Report Writing
Learn Report Writing with notes, examples, and practice questions.
Chapter Overview
A report narrates an event objectively for newspaper or school magazine — headline, by-line, place/date line, lead paragraph (who, what, when, where), body details, and eyewitness quotes if relevant.
Format
- Headline: catchy, past tense verbs
- By-line: By Staff Reporter / By Name
- Place, Date — e.g. Mumbai, 15 March 20XX
- Lead: answers 5 W's and H in 2–3 sentences
- Body: chronological or descending importance
- Passive voice common: 'The chief guest was welcomed...'
Types
- School event: annual day, sports meet, workshop
- Accident / incident (factual, sensitive tone)
- Survey report: findings and recommendations
Solved Examples
Step-by-step solutions — read each step before checking the final answer.
Headline
School wins inter-state debate — headline?
- 1Active, concise
- 2Key fact first
Answer
City School Clinches Inter-State Debate Championship
Lead paragraph
Annual sports day held 10 Dec at school ground.
- 1Who organised
- 2What happened
- 3When/where
Answer
Green Valley School celebrated its Annual Sports Day on 10 December on the school playground, with the District Magistrate as chief guest.
Key Points to Remember
- ✓ Objective tone — no personal 'I' unless by-line reporter
- ✓ Past tense for completed events
- ✓ Direct speech adds authenticity
- ✓ 150–200 words typical
Exam Tips
- • Box format sometimes shown in question — follow it
- • Do not invent sensational facts
- • Include one quote if event had speeches
- • Check headline capitalisation style
Practice MCQs — Report Writing
Test your understanding with topic-wise multiple choice questions. Explanations appear after each answer.
Report lead answers: