report

Knowledge

2022

We explain what reports are and what their structure is like. In addition, how they are classified and meanings of this term.

A report is a statement based on observation and analysis.

What is a report?

A report is a statement, written or oral, that describes the qualities, characteristics, and context of some fact. It is an orderly elaboration based on theobservation and theanalysis in order to communicate something happened or the results of a research.

In the written report, thelanguage formal and informative, with a strong charge of objectivity and is used to know events that have already happened and anticipate what has not yet happened. They are used in the scientific, commercial, accounting or in the field of psychology, among others.

Characteristics of a report

  • Clear. Simple and direct language is used so that it is understood by all the target audience.
  • Target. It is based on facts and information verifiable and does not include the opinions or point of view of the editor.
  • Structured. It responds to certain criteria and is exposed following a narrative structure of: introduction, development and conclusion.
  • Newspaper. It is usually published according to a certain amount of weather.
  • Specific. Have a objective determined and points to a theme or question to be solved or analyzed within a field of study.

Structure of a report

For the writing of a written report, the content can be organized and reflected according to the following structure:

  • Introduction. Briefly explain what the report will be about and the objectives.
  • Body. It details the main information, in many cases with subtitles and paratextual elements, and eventually, the steps that guided the investigation. Raises the arguments, the background and the methodology used.
  • conclusion. It takes into account the most prominent or important results.
  • BibliographyDetails who contributed thedata and in what way. It is included at the end of the report. In the case of orally presented reports, thebibliography it can be at the hand of the informant, who will come to it when they need to reinforce the validity of the statements.

Report types

A scientific report allows us to rethink the path of science.

According to the content:

  • Technical reports. They are investigations on social phenomena, psychological or economic adapted to theorganizations that feed on those data. For example: the census that is carried out from house to house periodically in almost all countries, which after a period of compilation produces reports with data.
  • Scientific reports. They arise from the investigations carried out within the toughest sciences, allow us to analyze results and rethink the way in which thescience.
  • Disclosure reports. They adapt the results of investigations carried out with technical processes to the competencies of anycitizen so that they can access the information and conclusions without the need for technical knowledge.

According to the structure:

  • Persuasive reports. They try to convince the audience about the stated results or conclusions.
  • Expository reports. They present verifiable facts in a narrative way using the structure of: introduction, development and conclusions.
  • Analytical reports. They determine and develop the causes of an event or phenomenon.

How do you make a report?

To make a written report:

  • Define the theme. The objective of the report and the reason for its writing.
  • Define the audience. It is important to know who the readers of the report will be, in order to define the tone and language to be used from there.
  • Collect information. The information available on the subject to be discussed should be sought.
  • Consult qualified sources. If necessary, you can turn to people specialized in a subject so that your statement supports the arguments presented.
  • Define the structure. Before starting with the writing of the report, it is important to know all the information to include and how it will be distributed within the writing.
  • Use reference material. Images, graphics or tables can be used to accompany and support the text.
  • Write the brief. Once all the information has been compiled, the report will be drawn up according to its structure.

To make an oral report:

In oral reports, there are some important differences:

In the first place, it is advisable to first make the written report and then transmit it orally. The speaker has to know very well the content of the report and how the investigation was carried out.

At the time of the presentation, the same structure as the written report (introduction, body and conclusion) is followed. It should be clear and brief, without going into detail, or omitting important parts. This is where knowledge aboutoratory.

Other report meanings

An accounting report explains in words what is shown in the financial statements.

There are two areas in which the word report has a very specific meaning:

  • At right. A report is understood to be the study that the court decrees at the request of one of the parties, which is presented when there is a question that is difficult to solve.
  • In accounting. The document presented together with the financial statements once the accounting year is over, which complements and explains in words what is shown in those documents.
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