report

A report is a structured document that communicates information about a topic, event, or issue to a specific audience for a defined purpose. Reports present facts or analysis, often with conclusions and recommendations, and are intended to enable informed decision-making or accountability. They may be formal or informal and can take several forms, including business reports, scientific or research reports, technical reports, financial or audit reports, incident or investigation reports, and annual or progress reports.

Structure and content: Most reports include a title, executive summary or abstract, introduction, methods or approach, findings or results, discussion or analysis, conclusions, recommendations, and references or appendices. The exact layout varies by discipline and purpose; longer reports may include sections on limitations and methodology.

Process and style: Effective report writing involves planning, defining the audience, collecting and validating data, analyzing information, and drafting a clear narrative. Revisions emphasize accuracy, clarity, and consistent sourcing. Visual aids such as tables, figures, and charts help present data, while citations ensure traceability. Reports should be objective and avoid unsupported claims.

Impact and audience: A well-crafted report supports decision-making, documents activity for accountability, and provides a basis for evaluation and future work.