What is a report?

Think of a time when you were really interested in a topic and wanted to find out more about it. Perhaps you were able to find a book or website that gave you more information. Or maybe you asked someone you knew, a person who was an expert in the field.

A report is a wonderful way for a writer to research a topic of their interest and share that information with others. You can gather your research from a number of different, reliable sources: the internet, books, experts in the field, and your own observations.

Characteristics of a report

A report can include many different characteristics. Explore the following example report and notice the characteristics such as a title, table of contents, a glossary, headings, images, and information organized in paragraphs.

Brainstorming and planning for your report

Planning and researching

Once you have selected the topic that you would like to research, you are ready to move onto planning and researching your report!

Step 1:

Begin by brainstorming questions about your topic that you would like to answer. In this “Brainstorming Web Organizer,” the central oval will contain your topic while the four big nearby ovals are where your questions will go.

Use the Brainstorming Web Organizer in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document to help you get started.

Step 2:

Start gathering your research by exploring different sources. Make sure your sources are reliable by using the tips from this chart.

Step 3:

Before we continue, let’s review proper hamburger paragraph style by accessing this video.

Begin forming your research into paragraphs about your topic.

Use the Information Report Writing Plan in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document to help you get started.

Step 4:

As you edit, you may find that there are words that you and your friend are not able to spell. Try some of the suggestions below:

Drafting, revising and publishing your report

Drafting

Now that you have gathered your research and formed your paragraphs, you are ready to begin drafting your report. As you write, you may come up with areas where you would like to gather more information. The drafting stage is a great time to do additional research and add in extra details!

Use the Drafting Stage Templates in your notebook or use the following fillable and printable document to inspire your work.

Revision

Writers read their writing over and over to find if they can make their writing even more informative for their audience. If you are all done your draft, it is time find places to make your report even better.

Publishing

Once you are completely done editing your draft, you are ready to do a good copy that includes all your revisions. In your best handwriting, write your final draft. Do you prefer typing your report on a computer? When you are done, hand in your final report.

Enjoy sharing your report with others and helping them understand what makes your topic so special.

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity?  Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.