down to one streamlined essay. For example, choosing to write an essay about how WWII impacted American life more than WWI wouldn’t be a great idea because you’d need to analyze all the impacts of both the wars in numerous areas of American life. It’d be a huge undertaking. A better idea would be to choose one impact on American life the wars had (such as changes in female employment) and focus on that. Doing so will make researching and writing your persuasive essay much more feasible.

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you’ll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, “should fracking be legal?” you’d decide whether you believe fracking should be legal or illegal, then you’d write an essay arguing all the reasons why your audience should agree with you.

Arts/Culture

• Should students be required to learn an instrument in school?
• Did the end of Game of Thrones fit with the rest of the series?
• Can music be an effective way to treat mental illness?
• With e-readers so popular, have libraries become obsolete?
• Are the Harry Potter books more popular than they deserve to be?
• Should music with offensive language come with a warning label?
• What’s the best way for museums to get more people to visit?
• Should students be able to substitute an art or music class for a PE class in school?
• Are the Kardashians good or bad role models for young people?
• Should people in higher income brackets pay more taxes?
• Should all high school students be required to take a class on financial literacy?
• Is it possible to achieve the American dream, or is it only a myth?
• Is it better to spend a summer as an unpaid intern at a prestigious company or as a paid worker at a local store/restaurant?
• Should the United States impose more or fewer tariffs?
• Should college graduates have their student loans forgiven?
• Should restaurants eliminate tipping and raise staff wages instead?
• Should students learn cursive writing in school?
• Which is more important: PE class or music class?
• Is it better to have year-round school with shorter breaks throughout the year?
• Should class rank be abolished in schools?
• Should students be taught sex education in school?
• Should students be able to attend public universities for free?
• What’s the most effective way to change the behavior of school bullies?
• Are the SAT and ACT accurate ways to measure intelligence?
• Should students be able to learn sign language instead of a foreign language?
• Do the benefits of Greek life at colleges outweigh the negatives?
• Does doing homework actually help students learn more?
• Why do students in many other countries score higher than American students on math exams?
• Should parents/teachers be able to ban certain books from schools?
• What’s the best way to reduce cheating in school?
• Should colleges take a student’s race into account when making admissions decisions?
• Should there be limits to free speech?
• Should students be required to perform community service to graduate high school?
• Should convicted felons who have completed their sentence be allowed to vote?
• Should gun ownership be more tightly regulated?
• Should recycling be made mandatory?
• Should employers be required to offer paid leave to new parents?
• Are there any circumstances where torture should be allowed?
• Should children under the age of 18 be able to get plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons?
• Should white supremacy groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
• Does making abortion illegal make women more or less safe?
• Does foreign aid actually help developing countries?
• Are there times a person’s freedom of speech should be curtailed?
• Should people over a certain age not be allowed to adopt children?

Government/Politics

• Should the minimum voting age be raised/lowered/kept the same?
• Should Puerto Rico be granted statehood?
• Should the United States build a border wall with Mexico?
• Who should be the next person printed on American banknotes?
• Should the United States’ military budget be reduced?
• Did China’s one child policy have overall positive or negative impacts on the country?
• Should DREAMers be granted US citizenship?
• Is national security more important than individual privacy?
• What responsibility does the government have to help homeless people?
• Should the electoral college be abolished?
• Should the US increase or decrease the number of refugees it allows in each year?
• Should privately-run prisons be abolished?
• Who was the most/least effective US president?
• Will Brexit end up helping or harming the UK?

• What’s the best way to reduce the spread of Ebola?
• Is the Keto diet a safe and effective way to lose weight?
• Should the FDA regulate vitamins and supplements more strictly?
• Should public schools require all students who attend to be vaccinated?
• Is eating genetically modified food safe?
• What’s the best way to make health insurance more affordable?
• What’s the best way to lower the teen pregnancy rate?
• Should recreational marijuana be legalized nationwide?
• Should birth control pills be available without a prescription?
• Should pregnant women be forbidden from buying cigarettes and alcohol?
• Why has anxiety increased in adolescents?
• Are low-carb or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
• What caused the destruction of the USS Maine?
• Was King Arthur a mythical legend or actual Dark Ages king?
• Was the US justified in dropping atomic bombs during WWII?
• What was the primary cause of the Rwandan genocide?
• What happened to the settlers of the Roanoke colony?
• Was disagreement over slavery the primary cause of the US Civil War?
• What has caused the numerous disappearances in the Bermuda triangle?
• Should nuclear power be banned?
• Is scientific testing on animals necessary?
• Do zoos help or harm animals?
• Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?
• Should animals in circuses be banned?
• Should fracking be legal?
• Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets?
• What’s the best way to reduce illegal poaching in Africa?
• What is the best way to reduce the impact of global warming?
• Should euthanasia be legalized?
• Is there legitimate evidence of extraterrestrial life?
• Should people be banned from owning aggressive dog breeds?
• Should the United States devote more money towards space exploration?
• Should the government subsidize renewable forms of energy?
• Is solar energy worth the cost?
• Should stem cells be used in medicine?
• Is it right for the US to leave the Paris Climate Agreement?
• Should athletes who fail a drug test receive a lifetime ban from the sport?
• Should college athletes receive a salary?
• Should the NFL do more to prevent concussions in players?
• Do PE classes help students stay in shape?
• Should horse racing be banned?
• Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
• Should children younger than 18 be allowed to play tackle football?
• Are the costs of hosting an Olympic Games worth it?
• Can online schools be as effective as traditional schools?
• Do violent video games encourage players to be violent in real life?
• Should facial recognition technology be banned?
• Does excessive social media use lead to depression/anxiety?
• Has the rise of translation technology made knowing multiple languages obsolete?
• Was Steve Jobs a visionary or just a great marketer?
• Should social media be banned for children younger than a certain age?
• Which 21st-century invention has had the largest impact on society?
• Are ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft good or bad for society?
• Should Facebook have done more to protect the privacy of its users?
• Will technology end up increasing or decreasing inequality worldwide?

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

After you’ve chosen the perfect topic for your persuasive essay, your work isn’t over. Follow the three tips below to create a top-notch essay.

Do Your Research

Your argument will fall apart if you don’t fully understand the issue you’re discussing or you overlook an important piece of it. Readers won’t be convinced by someone who doesn’t know the subject, and you likely won’t persuade any of them to begin supporting your viewpoint. Before you begin writing a single word of your essay, research your topic thoroughly. Study different sources, learn about the different sides of the argument, ask anyone who’s an expert on the topic what their opinion is, etc. You might be tempted to start writing right away, but by doing your research, you’ll make the writing process much easier when the time comes.

Make Your Thesis Perfect

Your thesis is the most important sentence in your persuasive essay. Just by reading that single sentence, your audience should know exactly what topic you’ll be discussing and where you stand on the issue. You want your thesis to be crystal clear and to accurately set up the rest of your essay. Asking classmates or your teacher to look it over before you begin writing the rest of your essay can be a big help if you’re not entirely confident in your thesis.

Consider the Other Side

You’ll spend most of your essay focusing on your side of the argument since that’s what you want readers to come away believing. However, don’t think that means you can ignore other sides of the issue. In your essay, be sure to discuss the other side’s argument, as well as why you believe this view is weak or untrue. Researching all the different viewpoints and including them in your essay will increase the quality of your writing by making your essay more complete and nuanced.

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

Good persuasive essay topics can be difficult to come up with, but in this guide we’ve created a list of 113 excellent essay topics for you to browse. The best persuasive essay ideas will be those that you are interested in, have enough evidence to support your argument, and aren’t too complicated to be summarized in an essay.

After you’ve chosen your essay topic, keep these three tips in mind when you begin writing:

• Do your research
• Make your thesis perfect
• Consider the other side

What's Next?

Need ideas for a research paper topic as well? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Thinking about taking an AP English class? Read our guide on AP English classes to learn whether you should take AP English Language or AP English Literature (or both!)

Deciding between the SAT or ACT? Find out for sure which you will do the best on . Also read a detailed comparison between the two tests .

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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How to Write a Report: Ultimate Guide

Last Updated:  

August 14, 2023

In order for the report to be completed correctly, it is necessary to adhere to certain writing rules.

Key Takeaways on Writing a Report

• Define the Purpose : Determine the type of data needed and tailor your report to meet the expectations of your target audience. Consider whether it's for internal or external use.
• Gather Information : Use online resources, consult experts, and participate in surveys to collect relevant information and data for your report.
• Organise Structure : Use headings, titles, and follow guidelines to structure your report effectively. Seek help if needed.
• Write Introduction : Provide background information, outline the structure, and end with a clear thesis statement.
• Include Evidence and Analysis : Incorporate supporting evidence and analysis to showcase your knowledge and understanding of the topic.
• Create Conclusion : Craft a conclusion that summarises key points and stays aligned with the report's purpose.
• Proofread and Edit : Proofread for errors, grammar, and clarity. Editing ensures a polished and professional report.

Define the purpose of the report

It is important to understand what type of data should be included in the report and how to report it so that it is accurate. When determining the purpose of a business report, consider the audience that will read it and what their goals are. This will help form an effective approach to creating an informative document that will meet these expectations.

When writing any report, always consider who will read it and how it will be used. Once you've determined your goal, you can tailor your content accordingly. For example, if it is an internal document, you may want to include more detailed information than you would for external use. Clearly defining your goals before you begin will ensure that your efforts are focused on achieving them. If necessary, get a report writing help from professionals who specialise in this type of work.

Gather the necessary information and data

You can use online resources, such as articles or books, that discuss writing business reports or consult experts in the field who can provide advice and guidance on how to find information. You can also participate in surveys that can provide valuable information on the topic being discussed.

When it comes to writing a report, it is important to remember that it should be concise and structured. Once you have gathered all the information and data you need, make sure it is properly structured before beginning to write a report. This will ensure that your report is clear and accurate. With a little effort, you can create effective work that will impress any audience.

Organise the structure of the report

Add headings or titles to each section so readers can easily navigate the report. If you have difficulties with the organisation of the structure, you can seek help from an experienced specialist.

When structuring your text, make sure it follows all the guidelines given by your supervisor or professor. This ensures that all required components are included in your report. With careful planning and organisation, you will have no problem creating a well-structured and effective business report.

Write a clear introduction

Be sure to include any background information readers need to understand the context. Provide an overview of the structure of your report - this will help orient readers and give them an idea of what topics are covered in each chapter.

Be sure to end your introduction with a compelling thesis statement that summarises the main points of your report and provides direction for further reading. Don't forget to proofread your text before submitting it - if you need extra help with editing or technical report writing format, you can use formal business report writing services.

Include supporting evidence and analysis

Professional editors will help ensure that your document contains all the necessary information in an organised and understandable manner. They can also provide advice on how best to incorporate supporting evidence for maximum impact. Professional proofreaders can check your work for errors before you submit it for review.

Writing a quality business report requires careful research and analysis, as well as an understanding of exactly what to include in the content to effectively convey your idea. Supporting evidence and analysis of the work demonstrates your knowledge and experience in the matter under discussion.

Create a conclusion that summarises the key points

An online report writer can help you craft a conclusion that effectively wraps up your argument while staying true to the overall purpose of your report writing . He can also advise on how best to summarise key points in a way that readers can easily understand. A specialist can check the entire document for errors and make suggestions for its improvement.

Remember that it is important to proofread your work before submitting it for review. Take the time to review each chapter, including the conclusions, and make sure all grammatical and spelling errors are corrected before submitting it for review. With attention to detail and proper wording, you will soon become adept at creating effective conclusions for business reports.

Proofread and edit the report

Many people underestimate the importance of these stages, but they should not be skipped, as they can significantly affect the overall quality of writing a report for work. The goal is to ensure that the report is accurate and professional, free of spelling and stylistic errors. It is recommended that you read it out loud, check for errors, and make sure that all points are clear and concise. If you need help with proofreading or editing a report, you can turn to experts who specialize in this field. They can provide valuable advice on how to improve your paper before submitting it to your supervisor.

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8.5 Writing Process: Creating an Analytical Report

Learning outcomes.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Identify the elements of the rhetorical situation for your report.
• Find and focus a topic to write about.
• Gather and analyze information from appropriate sources.
• Distinguish among different kinds of evidence.
• Draft a thesis and create an organizational plan.
• Compose a report that develops ideas and integrates evidence from sources.
• Give and act on productive feedback to works in progress.

You might think that writing comes easily to experienced writers—that they draft stories and college papers all at once, sitting down at the computer and having sentences flow from their fingers like water from a faucet. In reality, most writers engage in a recursive process, pushing forward, stepping back, and repeating steps multiple times as their ideas develop and change. In broad strokes, the steps most writers go through are these:

• Planning and Organization . You will have an easier time drafting if you devote time at the beginning to consider the rhetorical situation for your report, understand your assignment, gather ideas and information, draft a thesis statement, and create an organizational plan.
• Drafting . When you have an idea of what you want to say and the order in which you want to say it, you’re ready to draft. As much as possible, keep going until you have a complete first draft of your report, resisting the urge to go back and rewrite. Save that for after you have completed a first draft.
• Review . Now is the time to get feedback from others, whether from your instructor, your classmates, a tutor in the writing center, your roommate, someone in your family, or someone else you trust to read your writing critically and give you honest feedback.
• Revising . With feedback on your draft, you are ready to revise. You may need to return to an earlier step and make large-scale revisions that involve planning, organizing, and rewriting, or you may need to work mostly on ensuring that your sentences are clear and correct.

Considering the Rhetorical Situation

Like other kinds of writing projects, a report starts with assessing the rhetorical situation —the circumstance in which a writer communicates with an audience of readers about a subject. As the writer of a report, you make choices based on the purpose of your writing, the audience who will read it, the genre of the report, and the expectations of the community and culture in which you are working. A graphic organizer like Table 8.1 can help you begin.

Summary of Assignment

Write an analytical report on a topic that interests you and that you want to know more about. The topic can be contemporary or historical, but it must be one that you can analyze and support with evidence from sources.

The following questions can help you think about a topic suitable for analysis:

• Why or how did ________ happen?
• What are the results or effects of ________?
• Is ________ a problem? If so, why?
• What are examples of ________ or reasons for ________?
• How does ________ compare to or contrast with other issues, concerns, or things?

Consult and cite three to five reliable sources. The sources do not have to be scholarly for this assignment, but they must be credible, trustworthy, and unbiased. Possible sources include academic journals, newspapers, magazines, reputable websites, government publications or agency websites, and visual sources such as TED Talks. You may also use the results of an experiment or survey, and you may want to conduct interviews.

Consider whether visuals and media will enhance your report. Can you present data you collect visually? Would a map, photograph, chart, or other graphic provide interesting and relevant support? Would video or audio allow you to present evidence that you would otherwise need to describe in words?

Another Lens. To gain another analytic view on the topic of your report, consider different people affected by it. Say, for example, that you have decided to report on recent high school graduates and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the final months of their senior year. If you are a recent high school graduate, you might naturally gravitate toward writing about yourself and your peers. But you might also consider the adults in the lives of recent high school graduates—for example, teachers, parents, or grandparents—and how they view the same period. Or you might consider the same topic from the perspective of a college admissions department looking at their incoming freshman class.

Quick Launch: Finding and Focusing a Topic

Coming up with a topic for a report can be daunting because you can report on nearly anything. The topic can easily get too broad, trapping you in the realm of generalizations. The trick is to find a topic that interests you and focus on an angle you can analyze in order to say something significant about it. You can use a graphic organizer to generate ideas, or you can use a concept map similar to the one featured in Writing Process: Thinking Critically About a “Text.”

Asking the Journalist’s Questions

One way to generate ideas about a topic is to ask the five W (and one H) questions, also called the journalist’s questions : Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Try answering the following questions to explore a topic:

Who was or is involved in ________?

What happened/is happening with ________? What were/are the results of ________?

When did ________ happen? Is ________ happening now?

Where did ________ happen, or where is ________ happening?

Why did ________ happen, or why is ________ happening now?

How did ________ happen?

For example, imagine that you have decided to write your analytical report on the effect of the COVID-19 shutdown on high-school students by interviewing students on your college campus. Your questions and answers might look something like those in Table 8.2 :

Asking Focused Questions

Another way to find a topic is to ask focused questions about it. For example, you might ask the following questions about the effect of the 2020 pandemic shutdown on recent high school graduates:

• How did the shutdown change students’ feelings about their senior year?
• How did the shutdown affect their decisions about post-graduation plans, such as work or going to college?
• How did the shutdown affect their academic performance in high school or in college?
• How did/do they feel about continuing their education?
• How did the shutdown affect their social relationships?

Any of these questions might be developed into a thesis for an analytical report. Table 8.3 shows more examples of broad topics and focusing questions.

Gathering Information

Because they are based on information and evidence, most analytical reports require you to do at least some research. Depending on your assignment, you may be able to find reliable information online, or you may need to do primary research by conducting an experiment, a survey, or interviews. For example, if you live among students in their late teens and early twenties, consider what they can tell you about their lives that you might be able to analyze. Returning to or graduating from high school, starting college, or returning to college in the midst of a global pandemic has provided them, for better or worse, with educational and social experiences that are shared widely by people their age and very different from the experiences older adults had at the same age.

Some report assignments will require you to do formal research, an activity that involves finding sources and evaluating them for reliability, reading them carefully, taking notes, and citing all words you quote and ideas you borrow. See Research Process: Accessing and Recording Information and Annotated Bibliography: Gathering, Evaluating, and Documenting Sources for detailed instruction on conducting research.

Whether you conduct in-depth research or not, keep track of the ideas that come to you and the information you learn. You can write or dictate notes using an app on your phone or computer, or you can jot notes in a journal if you prefer pen and paper. Then, when you are ready to begin organizing your report, you will have a record of your thoughts and information. Always track the sources of information you gather, whether from printed or digital material or from a person you interviewed, so that you can return to the sources if you need more information. And always credit the sources in your report.

Kinds of Evidence

Depending on your assignment and the topic of your report, certain kinds of evidence may be more effective than others. Other kinds of evidence may even be required. As a general rule, choose evidence that is rooted in verifiable facts and experience. In addition, select the evidence that best supports the topic and your approach to the topic, be sure the evidence meets your instructor’s requirements, and cite any evidence you use that comes from a source. The following list contains different kinds of frequently used evidence and an example of each.

Definition : An explanation of a key word, idea, or concept.

The U.S. Census Bureau refers to a “young adult” as a person between 18 and 34 years old.

Example : An illustration of an idea or concept.

The college experience in the fall of 2020 was starkly different from that of previous years. Students who lived in residence halls were assigned to small pods. On-campus dining services were limited. Classes were small and physically distanced or conducted online. Parties were banned.

Expert opinion : A statement by a professional in the field whose opinion is respected.

According to Louise Aronson, MD, geriatrician and author of Elderhood , people over the age of 65 are the happiest of any age group, reporting “less stress, depression, worry, and anger, and more enjoyment, happiness, and satisfaction” (255).

Fact : Information that can be proven correct or accurate.

According to data collected by the NCAA, the academic success of Division I college athletes between 2015 and 2019 was consistently high (Hosick).

Interview : An in-person, phone, or remote conversation that involves an interviewer posing questions to another person or people.

During our interview, I asked Betty about living without a cell phone during the pandemic. She said that before the pandemic, she hadn’t needed a cell phone in her daily activities, but she soon realized that she, and people like her, were increasingly at a disadvantage.

Quotation : The exact words of an author or a speaker.

In response to whether she thought she needed a cell phone, Betty said, “I got along just fine without a cell phone when I could go everywhere in person. The shift to needing a phone came suddenly, and I don’t have extra money in my budget to get one.”

Statistics : A numerical fact or item of data.

The Pew Research Center reported that approximately 25 percent of Hispanic Americans and 17 percent of Black Americans relied on smartphones for online access, compared with 12 percent of White people.

Survey : A structured interview in which respondents (the people who answer the survey questions) are all asked the same questions, either in person or through print or electronic means, and their answers tabulated and interpreted. Surveys discover attitudes, beliefs, or habits of the general public or segments of the population.

A survey of 3,000 mobile phone users in October 2020 showed that 54 percent of respondents used their phones for messaging, while 40 percent used their phones for calls (Steele).

• Visuals : Graphs, figures, tables, photographs and other images, diagrams, charts, maps, videos, and audio recordings, among others.

Thesis and Organization

Drafting a thesis.

When you have a grasp of your topic, move on to the next phase: drafting a thesis. The thesis is the central idea that you will explore and support in your report; all paragraphs in your report should relate to it. In an essay-style analytical report, you will likely express this main idea in a thesis statement of one or two sentences toward the end of the introduction.

For example, if you found that the academic performance of student athletes was higher than that of non-athletes, you might write the following thesis statement:

student sample text Although a common stereotype is that college athletes barely pass their classes, an analysis of athletes’ academic performance indicates that athletes drop fewer classes, earn higher grades, and are more likely to be on track to graduate in four years when compared with their non-athlete peers. end student sample text

The thesis statement often previews the organization of your writing. For example, in his report on the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Trevor Garcia wrote the following thesis statement, which detailed the central idea of his report:

student sample text An examination of the U.S. response shows that a reduction of experts in key positions and programs, inaction that led to equipment shortages, and inconsistent policies were three major causes of the spread of the virus and the resulting deaths. end student sample text

After you draft a thesis statement, ask these questions, and examine your thesis as you answer them. Revise your draft as needed.

• Is it interesting? A thesis for a report should answer a question that is worth asking and piques curiosity.
• Is it precise and specific? If you are interested in reducing pollution in a nearby lake, explain how to stop the zebra mussel infestation or reduce the frequent algae blooms.
• Is it manageable? Try to split the difference between having too much information and not having enough.

Organizing Your Ideas

As a next step, organize the points you want to make in your report and the evidence to support them. Use an outline, a diagram, or another organizational tool, such as Table 8.4 .

Drafting an Analytical Report

With a tentative thesis, an organization plan, and evidence, you are ready to begin drafting. For this assignment, you will report information, analyze it, and draw conclusions about the cause of something, the effect of something, or the similarities and differences between two different things.

Introduction

Some students write the introduction first; others save it for last. Whenever you choose to write the introduction, use it to draw readers into your report. Make the topic of your report clear, and be concise and sincere. End the introduction with your thesis statement. Depending on your topic and the type of report, you can write an effective introduction in several ways. Opening a report with an overview is a tried-and-true strategy, as shown in the following example on the U.S. response to COVID-19 by Trevor Garcia. Notice how he opens the introduction with statistics and a comparison and follows it with a question that leads to the thesis statement (underlined).

student sample text With more than 83 million cases and 1.8 million deaths at the end of 2020, COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. By the end of 2020, the United States led the world in the number of cases, at more than 20 million infections and nearly 350,000 deaths. In comparison, the second-highest number of cases was in India, which at the end of 2020 had less than half the number of COVID-19 cases despite having a population four times greater than the U.S. (“COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic,” 2021). How did the United States come to have the world’s worst record in this pandemic? underline An examination of the U.S. response shows that a reduction of experts in key positions and programs, inaction that led to equipment shortages, and inconsistent policies were three major causes of the spread of the virus and the resulting deaths end underline . end student sample text

For a less formal report, you might want to open with a question, quotation, or brief story. The following example opens with an anecdote that leads to the thesis statement (underlined).

student sample text Betty stood outside the salon, wondering how to get in. It was June of 2020, and the door was locked. A sign posted on the door provided a phone number for her to call to be let in, but at 81, Betty had lived her life without a cell phone. Betty’s day-to-day life had been hard during the pandemic, but she had planned for this haircut and was looking forward to it; she had a mask on and hand sanitizer in her car. Now she couldn’t get in the door, and she was discouraged. In that moment, Betty realized how much Americans’ dependence on cell phones had grown in the months since the pandemic began. underline Betty and thousands of other senior citizens who could not afford cell phones or did not have the technological skills and support they needed were being left behind in a society that was increasingly reliant on technology end underline . end student sample text

Body Paragraphs: Point, Evidence, Analysis

Use the body paragraphs of your report to present evidence that supports your thesis. A reliable pattern to keep in mind for developing the body paragraphs of a report is point , evidence , and analysis :

• The point is the central idea of the paragraph, usually given in a topic sentence stated in your own words at or toward the beginning of the paragraph. Each topic sentence should relate to the thesis.
• The evidence you provide develops the paragraph and supports the point made in the topic sentence. Include details, examples, quotations, paraphrases, and summaries from sources if you conducted formal research. Synthesize the evidence you include by showing in your sentences the connections between sources.
• The analysis comes at the end of the paragraph. In your own words, draw a conclusion about the evidence you have provided and how it relates to the topic sentence.

The paragraph below illustrates the point, evidence, and analysis pattern. Drawn from a report about concussions among football players, the paragraph opens with a topic sentence about the NCAA and NFL and their responses to studies about concussions. The paragraph is developed with evidence from three sources. It concludes with a statement about helmets and players’ safety.

student sample text The NCAA and NFL have taken steps forward and backward to respond to studies about the danger of concussions among players. Responding to the deaths of athletes, documented brain damage, lawsuits, and public outcry (Buckley et al., 2017), the NCAA instituted protocols to reduce potentially dangerous hits during football games and to diagnose traumatic head injuries more quickly and effectively. Still, it has allowed players to wear more than one style of helmet during a season, raising the risk of injury because of imperfect fit. At the professional level, the NFL developed a helmet-rating system in 2011 in an effort to reduce concussions, but it continued to allow players to wear helmets with a wide range of safety ratings. The NFL’s decision created an opportunity for researchers to look at the relationship between helmet safety ratings and concussions. Cocello et al. (2016) reported that players who wore helmets with a lower safety rating had more concussions than players who wore helmets with a higher safety rating, and they concluded that safer helmets are a key factor in reducing concussions. end student sample text

Developing Paragraph Content

In the body paragraphs of your report, you will likely use examples, draw comparisons, show contrasts, or analyze causes and effects to develop your topic.

Paragraphs developed with Example are common in reports. The paragraph below, adapted from a report by student John Zwick on the mental health of soldiers deployed during wartime, draws examples from three sources.

student sample text Throughout the Vietnam War, military leaders claimed that the mental health of soldiers was stable and that men who suffered from combat fatigue, now known as PTSD, were getting the help they needed. For example, the New York Times (1966) quoted military leaders who claimed that mental fatigue among enlisted men had “virtually ceased to be a problem,” occurring at a rate far below that of World War II. Ayres (1969) reported that Brigadier General Spurgeon Neel, chief American medical officer in Vietnam, explained that soldiers experiencing combat fatigue were admitted to the psychiatric ward, sedated for up to 36 hours, and given a counseling session with a doctor who reassured them that the rest was well deserved and that they were ready to return to their units. Although experts outside the military saw profound damage to soldiers’ psyches when they returned home (Halloran, 1970), the military stayed the course, treating acute cases expediently and showing little concern for the cumulative effect of combat stress on individual soldiers. end student sample text

When you analyze causes and effects , you explain the reasons that certain things happened and/or their results. The report by Trevor Garcia on the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 is an example: his report examines the reasons the United States failed to control the coronavirus. The paragraph below, adapted from another student’s report written for an environmental policy course, explains the effect of white settlers’ views of forest management on New England.

student sample text The early colonists’ European ideas about forest management dramatically changed the New England landscape. White settlers saw the New World as virgin, unused land, even though indigenous people had been drawing on its resources for generations by using fire subtly to improve hunting, employing construction techniques that left ancient trees intact, and farming small, efficient fields that left the surrounding landscape largely unaltered. White settlers’ desire to develop wood-built and wood-burning homesteads surrounded by large farm fields led to forestry practices and techniques that resulted in the removal of old-growth trees. These practices defined the way the forests look today. end student sample text

Compare and contrast paragraphs are useful when you wish to examine similarities and differences. You can use both comparison and contrast in a single paragraph, or you can use one or the other. The paragraph below, adapted from a student report on the rise of populist politicians, compares the rhetorical styles of populist politicians Huey Long and Donald Trump.

student sample text A key similarity among populist politicians is their rejection of carefully crafted sound bites and erudite vocabulary typically associated with candidates for high office. Huey Long and Donald Trump are two examples. When he ran for president, Long captured attention through his wild gesticulations on almost every word, dramatically varying volume, and heavily accented, folksy expressions, such as “The only way to be able to feed the balance of the people is to make that man come back and bring back some of that grub that he ain’t got no business with!” In addition, Long’s down-home persona made him a credible voice to represent the common people against the country’s rich, and his buffoonish style allowed him to express his radical ideas without sounding anti-communist alarm bells. Similarly, Donald Trump chose to speak informally in his campaign appearances, but the persona he projected was that of a fast-talking, domineering salesman. His frequent use of personal anecdotes, rhetorical questions, brief asides, jokes, personal attacks, and false claims made his speeches disjointed, but they gave the feeling of a running conversation between him and his audience. For example, in a 2015 speech, Trump said, “They just built a hotel in Syria. Can you believe this? They built a hotel. When I have to build a hotel, I pay interest. They don’t have to pay interest, because they took the oil that, when we left Iraq, I said we should’ve taken” (“Our Country Needs” 2020). While very different in substance, Long and Trump adopted similar styles that positioned them as the antithesis of typical politicians and their worldviews. end student sample text

The conclusion should draw the threads of your report together and make its significance clear to readers. You may wish to review the introduction, restate the thesis, recommend a course of action, point to the future, or use some combination of these. Whichever way you approach it, the conclusion should not head in a new direction. The following example is the conclusion from a student’s report on the effect of a book about environmental movements in the United States.

student sample text Since its publication in 1949, environmental activists of various movements have found wisdom and inspiration in Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac . These audiences included Leopold’s conservationist contemporaries, environmentalists of the 1960s and 1970s, and the environmental justice activists who rose in the 1980s and continue to make their voices heard today. These audiences have read the work differently: conservationists looked to the author as a leader, environmentalists applied his wisdom to their movement, and environmental justice advocates have pointed out the flaws in Leopold’s thinking. Even so, like those before them, environmental justice activists recognize the book’s value as a testament to taking the long view and eliminating biases that may cloud an objective assessment of humanity’s interdependent relationship with the environment. end student sample text

Citing Sources

You must cite the sources of information and data included in your report. Citations must appear in both the text and a bibliography at the end of the report.

The sample paragraphs in the previous section include examples of in-text citation using APA documentation style. Trevor Garcia’s report on the U.S. response to COVID-19 in 2020 also uses APA documentation style for citations in the text of the report and the list of references at the end. Your instructor may require another documentation style, such as MLA or Chicago.

Peer Review: Getting Feedback from Readers

You will likely engage in peer review with other students in your class by sharing drafts and providing feedback to help spot strengths and weaknesses in your reports. For peer review within a class, your instructor may provide assignment-specific questions or a form for you to complete as you work together.

If you have a writing center on your campus, it is well worth your time to make an online or in-person appointment with a tutor. You’ll receive valuable feedback and improve your ability to review not only your report but your overall writing.

Another way to receive feedback on your report is to ask a friend or family member to read your draft. Provide a list of questions or a form such as the one in Table 8.5 for them to complete as they read.

Revising: Using Reviewers’ Responses to Revise your Work

When you receive comments from readers, including your instructor, read each comment carefully to understand what is being asked. Try not to get defensive, even though this response is completely natural. Remember that readers are like coaches who want you to succeed. They are looking at your writing from outside your own head, and they can identify strengths and weaknesses that you may not have noticed. Keep track of the strengths and weaknesses your readers point out. Pay special attention to those that more than one reader identifies, and use this information to improve your report and later assignments.

As you analyze each response, be open to suggestions for improvement, and be willing to make significant revisions to improve your writing. Perhaps you need to revise your thesis statement to better reflect the content of your draft. Maybe you need to return to your sources to better understand a point you’re trying to make in order to develop a paragraph more fully. Perhaps you need to rethink the organization, move paragraphs around, and add transition sentences.

Below is an early draft of part of Trevor Garcia’s report with comments from a peer reviewer:

student sample text To truly understand what happened, it’s important first to look back to the years leading up to the pandemic. Epidemiologists and public health officials had long known that a global pandemic was possible. In 2016, the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) published a 69-page document with the intimidating title Playbook for Early Response to High-Consequence Emerging Infectious Disease Threats and Biological Incidents . The document’s two sections address responses to “emerging disease threats that start or are circulating in another country but not yet confirmed within U.S. territorial borders” and to “emerging disease threats within our nation’s borders.” On 13 January 2017, the joint Obama-Trump transition teams performed a pandemic preparedness exercise; however, the playbook was never adopted by the incoming administration. end student sample text

annotated text Peer Review Comment: Do the words in quotation marks need to be a direct quotation? It seems like a paraphrase would work here. end annotated text

annotated text Peer Review Comment: I’m getting lost in the details about the playbook. What’s the Obama-Trump transition team? end annotated text

student sample text In February 2018, the administration began to cut funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; cuts to other health agencies continued throughout 2018, with funds diverted to unrelated projects such as housing for detained immigrant children. end student sample text

annotated text Peer Review Comment: This paragraph has only one sentence, and it’s more like an example. It needs a topic sentence and more development. end annotated text

student sample text Three months later, Luciana Borio, director of medical and biodefense preparedness at the NSC, spoke at a symposium marking the centennial of the 1918 influenza pandemic. “The threat of pandemic flu is the number one health security concern,” she said. “Are we ready to respond? I fear the answer is no.” end student sample text

annotated text Peer Review Comment: This paragraph is very short and a lot like the previous paragraph in that it’s a single example. It needs a topic sentence. Maybe you can combine them? end annotated text

annotated text Peer Review Comment: Be sure to cite the quotation. end annotated text

Reading these comments and those of others, Trevor decided to combine the three short paragraphs into one paragraph focusing on the fact that the United States knew a pandemic was possible but was unprepared for it. He developed the paragraph, using the short paragraphs as evidence and connecting the sentences and evidence with transitional words and phrases. Finally, he added in-text citations in APA documentation style to credit his sources. The revised paragraph is below:

student sample text Epidemiologists and public health officials in the United States had long known that a global pandemic was possible. In 2016, the National Security Council (NSC) published Playbook for Early Response to High-Consequence Emerging Infectious Disease Threats and Biological Incidents , a 69-page document on responding to diseases spreading within and outside of the United States. On January 13, 2017, the joint transition teams of outgoing president Barack Obama and then president-elect Donald Trump performed a pandemic preparedness exercise based on the playbook; however, it was never adopted by the incoming administration (Goodman & Schulkin, 2020). A year later, in February 2018, the Trump administration began to cut funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leaving key positions unfilled. Other individuals who were fired or resigned in 2018 were the homeland security adviser, whose portfolio included global pandemics; the director for medical and biodefense preparedness; and the top official in charge of a pandemic response. None of them were replaced, leaving the White House with no senior person who had experience in public health (Goodman & Schulkin, 2020). Experts voiced concerns, among them Luciana Borio, director of medical and biodefense preparedness at the NSC, who spoke at a symposium marking the centennial of the 1918 influenza pandemic in May 2018: “The threat of pandemic flu is the number one health security concern,” she said. “Are we ready to respond? I fear the answer is no” (Sun, 2018, final para.). end student sample text

A final word on working with reviewers’ comments: as you consider your readers’ suggestions, remember, too, that you remain the author. You are free to disregard suggestions that you think will not improve your writing. If you choose to disregard comments from your instructor, consider submitting a note explaining your reasons with the final draft of your report.

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Report Writing Format, Tips, Samples and Examples

Pankaj dhiman.

• Created on December 11, 2023

How to Write a Report: A Complete Guide (Format, Tips, Common Mistakes, Samples and Examples of Report Writing)

Struggling to write clear, concise reports that impress? Fear not! This blog is your one-stop guide to mastering report writing . Learn the essential format, uncover impactful tips, avoid common pitfalls, and get inspired by real-world examples.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply seeking to communicate effectively, this blog empowers you to craft compelling reports that leave a lasting impression.

Must Read: Notice Writing: How to write, Format, Examples

What is Report Writing ?

Report Writing – Writing reports is an organized method of communicating ideas, analysis, and conclusions to a target audience for a predetermined goal. It entails the methodical presentation of information, statistics, and suggestions, frequently drawn from study or inquiry.

Its main goal is to inform, convince, or suggest actions, which makes it a crucial ability in a variety of professional domains.

A well-written report usually has a concise conclusion, a well-thought-out analysis, a clear introduction, a thorough methodology, and a presentation of the findings.

It doesn’t matter what format is used as long as information is delivered in a logical manner, supports decision-making, and fosters understanding among stakeholders.

Must Read : Article Writing Format, Objective, Common Mistakes, and Samples

Format of Report Writing 

• Title Page:
• Title of the report.
• Author’s name.
• Date of submission.
• Any relevant institutional affiliations.
• Abstract/Summary:
• A brief overview of the report’s key points.
• Summarizes the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.
• Table of Contents:
• Lists all sections and subsections with corresponding page numbers.

Introduction:

• Provides background information on the subject.
• Clearly states the purpose and objectives of the report.
• Methodology:
• Details how the information was gathered or the experiment conducted.
• Includes any relevant procedures, tools, or techniques used.
• Findings/Results:
• Presents the main outcomes, data, or observations.
• Often includes visual aids such as charts, graphs, or tables.
• Discussion:
• Analyzes and interprets the results.
• Provides context and explanations for the findings.

Conclusion:

• Summarizes the key points.
• May include recommendations or implications.

Must Read: Directed Writing: Format, Benefits, Topics, Common Mistakes and Examples

Report Writing Examples – Solved Questions from previous papers

Example 1: historical event report.

Question : Write a report on the historical significance of the “ Battle of Willow Creek ” based on the research of Sarah Turner. Analyze the key events, outcomes, and the lasting impact on the region.

Solved Report:

Title: Historical Event Report – The “Battle of Willow Creek” by Sarah Turner

This report delves into the historical significance of the “Battle of Willow Creek” based on the research of Sarah Turner. Examining key events, outcomes, and the lasting impact on the region, it sheds light on a pivotal moment in our local history.

Sarah Turner’s extensive research on the “Battle of Willow Creek” provides a unique opportunity to explore a critical chapter in our local history. This report aims to unravel the intricacies of this historical event.

Key Events:

The Battle of Willow Creek unfolded on [date] between [opposing forces]. Sarah Turner’s research meticulously outlines the sequence of events leading to the conflict, including the political climate, disputes over resources, and the strategies employed by both sides.

Through Turner’s insights, we gain a nuanced understanding of the immediate outcomes of the battle, such as changes in territorial control and the impact on the local population. The report highlights the consequences that rippled through subsequent years.

Lasting Impact:

Sarah Turner’s research underscores the enduring impact of the Battle of Willow Creek on the region’s development, cultural identity, and socio-political landscape. The report examines how the event shaped the community we know today.

The “Battle of Willow Creek,” as explored by Sarah Turner, emerges as a significant historical event with far-reaching consequences. Understanding its intricacies enriches our appreciation of local history and its role in shaping our community.

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Report writing Samples

 book review report.

Title: Book Review – “The Lost City” by Emily Rodriguez

“The Lost City” by Emily Rodriguez is an enthralling adventure novel that takes readers on a captivating journey through uncharted territories. The author weaves a tale of mystery, discovery, and self-realization that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Themes and Characters:

Rodriguez skillfully explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of the unknown. The characters are well-developed, each contributing uniquely to the narrative. The protagonist’s transformation throughout the story adds depth to the overall theme of self-discovery.

Plot and Pacing:

The plot is intricately crafted, with twists and turns that maintain suspense and intrigue. Rodriguez’s ability to balance action scenes with moments of introspection contributes to the novel’s well-paced narrative.

Writing Style:

The author’s writing style is engaging and descriptive, allowing readers to vividly envision the settings and empathize with the characters. Dialogue flows naturally, enhancing the overall readability of the book.

“The Lost City” is a commendable work by Emily Rodriguez, showcasing her storytelling prowess and ability to create a captivating narrative. This novel is recommended for readers who enjoy adventure, mystery, and character-driven stories.

Must Read: What is Descriptive Writing? Learn how to write, Examples and Secret Tips

Report Writing Tips

Recognise your audience:

Take into account your target audience’s expectations and degree of knowledge. Adjust the content, tone, and language to the readers’ needs.

Precision and succinctness:

To communicate your point, use language that is simple and unambiguous. Steer clear of convoluted sentences or needless jargon that could confuse the reader.

Logical Structure:

Organize your report with a clear and logical structure, including sections like introduction, methodology, findings, discussion, and conclusion.

Use headings and subheadings to improve readability.

Introduction with Purpose:

Clearly state the purpose, objectives, and scope of the report in the introduction.

Provide context to help readers understand the importance of the information presented.

Methodology Details:

Clearly explain the methods or processes used to gather information.

Include details that would allow others to replicate the study or experiment.

Presentation of Findings:

Give a well-organized and structured presentation of your findings.

Employ graphics (tables, graphs, and charts) to support the text and improve comprehension.

Talk and Interpretation:

Examine the findings and talk about the ramifications.

Explain the significance of the results and how they relate to the main goal.

Brief Conclusion:

Recap the main ideas in the conclusion.

Indicate in detail any suggestions or actions that should be implemented in light of the results.

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Common mistakes for Report Writing 

Insufficient defining:.

Error: Employing ambiguous or imprecise wording that could cause misunderstandings.

Impact: It’s possible that readers won’t grasp the content, which could cause misunderstandings and confusion.

Solution: Explain difficult concepts, use clear language, and express ideas clearly.

Inadequate Coordination:

Error: Not adhering to a coherent and systematic format for the report.

Impact: The report’s overall effectiveness may be lowered by readers finding it difficult to follow the information’s flow due to the report’s lack of structure.

Solution: Make sure the sections are arranged clearly and sequentially, each of which adds to the report’s overall coherence.

Inadequate Research:

Error: Conducting insufficient research or relying on incomplete data.

Impact: Inaccuracies in data or lack of comprehensive information can weaken the report’s credibility and reliability.

Solution: Thoroughly research the topic, use reliable sources, and gather comprehensive data to support your findings.

Inconsistent Formatting:

Error: Using inconsistent formatting for headings, fonts, or spacing throughout the report.

Impact: Inconsistent formatting can make the report look unprofessional and distract from the content.

Solution: Maintain a uniform format for headings, fonts, and spacing to enhance the visual appeal and professionalism of the report.

Unsubstantiated Conclusions:

Error: Drawing conclusions that are not adequately supported by the evidence or findings presented.

Impact: Unsubstantiated conclusions can undermine the report’s credibility and weaken the overall argument.

Solution: Ensure that your conclusions are directly derived from the results and are logically connected to your research objectives, providing sufficient evidence to support your claims.

To sum up, proficient report writing necessitates precision, organization, and clarity. Making impactful reports requires avoiding common errors like ambiguous wording, shoddy organization, inadequate research, inconsistent formatting, and conclusions that are not supported by evidence.

One can improve the caliber and legitimacy of their reports by following a logical format, carrying out extensive research, staying clear, and providing conclusions that are supported by evidence.

Aiming for linguistic accuracy and meticulousness guarantees that the desired meaning is communicated successfully, promoting a deeper comprehension of the topic among readers.

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110 Analytical Report Topics: Best Ideas For Your Paper

Almost every college student has experience with the struggle of completing homework tasks from technical subjects. Finding an analytical report topic is one of these elephants in the room. The thought of analyzing a whole bunch of data and coming up with relevant findings which will constitute the topic is no mean feat.

But why should you go through all this agony yet there is help right in front of you? Continue reading to discover all you need to know about analytical research papers.

What is an Analytical Report?

An analytical report is a statistics-based form of writing that uses qualitative and quantitative data to analyze and evaluate a business strategy or process. The aim is to empower employees to make data-driven decisions based on evidence and analytics.

In analytical report writing, historical data can also deliver a predictive analysis of a specific issue. It is a common assignment for MBA students in college or university. The uniqueness of an analytical report is such that it provides for recommendations instead of just plain numbers.

The following are benefits one can derive from an analytical report:

• Enables a company to identify and act upon particular problems
• It presents opportunities for business processes
• It provides a chance to weigh options between multiple solutions

The writing style and data generation of analytical reports are distinctive in every industry. That is why you need a high-quality essay writing service to help you get started.

Now, this is important.

How To Write Analytical Reports

After attempting to give a well-detailed definition of analytical reporting, we now delve into how to write an analytics-style report. Herein are reliable guidelines from expert writers to help you enhance your analytical report writing skills in no time.

Before you begin thinking of what to write, here are some key basics for your consideration:

• Read your lecturer’s instructions one more time
• Identify the relevant sources of your data
• Choose the most appropriate tool you will use for your report writing (Google Docs or Microsoft Word)

Now that we have all the essentials set in place for our analytical report, let us look at the structure:

A title page – This includes the main topic or purpose of your analytical report Table of contents – It is a logical or chronological order of how the contents of your report will appear A clause – It is where you specify and present the methods used for the activity (research methodology) The main discussion is your report’s body, which will include body paragraphs broken down into organized sections. They include the heading, the sub-heading, and the body discussion. The conclusions – They will come from the results and information gathered in the report The recommendations – These are suggestions or call to actions on improving specific problems identified in the report. Sections for bibliography or appendices – They apply when necessary

An excellent analytical report for university should:

• Identify the problem
• Explain the methods used in the research process
• Analyze data, and
• Make recommendations

When formatting and presenting data for your analytical report, the following are essential:

• Choose the right chart types
• Follow design best practices
• Use the right dynamic key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Develop your analytical report with storytelling in mind

Once you are all set with these guidelines and tips, the task of finding analytical topics becomes as easy as and satisfying as withdrawing cash from an ATM. You will be able to develop analysis topics that will impress your instructor and business compass as well.

Let us now zoom in our lenses to some of the researchable ideas you can use in identifying which topic is best for an analytical essay.

Easy Topics For Analytical Report

Are you that kind of person who likes handling the soft and tender analytical essay topics? Here is your poison:

• Should college-going students engage in online marketing?
• The effects of digital advertising on middle class working women
• Examples of helpful marketing tips for business startups that work
• The impact of coronavirus on small scale and medium scale business enterprises
• Should historical discounts and promotional gifts be part of marketing campaigns?
• Assess the impact of a business strategy on the performance of a company
• Advantages of shopping online over going to the mall physically
• Disadvantages of using Facebook as a marketing tool over Twitter
• Analyze marketing campaigns based on true events
• Conduct an analysis of the stock exchange market based on the Trump administration
• Should adverts on alcohol and cigarettes only be allowed during the watershed period?

Advanced Analytical Research Paper Topics

If you are the sort who likes chewing the tough bones, we have some rhino bones for you.

• Reasons why there are higher crime levels in poor neighborhoods
• Analyze the relationship between natural resources and a country’s productivity levels
• Pros and cons of comparative media markets
• Does district zoning have an impact on people’s financial security?
• Is it reasonable to exempt some people from paying taxes?
• Why should we champion for racial equality in global companies?
• Analyze how poverty affects different states
• Analytically discuss the causes of recession
• The influence of political leadership on economics
• Should marketers use email subscriptions in marketing campaigns?
• Analyze why the relationship between stakeholders and health practitioners is important

Interesting Topics For Analytical Essays

Get a top-rated topic for an analytical essay in the list below:

• Analyze the pros and cons of school uniform for college students
• An analysis of bullying practices in high school and college
• The relationship between poverty and infrastructure developments
• How important are topics on racial discrimination in schools?
• Analyze the failures and strides made by President Trump
• Compare the UK and US systems of education
• The role of conducting drug tests in colleges and universities
• An analysis of the impact of scholarships on developing countries
• Compare and contrast between arts and social sciences
• Does studying in the US guarantee a high-paying job anywhere in the world?
• Analyze how peer pressure influences the personalities of teenagers

Analytical Paper Ideas on Health

Students in the college of health sciences will find these analytical topics useful:

• Analyze the effectiveness of different health insurance policies
• Analyze treatment costs in public versus private hospitals
• Does the Universal Healthcare program promise any benefits for the economy?
• Analyze marketing strategies used by pharmacies
• The impact of coronavirus on existing health systems
• The economic advantages of syringe injections over tablets
• How does importing drugs from outside impact healthcare systems?
• Our doctors and nurses the most highly paid people in society?
• The relationship between family stability and access to healthcare
• What impact does music have on one’s health?
• Analyze the impact of cancer treatment equipment on the cost

Analytical Essay Topic Ideas On Society

Here are societal analytical writing topics to get you motivated right away:

• Can society embrace diversity in the wake of the existing inequalities?
• Why music celebrities are more eminent over sports personalities in society
• Pros and cons of violent TV programmes on children in society
• The relationship between addictions in society and personal choices
• Analyze the impact of culture on a person’s quality of life
• Why is the society still reluctant to women political leaders?
• How single parenting affects the upbringing of children in society
• The relationship between family life and career in among women in the society
• Is it possible to achieve cashless transactions worldwide?
• How coronavirus have kept the society apart yet close at the same time
• Does changing gender roles affect how society perceives men and women?

Amazing Analytical Essay Topics For College

Analytical essays form the bulk of college assignments. Below are analytical essay ideas for your inspiration:

• How the media impacts the behaviour of college students
• Are social networks drifting the youths apart from each other the more?
• How internet availability has made it possible for creative innovations to come up
• The role of associations in shaping one’s conduct on campus
• Why teenagers are the major victims of cyberbullying
• Compare and contrast the performance of boarding schools over day schools
• Should society attribute a child’s character to his/her parents?
• Reasons for the increased suicide cases among teens in college
• The impact of remedial classes on performance and productivity
• Dealing with drug addiction issues among youth
• Factors that have led to increased teenage pregnancies

Environmental Topics For an Analytical Essay

Are you an environmental enthusiast looking for analytical topics to spice up your paper? Scroll down.

• Why having a plant in your bedroom may be dangerous
• Analyze friendly environmental conservation practices
• The cost of maintaining an ecosystem during a crisis
• Analyze the cause of frequent fires in the Amazon forest
• Is the World Environment Day fulfilling its intended purpose?
• How frequent should one prepare his land
• Ways of finding a balance in the ecosystem
• The impact of global warming on conservation practices
• Compare and contrast how different countries manage their industrial wastes
• Main distinctive features of the tropical and equatorial climatic conditions
• Causes and consequences of population pressure on the environment

Funny Analytical Essay Prompts

Do you want relaxing and amusing analytical writing prompts that will crack the ribs of your lecturers? Read on.

• Reasons why Tom and Jerry’s show attracted more cats than rats
• Why people who wear glasses think they are experts in everything
• Do men take a bathe every day?
• Why ladies would prefer a camera over a house
• Why do some ladies look like men in trousers?
• Why the internet is making people live fake lives
• How to eat five meals in a day without constipating
• Why don’t the clouds fall on us?
• The relationship between the sheep and foolishness
• Why should a mere calendar rule your life?
• Where does the sun go to sleep?

Thoughtful Topics For Analytical Reports

Here are mind-wobbling topics to ponder on:

• Personality and upbringing
• Why children cry at birth
• Difference between working hard and working smart
• How performance is related to input effort
• Family models and children’s personalities
• University education and lucrative jobs
• Substance abuse among young people
• Teens and peer pressure
• Teachers and society
• Recession and the stock exchange
• Equality and resources

Noteworthy Analytical Report Topic Ideas

Consider these topics for an unmatched analytic report paper:

• Reasons behind doping
• Differences between a man and a woman
• How families affect children psychology
• Possible reasons behind insomnia
• Gender and productivity
• Effect of salary on workforce
• Employer-employee relationships and industrial strikes
• Concept of gender roles
• Education and humans
• Criminal activities and economy
• Demand and supply

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English: Technical Reporting: Choose a Topic

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Writing About the Workplace: Topic Ideas

• Impact of layoffs at work
• Generational differences at work
• Employee burnout
• Executive pay
• Sustainability in workplace
• Fitting in at work
• Employee recognition
• Sustainably designed offices
• Workplace dress codes
• Coworker chemistry
• Employee teams
• Mentoring in the workplace
• Gender differences
• Transgendered employees
• Bullying in the workplace
• Violence at work
• Travel on the job
• Healthy workplaces
• Sexual harassment
• Pay and benefit inequality
• Workplace safety
• Outsourcing the workplace
• Employee and colleague motivation
• Romance and dating on the job
• Disability accommodation at work
• Religious accommodation at work
• 'Foul' language at work
• Breastfeeding at work
• Employee illness
• Employee sexual orientation
• Employees with PTSD
• Politics in the workplace
• Free speech in the workplace
• Nepotism at work
• Sexual orientation at work
• Employee assistance programs
• Work schedules and flexible hours
• Family-friendly scheduling
• Scheduling of part-time employees
• Connectivity in the workplace
• Social media at work
• Drug screening at work
• Identifying leaders at work
• Workplace transparency
• Employee unions
• Hiring veterans
• Work contracts and at-will employment
• Employee privacy on the job
• Employees personal lives and the workplace
• Racial and ethnic minorities in the workplace
• Noise and the workplace
• Discrimination in the workplace
• 'Interns' at work
• Employee turnover
• Employee training and professional development
• Monitoring employees at work (visually and digitally)

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• Communicating with Colleagues and Peers - Inc. Magazine "Communication experts and CEOs share their strategies for smooth communications with employees, making winning presentations to investors, writing and delivering speeches that get standing ovations, and much more."
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How to write a report (with tips and examples)

Delve into our practical guide designed to improve your report writing skills. Explore example reports and discover useful tips for writing clear and effective reports.

1. Understand Your Purpose: Always start with a clear understanding of your report's objective. This clarity guides your research, the writing process, and the way you present your findings.

2. Emphasize Clarity and Precision: Your report should be written in clear, simple language. Prioritize precision and avoid unnecessary jargon. Use visuals to represent complex data effectively.

3. Refine Through Revision: Never underestimate the power of editing and proofreading. These steps are critical in enhancing the quality of your report. Additionally, seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors can provide valuable insights.

What is a Report?

Imagine having to comprehend the intricate details of a six-month-long project in a single meeting, or having to make an informed decision based on a sea of raw data. Overwhelming, isn't it? This is where the power of a report comes into play.

A report is a strategic tool that communicates the results of an investigation, a project, or any complex analysis in a clear and concise way. It is the torchlight that cuts through the dense forest of data and information, guiding us toward understanding and action.

At its heart, a report is about simplicity and clarity. It takes the core findings from a more complex investigation and distills them into a simpler, easier-to-follow narrative.

Take, for example, a Financial Analysis Report in a business setting. Such a report takes a mountain of financial data – from revenue to expenses, assets to liabilities – and transforms it into a clear analysis that highlights the company's financial health, trends, and areas that need attention. By distilling complex financial data into a digestible format, the report empowers decision-makers to understand the company's financial state and make informed strategic decisions.

Types of Report

Reports come in all shapes and sizes, each designed to communicate specific types of information to particular audiences. Here are five common types of reports used in a professional setting:

Project Status Report

As its name suggests, a Project Status Report provides an update on a specific project's progress. It typically includes information about completed tasks, ongoing work, any challenges encountered, and next steps. This report is crucial in keeping stakeholders informed and facilitating timely decision-making. For example, a project manager in an IT company might prepare a weekly Project Status Report to update the leadership team about the progress of a new software development project.

Financial Report

A Financial Report is an essential document in the business world. It provides a comprehensive overview of a company's financial health, including details about revenue, expenses, profits, losses, assets, and liabilities. These reports, often prepared quarterly or annually, help stakeholders, investors, and decision-makers understand the company's financial performance and make better-informed strategic decisions.

Research Report

Research Reports are commonly used in both academia and various industries. These reports present the findings from a research study, detailing the research methods, data collected, analysis, and conclusions drawn. For instance, a market research report might reveal consumer behavior trends, helping a company shape its marketing strategy.

Audit Report

An Audit Report is a formal document outlining an auditor's unbiased examination of a company's financial statements. It gives stakeholders confidence in the company's financial integrity and compliance with regulatory standards.

Progress Report

A Progress Report is often used to monitor the advancement of ongoing work or projects. These reports can be on an individual, team, or organizational level. For example, a sales team might produce a monthly progress report showing sales volumes, trends, and areas for improvement.

Each type of report serves its unique purpose and shares a common goal: to transform complex information into an accessible format that drives understanding, decision-making, and progress.

How to Format a Report

Every report requires a structured format for clear communication. The actual format of a report might vary depending on its purpose and formality, but here are the key components of an effective report:

1. Title Page: The Title Page should include the report's title, your name, the date, and often the name of your organization or institution.

2. Executive Summary: A succinct overview of the report's key points, findings, and implications. This section gives the reader a clear idea of what to expect from the report. Sometimes it's easier to compose this section last, once the rest of the report has been completed.

3. Table of Contents: A systematic list of the report's sections and subsections, acting as a navigational tool for your reader.

4. Introduction: The foundational part of the report. It introduces the topic, outlines the report's purpose, and defines its scope, preparing the reader for what's to come.

5. Methodology: An explanation of the methods and tools used for gathering and analyzing data. This section establishes the credibility of your findings and helps the reader comprehend your investigative process. This is perhaps more common in an academic setting: a project status report, for example, is less likely to need a section dedicated to methodology.

6. Findings/Results: The section where you detail your data and the results of your analysis. This is the core of your report, presenting the results of your investigation or research. As well as written data, you should include graphs, images and tables to present your findings, where appropriate.

7. Conclusion: The summary and interpretation of your findings. It reaffirms the insights your report offers and solidifies the report's overall message.

8. Recommendations: Based on the findings, this section proposes future actions or improvements, steering the course for next steps.

The final two sections are perhaps more common in an academic report, but both are worth mentioning here too:

9. Appendices: A place for any supplementary information or data that supports your report but isn't part of the main flow. It serves as a resource for readers interested in delving deeper into the topic.

10. References/Bibliography: A list of all the sources you've cited in your report. This section gives due credit to the referenced works and showcases the depth of your research.

How to Write a Report

Writing a compelling report is a skill crucial to various professional roles, no matter what position or industry you’re in. While the subject of each report might differ, there are key steps to creating an impactful document:

1. Understand the Purpose

Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the purpose of your report. Why is it needed? What questions should it answer? Who will be reading it? Understanding these factors will guide your research, writing style, and the overall structure of your report.

2. Conduct Thorough Research

A strong report is based on accurate and comprehensive data. In a business setting, this research is usually based on your own data, whereas in an academic setting you'll often rely on external data sources. Take the time to research your topic thoroughly, using reliable and relevant sources. Keep track of all the sources you consult—you’ll need them for your bibliography.

3. Plan Your Report

Start with an outline. This step ensures your report has a logical flow and covers all necessary points. Just like a blueprint, an outline helps you structure your thoughts, organize your data, and divide your content into meaningful sections.

4. Write Clearly and Concisely

Your goal is to communicate, not to confuse. Keep your language simple and your sentences short. Make your points clearly, and support them with facts. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary and you're certain your audience understands it.

5. Use Visuals When Helpful

Charts, graphs, tables, and other visual aids can enhance your report by illustrating complex data in a digestible way. Ensure all visuals are relevant, appropriately labelled, and referenced in the text.

6. Draft and Revise

Your first draft won't be perfect, and that's okay. The key is to start writing. Once you have your thoughts on paper, you can refine and reorganize the content. Revising is a critical part of the writing process —never underestimate its power.

7. Proofread

Review your report for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Also, ensure all data and facts are accurate, and all sources are correctly cited (where applicable). An error-free report enhances your credibility and reflects your attention to detail.

8. Get Feedback

If possible, have a colleague or mentor review your report before finalizing it. They can provide fresh perspectives, point out any gaps, and suggest improvements.

9. Distribute the Report

Once your report is finalized, it's time to share your work. Distribute it to the appropriate audience, which may include your team, supervisor, or client. If the report will be discussed in a meeting or presentation , it might be helpful to distribute it in advance to give everyone a chance to review it.

Remember, writing a strong report is a blend of strategic thinking, thorough research, clear communication, and attention to detail.

Tips for Writing Successful Reports

While the structure and purpose of reports may vary, certain principles apply universally to create successful documents. Here are five tips to elevate your report writing:

1. Maintain Objectivity

Your report should present data and facts as objectively as possible. Avoid letting personal biases influence the way you present information. Even when you're interpreting results or making recommendations, ensure that your conclusions are driven by the evidence at hand.

2. Stay Focused

Each report should have a single, clear purpose. Avoid going off on tangents or including irrelevant information. While it's important to provide context and background, don't lose sight of your report's main objective.

3. Think About Your Audience

Tailor your language, tone, and level of detail to the needs and understanding of your audience. A report written for experts in your field may use different language than one written for non-specialists. Always explain technical terms or industry jargon that your readers may not be familiar with.

4. Validate Your Points

Support every assertion you make with evidence or data. This adds credibility to your report and allows readers to understand the basis of your conclusions. Wherever possible, use graphics or visuals to illustrate your points—it’s a powerful way to represent data and ideas.

5. Format consistently

Consistency lends your report a professional look and helps readability. Stick to a consistent format in terms of font, spacing, heading styles, and captioning. Ensure your visuals are in sync with the rest of the document in terms of style and color scheme.

Reports are powerful communication tools, vital in various professional settings. The ability to write an effective report is a skill that can significantly enhance your impact in the workplace. From understanding what a report is, knowing the different types of reports, through to formatting and writing your report, the goal of this guide was to provide a comprehensive overview to help you excel in this critical skill.

By keeping the report’s purpose in mind, conducting thorough research, using a clear and concise writing style, and meticulously revising and proofreading your document, you can ensure your report not only communicates its intended information but does so in an engaging, digestible manner. Employing these strategies, combined with the tips offered, will help you create high-quality, impactful reports.

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• 21 Report Writing

Start-Up Activity

Give students 5-10 minutes to brainstorm a list of words or phrases associated with "reports." Suggest that they consider the form, content, voice, and style of reports during their brainstorming sessions. Ask for volunteers to share some of their ideas. It's likely you'll hear some variety of these words: "fact-driven," "serious," "academic," "scientific," and so on. 

Commend your students for their ideas, and then discuss how it's tempting to think that reports must include “just the facts.” Discuss how reports that focus on scientific research, observations, or interviews should share with the reader the main points about the topic. However, a careful reading of most reports shows that they do much more. For example, the writers of the samples in this chapter analyze, synthesize, and reflect upon the information in their reports in personal, charismatic, and poignant ways. The writers are able to do so because they have a sincere interest in the topics. For students to write successful reports, they too will need to choose topics they truly care about.

Think About It

“There is no human being from whom we cannot learn something if we are interested enough to dig deep.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

State Standards Covered in This Chapter

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.A
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.B
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.C
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.D
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.E
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.F
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.8
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.1
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.2
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.7
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.5
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.6
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3.A
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.3
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.6
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.9
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.4

LAFS Covered in This Chapter

Lafs.1112.w.1.2, lafs.1112.w.2.4, lafs.1112.w.2.5, lafs.1112.w.3.8, lafs.1112.ri.1.1, lafs.1112.ri.1.2, lafs.1112.ri.3.7, lafs.1112.w.3.7, lafs.1112.ri.2.5, lafs.1112.ri.2.6, lafs.1112.w.1.3, lafs.1112.ri.1.3, lafs.1112.w.2.6, lafs.1112.w.3.9, lafs.1112.ri.2.4, teks covered in this chapter, 110.38.c.10.b, 110.39.c.10.b, 110.38.c.9.a, 110.39.c.9.a, 110.38.c.5.c, 110.38.c.9.b.i, 110.39.c.9.b.i, 110.38.c.5.f, 110.38.c.9.b.ii, 110.39.c.5.f, 110.39.c.9.b.ii, 110.38.c.9.d, 110.39.c.9.d, 110.38.c.9.c, 110.39.c.9.c, 110.38.c.11.e, 110.38.c.11.f, 110.38.c.11.g, 110.39.c.11.e, 110.39.c.11.f, 110.39.c.11.g, 110.38.c.4.f, 110.38.c.7.d.i, 110.39.c.4.f, 110.39.c.5.c, 110.39.c.7.d.i, 110.38.c.4.g, 110.38.c.5.d, 110.39.c.4.g, 110.39.c.5.d, 110.38.c.11, 110.39.c.11, 110.38.c.7.d.ii, 110.38.c.7.e.i, 110.39.c.7.d.ii, 110.39.c.7.e.i, 110.38.c.10.a, 110.39.c.10.a, 110.38.c.9.e, 110.39.c.9.e, 110.38.c.4.h, 110.39.c.4.h, 110.38.c.8.d, 110.39.c.8.d, page 286 from write for college, report writing: quick guide.

Lead your class through the common traits-based qualities of report writing. Then separate students into small groups. Hand out or display examples of reports from newspapers, magazines, Web sites, or other media. Have each group choose one report and answer the PAST questions about it. If time permits, also have them evaluate its use of the writing traits. Lead a discussion of their evaluations.

Using PAST to Understand Assignments

Teach students to analyze writing assignments.

Related Resource Tags

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Page 287 from Write for College

Guidelines: writing a summary report.

Review with students the guidelines for writing a summary report. Then consider these assignment options:

• Assign a single article or chapter for the whole class, connecting the piece with a project, a visiting speaker, and so on. Discuss with students the reason for the selection.
• Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group an article or a chapter. Make the assignment collaborative.
• Allow students to choose their articles or chapters for summarizing. Provide guidelines on length and types of material.

Page 288 from Write for College

Summary report.

Read the sample summary report as a class. Point out how the writer captures the main idea of the article and paraphrases specific ideas that support it. (You can read Einstein's letter here .)

Page 289 from Write for College

Guidelines: writing a compiled report.

Discuss the purpose of compiled reports. Provide the following advice:

• Choose a subject that is current, focused, and interesting to you (perhaps a recent development in technology, popular culture, the environment, or the arts).
• Think of a compiled report as a summary of the available knowledge on a subject. Seek a rich variety of credible sources from the library and online. Make careful notes of the source material including the title, author, and publishing information, which will need to be included in a works-cited page.
• Focus the report around your conclusions about the material’s meaning.
• Remember that unlike a traditional research paper, a compiled report does not involve formulating an original thesis and developing a lengthy argument in its support.

Page 290 from Write for College

Compiled report (student).

Read aloud the first page of "To Hear or Not to Hear." Point out how the writer uses source material to open the report in an interesting way and lead up to a thesis statement. 

Page 291 from Write for College

Compiled report (student) (cont.).

As you finish reading the sample report, note the special formatting for the long quotation that begins the new page. Direct quotations that cover more than four typed lines should be set off from remainder of the text on a new line, with each line of the quotation being indented. Reference pages 283 and 326 for more information on long quotations.

Also note that throughout the paper the writer follows MLA style when citing source material (pages 317–334). 

Page 292 from Write for College

Compiled report (professional).

Ask students to read the professional report, noting examples of statistics and anecdotes used to support the thesis. Ask for volunteers to cite examples from the text. Then discuss the writer's use of transitional words and phrases between paragraphs (focus on the first sentences of new paragraphs). Mention that these transitions not only make for smooth, cohesive reading but they also magnify how one main supporting idea connects to the next.

Using Transitions to Add Information and Emphasis

Help students add information and emphasis.

Page 293 from Write for College

Compiled report (professional) (cont.).

Read the remainder of the report and side-note material. Note that, like the student report, the professional model follows MLA style.

Page 294 from Write for College

Guidelines: writing an interview report.

Interview reports give students an opportunity to complete primary research. You can assign an interview report as a stand-alone project, or you can integrate the report into a larger project, such as a research paper or more extensive group research project. To introduce interview reports, recite the following quotation to students:

• “The chief reward of [interviewing] is the joy of learning, of coming away from each person with a wider angle of vision on the time I live in.” —Bill Moyers

Review the writing guidelines with students. If possible, bring in sample magazine, newspaper, or online reports that feature strong interviews. Make sure students understand that an interview report goes beyond a transcript of the interview. It should also include contextual information about the interview subject, a description of the subject and interview setting, and, perhaps, personal thoughts and reflections of the writer.

For additional interviewing tips, refer students to page 260.

Page 295 from Write for College

Interview report.

Read aloud the first page of "The Dead Business." Make particular note of the information in the side notes. Express to students that unlike traditional reports, which are written in a formal, academic tone, interview reports may be written with a personal or informal voice, characterized by frequent uses of first-person pronouns, colloquial expressions, and reflective thoughts and feelings.

Also note that the writer does not present the interview in a traditional question-and-answer format. Instead, he creates a narrative with a beginning, middle, and ending. 

Page 296 from Write for College

Interview report (cont.).

Continue reading the sample report and side notes. Point out how the report effectively blends explanatory and narrative elements. In the first few paragraphs, the writer cites helpful background information about the topic. In the last few paragraphs, the writer uses sensory details to paint a clear picture of the interview setting.

Page 297 from Write for College

Read aloud the final page of the report and side notes. Focus on how the writer weaves in the interview responses with observations and personal reflections.

Page 298 from Write for College

Guidelines: writing an observation report.

Before leading students through the writing guidelines, discuss the purpose of observation reports, which aim to share the feelings and sensations of being in a particular place at a particular time. Help your students develop their observation skills by stressing the following:

• Observe actively, not passively. Work on employing all five of your senses in the act of observation.
• Avoid trying to be purely objective. Observation activates the senses, mind, and heart—engaging emotions, reason, and imagination. Saturated with impressions, observers become filters for experiences. (Consider sharing the following post on activating the five senses.)
• Aim to make the unfamiliar familiar or the familiar fresh. Taking the reader inside the experience involves detailed and suggestive description, carefully chosen comparisons, and focused reflection on the experience’s impact and meaning.
• Take both yourself and your reader out of your comfort zones.

For their own observation reports, suggest a topic or allow students to choose their own. One possible assignment could be to have students report on their experience observing a public location—a basketball court, park, coffee shop, sporting event, and so on.

Writing a "Showing" Paragraph

Help students show instead of tell.

Page 299 from Write for College

Observation report.

Before reading the sample report, hand out a blank sensory chart . Have students fill in the chart with different sensations from the report. As they read, they should consider these questions:

• Does the report include details for all five senses (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch sensations)?
• Do the details paint a vivid picture of the experience?
• Does the writer help me feel like I'm part of the service trip?
• Is the writing voice appropriate for the topic?

Page 300 from Write for College

Observation report (cont.).

Read through the second page of the report. Make special note of the writer's use of quotations and local color.

Page 301 from Write for College

Read the final page of the sample observation report, highlighting the writer's use of personal thoughts and reflections. Ask students to consider how the tone of the report would change without these details.

Page 302 from Write for College

Guidelines: writing a personal research report.

Open your discussion about personal research reports with a quotation from Lu Po Hua: "Where there is curiosity, a mouse may be caught." Ask students what they think the quote means and how it relates to research writing. Then provide them with some context about the form.

As the name suggests, a personal research report combines elements of personal and report writing by presenting the writer’s experience of researching a personally important topic. It is a less formal version of a traditional research paper, but that doesn't mean it is any less rigorous. Students need to use their best research skills, including exploring experiences, remembering, interviewing, and observing.

Before reviewing the writing guidelines, suggest the following strategies:

• Approach your research as a quest. The topic must be personally important, one rooted in a deep curiosity or concern.
• Strive to use primary sources for your research—experiences, memories, observations, interviews, surveys, even experiments. Secondary or tertiary research should supplement this primary research.
• Focus on the research journey, pointing out discoveries made along the way.

If you don't have a general topic idea in mind for students' reports, suggest one of the following topics:

• An illness, a fear, a disability, a social attitude, a weakness, a memory, or a loss that has affected the student's life or development
• An element of local history—the origins, development, and future of the student's neighborhood, city, or county

Freewriting for Writing Topics

Have students freewrite for topic ideas.

Selecting Topics with the Basics of Life

Use broad subjects to find specific topics.

Page 303 from Write for College

Personal research report.

As a class, begin reading the sample personal research report. Show how the reader creates tension by introducing a problem and relating it to her own life. Point out that the beginning part of all personal research reports should introduce a problem or query that somehow relates to the writer's personal life. Put another way, the opening should create an itch that can only be scratched with more information.

Also point out how the sample paper moves from the personal to the academic. It starts with an anecdote and moves to facts and statistics from sourced material.

Page 304 from Write for College

Personal research report (cont.).

Read through the second page of the paper. Pick out a paragraph and show how it mixes the personal and academic.

Page 305 from Write for College

Lead students through the final page of the sample paper. Note that the paper follows MLA style for in-text citations. When you finish reading, ask students to evaluate the report using the assessment rubric on page 306. (You can download and print the checklist below.)

Page 306 from Write for College

Evaluating report writing.

Recommend students use the report assessment rubric during the revising and editing stages of the writing process. Students can use the same evaluation criteria during peer-revision sessions. The checklist items are applicable to any type of report.

• 01 One Writer's Process
• 02 Traits of Writing
• 03 Prewriting
• 05 Revising
• 07 Publishing
• 08 Improving Sentences
• 09 Building Paragraphs
• 10 Mastering Essays
• 11 Writing with Style
• 12 Writing Terms and Techniques
• 13 Personal Writing
• 14 Narrative Writing
• 15 Explanatory Writing
• 16 Argument Writing
• 17 Literary Response Writing
• 18 Creative Writing
• 19 Conducting Research
• 20 Summaries, Paraphrases, and Abstracts
• 22 Writing the Research Paper
• 23 MLA Research Paper
• 24 APA Research Paper
• 25 Writing in Science
• 26 Writing in Social Studies
• 27 Writing in Math
• 28 Writing in the Workplace
• 29 Reading Nonfiction
• 30 Reading Literature
• 31 Reading Graphics
• 32 Listening and Note Taking
• 33 Speaking Effectively
• 34 Building Vocabulary
• 35 Writing on Demand
• 36 Answering Document-Based Questions
• 37 Taking Exit and Entrance Exams
• 38 Taking Advanced Placement* Exams
• 39 Marking Punctuation
• 40 Checking Mechanics
• 41 Understanding Idioms
• 42 Using the Right Word
• 43 Parts of Speech
• 44 Using the Language
• 45 Student Almanac

12 Example Report Topics (Writing) (PDF)| B2 First (FCE)

•  Use an impersonal and semi-formal style.
• The word limit is 140-190 words.
• Spend 40 minutes on the task:
• 5 minutes to plan
• 30 minutes to write
• 5 minutes to check your work

How to write B2 First (FCE) report?

FCE, CAE, CPE

More than practice tests, b2 first (fce) report: writing topics, b2 first (fce) report topic 1.

A group of students from Britain would like to visit your home town as part of an exchange programme. Their leader has asked you to write a report describing what there is to see and do in the town, and to describe some of the other services and facilities that would be available to them.

Write a report.

B2 First (FCE) Report Topic 2

You have just come back from a visit to a local museum organised by your school. The Principal has asked you to write a report about the museum and what you saw there, saying whether it is of interest for all age groups in the school.

B2 First (FCE) Report Topic 3

You have just come back from a two-day study trip to a historic town. Your teacher has asked you to write a report about your visit, saying what you saw during the two days and whether you would recommend a similar visit for other students.

B2 First (FCE) Report Topic 4

A television company is planning to turn the book you have read into a television serial aimed at teenagers.You have been asked to write a report saying whether you think this is a good idea and what changes might be necessary to the plot, the setting or the characters.

B2 First (FCE) Report Topic 5

Your school is planning to start a video club showing films in English. As a member of the committee, you have been asked to write a report suggesting the different types of the film the club should show to appeal to as many students in the school as possible.

B2 First (FCE) Report Topic 6

Your teacher wants to read a short passage from the book you have read to a class of younger students She aims to give them an idea of what the book is like and encourage them to read it. She has asked you to write a report saying which passage from the book would be most suitable and why.

B2 First (FCE) Report Topic 7

The teachers at your school have complained that many students are spending too much time using the Internet to visit social networking sites and chat rooms. They have asked the headteacher to disconnect the Internet from the school’s computer room as they feel it is not an appropriate use of school equipment.

Write a report to the headteacher explaining why internet access should be available to the students. Make some suggestions about ways in which internet access can be controlled.

Get Your (FCE) Report Checked!

B2 first (fce) report topic 8.

You had a class discussion about opportunities for practising English and your teacher has now asked you to write a report for students of English giving them advice.

B2 First (FCE) Report Topic 9

You work for your local tourist information office. Your manager has asked you to write a report on the entertainment facilities in your town. Describe the current facilities and suggest ways in which they could be improved to attract more tourists to the area.

B2 First (FCE) Report Topic 10

A group of British teachers is going to visit your college for two days. The aim of their trip is to learn about how technology is used in education in your country. You have been asked to write a report for the group leader.

Your report should:

•  include information about how technology is used to teach different subjects
• recommend which lessons the teachers should watch to see technology being used.

B2 First (FCE) Report Topic 11

Your local government wants to improve your town centre and make it better for local people. Your college principal has asked students to write a report on the situation to send to the local government. In your report you should:

• Describe some of the problems in the town centre
• Suggest, with reasons, what improvements should be made to solve these problems

B2 First (FCE) Report Topic 12

Your English teacher has asked you to write a report on transport facilities in your area.

In your report, you should:

• describe the existing transport facilities
• explain what’s good and bad about them
• suggest how they could be improved in the future.

B2 First (FCE) Report: Writing Topics (PDF)

Download B2 First (FCE) Report: Writing Topics (PDF)

Practice Tests Online

What is your level of english.

• Digital Marketing

Top 20 Technical Report Writing Topics

Technical report writing is one of the most challenging papers. It includes many stages: a selection of the topic, collection of the relevant data, analysis of the data, establishing the right message of the report, and organization of all ideas. Experts recommend students to start writing a technical report early as it takes much time and effort. If you lack time or skills for writing an insightful paper, go to a report writing service with experts from WriteMyPaperHub, for example, to submit an A-grade report before the deadline.

Most students make the same mistake when they start writing a report late, thinking that they’ll manage to complete it within one day. It may be possible in two cases: if you are an experienced technical writer or if you’ve chosen the topic you’re familiar with. It’s very important to choose the right topic. Check useful tips on how to pick the best topic for your technical report below. 

What is a Technical Report?

It’s a formal paper that includes only credible data based on careful analysis. You shouldn’t give your personal opinion about the topic. The task of the writer is to search for the research that has already been conducted, check the methods that have been used, and establish the main message of the topic. You need to present the information in a clear and concise manner. Make sure that it will be understandable for your target audience. The main idea is to find credible sources of information, process it, and structure it in sections. Like any other paper, it should start with an introduction and contain the background information on the topic or some facts you are going to talk about in detail in the main body. This type of work should include a well-structured main body, containing steps on how to do something, a detailed description of the procedure. You shouldn’t forget to include the section with the methods used as well as the section with the results. Finally, write conclusions and references. It’s a good idea to add illustrative materials that will prove the evidence you have included in the paper.

How to Choose a Good Technical Report Topic

You should be guided by certain rules when choosing the topic for your report: 

• Brainstorm at least 10 topic ideas and think about the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
• Think if there is a technical topic you are familiar with and have enough materials for writing a paper.
• Give preference to the topic you feel passionate about.
• Think of the message you’d like to convey with the help of your technical report.
• Keep in mind your target audience when choosing a topic.

Follow the tips above, and you will definitely find the topic that will bring you an A-grade. Take into account that your topic should be interesting to both your reader and you. It mustn’t be broad or too narrow. 

20+ Great Topics for Your Technical Report

Do you have no idea what to write about? Then, you are welcome to check the list of interesting topics for a technical report and get inspired to create a valuable paper.

• What methods of control over Internet access do governments use?
• The impact of new technology on kids. Explain both positive and negative influences. 
• What technology can help deal with the most challenging global problems?
• The negative consequences of the increasing globalization.
• The forecast for technology’s impact on people in 30 years.
• Will governments implant chips into people as we see in American films?
• Advantages and disadvantages of playing computer games.
• Will machines substitute human work in most industries in the future?
• Organic food & genetically modified food: Is it worth paying more?
• The role of the genetic information in the life of a person.
• Should a government spend money on the technologies of mechanical reproduction?
• Health care in the XIX century: Problems and Possible Solutions.
• The best ways on how to solve the problem of the shortage of organ donors.
• The results of the use of animal tissue for people who need a replacement due to the accident, etc.
• How to deal with the problem of global warming?
•  Diabetes Type 2: Main causes and treatment.
• Should healthcare be free for people with a low budget?
• The results of the research on genetic engineering.
• Advantages of human cloning technologies.
• The methods of how to deal with genetic health diseases.

Some extra topics for you to get inspired:

• DNA information and its influence on human identity.
• Should DNA testing be a must for everyone?
• The consequences of the use of virtual reality technology.
• Is it possible to get rid of mental illnesses forever?
• Are there any technologies that could control the human’s brain activity? 

We hope you will find the topic you like most on the list above. Choose the topic you’d like to research and share with your target audience. Remember that paper writing may take longer than you plan. That’s why you should manage time effectively and start brainstorming topic ideas the day you’ve got the task to write a technical report . Whenever you don’t feel inspired or lack time, ask for custom writing help. It’s a guaranteed way to meet the teacher’s requirements and submit the paper without delay.

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10 Best Reporting Tools and Software of 2024

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• Best for comprehensive data integration: Zoho Analytics
• Best for task-based reporting: Asana
• Best for high-level project reporting: Hive
• Best for data-driven decision-making: Google Looker
• Best for customizable project reporting: Wrike
• Best for visual project tracking: monday.com
• Best for all-in-one project management: ClickUp
• Best for agile project management: Jira Software
• Best for data visualization: Tableau
• Best for Microsoft ecosystem integration: Power BI

Reporting tools and software are crucial to teams, especially in terms of project management as they provide a structured way to track progress, identify risks and make informed decisions. They offer a sweeping view of project health that helps managers to not only pinpoint areas of concern but also identify successes. With effective reporting, an organization gets transparency and ensures its stakeholders are aligned, which plays a part in making projects successful since everyone involved has access to the same information and insights. We’ve analyzed 10 top reporting tools and software worth your consideration.

Top reporting software: Comparison table

Zoho analytics: best for comprehensive data integration.

Zoho Analytics is a reporting tool that excels at aggregating data from a wide array of sources as it connects with over 250 data sources, including files, feeds, databases and cloud services. Its comprehensive suite of reporting options includes charts, pivot tables, summary views, tabular views and more. Zoho Analytics also offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface to further simplify the report creation process and make it accessible for users of varying skill levels.

Zoho Analytics offers plans starting at $22 per month for the Basic plan, while the Standard, Premium and Enterprise plans cost $45, $112 and $445 per month, respectively, when billed annually. There’s also a Custom plan for prospective users to share their requirements.

• Extensive data integration from over 250 sources.
• Data preparation and management tools for accurate analysis.
• A wide array of visualization options for insightful reporting ( Figure A ).
• AI and ML-powered augmented analytics for guided insights.

Integrations

Zoho Analytics’s integrations include Zoho CRM, Salesforce CRM, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, HubSpot CRM and Zoho Bigin.

• Comprehensive data integration capabilities.
• Wide range of visualization tools.
• Advanced augmented analytics features.
• May be complex for beginners.
• Customization can require a learning curve.

Why we chose Zoho Analytics

We selected Zoho Analytics for its broad range of reporting capabilities and user-friendly design. Its ability to present data in various visual formats makes analysis flexible and insightful and caters to diverse reporting needs as well as a wide variety of users.

Learn more about other Zoho products, like Zoho Projects and Zoho Vault .

Asana: Best for task-based reporting

Asana simplifies project management with its Universal Reporting feature, which provides teams with a clear overview of task progress and project health. Its visual reporting format is designed for easy interpretation, meaning that users at all levels within an organization can easily access and use Asana.

Asana’s paid plans include the Premium plan at $10.99 per user per month, billed annually, and the Business plan at $24.99 per user per month. Its Enterprise plan’s pricing hasn’t been listed publicly.

• Visual and intuitive reporting tools for task and project tracking ( Figure B ).
• Goal tracking to align daily tasks with strategic objectives.
• Real-time updates to keep teams informed on project progress.
• A variety of highly customizable charts.

Asana’s top integrations include Microsoft Teams, Slack, the Asana for Gmail add-on, Asana for Adobe Creative Cloud and Google Calendar.

• User-friendly reporting and task management.
• Effective goal alignment features.
• Wide range of integrations.
• Limited depth in analytical features.
• Real-time analytics are somewhat restricted.

Why we chose Asana

We simply selected Asana for its user-friendly approach to task-based reporting. Asana is also highly effective when it comes to aligning tasks with organizational goals.

For more information, check out our full Asana review .

Hive: Best for high-level project reporting

Hive is recognized for its high-level reporting capabilities, offering a suite of options for a variety of project management use cases. With features like goals, analytics dashboards and timesheet reporting, Hive provides a comprehensive tool for gaining visibility and gathering insights into projects.

Hive has two premium plans atop a free plan. Teams at $12 per user per month when billed annually and $18 when billed monthly, and Enterprise, whose prices aren’t publicly listed.

• Goals for setting, tracking and monitoring goals across teams.
• Analytics dashboards to showcase project status, project breakdowns and more.
• Timesheets reporting to analyze data across timesheets.
• Multiple views like Portfolio, Summary, Table, Kanban and more ( Figure C ).

Hive’s top integrations include Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Drive and Slack.

• Customizable high-level reporting options.
• Variety of views for different reporting needs.
• Efficient project and action management features.
• May require initial setup time to customize views.
• Some advanced features might be available only on higher-tier plans.

Why we chose Hive

We selected Hive for its versatile high-level reporting options and customizable views. They bring a flexible and comprehensive overview to projects.

For more information, check out our full Hive review .

Google Looker: Best for data-driven decision-making

A rather different entry from most tools on this list, Google Looker stands as a unified business intelligence platform that excels at turning data into actionable insights. It offers self-service BI that allows users to access, analyze and act on up-to-date, trusted data. As a reporting tool, Looker offers reliable data experiences at scale and empowers users with real-time insights.

Looker has a 30-day free trial, and its Standard plan costs $5,000 per month. For an annual quote, as well as quotes for the Enterprise and Embed plans, contact Google sales.

• Embedded analytics and applications for enhanced data experiences.
• Data modeling to unify business metrics across teams and applications.
• Real-time insights to empower users with up-to-date information.
• An extensive template gallery for templates on many of Google’s applications ( Figure D ).

Looker offers extensive integration capabilities, including BigQuery, Spanner, Cloud SQL and Cloud Storage.

• Unified platform for all BI needs.
• Real-time insights for up-to-date decision-making.
• Extensive integration capabilities with data sources.
• Pricing transparency could be improved.
• May require a learning curve to fully utilize advanced features.

Why we chose Google Looker

Google Looker’s reporting capabilities can be seen particularly through its embedded analytics and real-time insights. It easily unifies business metrics across teams and applications. It’s also a great tool for users predominantly using applications in the Google ecosystem.

Wrike: Best for customizable project reporting

Wrike stands out for its highly customizable reporting features. This flexibility, combined with Wrike’s thorough resource management and advanced analytics, makes Wrike competent enough to provide detailed insights into project performance and resource allocation and flexible enough to adapt to various workflows.

Wrike has five plans: the ones with prices listed are the Free plan, Team plan at $9.80 per user per month and Business plan at $24.80 per user per month. The Enterprise and Pinnacle plans’ pricing plans aren’t publicly listed.

• Customizable reports for tailored project insights ( Figure E ).
• Resource management to monitor progress and identify risks.
• Advanced analytics for deep visibility into project performance.

Wrike’s top integrations include Jira, GitHub, Google Sheets, Azure DevOps and HubSpot.

• Highly customizable reporting options.
• Comprehensive project and resource monitoring.
• Advanced analytics capabilities.
• Customization options may require time to master.
• Extensive features can be overwhelming for newcomers.

Why we chose Wrike

Wrike has robust reporting capabilities and customizable features, which give users the flexibility and depth needed to gain extensive insights into their projects and resources.

For more information, check out our full Wrike review .

monday.com: Best for visual project tracking

monday.com is a favorite among teams that love visual task management and prioritize ease of use as it offers a visually intuitive platform for project tracking. Its advanced reporting features, such as stacked charts and workload views, provide a thorough overview of project progress and team capacity. monday.com’s dashboard customization is very flexible; this enables teams to mold their reporting to meet their project needs.

monday has a free plan and a handful of premium plans, namely, Basic at $9 per seat per month, billed annually, or $12 per seat billed monthly; Standard at $12 per seat per month, billed annually, or $14 per seat billed monthly; Pro at $19 per seat per month, billed annually, or $24 per seat billed monthly; and Enterprise, which offers customized pricing.

• Stacked charts for multi-dimensional data analysis.
• Workload views for balanced resource allocation.
• Pivot tables for detailed data breakdowns.
• Customizable dashboards for tailored project insights ( Figure F ).

Some of the best monday.com integrations include GitLab, OneDrive, Todoist, Slack and Microsoft Teams.

• Highly visual and intuitive interface.
• Advanced reporting for comprehensive project insights.
• Flexible dashboard customization.
• Can be overwhelming for new users due to numerous features.
• Some advanced features require higher-tier plans.

Why we chose monday.com

monday.com is a visually intuitive platform and has advanced reporting capabilities. It delivers a balance between visual project tracking and in-depth reporting.

For more information, check out our full monday.com review .

ClickUp: Best for all-in-one project management

ClickUp is recognized for its all-in-one approach to project management, offering a wide range of features from task management to time tracking and goal setting. Its reporting features are designed to provide teams with insights into productivity and project progress, supporting data-driven decision-making. ClickUp’s customizable dashboards and reporting tools allow teams to monitor key metrics and track performance effectively.

ClickUp offers a generous free forever plan alongside three premium tiers: Unlimited at $7 per user per month when billed annually, or $10 per user per month when billed monthly; Business at $12 per user per month when billed annually, or $19 per user per month when billed monthly; and Enterprise that needs prospective users to contact ClickUp for a custom quote.

• Comprehensive dashboards for project overview ( Figure G ).
• Customizable reporting for tailored insights.
• Goal tracking to align efforts with objectives.
• Time tracking to monitor task durations and productivity.

Some of ClickUp’s top integrations include Gmail, Zoom, HubSpot, Make and Google Calendar.

• Versatile all-in-one project management solution.
• Extensive customization options for dashboards and reporting.
• Generous free plan with substantial features.
• Steep learning curve due to feature richness.
• Customization can be time-consuming.

Why we chose ClickUp

We included ClickUp because of its comprehensive feature set and flexibility, offering teams an all-in-one solution for project management and reporting. It proves suitable for a wide range of project types and sizes.

For more information, check out our full ClickUp review .

Jira Software: Best for agile project management

Jira Software is tailored for agile project management with specialized reporting features like sprint reports, burndown charts and velocity charts. These agile-centric reports give teams critical insights into their agile processes to help them optimize workflows and improve sprint planning. It’s worth considering for software development teams and those that follow scrum or kanban frameworks.

Jira offers a free plan for 10 users max. Its premium plans are the Standard plan at about $8.15 per user per month and the Premium plan at about $16 per user per month. It also offers an Enterprise plan that’s billed annually. However, you need to contact Jira for a quote.

• Sprint reports for tracking sprint progress ( Figure H ).
• Burndown charts for visualizing task completion.
• Velocity charts for assessing team performance over sprints.
• Cumulative flow diagrams for Kanban teams.

Jira has extensive integrations with development tools like Bitbucket, Confluence, GitHub, Opsgenie, Jenkins and Dynatrace.

• Tailored for agile project management.
• Comprehensive reporting for scrum and kanban teams.
• Wide range of integrations with development tools.
• Primarily focused on software development teams.
• Can be complex for non-technical users.

Why we chose Jira Software

Jira Software has robust agile reporting features and is capable of providing deep insights into agile project management processes, especially for teams practicing scrum or kanban methodologies.

For more information, check out our full Jira Software review .

Tableau: Best for data visualization

Tableau sets the standard for data visualization, offering a wide range of chart types and interactive dashboards that make complex data understandable at a glance. As reporting software, it offers a user-friendly interface and powerful data handling capabilities for users to create detailed and insightful visual reports.

Tableau’s pricing starts at $15 per user per month, with its highest tier costing $75 per user per month, both billed annually.

• Wide range of visualization options.
• User-friendly interface for non-technical users ( Figure I ).
• Powerful data handling and processing capabilities.

Tableau’s top integrations include Salesforce, Google Analytics, Microsoft Excel, Amazon Redshift and Snowflake.

• Leading data visualization capabilities.
• Intuitive interface for easy use.
• Strong data connectivity options.
• Higher price point compared to some competitors.
• Can require significant resources for large datasets.

Why we chose Tableau

We considered Tableau because of its unparalleled data visualization capabilities and user-friendly interface. It should make it to your shortlist if your teams value both data accessibility and detailed reporting.

For more information, check out our full Tableau review .

Power BI: Best for Microsoft ecosystem integration

Power BI is a key player in the reporting and analytics space, especially for those deeply embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem. Its seamless integration with other Microsoft products, like Excel and Azure, makes it a no-brainer for teams that want compatibility and ease of use with their reporting tools. What makes it a great reporting and analytics tool is its ability to handle large datasets and provide advanced analytics, including AI capabilities and custom visualizations.

Power BI offers a free version, with premium plans starting at $10 per user per month for the Pro plan and $20 per user per month for the Premium plan.

• Seamless integration with Microsoft products.
• Advanced analytics with AI capabilities.
• Custom visualizations for personalized reporting ( Figure J ).

Aside from a variety of tools in the Microsoft ecosystem like Microsoft Office 365, Power BI’s top integrations include Asana, HubSpot, Google Sheets and Salesforce Pardot.

• Strong Microsoft integration.
• Comprehensive analytics and AI features.
• Flexible pricing with a robust free version.
• Can be complex for new users.
• Limited integration outside the Microsoft ecosystem.

Why we chose Power BI

We chose Power BI due to its strong analytics capabilities combined with its seamless integration with tools in the Microsoft ecosystem. It’s a particularly fitting choice for teams that already use Microsoft products.

For more information, check out our full Power BI review .

Key features of reporting software

Real-time analytics.

Real-time analytics allows users to view, assess and analyze data as it flows into the business, which can be displayed on dashboards or reports. With this, users get to make decisions faster since they get instant, descriptive insights from the most current data.

Custom reports

Custom reports save time as they automate the data gathering and report generation processes. After the initial setup, reporting processes can be entirely streamlined, with live data feeds ensuring that any additional requests can be quickly addressed by making changes to existing reports.

Dashboard customization

Dashboard customization is crucial in reporting software as it allows users to set up their reporting environment based on their needs. Custom dashboards can provide in-depth data on various aspects of business operations, illustrating potential revenue and areas where improvements are needed. Businesses can mix and match data sources for a comprehensive view of their digital environment.

Automated reporting

This kind of reporting streamlines the process of generating regular reports and reduces the manual effort required while making sure that stakeholders receive timely updates. Users can schedule report generation and ensure that reports are always current and reflect the latest data.

Data visualization

Data visualization transforms complex datasets into graphical representations, making it easier to understand trends, patterns and outliers. This feature helps to make data more accessible and actionable, which enables users to quickly grasp the insights presented in the data.

How do I choose the best reporting software for my business?

First things first, when it comes to choosing the best reporting software for you, you must match a tool’s capabilities to your needs. For small to medium-sized businesses, tools like Zoho Analytics and ClickUp offer a vast feature set at a more accessible price point, which makes them great options when seeking value without compromising on functionality. Larger enterprises or those with more complex reporting and data analysis needs might lean towards Power BI or Tableau, known for their advanced analytics and integration within larger ecosystems.

Consider the types of reports you need, the data you’re working with and who will be using the tool. For teams that prioritize real-time data and collaboration, monday.com and Asana provide user-friendly interfaces and seamless integration with other productivity tools. On the other hand, if your focus is on in-depth data analysis and visualization, Tableau’s extensive customization options and Power BI’s deep Microsoft integration stand out.

In essence, the best reporting tool is one that not only fits your budget and technical requirements but also grows with your business, adapting to changing needs and helping you make informed decisions based on accurate, up-to-date data.

Methodology

Our approach to identifying the top reporting tools for 2024 involved a detailed examination of each tool’s core features, ease of use, use cases and pricing. This allowed us to provide popular tools that cut across industries, use cases and team sizes. Additionally, we tested the tools where possible to understand how they approached reporting and compared our findings to verified reviews by real users. From this, we got to understand the pros and cons of each tool.

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Home » Home » Best Tips to Write an Essay on Political Topic

Best Tips to Write an Essay on Political Topic

By Space Coast Daily  //  April 1, 2024

Is writing an essay on a political topic the next assignment on your desk? Students taking political courses have to write lots of essays as part of the standard course requirement.

It’s a chance to demonstrate critical thinking skills and deep reflection on political topics. However, crafting a high-quality political essay is not easy. It’s a skill perfected through lots of practice. If you’re struggling with a political essay, there are tips and tricks you can apply to help you write a great essay. Read on to discover top tips for crafting a compelling essay on a political topic.  

Tips to write an essay on political topic

Understand the prompt.

To write a high-quality political essay, you must start by understanding the prompt. Any confusion can jeopardize the entire essay. A helpful tip is to restructure the essay into a question. However, when you can’t seem to understand the prompt or advanced concepts on the topic, it’s better to ask an expert to write my essay since an essay written on a misunderstood prompt can never be correct.

Use the help of essay writing services

Composing a top-notch political essay can seem impossible when you have little knowledge of subject concepts or the deadline is closing in fast. Rather than submitting a subpar essay, most college students prefer to enlist CustomWritings assistance to ease their stress and anxiety. Working with a real political science expert guarantees a well-written, thoroughly researched, timely, and error-free essay.

Research thoroughly

To form great arguments about a political topic, you need to conduct thorough research to get sufficient supporting evidence. Ensure you rely on evidence from reputable sources, such as books, academic journals, and government reports. The evidence must also be relevant and current.

Create an outline

Before you start writing, sketch an outline of your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and give you a clear idea of what to write. Most essays follow a 5-paragraph essay format with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Stay objective and apply theories learned in class

Most political essays require students to apply information from lectures, discussions, and assigned readings. Therefore, ensure you support your arguments with theories and perspectives learned during the semester. Avoid unnecessary information that doesn’t add to the central theme of your essay.  

Consider counterarguments

Most political essays are argumentative, meaning there will be two sides to the argument. Therefore, ensure you acknowledge and address the strong and obvious counterarguments in your paper. It demonstrates your nuance of the topic and strengthens your overall argument.

Cite sources

Ensure you substantiate your arguments with facts from credible sources. Adding a proper reference allows the reader to read further on the claim. Make sure you apply the correct citation style specified by the instructor and cite all sources used to avoid plagiarism.

Form your opinion

Political essays are not only about spewing factual information, you must give your opinion on the topic. The ability to present your views on different topics will help you build a successful career in the political scene. Most times, you will express a sophisticated opinion in the conclusion.

Proofread and edit

Before you submit your essay, take time to thoroughly proofread and edit it. The easiest way to identify errors in your paper is to read it aloud. Use the chance to correct structural errors, grammatical mistakes, weak arguments, unclear sentences, and tense errors. You can also use spelling and grammar checker tools to edit your paper.

The basic format of an essay on a political topic

The format of a political essay is similar to other types of essays and consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Let’s delve into what goes into each part of the essay.

Introduction

The introduction paragraph is the first part of the essay, which reveals the intent and position of the writer on the topic. It includes an interesting hook, background information, and a thesis statement. The thesis is the most important part of a political essay because it provides an overview of the key points contained in the paper.

Body paragraphs

The section with body paragraphs is the main part of the essay in which you discuss all the ideas that support your position on the topic. The number of body paragraphs depends on the essay size and ideas. Each paragraph discusses a single idea that proves the thesis’s main idea. Critical analysis also includes credible citations to support the author’s position.

The conclusion restates the thesis and reiterates the supporting ideas made in the main body. Use the conclusion to make a connection between themes discussed in the body section. Also, a conclusion must provide an insight or opinion that demonstrates the implications of the study. Let the reader know why they need to care about the topic.  

What to avoid when writing a political science essay?

There are some common mistakes that students commit when writing political essays that could compromise the quality of the paper. The first and obvious thing to avoid is plagiarism. Cite all sources used to avoid damaging the credibility of your essay. Also, avoid using evidence from untrustworthy sources, such as personal blogs and Wikipedia. Such sources can compromise the accuracy and validity of your arguments.

A political essay should relay formal and scholarly arguments, so avoid informal language, passive voice, or first person. In addition, avoid jargon, which includes phrases and words that may sound sophisticated but have little meaning. That way, your arguments are clear, simple, and concise. Pay attention to the entire scope of the essay guidelines.

Political essays have many similarities to other academic papers

Essays on a political topic follow the standard essay structure but require deep analysis of ideas. Before you start writing, understand the prompt and research thoroughly to advance your knowledge on the topic and make strong arguments. With the right pointers, writing a political essay can be as easy as 123.

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2024 total solar eclipse is Monday: What to know less than a week out

Editor's note: An updated cloud forecast for the April 2024 total solar eclipse is in. Read the latest eclipse forecast and news as of Wednesday, April 3 .

The 2024 total solar eclipse is now less than one week away, and forecasters are getting a clearer picture of what the skies will look like. It's not all good news for people who want to see the spectacle.

On Monday afternoon, April 8, a total eclipse of the sun will cross over a dozen states as it traverses from Texas to Maine.  Millions of people are expected to travel  to see it.

The  full total solar eclipse experience  will plunge people along a narrow path into darkness midday, but people outside  the path of totality  can still use eclipse glasses (maybe  free eclipse glasses ) to see the moon pass in front of the sun — if it's not blocked by clouds.

Meanwhile, those planning to order glasses online may be rapidly running out of time to do so in order to have them delivered on time .

Here's the latest weather forecast for the day of the eclipse:

A grim forecast for Texas

Unfortunately, the weather is looking iffy for folks in some places, especially Southern areas: The cloud cover forecast "shows fairly high probability of clouds in Texas up through the Mississippi Valley," wrote meteorologist Matt Lanza on his blog The Eyewall.

The National Weather Service in Dallas said there's only a dismal 15% chance for favorable viewing conditions in Dallas on April 8. "The outlook for favorable viewing conditions continues to deteriorate as the event approaches," the weather service said.

Indeed, the computer models that meteorologists use to forecast weather show a grim forecast for Texas: "The operational runs of both the GFS and European models have, consistently, shown nearly 100 percent cloud cover across much of the state during the early afternoon hours on Monday," said Eric Berger, a Houston-based meteorologist on the blog Space City Weather .

Another forecaster, Marc Chenard of the Weather Prediction Center, confirmed the gloomy forecast to USA TODAY: "Cloud cover is most likely in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas," he said. In fact, "varying degrees of cloudiness" are likely all the way to the Ohio Valley, he said.

Could there be storms on Monday?

Monday may not only be cloudy in some areas, it could also be stormy, forecasters said: "At this time, specifics about hazardous weather are unknown," the Weather Prediction Center said. "However, rain and thunderstorms do appear possible in and near the path of totality in Texas, southeast Oklahoma, and Arkansas."

Where is the best chance for clear skies for the total eclipse?

For the total eclipse, the best chances for clear conditions are in New England and upstate New York, Chenard told USA TODAY.

"If I’m picking a place right now, it’s probably like Watertown, New York," Lanza said.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo is also bullish on the chances for good weather, with a caveat: The forecast continues to suggest dry weather for Monday with high pressure over the eastern Great Lakes and Ohio Valley, "however it is FAR too early to forecast cloud cover with any confidence or reliability," the weather service wrote in its forecast discussion.

Ironically, the prediction of clouds in Texas and clear skies in the Northeast are the opposite of  historical trends for cloud cover .

Where is the cloud forecast best for the partial eclipse?

There will also be ample opportunities for folks to view the partial eclipse: "The best locations for viewing can be the Southwest and the East, especially east of the Appalachians," AccuWeather lead long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok said. "Cities like El Paso, Albuquerque, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., New York City and Raleigh should all have great views."

Although not in the path of totality, regions in the Southwest also look to have ideal weather.

"The area from West Texas to southern Arizona should also have favorable viewing conditions," Pastelok added. "These areas will be close to the path of totality with the least amount of cloud cover anticipated."

Order eclipse glasses online now to have them delivered on time

If you're buying your specs through American Paper Optics, the nation's largest supplier of eclipse glasses, the company makes it easy for you with  a countdown at the top of its website  for how much longer you have to procrastinate. As of Tuesday morning, customers have little more than three days to make their purchase and take advantage of the company's  express shipping  across the country.

That's about the same amount of time allotted to  Walmart+ online shoppers , as well as Prime members looking for reputable  glasses on Amazon .

Many eclipse websites like  GreatAmericanEclipse.com  and  NationalEclipse.com  also sell a variety of eyewear products, along with plenty of other gadgets — but double check that estimated delivery date before checking out.

How do I watch the 2024 solar eclipse, if clouds don't block it?

There are a few ways of watching the eclipse:

• Get the full experience in person : If you're in a narrow band of U.S. land that spans from Texas to Maine, you could see the moon block the sun and its shadow cast a night-like darkness over Earth for a few minutes. You could briefly be able to look up without eye protection and see the moon block the sun.
• Watch from outside the path of totality : Much of the U.S. could get a partial view of the eclipse that isn't nearly as impressive as being in the path of totality. Earth won't be plunged into complete darkness and you'll have to wear protective eyewear to see the moon partially block the sun.
• Watch a livestream : Check back on April 8 for a video feed from the path of totality. It's not the same as being there in person, but hey,  at least you won't have to sit in traffic .

What time is the solar eclipse on April 8?

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path.

Here are the major cities in each state where you can expect to experience totality (note that the included times do not account for when the partial eclipse begins and ends):

• Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 p.m. CDT
• Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 p.m. CDT
• Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 p.m. CDT
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 p.m. CDT
• Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 p.m. CDT
• Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 p.m. CDT
• Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 p.m. CDT
• Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 p.m. EDT
• Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 p.m. EDT
• Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 p.m. EDT
• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

Will clouds really ruin the eclipse?

Clouds are just part of weather, and as noted in the latest forecast, it's likely that some of the millions of people  in the path of totality for April's total eclipse  will have to  endure overcast skies that will impact the experience .

But determining how clouds would change your view depends on the types of clouds – and which expert you ask. Some advise eclipse watchers to not worry about the skies, others say an overcast sky can ruin the experience.

Before last year's annular solar eclipse, National Weather Service meteorologist Tim Daldrup told  Oregon Public Radio  that if clouds are in the forecast, you should hope for the "right kind of clouds."

“If we want to see it, we’ll want the higher-level clouds,” Daldrup told OPR. “Those tend to be the more feathery cirrus clouds that can still be seen through. They might obstruct the eclipse but you can still see it.”

Cirrus clouds would be in contrast to some of the more eclipse-unfriendly clouds, such as a thick deck of lower-level stratus or cumulus clouds that would likely completely block the sun.

New York inmates say a prison lockdown for the eclipse violates religious freedom

Inmates at a New York prison who are being prevented from witnessing  next week's total solar eclipse  have filed a lawsuit against the state corrections department, claiming that the decision violates their religious freedoms.

The  celestial phenomenon , which has not passed over New York since 1925 and will not be seen again in the state until 2079, "is a significant religious event for people of many different faith backgrounds," according to the complaint, which was filed Friday in federal court in upstate New York.

However, New York corrections officials put a lockdown in place at its facilities  for April 8 , the day the eclipse will  pass over a long stretch of North America , including New York, as the moon blots out the sun. Among them is the Woodbourne Correctional Facility, the prison in Woodbourne where six men of varying religious faiths jointly sued the corrections department over the policy.

The plaintiffs – a Baptist, a Muslim, a Seventh-Day Adventist, two practitioners of Santeria and an atheist – are asking a judge to order the corrections department to immediately rescind the lockdown memo and provide  eclipse glasses  to all inmates who wish to view the eclipse, as it did when a partial eclipse was visible in 2017  in New York.

"This should not be controversial and was previously allowed during the last solar eclipse viewable in New York State," the lawsuit stated, arguing that the lockdown is unconstitutional.

'Devil' comet to make an appearance this month

As if a solar eclipse weren't enough, observers on April 8 may also get a glimpse of a rare "horned" celestial show , a dazzlingly bright comet with a scary name.

A comet designated 12P/Pons-Brooks got the much more interesting name “devil comet” when it had an outburst, a large ejection of dust and gases, in July 2023.

On the day of the Great American Eclipse , the devil comet may become visible to the unaided eye, astronomers say.

Amateur and professional observers in the Northern Hemisphere will get a unique opportunity to view the comet, which is renowned for its periodic eruptions of gas and dust.