21 Report
A report will need to:
- Summarize information about a topic using an objective stance,
- Synthesize research from credible and relevant sources.
- Define the purpose for the report.
- Appeal to a specific audience.
What is this genre about? Reports inform readers about relevant information that they need to know. The goal of a report is to inform, so writers need to make informative claims about why readers need to know this information and why now. Reports can provide new information on a known subject, provide historical or other relevant context, clear up misconceptions, propose a plan, introduce the audience to something unknown, or develop a profile of a person, place, or object. Most reports are written for a specific audience and purpose, so the writer’s job is to define the purpose for the report to show the reader what information they’ll learn and what next steps need to be taken on a topic.
What are the expectations? Readers expect that reports will be more informative than argumentative. To inform the reader, writers need to adopt an objective and appropriate tone for the report to inform the reader. Reports need to be logically organized with a clear structure and connections between the different parts and ideas. When conveying the facts of the report, writers need to make conscientious rhetorical choices and define key terms that provide background information for their audience. Readers expect that reports are written to inform their future actions, so writers need to make sure that readers understand key concepts crucial to the topic. Finally, a report needs to be credible in order for readers to make informed decisions. Rather than only presenting one perspective on a topic, a writer adds credibility to a report by providing various perspectives on the topic to inform the reader. Writers need to present credible, relevant information in ways that build reader trust through accuracy in citing sources and integrating information as evidence to support the report’s informative claims.
Why does this genre matter? You’ll be asked to write and read reports in all walks of life, including your personal and professional life. You could be asked to write or read reports for a job that requires you to conduct research or work on a project that necessitates sharing results. You could read your child’s progress report from school or marketing reports for your small business. Reports can be formal or informal, including meeting minutes, memoranda, letters, expense reports, progress reports, annual reports, technical reports, journalistic reports, or research reports. In short, this genre matters because you need to learn how to objectively communicate information to an audience for a specific purpose.
What are examples of this genre?
- Why Denton, Texas Is One of the Coolest Suburbs in America
- Texas Woman’s University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Additional Resources