General

Report Writing Checklist

Checklist for writing professional reports — structure, data presentation, clarity, formatting, and review process.

Planning & Structure

Define the report objective and target audienceCreate an outline with logical section flowDetermine the appropriate report format (narrative, data-driven, executive)Identify all data sources and research needs before writing

Executive Summary

Write a concise summary of key findings (1 page or less)Include the most important recommendation or conclusionEnsure the summary stands alone without requiring the full reportPlace critical numbers and outcomes in the first paragraph

Content Development

Present findings in logical order with clear section headersSupport all claims with data, citations, or evidenceUse charts, tables, and visuals to illustrate key data pointsKeep paragraphs focused on one idea eachInclude analysis and interpretation, not just raw data

Recommendations

Present recommendations clearly and prioritized by impactTie each recommendation to specific findings in the reportInclude implementation steps, timeline, and resource requirementsAddress potential risks and mitigation strategies

Review & Finalization

Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errorsCheck all figures, charts, and tables for accuracyVerify page numbers, headers, and table of contentsHave a colleague review for clarity and completenessConfirm formatting meets organizational standards

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