Philip C. Kolin
University of Southern Mississippi

 Long reports require you to use and combine many of the writing skills and research strategies you have already learned. Key element of long reports include:
 Scope. It provides an in-depth view of a key problem or idea.
 Research. It requires extensive research.
 Format. It is too detailed and complex to be organized in memo or letter format.
 Timetable. It requires you to prepare a timetable for completion of the report.
 Audience. It is always directed at top level management.
 Collaborative effort. It is often the work of several individuals.
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• Provides an in-depth view of a key problem or idea.
• Examines a problem in details, while short reports cover only one part.
• 8-20 pages long.
• Example: relocating plant, adding a new system, adding a new network, changing a programming operation, or adapting the workplace for multinational employees.
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• Requires extensive research.
• Gather information over time from primary and secondary research.
• Discover what experts have to said about the subject.
• Information gathered for many short reports helps prepare a long report.
• Preparing a proposal can lead to writing a long report.
• Suggest a change to an employer.
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• Too detailed and complex to be organized in a memo.
• Gives readers detailed discussions and interpretations of large quantities of data.
• Refer to example on page 652 in the book.
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 The following guidelines will help you plan and write a long report:
Identify a significant topic.
Expect to confer regularly with your supervisor(s).
Revise you work often.
Keep the order flexible at first.
Prepare both a day-to-day calendar and a checklist.
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 The 12 parts of a long report fall into three broad categories:
 Front matter consists of everything that precedes the actual text of the report: letter of transmittal, title page, table of contents, list of illustrations, and abstract.
 Report text encompasses the main section of the report: introduction, body, conclusion, and recommendations.
 Back matter includes all of the supporting data: glossary, references cited, and appendices.
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 The front matter includes:
 Letter of transmittal. The letter of transmittal is a one-page letter stating the purpose, scope, and major recommendation of the report.
 Title page. The title page includes the full title of the report, which should be neither vague, too short, or too long.
 Table of contents. The table of contents should list the major heading and subheadings of the report, and provide page numbers.
 List of illustrations. The list of illustrations contains titles for all of the visuals and indicates where in the report they can be found.
 Abstract. The abstract summarizes the report, including the main problem you’ve investigated, the conclusions you reached, and any recommendations you may make.
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• The report text includes:
• Introduction. The introduction tells readers why your report was written – it should include background information, identification of the problem, a purpose statement, and an indication of the report’s scope.
• Body. The body takes up most of the report – it contains statistical information, details, physical descriptions, and interpretations.
• Conclusion. The conclusion should tie everything in the report together and present the report’s findings.
• Recommendations. The recommendations section tells readers what should be done about the findings recorded in the conclusion.
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 The back matter includes:
 Glossary. The glossary is an alphabetical list, with definitions, of the specialized vocabulary used in the report.
 Citations list. The citations list should include all sources cited when researching the report: Web sites, books, articles, television programs, interviews, reviews, audiovisuals, etc.
 Appendix. The appendix contains supportive data too long to include in the body of the report: Lengthy tables, sample questionnaires, complete budgets/cost estimates, correspondence, case histories, transcripts, etc.
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