writing a report

• Purpose of an information report

  To present factual information on a given subject
• Structure of an information report

  • Title
  • Introduction
  • Body paragraphs
  • Conclusion
• Introduction


  Gives an overview of what the reader can expect to learn, includes a brief outline of the subtopics
• Hook


  Something to catch the reader's attention, e.g. an interesting fact, statistic, or question
• Body paragraphs


  • Each focuses on its own subtopic
  • Often have subheadings
  • Need a topic sentence that states the main idea
  • Provide details and examples focused on the subtopic
• Conclusion


  Briefly summarises what the reader has learned, no new information should be introduced
• Reference list/bibliography


  Lets the reader know where the author got their information
• Language features of an information report

  • Written in present tense
  • Written in third person
  • Uses passive voice
  • Presents only facts, no opinions
  • Uses technical vocabulary
• Conjunctions


  Used to link information and ideas, e.g. compare, add details, show cause and effect, illustrate a point
• Visual information


  • Diagrams
  • Images with captions
  • Maps
  • Graphs
  • Tables
  • Charts
• A large part of the total time spent creating an information report should be spent on the research phase