How to Write a Work Report - English (Vocational) - NDLA

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How to Write a Work Report

Report writing is important in all areas of work and the language and layout of a report is important to ensure that the information is accurate and easily understood. The text below gives information on writing a clear and precise report.
Video: Anne Scott Hagen, Knut Inge Skifjeld / CC BY-SA 4.0
  1. A report is often information about an event and it can also be a work report, about a job which has been done. It gives factual information.
  2. A report is written in formal language and is impersonal. In the conclusion you can give your personal evaluation based on the contents of the report.
  3. Both a report of an event and a work report will have the following layout

    • Heading
    • Introduction
    • Main part
    • Conclusion

Reporting an Event

Heading
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:

Introduction
Describe the event/happening and the background to it and why you are writing the report.

Main part
Describe the event step by step. You can use sub-headings here if you have a lot of information.

Conclusion
Your opinion/evaluation of the event and any suggestions you might have, but no new information should be introduced.

Work Report

Heading
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:

Introduction
Describe the task and the background for it

Main Part

  • equipment and materials used
  • a step by step description of the job (you can use sub-headings here if you have a lot of information).
  • results (pictures, diagrams, etc. which illustrate the text)


Conclusion
Your evaluation of the job (what went well, what could have been better), suggestions for improvement and your supervisor’s evaluation of the job. No new information should be introduced.

Bibliography

Make a list of all the sources you have used to write the report, for example, books, magazines, manuals, the internet.
For a book or magazine article, include:

  • author's name/ last name first in alphabetical order
  • title of book/article
  • where published
  • when published (most recent date)


For an internet source include:

  • the page address
  • date when you found the information

Appendix (vedlegg)

Perhaps you have other material which is related to the report, such as information about the workplace, safety rules, etc. This material can be added to the report as an appendix. The appendixes should be numbered.

Written by: Anne Scott Hagen.
Last revised date 03/03/2017