Module 2b —
Report Writing
| Course Guide | Module 1 | Module 2a | Module 2b |
Adopting a ‘style’ for your report
Inconsistency in style or format creates unnecessary distraction for the reader. When readers encounter inconsistent font styles, page layouts, numbering, graphics and so on, they conclude there must be a reason for the inconsistency and waste energy trying to find the pattern. As a writer of a report with a message to convey, it is your aim to remove these distractions in order to make your readers’ job as easy as possible.
This is why it is important for you to follow any prescribed styles set by the Organization, such the Publications Bureau’s Guidelines for Author Units or the Deluxe OFFDOC Guide for Report Writers, both of which offer checklists, tips, and examples of good practice. Adhering to such style guides will not only save you considerable time in the planning and composition of your reports but your readers will appreciate the effort you’ve given to create a document that has a consistent style.
Although at the ILO, report writers are given considerable flexibility in how to organize a report, some ILO reports have predetermined structures. If you have chosen to work one of these types of reports for your assignment, then the organization of the report is already determined for you. However, the essential skills of writing good introductions, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and summaries still apply. Therefore, you should work carefully through this section of the module.