Report Writing

Reports usually begin with Dear...

• True

• False

Answer explanation

They begin with a title and (usually) a statement of their purpose

Reports are likely to open with a statement of the reason for writing.

• True

• False

If you are asked to write a report, you should also include a title.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This is not essential but it is a good idea to do this as you probably would when writing a report in "real life".

The opening of a report should aim to catch the reader's interest.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The aim of a report is more to inform than to interest.

Reports discuss what has happened, whereas proposals make suggestions about what the writer would like to happen.

• True

• False

Reports need to have a heading and sub-headings, whereas proposals do not.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Both reports and proposals are likely to have these.

Proposals make recommendations, while reports do not.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Reports do not always make recommendations, but they often do.

Reports and proposals are often written in informal English.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

They will usually be written in formal or neutral language.

It is important to think about exactly who you are writing for.

• True

• False

Spending time planning what you're going to write is more important for a report than for an essay or letter.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

It is important for any task to spend time planning what you're going to write.