Module 2b —
Report Writing
| Course Guide | Module 1 | Module 2a | Module 2b |
Writing introductions
"It might be thought that a table of contents would serve the same purpose as an introduction. It does not. A table of contents is static, an introduction dynamic, and we want to be on the move towards our conclusion from the start." W.H. Hindle, A Guide to Writing for the United Nations. |
When readers make time to read your report, they are likely to be squeezing this reading into a busy day filled with other tasks. They will want answers to a number of questions very quickly, such as:
- Why have you written this document?
- What does it have to do with them?
- Why have they received it now?
- What have you got to say?
- How are you going to say it?
In general, these questions should be answered in your introduction. If you don't supply the answers, you run the risk of losing your readers' attention before they have really begun. Often in ILO reports, the heading “Background” is also used to serve the function of an introduction.
Why do readers need introductions? The English author, C.S. Lewis explained:
I sometimes think that writing is like driving sheep down a road. If there is any gate to the left or right, the reader will certainly go through it.
A clear introduction closes the gates, and helps the reader move smoothly through the report.