Technical Writing (Muire)

Purdue University's Online Writing Lab discusses how paragraphs work.

Things (often) In a Report (source):

• Title page: Shows the title, author, and date.
• Executive summary: A short summary of the main points for busy readers.
• Introduction: Explains the goal and background of the topic.
• Body: Uses headings, text, and tables to share facts and data.
• Conclusion and recommendations: Summarizes findings and suggests next steps.
• References: Lists your sources.

Language – think about (source):

• the audience that the report is for – are you writing this report for one reader, or for a group of people such as the organisers of an event? 
• the impression you want your reader to have of you – usually a report should be impersonal and relatively formal since you are writing to someone who is in charge. You would not normally use slang or contractions ( such as don’t or can’t) .It is usually best to avoid attempts at humour or sarcasm. 
• the purpose for the report – you may have been asked to make suggestions or recommendations in your report based on personal experience, or to offer an overview of a more complex situation. Try to include a range of topic related vocabulary used appropriately. 
• how to reassure your reader that your report is going to be useful – imagine if your report was full of emotive words and personal appeals based on your own viewpoint, your reader might not be convinced that you were offering them an objective and accurate evaluation. For your report to be effective you will need to sound calm and polite.