Report Writing
(In 120–150 words; 5 marks)
A report is a factual description of an event /incident/accident that has already taken
place.A report is published either in a newspaper or in a school magazine/newsletter.
Points to Remember:
It is factual, brief but interesting written in a matter of fact style.
It includes only the relevant points and information.
It is usually written in third person and indirect speech.
Passive voice is used.
Ornamental language is avoided. The content should answer to the
questions what, when, where, why and how of the topic to be written
about.
It must contain only related information.
It includes opinions of people and contains views of all sides involved.
It must contain a logical development of ideas (causes/reasons, effect/
consequences, opinions).
Personal pronouns I & we must be avoided.
Body of the report must be written in past tense.
Ideas and impressions should be presented to make the report interesting.
Write in a less formal and more descriptive manner, while writing a report for a
school magazine/newsletter.
Elements of a Report:
A report consists of the following elements:
1. Layout (Format): An appropriate layout has the following:
a) Headline: The headline must state the topic of the report in a strong,
short phrase or statement. A headline must be catchy and brief. Articles,
prepositions, helping verbs (in passive voice) etc. must be left out wherever
possible. Use of abbreviations must be made. Use of shortened word-forms
wherever possible must be made. If a short statement is used as a
headline, verb should be of simple present tense.
b) By-line: On the next line, write the word ‘By’ and name of the reporter.
c)Place & Date of Origin of the News (only for Newspaper Report)
2. Content (Body):
a) The first paragraph usually answers the questions: What, Who, Where,
When & Why. The following should be written in the first paragraph:
name of the event/ incident/accident that the news is about
place, day, date and time when the event/incident/accident
happened
reasons why the event/ incident/accident happened
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b) The second paragraph should tell the reader how the event/ incident/
accident happened in detail. Narrate the event /incident/accident in the
chronological order.
c) The third paragraph should contain an eyewitness account and a
statement of the authority which add to the authenticity of the news. The
eyewitness account should be in direct speech.
d) Conclude the report with a general comment on the event/incident/
accident. The comment may include a warning / future course of
action/how the event /incident/ accident concluded. It may also include an
impact of the event/ incident/accident on the writer.
Marking Scheme:
Format: 1 Mark
Content: 2 Marks
Organisation of Ideas: 1 Mark
Accuracy of Spelling & Grammar: 1 Mark
Model Answers:
Q1. Your school recently arranged a musical night in the school auditorium. Write a
report in120-150 words on this programme for your school magazine. You are
Mahima/Mahesh, Cultural Secretary of Vasant Vihar Public School, Itarsi. Invent the
details.
Answer1. (Magazine/ Newsletter Report)
A Musical Night
By – Mahima / Mahesh Gupta (Cultural Secretary)
To promote awareness towards cultural activities and to enhance the talent
of students, particularly in the field of music and dance, the management and
staff of Vasant Vihar Public School, Itarsi organised a musical night in the
school auditorium on 24th August 20xx. Mr. Prabhu Shekhar, the DM of
Itarsi, inaugurated the programme as the chief guest. Many other reputed
people from various schools and institutions were also present.
The programme began with the invocation of Goddess Saraswati. After that
many colourful programmes were presented by the students. Natraj Stuti and
Dance Drama–Save the Planet– stole the show. Participants were very
enthusiastic about the event. Many of them performed quite well and
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received great applause from the audience. Parents of almost all the
students were also present. One girl, Aditi, of class XII won the heart of
everyone present there by her melodious song. One group of boys and girls
performed the folk dance that represented the cultural heritage of our state.
Ramesh Narang, one of the participants told the reporter, “It provided a very
good platform to the young talents in the field of music’’. In his address, Mr.
chief guest appreciated the efforts made by children and wished them all
success. The event ended with the vote of thanks extended by Mrs. Komal
Thaper, Principal of the school. It was a fascinating show.
Q2.You are Pulkit / Prerna,a staff reporter of ‘The Times of India’.You have been
asked to cover an incident of daylight robbery on the outskirts of Delhi when the
inmates were present in the house. Write a report in 120-150 words.
Answer 2. (Newspaper Report)
Daylight Robbery, Jewelry& Cash Robbed
By Pulkit/Prerna, Staff Reporter
Delhi, August 1
A robbery occurred in a house at Model Colony, Shahdara when some unidentified
persons entered the house from the main door at about 2:15 pm and robbed jewelry
costing Rs. 2.25 lakh and ninety thousand rupees cash on Thursday.
The house belongs to Mr. Ashish Agarwal, a businessman whose servant comes to
the house daily to collect lunchbox for the businessman between 2:00 and 3:00pm.
The call bell rang at about2:15pm. The younger daughter named Shalini and her
mother Mrs. Arti Agarwal were present in the house at the time of incident. The
younger daughter opened the main door. Three robbers, who had covered their
faces with pieces of cloth, caught the girl who started crying. When mother rushed to
the main door, the robbers caught her too. They threatened them and started beating
them. They tied their hands with rope and used tape around their mouths and shut
them in a room. They ransacked the house. They broke the locks of the almirah and
looted jewelry and cash. They remained in the house for about 10 minutes. After
their departure, the daughter managed to inform her father through her mobile
phone. The police arrived the spot at about 3:00pm.
Mr. Pritam Kumar, living in the adjoining house, told this reporter, “I saw three men
hurriedly coming out of Agarwalji’s house at about 2: 30pm.I found them suspected
and read the number of the car in which they sat and went away.It is a Maruti Swift
white car with number DL06ZT2253.” The police ensured the inmates of arresting
the robbers soon. This is the third case of robbery in Shahdara in the recent past.
The police must arrest the robbers as soon as possible and must be very alert to
curb such incidents in future.
