How to Write a Report: A Guide

Matt Ellis

A report is a nonfiction account that presents and/or summarizes the facts about a particular event, topic, or issue. The idea is that people who are unfamiliar with the subject can find everything they need to know from a good report. 

Reports make it easy to catch someone up to speed on a subject, but actually writing a report is anything but easy. So to help you understand what to do, below we present a little report of our own, all about report writing. 

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What is a report? 

In technical terms, the definition of a report is pretty vague: any account, spoken or written, of the matters concerning a particular topic. This could refer to anything from a courtroom testimony to a grade schooler’s book report. 

Really, when people talk about “reports,” they’re usually referring to official documents outlining the facts of a topic, typically written by an expert on the subject or someone assigned to investigate it. There are different types of reports, explained in the next section, but they mostly fit this description. 

What kind of information is shared in reports? Although all facts are welcome, reports, in particular, tend to feature these types of content: 

Reports are closely related to essay writing , although there are some clear distinctions. While both rely on facts, essays add the personal opinions and arguments of the authors. Reports typically stick only to the facts, although they may include some of the author’s interpretation of these facts, most likely in the conclusion. 

Moreover, reports are heavily organized, commonly with tables of contents and copious headings and subheadings. This makes it easier for readers to scan reports for the information they’re looking for. Essays, on the other hand, are meant to be read start to finish, not browsed for specific insights. 

Types of reports

There are a few different types of reports, depending on the purpose and to whom you present your report. Here’s a quick list of the common types of reports:

Reports can be further divided into categories based on how they are written. For example, a report could be formal or informal, short or long, and internal or external. In business, a vertical report shares information with people on different levels of the hierarchy (i.e., people who work above you and below you), while a lateral report is for people on the author’s same level, but in different departments. 

There are as many types of reports as there are writing styles, but in this guide, we focus on academic reports, which tend to be formal and informational. 

>>Read More: What Is Academic Writing?

What is the structure of a report?

The structure of a report depends on the type of report and the requirements of the assignment. While reports can use their own unique structure, most follow this basic template:

If you’re familiar with how to write a research paper , you’ll notice that report writing follows the same introduction-body-conclusion structure, sometimes adding an executive summary. Reports usually have their own additional requirements as well, such as title pages and tables of content, which we explain in the next section. 

What should be included in a report?

There are no firm requirements for what’s included in a report. Every school, company, laboratory, task manager, and teacher can make their own format, depending on their unique needs. In general, though, be on the lookout for these particular requirements—they tend to crop up a lot: 

As always, refer to the assignment for the specific guidelines on each of these. The people who read the report should tell you which style guides or formatting they require. 

How to write a report in 7 steps

Now let’s get into the specifics of how to write a report. Follow the seven steps on report writing below to take you from an idea to a completed paper. 

1 Choose a topic based on the assignment

Before you start writing, you need to pick the topic of your report. Often, the topic is assigned for you, as with most business reports, or predetermined by the nature of your work, as with scientific reports. If that’s the case, you can ignore this step and move on. 

If you’re in charge of choosing your own topic, as with a lot of academic reports, then this is one of the most important steps in the whole writing process. Try to pick a topic that fits these two criteria: 

Of course, don’t forget the instructions of the assignment, including length, so keep those in the back of your head when deciding. 

2 Conduct research

With business and scientific reports, the research is usually your own or provided by the company—although there’s still plenty of digging for external sources in both. 

For academic papers, you’re largely on your own for research, unless you’re required to use class materials. That’s one of the reasons why choosing the right topic is so crucial; you won’t go far if the topic you picked doesn’t have enough available research. 

The key is to search only for reputable sources: official documents, other reports, research papers, case studies, books from respected authors, etc. Feel free to use research cited in other similar reports. You can often find a lot of information online through search engines, but a quick trip to the library can also help in a pinch. 

3 Write a thesis statement

Before you go any further, write a thesis statement to help you conceptualize the main theme of your report. Just like the topic sentence of a paragraph, the thesis statement summarizes the main point of your writing, in this case, the report. 

Once you’ve collected enough research, you should notice some trends and patterns in the information. If these patterns all infer or lead up to a bigger, overarching point, that’s your thesis statement. 

For example, if you were writing a report on the wages of fast-food employees, your thesis might be something like, “Although wages used to be commensurate with living expenses, after years of stagnation they are no longer adequate.” From there, the rest of your report will elaborate on that thesis, with ample evidence and supporting arguments. 

It’s good to include your thesis statement in both the executive summary and introduction of your report, but you still want to figure it out early so you know which direction to go when you work on your outline next. 

4 Prepare an outline

Writing an outline is recommended for all kinds of writing, but it’s especially useful for reports given their emphasis on organization. Because reports are often separated by headings and subheadings, a solid outline makes sure you stay on track while writing without missing anything. 

Really, you should start thinking about your outline during the research phase, when you start to notice patterns and trends. If you’re stuck, try making a list of all the key points, details, and evidence you want to mention. See if you can fit them into general and specific categories, which you can turn into headings and subheadings respectively. 

5 Write a rough draft

Actually writing the rough draft , or first draft, is usually the most time-consuming step. Here’s where you take all the information from your research and put it into words. To avoid getting overwhelmed, simply follow your outline step by step to make sure you don’t accidentally leave out anything. 

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; that’s the number one rule for writing a rough draft. Expecting your first draft to be perfect adds a lot of pressure. Instead, write in a natural and relaxed way, and worry about the specific details like word choice and correcting mistakes later. That’s what the last two steps are for, anyway. 

6 Revise and edit your report

Once your rough draft is finished, it’s time to go back and start fixing the mistakes you ignored the first time around. (Before you dive right back in, though, it helps to sleep on it to start editing fresh, or at least take a small break to unwind from writing the rough draft.) 

We recommend first rereading your report for any major issues, such as cutting or moving around entire sentences and paragraphs. Sometimes you’ll find your data doesn’t line up, or that you misinterpreted a key piece of evidence. This is the right time to fix the “big picture” mistakes and rewrite any longer sections as needed. 

If you’re unfamiliar with what to look for when editing, you can read our previous guide with some more advanced self-editing tips . 

7 Proofread and check for mistakes

Last, it pays to go over your report one final time, just to optimize your wording and check for grammatical or spelling mistakes. In the previous step you checked for “big picture” mistakes, but here you’re looking for specific, even nitpicky problems. 

A writing assistant like Grammarly flags those issues for you. Grammarly’s free version points out any spelling and grammatical mistakes while you write, with suggestions to improve your writing that you can apply with just one click. The Premium version offers even more advanced features, such as tone adjustments and word choice recommendations for taking your writing to the next level. 

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Report Introduction: Review Examples and Complete Guide

Are you working on a report and struggling to write an engaging introduction? Do you want to know how to hook your readers and make them want to read your entire report? In this step-by-step guide, we'll teach you how to write a report introduction that will get your readers excited about what's to come. It is a skill; mastering it can be the difference between a good and bad report.

To better understand the concept of report introduction writing, visit the following link;

What is a Report?

A report is an academic document that contains data or findings from an investigation. Reports are usually used to communicate the results of a business project, scientific study, or research effort. Reports typically include a section of the executive summary, followed by sections that provide more detailed information.

The length and format of a report vary depending on its purpose and audience. For example, an annual report for shareholders will be very different from a scientific one. Ultimately, the goal of any report is to provide clear and concise information about a particular subject.

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Structure of a Report

The structure of a report is very important in report writing conventions. The structure of a report is as follows.

1. Introduction

The introduction is the first section of a report and sets the tone for the rest of the document. The main objective of an introduction is to introduce your topic and get your readers interested in what you have to say.

2. Executive Summary

The executive summary is a short, concise overview of the findings or conclusions presented in a report. It's typically one or two paragraphs long and should be written last.

The body of a report contains all the detailed information about your topic. It can be divided into subsections if needed.

4. Conclusion

The conclusion wraps up the information presented in the body of the report and offers some final thoughts on the subject matter.

5. Appendices

Appendices are optional sections that contain additional information related to your topics, such as charts, graphs, tables, images, or data sets.

Role of Introduction in a Report

The purpose of an introduction in an academic report is to offer a clear, concise overview of the main points the report will address.

The introduction of a report is critical as it sets the stage for the rest of the report and provides your readers with a framework to understand your findings.

It is important to remember that the introduction is not meant to be exhaustive; instead, its goal is to give the reader a basic understanding of what the report will cover.

It should state the overall purpose or goals of the report. It must provide a brief overview of the methods used to gather information and data for the report. Finally, the introduction should briefly touch on the key findings or takeaways from the report. By including these elements, you can ensure that your readers clearly understand your report's core.

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Characteristics of a well-written report introduction.

Components of a Well-Written Introduction

There are three parts to a well-written introduction:

The hook grabs the reader's attention with a brief report overview. The transition briefly explains how the hook relates to the rest of the report. The scope statement clearly and concisely states the report's leading authority.

Here's how to craft various parts of the introduction:

1. The Hook

The first part of a well-written introduction is the hook. The hook grabs the reader's attention and gives them a reason to keep reading. It can be a crucial statistic, important background information, and an overview of the topic in consideration.

2. The Transition

The second part of a well-written introduction is the transition. The transition connects the hook to the purpose of the report. In this part, write about what to expect from the report.

3. The Scope

A well-written introduction's third and final part describes the report's scope. You should briefly discuss the data collection methods, analysis, and results of the report.

Steps of writing a Report Introduction

Step 1: Introduce the Topic of the Report

Present your report's topic and explain it briefly to familiarize the reader with the topic of the report. The concise way to introduce it is by explaining the background of the title and elaborating on the outcome.

Step 2. Summarize the Main Points Covered in the Report

In the second step, provide a summary of your key points, sections, results, and discussions of the report.

Step 3. State the Purpose of the Report

Step 3 should describe the aim and purpose of your report. Use concise language and expressive verbs. Avoid jargon, ambiguities, and technical complexities early in your report.

Step 4. Preview the Main Findings of the Report

In the final step of your report introduction, tell your readers what results you gained and what are the report's primary findings.

Template of the Report Introduction

You can follow this template to craft a concise and crisp introduction to your report.

"The purpose of this report is to (explain what the report will be about). This report will (give an overview of what the report will cover). The methodology used in this report is (explain how the report was created). The findings of this report are based on (describe what the report found). This report concludes with (give a summary of the report's conclusions)."

To conclude, writing a report introduction can make or break your complete report analysis. Therefore, the said recommendations must be followed to stand out in your report writing. 

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Introductions

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Basic Components

The introduction to your assignment is likely to require some of the following basic components. Note that the guidance below is particularly relevant to essays . Other types of assignment may include some but not all of these elements, or additional ones.

You may also need a brief definition of your terms. However, if the definitions are more complex or contested, you probably need a separate section after the introduction. See the page on definitions for an example: Definitions

It is advisable to write or edit your introduction last (not first), to make sure it matches the assignment you have written. If you prefer to draft your introduction first (e.g. as bullet points initially), be aware that you may choose to change it later. 

Example Introduction

Here is an example of the introduction from a report produced for a Masters module:

Underlying this report is the assumption that organisations, and the individuals within them, hold the intention to do their job well, and, if possible, to do their job better, within the context of their particular situation, abilities and priorities. Creating and developing coaching relationships within the organisation can be described as one form of an attempt to move in this direction. Accordingly, this report analyses the potential for an increase in coaching practice within one particular organisation. It will be suggested that coaching might usefully be incorporated into certain areas of the organisation. Coaching within organisations, for the purpose of this report, is taken to refer to a particular type of intentional conversation. This conversation may contribute to the development of the coachee while potentially enhancing the individual's work within the organisation (as discussed by Boyatzis, Smith and Blaize, 2006). The report will first consider a more nuanced definition of coaching, along with an outline of current themes in the way coaching is discussed in the literature. This is followed by an explanation and justification of taking a psychoanalytically informed approach to an analysis of coaching within organisations (Arnaud, 2003). After that, the specific organisational context of the [XYZ workplace] will be analysed, together with an assessment of the need for coaching within this organisation, and an evaluation of the existing potential to facilitate such conversations. At the same time, a brief strategy and implementation plan that details how these needs could be met will be presented. 

Source: Blackwell, J. (2013) Advancing coaching and mentoring in and across organisational contexts. Organisational Report. UCL Institute of Education: Unpublished MA Assignment.

Below, the elements of the example introduction are analysed in more detail:

Underlying this report is the assumption that organisations, and the individuals within them, hold the intention to do their job well, and, if possible, to do their job better, within the context of their particular situation, abilities and priorities. Creating and developing coaching relationships within the organisation can be described as one form of an attempt to move in this direction.

These two statements set out the importance of the topic. The way this is done, and the information which is needed, will vary depending on the topic. Please remember that this is only one example.

Accordingly, this report analyses the potential for an increase in coaching practice within one particular organisation. 

This sentence states the aim of the assignment, in the context of the abovementioned importance (Accordingly...). It also restates the assignment title/task.

It will be suggested that coaching might usefully be incorporated into certain areas of the organisation.

This is the thesis statement.

Coaching within organisations, for the purpose of this report, is taken to refer to a particular type of intentional conversation. This conversation may contribute to the development of the coachee while potentially enhancing the individual's work within the organisation (as discussed by Boyatzis, Smith and Blaize, 2006).

Here we have a brief definition of the key term, for the purpose of this assignment.

The report will first consider a more nuanced definition of coaching, along with an outline of current themes in the way coaching is discussed in the literature. This is followed by an explanation and justification of taking a psychoanalytically informed approach to an analysis of coaching within organisations (Arnaud, 2003). After that , the specific organisational context of the [XYZ workplace] will be analysed, together with an assessment of the need for coaching within this organisation, and an evaluation of the existing potential to facilitate such conversations. At the same time , a brief strategy and implementation plan that details how these needs could be met will be presented.

This final section provides the outline/structure/organisation, so that the reader knows what to expect.

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Report Writing Format with Templates and Sample Report

Report Writing Format with Templates and Sample Report

Written by: Orana Velarde

An illustration of a woman at a desk working on a report on her computer.

There are many types of reports – sales reports, marketing reports, school reports, social media reports and more. 

But no matter which type of report you have to write, it must follow the correct report writing format. With the right format, your report will be easy to read and understand.

First of all, a report is unlike an essay, blog post or journalistic article. The main idea of a report is to present facts about a specific topic, situation, or event. 

It’s not about supporting ideas or hypotheses. The information must be presented in a clear and concise way — that’s why the proper report writing format is essential.

Just as there are different types of reports, there are also different ways to deliver them. Reports can be printed documents, interactive slide decks or even a visual infographic .

Follow the format in this article independently of your report’s visual composition. The content should be set up the same way for any format you choose.

Once you’ve written your report, log into your Visme dashboard and find the perfect report template for your needs. Input your written content, create data visualizations and create a report that won’t bore your audience.

Here's a short selection of 6 easy-to-edit report templates you can edit, share and download with Visme. View more templates below:

how to write a report introduction examples

Table of Contents

6 types of reports, the ultimate report writing format, top report writing tips, sample report in standard report writing format.

There are a selection of different reports you might need to create. Each of these will follow a similar reporting writing format to what we've covering in this post.

1. Annual Reports

The first type of report we'll cover is an annual report . This will typically round up a business's year of progress and performance to let supervisors and team members know how the company did.

It can include anything from website analytics to sales profits, depending on who the report is meant for.

A yellow and black annual report template available in Visme.

2. Weekly Reports

One report that is helpful to provide your team is a weekly report based on your progress in various projects and goals. This can be a simple one-pager, or a more in-depth report with specific updates.

A blue and green weekly report template available in Visme.

3. Project Reports

Keep clients and team members up-to-date on the status of various projects you're working on by providing them with a project report. This can include a timeline of your report progress and the deadline for each segment to keep everyone on the same page.

A yellow and grey project status report template available in Visme.

4. Sales/Marketing Reports

It's essential to keep your team updated on how your sales and/or marketing strategies are going. Put together graphs showing profit margins, increases in engagement and more.

These types of reports are also a great way to determine whether your strategies are working or if they need some tweaking in the future.

A yellow yellow and blue sales report template available in Visme.

5. Research Report

Sometimes if you need to do some in-depth research, the best way to present that information is with a research report. Whether it's scientific findings, data and statistics from a study, etc., a research report is a great way to share your results.

A blue and white "state of" research report template available in Visme.

6. Academic Report

An academic report is one created for a class, often in graduate or undergraduate university. This follows a formal writing style and dives into a topic related to the student's academic studies.

A seminar presentation template available in Visme.

Now we're getting to the good part — the ultimate report writing format. While this may vary based on the data and information you pull, following along with this format is always going to be a great way to start off any report.

It goes a little something like this:

Each of these eight elements ensures that you leave no stone unturned and that your reader knows exactly what they're learning in your report and how you gathered this information.

Your next step is to get started with an outline. At each point of the outline, use one or two sentences to describe what will go in there. It doesn’t need to say much, just an idea for you to follow later. Input some design ideas for the overall design as well.

For example, in the Table of Contents section, simply add that you want it to only cover one page or slide, make a note if you’d like to add the pages for only the main sections or maybe also the subsections. 

In the Appendices section, list all the links to the sources you used and add on as you do more research. Every source you reference in your report must be listed here.

The most important part of your outline is the Body section. In there, create an internal outline of sections and subsections that you can follow later when writing.

An illustration of a sheet of paper with a report outline written on it.

After you’ve drafted the outline, it’s time to put together all of the content into the report. The outline we provided above is the only report writing format you’ll ever need. You can add sections if needed but don’t take any away.

Let’s take a look at every section in detail. 

The title page of a report.

Customize this report template and make it your own! Edit and Download

The title of your report should be clear in its wording. It must say exactly what the report is about. Remember that this isn’t a novel. Include a subtitle if necessary, making sure the font size of each subtitle is smaller than the title.

In terms of design , your title can be designed as an inviting cover page. There needs to be a clear hierarchy in how the title looks.

On your title or cover page , be sure to include the following:

The table of contents in a report.

Always leave the Table of Contents page until the end. After all, you can’t write a table of contents if you don’t know all of your page numbers yet. 

However, if your Body outline already has each of your section and subsection titles defined, you can add those to the contents and leave the numbering for later.

Having a Table of Content pages makes it easy for your readers to find the information they're most interested in quickly and easily, improving overall readability. So you absolutely do not want to skip this step.

The summary page of a report.

Likewise, the summary (also known as the abstract) of the report is best done after you’ve finished writing the report. You can draft a summary at the beginning to help you continue with the work, but you’ll definitely want to revisit it at the end.

A summary is a blurb of the entire report . It must include the purpose, the process and a snippet of the resolution. This should be no longer than a single paragraph or two.

Introduction

The introductory page of a report.

In the introduction, state what the report is about and why it has been created. Depending on the length of your report , the introduction could range from one single paragraph to an entire page long. 

For example, one paragraph is enough for a social media report introduction while an entire page would be more suitable for an annual report .

Take this time to introduce why your topic is so important, especially if it's a research report. You need to focus on why your readers should care about what you have uncovered.

Three body pages of a report sharing the research findings.

The body of your report is where all the information is put together and will be the longest section of your report. This will likely span several (anywhere from 5-50) pages. Follow your initial outline to maintain consistent flow in the content creation. Write the body content as sections and subsections.

Furthermore, use bullet points and data visualization as visual cues . These will help your audience to better understand the content of your report. 

Check out this video from Visme for some tips on visualizing all that data!

how to write a report introduction examples

Close your report with a well-crafted conclusion . Formulate it as a brief summary of what was covered within the report, and be sure to include a mention to the recommendations section and the resources in the appendix.

This section should never bring new information to the table — instead, it should simply summarize all of the findings you've already mentioned into one concise final section.

Recommendations

The recommendations page of a report.

Craft the recommendations section as a set of actionable steps with smart goals associated along with possible solutions. This section is irrelevant for school reports or book reports, but is essential in a business setting. 

The appendices section of a report.

This is the section where you list all your sources if it’s a research report. You should also add any links that are relevant to the report — or previous reports about the same topic. 

You could even link an interactive version of the report you just created with Visme. Visme allows you to create interactive and animated documents that can be published to the web with a single click, offering a new dimension to your report.

A good rule of thumb when creating your appendices is to only add information that is relevant to the report or that you referenced when writing your report. Use reference annotations inside the report to link to the content in the appendix.

The report content used in this sample report design can be found here .

An infographic sharing six of our report writing tips.

Looking to create a stand-out visual report?

Following a report writing format is only one part of the process. You also need to be conscious of how you put the written content and the visuals together. 

Here are some tips from the Visme team to help you make amazing reports.

Click through the image below to use this customizable template to create your report. It follows the standard report writing format so you won’t get confused or miss a section.

A blue, teal and pink research report template available in Visme.

Over to You

Hopefully, this post has helped you to better understand the best way to put together a report. Following a standard report writing format is just what you need to create engaging, memorable reports . Follow the tips above and you’ll never make a boring report again.

Just how following a report writing format will help you create a better report, a Visme subscription will help you create a full suite of visual content.

Design beautiful visual content you can be proud of.

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About the Author

Orana is a multi-faceted creative. She is a content writer, artist, and designer. She travels the world with her family and is currently in Istanbul. Find out more about her work at oranavelarde.com

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Writing Studio

Writing a Lab Report: Introduction and Discussion Section Guide

In an effort to make our handouts more accessible, we have begun converting our PDF handouts to web pages. Download this page as a PDF:   Writing a Lab Report Return to Writing Studio Handouts

Part 1 (of 2): Introducing a Lab Report

The introduction of a lab report states the objective of the experiment and provides the reader with background information. State the topic of your report clearly and concisely (in one or two sentences). Provide background theory, previous research, or formulas the reader should know. Usually, an instructor does not want you to repeat whatever the lab manual says, but to show your understanding of the problem.

Questions an Effective Lab Report Introduction Should Answer

What is the problem.

Describe the problem investigated. Summarize relevant research to provide context, key terms, and concepts so that your reader can understand the experiment.

Why is it important?

Review relevant research to provide a rationale for the investigation. What conflict, unanswered question, untested population, or untried method in existing research does your experiment address? How will you challenge or extend the findings of other researchers?

What solution (or step toward a solution) do you propose?

Briefly describe your experiment : hypothesis , research question , general experimental design or method , and a justification of your method (if alternatives exist).

Tips on Composing Your Lab Report’s Introduction

Part 2 (of 2): Writing the “Discussion” Section of a Lab Report

The discussion is the most important part of your lab report, because here you show that you have not merely completed the experiment, but that you also understand its wider implications. The discussion section is reserved for putting experimental results in the context of the larger theory. Ask yourself: “What is the significance or meaning of the results?”

Elements of an Effective Discussion Section

What do the results indicate clearly? Based on your results, explain what you know with certainty and draw conclusions.

Interpretation

What is the significance of your results? What ambiguities exist? What are logical explanations for problems in the data? What questions might you raise about the methods used or the validity of the experiment? What can be logically deduced from your analysis?

Tips on the Discussion Section

1. explain your results in terms of theoretical issues..

How well has the theory been illustrated? What are the theoretical implications and practical applications of your results?

For each major result:

2. Relate results to your experimental objective(s).

If you set out to identify an unknown metal by finding its lattice parameter and its atomic structure, be sure that you have identified the metal and its attributes.

3. Compare expected results with those obtained.

If there were differences, how can you account for them? Were the instruments able to measure precisely? Was the sample contaminated? Did calculated values take account of friction?

4. Analyze experimental error along with the strengths and limitations of the experiment’s design.

Were any errors avoidable? Were they the result of equipment?  If the flaws resulted from the experiment design, explain how the design might be improved. Consider, as well, the precision of the instruments that were used.

5. Compare your results to similar investigations.

In some cases, it is legitimate to compare outcomes with classmates, not in order to change your answer, but in order to look for and to account for or analyze any anomalies between the groups. Also, consider comparing your results to published scientific literature on the topic.

The “Introducing a Lab Report” guide was adapted from the University of Toronto Engineering Communications Centre and University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center.

The “Writing the Discussion Section of a Lab Report” resource was adapted from the University of Toronto Engineering Communications Centre and University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center.

Last revised: 07/2008 | Adapted for web delivery: 02/2021

In order to access certain content on this page, you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader or an equivalent PDF viewer software.

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How to write an introduction for a report.

Some would characterize it as a guidebook of a report, some would say that an introduction is a map of a report and even some define it as a list of information that is presented throughout the report. Whatever you would say it, but the properties of an introduction remain the same.

It must significantly present the purpose of a report, consist of important information and terms and shed light on the finding of the report. It requires many efforts to make it a perfect. This is why many students find difficulties while writing an introduction of report writing.

How to write an introduction for a report

You may also encounter with the same situation, staring at the ceiling for long hours or looking at the computer screen but nothing worth coming in mind to nail down a perfect introduction of your report paper.

For such situations, Essay writers at singaporeassignmenthelp.com have proposed some simplest tips that will make the introduction of report easier.

Before we move on how to write an introduction of a report, let’s first discuss what report is?

What is a report?

A report is a self-explanatory paper that provides information about a specific event or subject. It is a summary of a finding and recommendation about a particular problem or issue arises in a specific subject or event.

Reports writing assignments are given to the students to assess what they have from books and coursework and to enhance their skills which will be helpful in the future at the workplace.

Catch your reader’s attention with an impressive report introduction paragraph:

An introduction is work as a starter of your meal. Throughout the introduction of the report, writer tries to present the information in such a way that will give a perfect overview of the report.

Start the report paper with an engaging and alarming style of language to grab the reader’s attention.

Tips to write a perfect report writing introduction:

Some students believe in writing with a hook sentence or quotation. While others think that normal breakdown is a more effective way to write an introduction.

If you feeling problem in composing an introduction to a report paper then follow the below tips as the research report introduction example. Here are the top 5 tips to understand How to Write a Report Writing introduction.

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Give an overview of the arguments you going to present in body part:.

After presenting the thesis statement, you need to define how you going to establish the arguments without explaining them deeply. To make it more intriguing present some figures and data in it.

Write down the introduction of a report: 

Once you have understood everything, write down the introduction of the report paper. Start the introduction part with a broad and general statement, a ‘hook statement’ and gradually narrow it down to a powerful thesis statement. If you don’t know how to write an introduction for a project report, here is the structure to write a report introduction:

Above presented is a guideline to write an introduction of a report writing. This is a general way to write an introduction but remember there is no hard and fast rule to write an introduction of the report. You have to fulfill all requirements of the report and modify the structure accordingly.

Bonus Tips for report introduction writing 

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Create a rough draft of the introduction and edit it at the end of the final design..

Now you have well-understood how to write an effective introduction of the report assignment. In case you face any further trouble while writing an introduction, seek help from expert academic writers at singaporeassignmenthelp.com.

Still having a problem crafting an impressive report introduction? Singaporeassignmenthelp.com here is here with a perfect solution:

If you are still confused to write an introduction part of the report paper then put your worries aside with the help of Custom Assignment Writing services at singaporeassignmenthelp.com. We have provided many sample report introduction example to the students. We have over 3000+ writers in our team selected from various disciplines introduction of project report sample. They are working hard to provide superior quality report writing help to Singaporean students. Thus, they ensure the 100% original assignment paper that will enable you higher academic grades.

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Research Paper Writing Guide

Homework writing tips, how to guides, research topics, essay writing guide.

How to Write an Essay in APA Format

Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology.

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how to write a report introduction examples

What Is APA Format?

Apa essay format basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your instructor has asked you to write an APA format essay, it might at first seem like a daunting task, especially if you are accustomed to using another style such as MLA or Chicago. But you can master the rules of APA essay format, too.

An essay is one type of paper that can be written in APA format; others include lab reports, experimental reports, and case studies. Before you begin, familiarize yourself with some of the basic guidelines for writing a paper in APA format. Of course, it will also be important to follow any other formatting instructions that are part of your assignment.

How do you write an essay in APA format? The basic elements you need to include are:

This article discusses how to write an essay in APA format, including the basic steps you should follow and tips for how to get started.

Whether you’re taking an introductory or graduate-level psychology class, chances are strong that you will have to write at least one paper during the course of the semester. In almost every case, you will need to write your paper in APA format, the official publication style of the American Psychological Association . It is also used for academic journals.

Such rules are generally the same whether you are writing a high school essay, college essay, or professional essay for publication.

APA format is used in a range of disciplines including psychology , education, and other social sciences. The format dictates presentation elements of your paper including spacing, margins, and how the content is structured.

Most instructors and publication editors have strict guidelines when it comes to how your format your writing. Not only does adhering to APA format allow readers to know what to expect from your paper, but it also means that your work will not lose critical points over minor formatting errors. 

While the formatting requirements for your paper might vary depending on your instructor's directions, writing APA essay format means you will most likely need to include a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and reference sections.

Your APA format essay should have a title page . This title page should include the title of your paper, your name, and your school affiliation. In some instances, your teacher might require additional information such as the course title, instructor name, and the date.

An abstract is a brief summary of your paper that immediately follows the title page. It is not required for student papers, according to APA style. However, your instructor may request one.

If you include an abstract , it should be no more than 100 to 200 words, although this may vary depending upon the instructor requirements.

Your essay should also include a reference list with all of the sources that were cited in your essay,

When writing in APA essay format, the text will include the actual essay itself: The introduction, body, and conclusion.

For professional papers (usually not student papers), every page of the essay also includes a running head at the top left. The running head is a shortened form of the title, often the first few words, and should be no more than 50 characters (including spaces).

Steps to a Successful APA Format Essay

In addition to ensuring that you cite your sources properly and present information according to the rules of APA style, there are a number of things you can do to make the writing process a little bit easier.

Choose a Topic

Start by choosing a good topic to write about. Ideally, you want to select a subject that is specific enough to let you fully research and explore the topic, but not so specific that you have a hard time finding sources of information.

If you choose something too specific, you may find yourself with not enough to write about. If you choose something too general, you might find yourself overwhelmed with information.

Research Your Topic

Start doing research as early as possible. Begin by looking at some basic books and articles on your topic to help develop it further. What is the question you are going to answer with your essay? What approach will you take to the topic?

Once you are more familiar with the subject, create a preliminary source list of potential books, articles, essays, and studies that you may end up using in your essay.

Remember, any source used in your essay must be included in your reference section. Conversely, any source listed in your references must be cited somewhere in the body of your paper.

Write Your Rough Draft

With research in hand, you are ready to begin. Some people like to create an outline to organize their argument prior to drafting. You may want to start with a very rough outline, and then add details.

Once you have a detailed outline, the next step is to translate it from notes to complete sentences and paragraphs. Remember, this is a first draft. It doesn't have to be perfect.

As you write your paper in APA essay format, be sure to keep careful track of the sources that you cite.

How do you start an APA paper? Your paper should begin with an introduction that includes a thesis statement that presents your main ideas, points, or arguments. Your introduction should start on the third page of your paper (after the title page and abstract). The title of your paper should be centered, bolded, and typed in title case at the top of the page.

Review and Revise

After you have prepared a rough draft of your essay, it's time to revise, review, and prepare your final draft. In addition to making sure that your writing is cohesive and supported by your sources, you should also check carefully for typos, grammar errors, and possible formatting mistakes.

When citing information or quotations taken from an interview, APA format requires that you cite the source, how the information was collected, and the date of the interview. They should not be included in the reference section, however, because they are not something that can be located by a reader in any published source or searchable database.

Instead, the information should be cited parenthetically in the main body of the text. For example: “There was an increase in the number of college students who screened positive for depression/anxiety” (R. Heathfield, personal communication, May 9, 2021).

If the essay is in a chapter of a book, edited collection, or anthology, APA format states that you should cite the last name, first name, title of essay, title of collection, publisher, year, and page range. For example: Smith, John, "The Light House," A Book of Poems , editing by Peter Roberts, Allworth Press, 2005, pp. 20-25.

According to APA format, a two-part essay is formatted the same as an essay, however, you'll need to create two title pages.

If you're including a short direct quote in your APA-format essay, you will need to cite the author, year of publication, and page number (p.) or page number span (pp.). Quotations longer than 40 words should omit the quotation marks and be put in the text using block quotation formatting, on its own line and indented 1/2 inch from the left margin.

The cover page or "title page" in APA essay format should always include the title of your paper, your name, and school affiliation as well as the course title, instructor name, and date, if requested by your teacher.

Nagda S.  How to write a scientific abstract.   J Indian Prosthodont Soc.  2013;13(3):382-383. doi:10.1007/s13191-013-0299-x

American Psychological Association.  Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association  (7th ed.). Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2019.

By Kendra Cherry Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology.

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How to write an introduction for a lab report

how to write a report introduction examples

Lab reports are an essential part of any scientific study. They allow other scientists to understand the methods and results of your experiment, and they can also be used to assess your skills as a scientist. In this blog post, we will discuss how to write an introduction for a lab report. We will provide tips and tricks that will help you write an attention-grabbing introduction that will set the tone for the rest of your report!

How to Write an Introduction for a Lab Report

Below are 6 steps in writing a great lab report introduction section:

1. Introducing the Topic of the Lab Report

The first step in writing an introduction for a lab report is to introduce the topic of the report. This should be a brief overview of the experiment that was conducted, and it should include information about the purpose of the lab report. It is important to be concise and avoid providing too much detail at this point.

2. Describing the Purpose of the Lab Report

The second step in writing an introduction for a lab report is to describe the purpose of the report. This should include information about what you were trying to accomplish with the experiment and why it was important to conduct the lab. Again, be concise and avoid providing too much detail at this point.

3. Describing the Methods Used in the Lab Report

The third step in writing an introduction for a lab report is to describe the methods used in the experiment. This should include information about the materials and equipment that were used, as well as the steps that were taken to complete the lab. It is important to be clear and concise and to avoid providing unnecessary detail.

4. Summarizing the Results of the Lab Report

The fourth step in writing an introduction is to summarize the results of the experiment. This should include a brief overview of the data that was collected during the lab, as well as a description of any significant findings. Remember to be concise and to avoid providing unnecessary detail.

5. Discussing the Significance of the Results

The fifth step in writing an introduction for a lab report is to discuss the significance of the results. This should include a discussion of what the data from the experiment means, and it should explain why the findings are important. Remember to be clear and concise, and to avoid providing too much detail.

6. Concluding with a Brief Summary of the Lab Report

The sixth and final step in writing an introduction for a lab report is to conclude with a summary of the experiment. This should include a recap of the main findings from the lab, as well as a discussion of any implications that the findings have. Remember to be concise and to avoid providing unnecessary detail.

The six steps that we outlined above will help you write an introduction for a lab report that is clear, concise, and informative. By following these tips, you can ensure that your readers will have a strong understanding of the methods and results of your experiment!

Lab Report Introduction Examples

Now that we have discussed how to write an introduction for a lab report, let’s take a look at some introduction paragraph examples.

The purpose of this lab was to investigate the effects of light on photosynthesis. The hypothesis was that exposing plants to light will increase the rate of photosynthesis.

The results of the experiment showed that exposing plants to light does increase the rate of photosynthesis.

The purpose of this lab was to determine the concentration of sucrose in a solution. The hypothesis was that the sucrose concentration would be greater in the solutions with higher glucose concentrations.

The results of the experiment indicated that the sucrose concentration was greater in the solutions with higher glucose concentrations.

The purpose of this lab was to study the effects of temperature on enzyme activity. The hypothesis was that the enzyme would be more active at a higher temperature.

The results of the experiment showed that the enzyme was more active at a higher temperature.

The purpose of this lab was to study the effects of pH on enzyme activity. The hypothesis was that the enzyme would be more active at a higher pH.

The results of the experiment showed that the enzyme was more active at a higher pH.

The purpose of this lab was to study the effects of substrate concentration on enzyme activity. The hypothesis was that the enzyme would be more active with a higher substrate concentration.

The results of the experiment showed that the enzyme was more active with a higher substrate concentration.

The purpose of this lab was to study the effects of temperature on yeast growth. The hypothesis was that the yeast would grow faster at a higher temperature.

The results of the experiment showed that the yeast grew faster at a higher temperature.

Lab report introduction writing help

If you are struggling with introduction writing, don’t worry! There are many biology tutors available to help you write a strong introduction for your lab report. You can find an online biology tutor by filling in this question form online ! You can also ask someone to write my lab report for me to get help with this section of the lab report.

In conclusion, by following the six steps that we outlined above, you can write a lab report introduction without much struggle. By summarizing the results of your experiment and discussing the significance of your findings, you can ensure that your readers will have a strong understanding of the methods and results of your experiment!

How to write preface for project report

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Writing a Research Paper Introduction | Step-by-Step Guide

Published on September 24, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on November 29, 2022.

The introduction to a research paper is where you set up your topic and approach for the reader. It has several key goals:

The introduction looks slightly different depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or constructs an argument by engaging with a variety of sources.

Table of contents

Step 1: introduce your topic, step 2: describe the background, step 3: establish your research problem, step 4: specify your objective(s), step 5: map out your paper, research paper introduction examples, frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.

The first job of the introduction is to tell the reader what your topic is and why it’s interesting or important. This is generally accomplished with a strong opening hook.

The hook is a striking opening sentence that clearly conveys the relevance of your topic. Think of an interesting fact or statistic, a strong statement, a question, or a brief anecdote that will get the reader wondering about your topic.

For example, the following could be an effective hook for an argumentative paper about the environmental impact of cattle farming:

A more empirical paper investigating the relationship of Instagram use with body image issues in adolescent girls might use the following hook:

Don’t feel that your hook necessarily has to be deeply impressive or creative. Clarity and relevance are still more important than catchiness. The key thing is to guide the reader into your topic and situate your ideas.

This part of the introduction differs depending on what approach your paper is taking.

In a more argumentative paper, you’ll explore some general background here. In a more empirical paper, this is the place to review previous research and establish how yours fits in.

Argumentative paper: Background information

After you’ve caught your reader’s attention, specify a bit more, providing context and narrowing down your topic.

Provide only the most relevant background information. The introduction isn’t the place to get too in-depth; if more background is essential to your paper, it can appear in the body .

Empirical paper: Describing previous research

For a paper describing original research, you’ll instead provide an overview of the most relevant research that has already been conducted. This is a sort of miniature literature review —a sketch of the current state of research into your topic, boiled down to a few sentences.

This should be informed by genuine engagement with the literature. Your search can be less extensive than in a full literature review, but a clear sense of the relevant research is crucial to inform your own work.

Begin by establishing the kinds of research that have been done, and end with limitations or gaps in the research that you intend to respond to.

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The next step is to clarify how your own research fits in and what problem it addresses.

Argumentative paper: Emphasize importance

In an argumentative research paper, you can simply state the problem you intend to discuss, and what is original or important about your argument.

Empirical paper: Relate to the literature

In an empirical research paper, try to lead into the problem on the basis of your discussion of the literature. Think in terms of these questions:

You can make the connection between your problem and the existing research using phrases like the following.

Now you’ll get into the specifics of what you intend to find out or express in your research paper.

The way you frame your research objectives varies. An argumentative paper presents a thesis statement, while an empirical paper generally poses a research question (sometimes with a hypothesis as to the answer).

Argumentative paper: Thesis statement

The thesis statement expresses the position that the rest of the paper will present evidence and arguments for. It can be presented in one or two sentences, and should state your position clearly and directly, without providing specific arguments for it at this point.

Empirical paper: Research question and hypothesis

The research question is the question you want to answer in an empirical research paper.

Present your research question clearly and directly, with a minimum of discussion at this point. The rest of the paper will be taken up with discussing and investigating this question; here you just need to express it.

A research question can be framed either directly or indirectly.

If your research involved testing hypotheses , these should be stated along with your research question. They are usually presented in the past tense, since the hypothesis will already have been tested by the time you are writing up your paper.

For example, the following hypothesis might respond to the research question above:

The final part of the introduction is often dedicated to a brief overview of the rest of the paper.

In a paper structured using the standard scientific “introduction, methods, results, discussion” format, this isn’t always necessary. But if your paper is structured in a less predictable way, it’s important to describe the shape of it for the reader.

If included, the overview should be concise, direct, and written in the present tense.

Full examples of research paper introductions are shown in the tabs below: one for an argumentative paper, the other for an empirical paper.

Are cows responsible for climate change? A recent study (RIVM, 2019) shows that cattle farmers account for two thirds of agricultural nitrogen emissions in the Netherlands. These emissions result from nitrogen in manure, which can degrade into ammonia and enter the atmosphere. The study’s calculations show that agriculture is the main source of nitrogen pollution, accounting for 46% of the country’s total emissions. By comparison, road traffic and households are responsible for 6.1% each, the industrial sector for 1%. While efforts are being made to mitigate these emissions, policymakers are reluctant to reckon with the scale of the problem. The approach presented here is a radical one, but commensurate with the issue. This paper argues that the Dutch government must stimulate and subsidize livestock farmers, especially cattle farmers, to transition to sustainable vegetable farming. It first establishes the inadequacy of current mitigation measures, then discusses the various advantages of the results proposed, and finally addresses potential objections to the plan on economic grounds.

The rise of social media has been accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of body image issues among women and girls. This correlation has received significant academic attention: Various empirical studies have been conducted into Facebook usage among adolescent girls (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013; Meier & Gray, 2014). These studies have consistently found that the visual and interactive aspects of the platform have the greatest influence on body image issues. Despite this, highly visual social media (HVSM) such as Instagram have yet to be robustly researched. This paper sets out to address this research gap. We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls. It was hypothesized that daily Instagram use would be associated with an increase in body image concerns and a decrease in self-esteem ratings.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

and your problem statement

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

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How to Write a Survey Introduction [+Examples]

Published: August 25, 2021

Writing a survey introduction probably isn't something you think about very often. That is until you're looking at the first screen of your almost finalized survey thinking "I should put something here. But what?"

Customer takes a customer service survey

While a potentially overlooked piece of the survey creation process, a good survey introduction is critical to improving survey completion rates and ensuring that the responses you receive are accurate. Taking the time to think about what information to include in your introduction can have a big impact on the success of your survey.

→ Free Download: 5 Customer Survey Templates [Access Now]

What is a Survey Introduction?

A survey introduction is the block of text that precedes the questions of your survey. It might be included at the top of an email requesting feedback or be the first slide in a series of questions. The survey introduction serves to set the stage for what the survey is, why the recipient should take the time to complete it, and what you're going to do with the information you collect. It should be compelling, informative, and reassuring.

How to Write a Survey Introduction

Start by thinking about the purpose of this survey. Who will be taking the survey? What information do you need for the project to be successful? Distill this information down into a sentence or two for your audience. Some examples may include:

Secondly, follow up with any logistical information they need to know about the survey. How many questions is it? When does the survey end? Who should they contact if they have additional questions? This might sound something like:

Finally, reassure the survey participants that their data is safe, and offer any information about how the survey data will be used:

No matter what you include in your survey introduction, make sure to keep it concise and as short as possible. Too long, and you risk readers dropping off and not completing your survey. It's also important to keep your survey messaging on-brand. If you typically use a brand voice that's quite corporate, switching to a conversational tone in your survey introduction will feel out of place. It might even make some readers question if the survey is truly coming from your company - causing distrust in its authenticity.

Finally, thank your respondents for their time. Even if their responses are negative, the fact that they're engaging with your survey is a great indicator of their loyalty . Customers will not take the time to provide feedback to companies they don't care about. Here are some phrases you can use to show your appreciation:

Want to make sure you've got it all covered? Save this checklist of the most important aspects to include in the survey introduction:

Good Survey Introduction Examples

These survey introductions hit all the right notes. Read on for inspiration and additional tricks on how to write your own!

1. Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA)

survey introduction example: SORCA

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Research Prospect

how to write an academic report: Examples and tips

how to write an academic report: Examples and tips

Writing a report should be concise and to the point. It should also be relevant to the topic. Make sure to check your work with someone and read it aloud. Proofreading is also important because computer programs cannot catch every mistake. You may even want to wait a day before you read it to make sure that it is error-free. Keep in mind that an academic report differs from a business or technical report.

Avoiding the present tense

While the present tense is commonly used in academic writing, it isn’t always necessary. When anyone tells you about writing how to write an academic report , you can switch the tense within the same sentence or paragraph when you shift from general statements to more specific examples based on research. Other times, it’s appropriate to use the present tense when you write about a particular event that has changed over time.

The best time to use either tense is determined by the context in which you’re writing. While both are acceptable, you’ll want to ensure that your reader knows when you made your findings. In most cases, the present tense will mean that you’re writing about the time you did the research, while the past tense can be interpreted in different ways.

Introducing your topic

The introduction is the first section of your paper, and it should capture the reader’s interest and make them want to read the rest of your paper. You can do this by opening with a compelling story, question, or example that shows why your topic is important. The hook should also establish the relevance of your paper in the wider context.

The introduction should also have a thesis statement, which should explain your research paper’s topic and point of view. This statement will guide the organization of your essay. A strong thesis statement is specific, clear, and able to be proved.

Stating your thesis statement

Your thesis statement should be clear and concise. It should be able to persuade others while laying out your strong opinions. It should also contain an argument. For example, you could argue that the government should ban 4×4 pickup trucks. Or, you might argue that the amount of foul language in movies is disproportionate to the amount of it in real life.

A strong thesis statement contradicts a commonly held viewpoint. It is not too complex to explain over the course of the paper. It should also express a single main idea.

Putting together an outline before writing your report

Putting together an outline is a great way to organize your paper. Outline the content that you will cover and how you plan to support your main point. You can use a list format or alpha-numeric format to organize your outline. Regardless of the format, your outline should have a parallel structure and include the same types of words in each section. It is also a good idea to include citations whenever possible.

When you’re writing, outlining will help you get the most out of your writing. It will save you time and effort when writing because you can make full sentences and well-developed essays with an outline.

Avoiding jargon

One of the most important things to remember when writing an academic report is to avoid using jargon. These words are often difficult to understand, and although they are useful shorthand for scientists, they may alienate non-specialist readers. The use of jargon is the most common reason that readers complain about writing, but there are ways to replace these terms with plainer versions.

Jargon is specialized terminology used by a specific group. It can be incredibly difficult to understand if you’re not part of the group. It also tends to make your writing more complicated and shows that you’re trying to show off your knowledge.

How to Write an Academic Report – Examples and Tips

While the present tense is commonly used in academic writing, it isn’t always necessary. When writing an academic report, you can switch the tense within the same sentence or paragraph when you shift from general statements to more specific examples based on research. Other times, it’s appropriate to use the present tense when you write about a particular event that has changed over time.

Owen Ingram is a research-based content writer, who works for Cognizantt, a globally recognised professional SEO service and Research Prospect , a Servizio di redazione di saggi e dissertazioni . Mr Owen Ingram holds a PhD degree in English literature. He loves to express his views on a range of issues including education, technology, and more.

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How to Write an Introduction for a Report?

So you have got another report to write and you don’t know how to begin. Just like academic writing is important for a student, a good introduction is crucial for academic report writing. It not only gathers the attention of the reader and compels them to read your write-up but also provides a base for them. For instance, at the beginning of the academic session, orientation programmes are meant to provide the students with a basic idea of how their study programme is going to commence. Without the orientation, you will have no idea where the cafeteria is, who is going to help you with career counselling, what are the objectives of your study program etc. Similarly, without a good introduction, the reader will feel clueless about what they are going to encounter in a write-up.

Writing a Report? Know how to start an Introduction!

Before we jump onto the nuances of how to write an introduction for a report let us first understand what a report is.

Report Introduction

Reports are factual papers written clearly and concisely. It is written for a purpose and a particular audience. It is written to analyse a problem or a particular situation. It also includes future recommendations and current findings. You might be given some guidelines or a brief about the topic by your college or university which will help you in further research and report writing. In this post, you will find some easy and practical tips on how you can make an impression with a great introduction for your report.

Also Read: How to Write an Effective Rhetorical Analysis?

Understand the purpose of writing an Introduction for Reports

The introduction is a section that will be read most of the times. Being present in the first place it plays a major role in making the first impression on your reader. So if it represents that there is something worth reading inside your report then you have won half of the battle!

Follow the Report Structure

If you want to understand how to write an introduction for your report you must know the structure of the introduction. The introduction of the report is divided into four parts –

Purpose – it describes the objectives of the report and includes what all recommendations the report will provide but shortly and clearly. It is always written in the present tense.

Background Knowledge – this section provides information about the background events that lead to the problem or situation which you are now going to analyse in your report. You can refer to any secondary data regarding the problem or situation that you have with you. It can be written in the present and past tense.

Method of Investigation – this section provides information about the method that was used to investigate report writing. Here you will be referring to the data that has been discovered by you (primary data).

Scope – This section provides the areas of investigation that you chose for conducting research. For instance, you can provide details of what information you searched for while researching, why did you choose that area of investigation etc.

What else can you include in an introduction?

Depending upon the institutional guidelines you might be asked to add a few more sections in your introduction especially if you are writing a lengthy report. These sections could be –

The solution of the Problem – in this section you can provide a little sneak peek of your proposed solutions. You do not have to explain it all here but you can give a little idea about what you are going to suggest in the solutions.

Predicting the Conclusion – if your report has a strong outcome there is no harm in giving the readers a little hint about what the conclusion could be. You don’t have to state the exact conclusion but you can give them an overview.

The Outline of the Report – this section can include a brief of the things that the report will contain. You provide a short table of contents or give a quick summary of the report. See if your guidelines have included a specific way of mentioning the outline.

Also Read: How to Write a 5 Paragraph Essays & its Format?

How to write an introduction to a report? Get Pro Tips from Experts!

Tip 1 – Write Introduction in last

You obviously cannot write the introduction if you haven’t done good research, collected data and devised conclusion, found solutions etc. So it is recommended that you prepare the introduction section of the report after you have completed preparing the whole report. It will be much easier to relate to what you have written in the report then. Moreover, you will never make false promises in the introduction which you would not fulfil in the report.

Tip 2 – Clarity is the Key!

Be as clear as possible. Keep your sentences short and crisp so that readers do not have to put much effort into understanding. If you can include some catchy headlines or phrases in your introduction, well it would be best! This will enable your reader to decide quickly whether they want to read further or not and it would not waste their time.

Get Best Report Introduction Examples with Structure at GoAssignmentHelp!

So are you all ready to begin with writing the introduction? If you still do not feel confident about it or you need some more tips on writing an introduction, GoAssignmentHelp welcomes you to seek assignment assistance . With us, you can find the best report writers who will help you create an impactful introduction for your report. You can find samples, get your introduction written by an expert academic assignment writer , get your work edited from an expert proofreader and a lot more at GoAssignmentHelp. Begin your journey of success today!

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Business Report Online Writing Class

The introducton to a business report prepares the reader for the rest of the business report, sets the tone, and has impact. Use the strategies explained in this blog in your business report writing to write introductions that will give your reports impact and make them successful in accomplishing your goals. The business report introduction should be short and to the point. It should not include details. You will develop the details for the body of the business report.

The business writing report tips that follow will help you write introductions that prepare the writer to read with understanding.

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Business Report Writing Tip 1:

Write the context or history

To prepare the reader for the rest of the business report, state the following at the beginning of the report:

In your business report writing, include enough to ensure the reader knows the context or history. The reader may not recall significant facts, or the business report may find its way to people who have less understanding of the background. The introduction prepares the reader for the contents of the business report by bringing the reader to the point where the report is relevant.

Limit the introduction to the context or history. Do not include detail about the business report yet. That belongs in the body. Keep the introduction as short as possible.

Business Report Writing Tip 2:

Write the purpose of the report.

After you explain the context or history in your business report writing, describe the purpose of this report. How does it fit into that context or history? It probably will contribute to the history or lead to a resolution. Explain how it fits into the context.

Business Report Writing Tip 3:

Write conclusions and recommendations if your report contains them.

Readers normally want to know the conclusions to the business report right away, in an easily read format. If your business report describes conclusions, state the conclusions after the context, history, and purpose. Similarly, if your business report writing contains recommendations, state the recommendations briefly in the business report introduction. Then explain them in greater detail in the report.

If your readers may not accept your conclusions or recommendations easily, you may decide to present the conclusions or recommendations after presenting the case or evidence in the body of the business report writing.

For more detail about placing the conclusions and recommendations at the beginning in business report writing, click here .

Business Report Writing Tip 4:

Write the next activities involving the report

Explain what will be done with the business report and what the next actions will be. Include as much detail as you have available at the time you write the report.

Example business report writing introduction:

We have decided to focus on quality to bring our products up the level we all want them to be. To accomplish our goal, we need to reduce errors. Our part-time PERL programmer doesn’t have the time to devote to our projects while going to school.

One solution is to hire a dedicated PERL programmer for our technical services staff. This report explores the pros and cons of requesting a new position. .

This introduction is strong. It very clearly explains the context for the business report and provides history about the problem. Then it introduces the content to be addressed in the report writing. Notice that the introduction doesn’t provide details about the context. The writer wanted to get to the point.

Business Report Writing Tip 5:

The introduction must be self-contained

In your business report writing, write introductions that are self-contained so that the reader does not have to refer to another business report or recall earlier conversations to be prepared for reading this report. The dates and references to meetings in the example below will help the reader remember the request without searching through files.

Example Introduction in Business Report Writing

On July 15, Assistant Manager Jane Reynolds requested suggestions on possible ways of expanding our creative department while keeping our costs as low as possible. At a meeting on July 17, our staff members discussed her request. This report explains five suggestions we believe will expand our creative department and keep costs low.

First, developing an . . .

The context, history, and content of the message are clear. When Jane reads the report, she’ll know what this report is in reference to. Jane can then spend time evaluating the suggestions rather than trying to figure out why she received the report.

Business Report Writing Tip 6:

Use the reader’s words in the introduction

If the business report is in response to a request, use the reader’s words in the introduction. Summarize or quote the requestor’s requirements in the introduction. Summarizing the requirements in the reader’s words shows the reader you are complying with the request. If the reader had more than one part to the request, list each part that you are fulfilling using the reader’s words.

Look again at the introduction to a business report on suggestions for expanding the creative department.

The request asked for suggestions to accomplish two goals: expand the creative department and keep costs as low as possible. The introduction states that the business report will address both goals by explaining five suggestions.

Now look at an introduction that does not use the reader’s words.

Poor Example Introduction in Business Report Writing

This report explains a plan for improving our creative department and cutting expenses.

A “plan” is not the same as “suggestions.” “Improving” is not the same as “expanding,” and “cutting expenses” is not the same as “keeping costs as low as possible.” Changing the reader’s words will create confusion and will not fulfill the request correctly.

A strong introduction to a business report briefly explains the context, history, and content of the report. It prepares the reader for the information that will follow and demonstrates that the writer is fulfilling the requirements for the report.

Business Report Writing Tip 7:

List each request you are fulfilling using the reader’s words

If the reader included more than one part in the request, list each part that you are fulfilling using the reader’s words. The reader may have had four questions, or two questions and a suggestion, or other such combination of parts in the correspondence to you. In your introduction to the business report, follow the organization the reader used and repeat the key words in the questions, suggestions, or other content. Create a list at the beginning of the business report so you show the reader you are responding to every point of interest to the reader. Then, in the body of the business report, repeat the same statements as headings so the reader sees the correspondence between his or her request, your introduction, and the body.

This is the reader’s request to the writer:

We’re concerned that eventually the state EPA may say something about how the de-icing fluids are running off of the tarmacs. Let’s try to hold that off. Give me a report on what we are doing about the fluids, where they seem to be going, the likely state EPA response when we report to them about where they’re going, and some alternative means of disposing of the fluids if we’re required to do so.

Barton Airport currently allows de-icing fluids to run off of the tarmacs onto the areas of grass bordering the tarmacs. We will be producing a report to the state EPA in another month describing the current status of disposal of the de-icing fluids. This report contains descriptions of

The introduction to the report uses the identical wording in the reader’s request, presented in the same order, bulleted out to be clear.

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  1. How to Write a Report: A Guide With Examples

    Follow the seven steps on report writing below to take you from an idea to a completed paper. 1 Choose a topic based on the assignment Before you start writing, you need to pick the topic of your report. Often, the topic is assigned for you, as with most business reports, or predetermined by the nature of your work, as with scientific reports.

  2. How to Write an Essay Introduction

    The main goals of an introduction are to: Catch your reader's attention. Give background on your topic. Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay. This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille. Essay introduction example

  3. How To Write A Report Introduction: A Step-By-Step Guide

    Steps of writing a Report Introduction Step 1: Introduce the Topic of the Report Present your report's topic and explain it briefly to familiarize the reader with the topic of the report. The concise way to introduce it is by explaining the background of the title and elaborating on the outcome. Step 2.

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    Here is an example of the introduction from a report produced for a Masters module: Underlying this report is the assumption that organisations, and the individuals within them, hold the intention to do their job well, and, if possible, to do their job better, within the context of their particular situation, abilities and priorities.

  5. Report Writing Format with Templates and Sample Report

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  6. How To Write a Report for Work (With Examples)

    An introduction describing your purpose in writing the report A body paragraph where you include the information you are conveying with the report Conclusion or recommendation depending on the purpose of the report Related: What Are Project Deliverables? Types and Example 4. Use concise and professional language

  7. How To Write A Lab Report

    Introduction. Your lab report introduction should set the scene for your experiment. One way to write your introduction is with a funnel (an inverted triangle) structure: Start with the broad, general research topic. Narrow your topic down your specific study focus. End with a clear research question.

  8. Writing a Lab Report: Introduction and Discussion Section Guide

    Download this page as a PDF: Writing a Lab Report. Return to Writing Studio Handouts. Part 1 (of 2): Introducing a Lab Report. The introduction of a lab report states the objective of the experiment and provides the reader with background information. State the topic of your report clearly and concisely (in one or two sentences).

  9. How to write an introduction for a report

    Write down the introduction of a report: Once you have understood everything, write down the introduction of the report paper. Start the introduction part with a broad and general statement, a 'hook statement' and gradually narrow it down to a powerful thesis statement.

  10. APA Essay Format: How to Write a Successful APA Essay

    If the essay is in a chapter of a book, edited collection, or anthology, APA format states that you should cite the last name, first name, title of essay, title of collection, publisher, year, and page range. For example: Smith, John, "The Light House," A Book of Poems, editing by Peter Roberts, Allworth Press, 2005, pp. 20-25.

  11. How to write a business report (With types and an example)

    Add your name, the names of the other people who worked on it and the date under the title. Write an index or table of contents: A table of contents or index is essential in any business report, especially if the document is long and complex. Add a list of each section of the document under the title and ensure the page numbers accurately match ...

  12. How to write an introduction for a lab report

    Below are 6 steps in writing a great lab report introduction section: Introduce the topic of the lab report Briefly describe the purpose of the lab report Describe the methods used in the lab report Summarize the results of the lab report Discuss the significance of the results Conclude with a summary of the lab report 1.

  13. Writing a Research Paper Introduction

    The five steps in this article will help you put together an effective introduction for either type of research paper. Table of contents Step 1: Introduce your topic Step 2: Describe the background Step 3: Establish your research problem Step 4: Specify your objective (s) Step 5: Map out your paper Research paper introduction examples

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  15. how to write an academic report: Examples and tips

    The introduction is the first section of your paper, and it should capture the reader's interest and make them want to read the rest of your paper. You can do this by opening with a compelling story, question, or example that shows why your topic is important. ... How to Write an Academic Report - Examples and Tips. Writing a report should ...

  16. PDF REPORT WRITING: Writing the introduction and conclusion paragraphs

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  17. a example.docx

    failed was because of the lack of innovation. For example, back in early 2000 there was a suggestion by (…) to the leader to change (…) Second, the failed to understand the market trend and by this we mean that this organisation did not change their market segmentation. For example, their predominant consumer group are young people (explain this briefly) Third, it appears that their ...

  18. How To Write a Formal Business Report in 11 Steps

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  19. Introductions & Conclusions

    Examples of introductions for non-academic writing can be seen in our sample letter or memo, sample business report, and sample online article /webpage. Conclusions for academic papers An academic conclusion paragraph reminds your reader of the main points of your paper and summarizes the "take away" or significance of the conversation.

  20. How to Write an Introduction for a Report?

    Report Introduction Reports are factual papers written clearly and concisely. It is written for a purpose and a particular audience. It is written to analyse a problem or a particular situation. It also includes future recommendations and current findings.

  21. How to Write Clear Introductions in Business Report Writing

    Example business report writing introduction: Correct We have decided to focus on quality to bring our products up the level we all want them to be. To accomplish our goal, we need to reduce errors. Our part-time PERL programmer doesn't have the time to devote to our projects while going to school.

  22. How to Craft a Compelling Grad School Personal Statement

    For example, if you are applying for a creative writing program, you could show your fit by mentioning the genres, styles, or themes that you want to explore, and how you can enrich the literary ...