As a student you have had countless encounters with report writing. c papers is no longer shocks you but in the midst of your paper writing, you have always come to a point where your don’t know how to write the academic paper, how to start it, what should be included and what should be excluded; before you even get the chance to begin you’re already facing a dilemma.
As they say, students eat essays and reports for breakfast, therefore, this is not something new to you. Your teachers will require you to write essays or reports regarding a certain topic or circumstance with at least a thousand word count and even though you’re used to writing these documents it can still be a difficult task. You may also see consulting report examples.
Essays and reports are just some of the most common documents written while in the academe. It explores the students’ ability to logically examine another document and make a sensible judgment. Not only that, it also enhances the students’ thought process, writing skill and organization skills.
Before this guide even starts to discuss all about a narrative report, it is important that you understand that an essay and report are not the same. Here is a list of the differences and similarities of an essay and a report:
A narrative report is a detailed illustration of an event that has occurred in chronological order. Simply put, it is a detailed chronological piece of writing. It is comparable to that of a police report. Meaning, a narrative report presents things or events that has happened in the past through a logical progression of the relevant information. You may also see examples of short report.
The main purpose of a narrative report is to present a factual depiction of what has occurred. A strong attention to detail is used in order to accurately shed some light on the things or event that happened. A narrative report is commonly used in the legal or justice system. This report is written when resolving disputes, filing complaints, or as a piece of evidence in case settlements. You may also like business report examples.
This report adheres and focuses on the five W questions — Who? Where? When? What? and Why? Since this report is used as evidence, those questions are addressed and answered along with the evidence necessary to prove such answers. Each question must be comprehensively answered and even the smallest details should be provided. In addition, the assumptions made on the report must be based on verified facts or evidence. If you fail to do so, your report might lose its value or your credibility as a writer. You may also check out sample activity reports.
In order to ensure you have an effective narrative report, these parts or contents must be found in your document. However, these are only the general sections found in a narrative report, the specific parts are up to the requirements of your course or professor. Listed below are the relevant contents of a narrative report:
Th introduction of your narrative report must provide a short description of the report topic. This is the first section of the report that needs a thesis like general statement to convey what the rest of the report is going to talk about. Just like in any writing piece, a the introduction should be able to briefly but still accurately state the main point the report is trying to make.
For example, when writing a report about the end of collegiate term, you can start the introduction of your report with when you started and what you learned.
This section of the report contains all the relevant information to your main topic. In the given example above, you can write about what you have learned through the entire term in this section. You can talk about anything that you have actually learned however it must be presented in a nonfiction format. Since the a narrative report is solely based on facts, the information you should include must be truthful as well. You may also see recruitment report examples.
In this section, the things you have observed and the things you have learned through observation is stated. This is basically the art where you recount all of your observations during the period the topic of your report occurred. This can be lengthy or short depending on the amount and depth of the observations you want to expound on. Most of the time, this can be based on a person or activity you have observed and learned from. You may also like monthly report examples & samples.
In the recommendations section you focus on concluding what has been discussed in the previous sections. This section can also be used to express what can be done to improve certain activities or events you have attended. Say for example, a narrative report can be done on a seminar you have attended and this section can state how better quality hand-out could help the audience understand the topic more or other changes to improve your learning experience. You may also check out research report examples.
As mentioned beforehand, these are some of the most common parts in a narrative report. Depending on the requirement for your course or guidelines set by your professor, these sections can still have more. For example, a narrative report can also have objectives section, accomplishments and challenges section, description of activities, analysis and evaluation, etc.
To help you with your narrative report writing dilemma, here are some useful tips you can apply in your writing activity:
In conclusion, writing a narrative report is tedious and meticulous job. It needs a logical perceptions of the things or events that have occurred. Although it can be about your personal experiences, it still needs proof and evidence and must maintain its credibility by being factual. We hope this guide was of help in your narrative report writing needs. You might be interested in quality report examples.
1. Understand the Purpose:
Determine the purpose and scope of your narrative report. Is it for a personal reflection, a work project, a case study, or another context?
2. Select a Topic or Event:
Choose a specific topic or event to focus your narrative on. It could be a personal experience, a project, an incident, or any subject you want to narrate.
3. Plan Your Structure:
Decide on the structure of your report. Common narrative structures include chronological order, cause and effect, or problem and solution. Choose the one that suits your topic.
4. Collect Information:
Gather all the relevant information, data, and details related to your chosen topic. This may include research, interviews, personal observations, or any other sources of information.
5. Create an Outline:
Outline the main points and events in your narrative, organizing them in the chosen structure. This will serve as a roadmap for your report.
6. Write an Engaging Introduction:
Start with an engaging opening that introduces the topic and grabs the reader’s attention. Clearly state the purpose of the report.
7. Develop the Body:
Present the events or experiences in a coherent and logical sequence. Use descriptive language, dialogue, and sensory details to create a vivid narrative. Show the reader what happened, rather than just telling them.
8. Include Characters and Setting:
Describe the characters involved and the settings where the events took place. Make your characters relatable and provide context for the reader.
9. Show Conflict or Tension:
Introduce conflict, challenges, or turning points to maintain interest and drive the narrative forward. These elements add depth to your report.
10. Provide Resolution or Conclusion:
Conclude the narrative by resolving the conflict or summarizing the key points. Reflect on the significance or lessons learned from the events.
1. Set Page Layout:
Use a standard page size (e.g., letter or A4) and set margins (usually 1 inch or 2.54 cm) on all sides for printed reports. Adjust margins for digital reports, considering screen and device dimensions.
2. Choose a Font and Size:
Select a legible font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Use a consistent font size (often 12-point) for the main text. Headings and subheadings may be larger.
3. Use Line Spacing:
Use double or 1.5-line spacing for the main text to enhance readability. Single spacing is common for certain business or academic reports.
4. Create a Title Page:
Start with a title page that includes the report’s title, your name, the date, and any other required information (e.g., institution or company name). Use a centered format for these details.
5. Include a Table of Contents:
If your report is long or has multiple sections, include a table of contents with page numbers. Ensure headings and subheadings are clearly labeled and numbered.
6. Divide the Report into Sections:
Organize the report into clear sections with headings and subheadings. Use a consistent format for these (e.g., bold, underlined, or a larger font size).
7. Use Paragraph Indentation:
Indent the first line of each paragraph, or use a blank line between paragraphs for digital reports. Ensure paragraphs are aligned consistently.
8. Number Pages:
Number the pages of the report, typically in the header or footer. Start with the title page as page 1.
9. Insert Figures and Tables:
If your narrative report includes figures, tables, or other visual aids, label and caption them appropriately. Place these within the text where they are relevant.
10. Cite Sources:
If your report includes citations or references, use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and format them correctly.
11. Use Consistent Headings:
Apply a consistent style to headings and subheadings throughout the report. Typically, headings are bold and centered, with subheadings bold and aligned to the left.
12. Format Dialogue:
If your narrative includes dialogue, format it with quotation marks, and attribute it to the speaker. Use a new paragraph for each speaker’s dialogue.
13. Consider Pagination:
Ensure that page numbers are formatted consistently throughout the report. The title page and initial sections may use Roman numerals (i, ii, iii), while the main content uses Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3).
Title: “Lost in the Forest”
It was a chilly autumn evening when I decided to explore the dense forest behind my house. The sun had just set, casting eerie shadows among the towering trees. With my backpack slung over my shoulder, I ventured deeper into the woods, my footsteps crunching the fallen leaves beneath me.
As I wandered further, the forest grew darker, and the rustling of leaves in the wind intensified. I began to feel a sense of excitement mixed with trepidation. The silence was broken only by the occasional hoot of an owl or the distant howl of a coyote.
Lost in my thoughts, I failed to notice that the path behind me had disappeared. Panic set in when I realized I was completely disoriented. My heart raced as I tried to retrace my steps, but every tree and bush seemed identical in the dim light.
I stumbled upon a small clearing, where the moonlight filtered through the canopy, illuminating a patch of wildflowers. Exhausted and frightened, I decided to stay put for the night, hoping that daylight would guide me home.
As I huddled against a tree, the forest came alive with mysterious sounds. Shadows danced around me, and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures created an eerie symphony. Fear gripped my heart, and I wished I had never ventured into the forest.
Just as despair began to consume me, a flicker of light caught my eye. Through the trees, I saw the glow of a distant cabin. Summoning my remaining strength, I stumbled toward it, guided by the faint light.
With every step, my hope grew stronger. The light grew brighter, and soon I found myself standing at the door of the cabin. I knocked hesitantly, and to my immense relief, a kind elderly woman opened the door. She welcomed me in, offering me warmth, food, and a comforting presence.
As I sat by the crackling fireplace, I realized that my adventure in the forest, although terrifying, had taught me the importance of courage and resilience. I had faced my deepest fears and emerged stronger, with a newfound appreciation for the safety of home.
Aspect | Narrative | Report |
---|---|---|
Purpose | To entertain, inform, or engage the reader through storytelling. | To convey information, facts, or findings on a specific topic or issue. |
Structure | Often follows a storytelling structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end. | Typically follows a formal and structured format with sections like introduction, methods, results, and conclusion. |
Tone and Style | Can have a more personal and creative tone. It may include descriptive language and dialogue. | Requires a formal and objective tone, typically avoiding personal opinions or emotions. |
Subjectivity | May include personal opinions, reflections, or emotions. | Emphasizes objectivity and relies on evidence, data, and analysis. |
Audience | Can be aimed at a general audience or a specific group interested in the story. | Intended for a specific audience, such as stakeholders, decision-makers, or experts in a particular field. |
Examples | Personal stories, novels, short stories, memoirs, and creative writing. | Research reports, business reports, scientific papers, financial statements, and technical documents. |
Conclusion | Often concludes with a reflection, moral, or takeaway from the story. | Typically ends with a summary of findings, recommendations, or future actions. |
A narrative report is a form of written or spoken communication that tells a story or sequence of events in a structured, engaging manner, often with a personal or creative touch.
To begin a narrative report, start with a captivating hook or introduction that sets the scene, introduces characters, and establishes the context, engaging the reader’s interest.
A strong sentence to start a narrative is one that captivates the reader’s attention and introduces the central theme, setting, or a compelling question that piques their curiosity.
A narrative report often has a title, which provides a brief and descriptive glimpse of the story’s content, helping the reader understand the subject or focus of the narrative.
The number of paragraphs in a narrative report can vary widely depending on the length and complexity of the narrative. It typically includes an introduction, multiple body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Two common writing styles in narrative writing are first-person and third-person. First-person uses “I” to tell the story from the protagonist’s perspective, while third-person uses “he,” “she,” or character names.