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How to Write a Formal Report

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In a corporate setting, you should know how to write a formal report, whether for new ideas, marketing, accounting, or other important information. A formal report should contain certain formatting and details.

Begin with an introductory or a title page. Briefly explain the reasons for the report, then state the name of the report. For instance, "Here is the report requested by the accounting department, 'How to Cut Costs in the New Year'". The title page should also include your name, title and contact information.

Summarize the report on the second page. Touch on the issues within the report and the general findings. A summary should be no longer than a paragraph.

Write a full introduction on the third page. The introduction should include who requested the report, why the report was written, the items addressed in the report, where the information came from and the general findings.

Write the body of the report and place it after the introduction page. The body of the report should contain all your data, graphs, sources and other pertinent information. The body of the report should make it clear to the reader that you have proof to support your findings.

Conclude the report with your findings and what they mean. Include references and research in the conclusion, as well as your final recommendations on the subject.

Writer

Kay Ireland specializes in health, fitness and lifestyle topics. She is a support worker in the neonatal intensive care and antepartum units of her local hospital and recently became a certified group fitness instructor.