In writing, a report or document characterized by information or other content reflective of inquiry or investigation, tailored to the context of a given situation and audience. The purpose of reports is usually to inform. However, reports may include persuasive elements, such as recommendations, suggestions, or other motivating conclusions that indicate possible future actions the report reader might take. Reports can be public or private, and often address questions posed by individuals in government, business, education, and science. Reports often take the structure of scientific investigation: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion (IMRD). They may also follow a problem-solution structure based on the audience's questions or concerns. As for format, reports range from a simpler format with headings to indicate topics, to more complex formats including charts, tables, figures, pictures, tables of contents, abstracts, summaries, appendices, footnotes, hyperlinks, and references. A hyperlink (often referred to as simply a link), is a reference or navigation element in a document to another section of the same document, another document, or a specified section of another document, that automatically brings the referred information to the user when the navigation element is selected by...

Types of reports include:

scientific reports, recommendation reports, white papers, annual reports, auditor's reports, workplace reports, census reports, trip reports, progress reports, investigative reports, budget reports, policy reports, demographic reports, credit reports, appraisal reports, inspection reports, minority report, final report, majority report, environmental report, feasibility studies, immigration reports, statistical report, police reports, and court reports, among others.

Many textbooks discuss reports in greater detail. See Gerson/Gerson's "Technical Writing: Process and Product," Lannon's "Technical Communication," and Blicq's "Technically--Write." A white paper is a government report outlining policy or authoritative report on a major issue. ... The Auditors report is a formal opinion, or disclaimer thereof, issued by either an internal auditor or an independent external auditor as a result of an internal or external audit or evaluation performed on a legal entity or subdivision thereof (called an “auditee”). The report is subsequently provided to... Credit history or credit report is, in many countries, a record of an individuals or companys past borrowing and repaying, including information about late payments and bankruptcy. ...

References

• Queensland Government : Queensland Code of Practice, Control of Outdoor Fireworks Displays - First Edition - 1 December 2003:)

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