M.T. Ciaffaroni, Sailing Across - Zanichelli editore

MODULE C - Unit 4
Report Writing
 

PROBLEMS AND ISSUES

PRE-READING

1. Quickly brainstorm the following:

2. Look at heading and subheadings of doc. 1 and find out:

    a) source and type of text
    b) main topic it deals with;
    c) what kind of business Instructional Solutions online is;
    d) what they offer to whom;
    e) if it is free or you have to pay for it.
Doc. 1 - Instructional Solutions Online -The Business Reports

GLOSSARY
haunt place, which a particular person visits frequently
late said of a person who has died recently
wee lad small man
convey transmit, make known
ethically according to rules or principles governing the organisation
jumble disorderly mixture of things
handful a small amount
telnetting internet protocol enabling log–in to other computer systems on the net
bias tendency to be in favour or against something
quotes repeating the actual words of a text
compelling holding someone's attention
At a pub in Dublin known as a haunt of the late Irish poet, Brendan Behan, men around the bar were discussing the talent of writing. One "wee lad of 60," Jocko, concluded: "Ah now. You know it's not the writin' down. It's the assembly."
Definition of a Business Report
Because reports travel upward, downward, and laterally within an organization, reading and writing reports is a typical part of nearly every manager's duties. Reports are also used between organizations to convey information.
Reports can range from a brief document to a multi–volume manuscript. To define the term "report" for this training: a report is an orderly and objective presentation of information that helps in decision making and problem solving. Note the different parts of this definition:

  • The report must be well ordered so the reader can easily find information.
  • It must be objective because the reader will use the report to make decisions that affect the organization.
  • It must present information - facts and data. Where subjective information are required, as in drawing conclusions and making recommendations, they must be presented ethically and be based on the information contained in the report.
  • It must aid in decision making and problem solving. There is a practical, "need-to-know" dimension about business reports that differentiates them from academic or scientific reports.

    What do you do when all you have is a jumble of ideas, plus a handful of notes that must be enlarged into a complete, understandable report? In this course consisting of 10 online lessons, participants will learn:

  • The 8 effective steps that begins with gathering information or data and concludes with a well written and documented report.
  • To use the library and internet for research:
        - search engines;
        - telnetting to library holdings;
        - online catalogs.
  • To evaluate the credibility and bias of sources.
  • To cite sources.
  • Proper tone and style for reports.
  • Format standards:
        - inclusion of tables, quotes, line graphs or charts;
        - order of a report;
        - documentation formats.
  • How to write a compelling executive sum.

    From http://www.instructionalsolution.com


    •  
    READING

    3. Read doc. 1 again and find out:

      a) global definition of report;
      b) why it is given;
      c) specific meaning of: orderly; objective; information, decision making; problem solving;
      d) course offered;
      e) who it is meant for;
      f) number of lessons it is made of;
      g) main content of course offered.
     

    SPEAKING

    4. Discuss the following issues in pairs or small groups.

      a) Why has initial quote been chosen, in your?
      b) Could the pub have English instead of Irish? Why/why not?
      c) What does the statement “it's not the writin' down. It's the assembly” mean exactly?
      d) Do you agree with it? Why/why not?
      e) In which sense do reports travel “upward, downward, and laterally” within an organisation?
      f) What do you do when “all you have is a jumble of ideas, plus a handful of notes that must be enlarged into a complete, understandable report”?
     
    WRITING

    5. Write a short informational report on the course offered by Instructional Solutions Online. First give factual details, then assess cost and benefits, finally draw suitable conclusions.

     
    PROGRESS TEST REVISION