Report writing

Meaning of Report Writing

It is a piece of writing to give people information about something that you have heard, seen, done, etc.

A written statement about a student’s work at school, college etc.: a school report.

Types of Reports

There are many types of reports you should know how to write.

Report of a science experiment

Report of formal meeting deliberations

Report to the Police on an incident you witnessed

Report to your Principal on an issue pertaining to your school

Your approach to each is different, but generally the following tips serve as a guideline

Essential Tips on Report Writing

Be brief and clear

Give only the most important information

Give the exact time, date and place, where necessary

Avoid embellishments – go straight to the point without coloring it

Make sure your report has answers to the following- when? Where? Why? How? What? Who?

You may use sub-headings in your report, especially in reporting scientific experiments and writing minutes of meetings.

Give your report in a sequential order.

EVALUATION

Mention three types of report.

ASSIGNMENT

In not less than 250 words, write a report of your school in-house sport.

PROSE

Prose is a continuous piece of writing which gives detailed analysis and description of events, setting and characters. It uses the ordinary day to day language without having any regular rhythmic pattern.

Prose in terms of content is divided into two – fiction and non-fiction; while in terms of length it is divided into three- short story, novella and novel.

1. Fiction: This is any unreal story which deals with people, and events invented from the imagination of the author. It is neither a historical occurrence nor a documented fact. The main purpose of fiction is to entertain the audience. This is not to say that it doesn’t perform other functions.

2. Non-Fiction: This is the opposite of fiction. It is an account based on real life experience. Non-fiction could be biography or autobiography.

(a) Biography: One’s life history written by another person.

(b) Autobiography: One’s life history written by himself. Example, The African Child by Camera Laye.

Forms of Prose

(i) Short Story: This is a short and simple story that is straight forward meant to be read at a stretch.

(ii) Novella: This is a form of prose with an intermediate length. It is longer than a short story, but shorter than a novel. It could also be called novelette.

(iii) Novel: This is a form of prose with lengthy stories that deals with either imaginary or historical events. A major feature of a novel is that it has a detailed study of people and events.