Transcript Informal Information Report

Informationive Report
Definition:
A
report where only facts are given; no
conclusions; no recommendations
A summary is often included at the end
to recap main facts
Introduction section
No
heading for the introductory paragraph
Include in the introductory paragraph:
problem
statement in the topic sentence
what, why, how, (scope) of the investigation
report preview sentence (basically what
sections follow)
Body (message) section
Break topic into
subtopics (divisions) and use
headings (except intro. & summary).
Organize subtopics from most important to least
important. Most important topics come first in your
report.
Include facts only, not your opinions
Omit conclusions and recommendations. You are
only providing facts in an informative report.
Summary section
Restate
the main facts in a few clear,
concise sentences.
Omit a heading “Summary,” in an informal
report unless the report is lengthy—just
start a new paragraph, “In summary…”
Closing section
Omit heading
“Closing”-just move to a new
paragraph and start with “In summary…” (or
words to that effect.
Include such items as
goodwill
comments - enjoyed task, looking forward to
working with reader further
feedback request – any suggestions are welcome
contact numbers – phone and email
Avoid thanking reader
for consideration and time.
Avoid hesitancy phrases such as “I hope you find
this helpful”
Watch the Tone of the Closing
Don’t
be demanding in your tone – e.g.
“Call me immediately” unless the situation
warrants such a tone.
If a follow up is required, don’t give your
boss directions - better to you say that
you will contact him or her to follow up.
Include headings (except for
introduction, summary and closing)
We
discussed construction of headings in the
previous PowerPoint lecture: Organizing
Information for a Report. You should also review
Study Notes, pp. 18-19. As stated on page 18,
short reports use Level 1 and Level 3 headings.
Format as shown on that page.
Include a header on the second page.
 See
the bottom of Study Notes, page 19 for two header
formats you can choose from. To insert a header, using
Office 2003, click on View on your menu bar, then
Header and Footer. You will open that view and can
enter your header in the dotted line header box that
appears on the page.
 To remove the header from the first page of the report,
click the Page Setup icon on the Header and Footer tool
bar, then click the Layout tab in the Page Setup dialog
box, and then check the Different first page box. OK.
To add page
numbers
Include a header using Office 2007
 Click
on the Insert tab, then on the Header icon located
in the Header & Footer group.
 Choose Blank (Three Columns) header format.
 Click in first text box and add appropriate information.
 Click in middle text box and then on Date & Time in the
Insert group on the Header & Footer Tools Design tab,
and select appropriate date format.
 Click on right text box, then on Page Number icon and
choose Current Position – Plain Number.
 Click on Different First Page check box in Options group.
Informative Report Assignment –
See assignment handout