CREATING A HIGH QUALITY INFORMATION REPORT

CREATING A HIGH-QUALITY INFORMATION REPORT

It is no surprise that information texts are given a position of primary importance in most English curricula - we are in the information age after all. From the ELA Standards of U.S. Common Core to the Literacy Requirements of the National Curriculum for England, non-fiction genres, in general, are given central positions in our teaching schedules. Acquiring the broad range of skills necessary to produce these texts competently takes time. Let’s take a look at the main features and organizational aspects of information reports to help set our students on the path to writing success.

Regardless of what genre we aim to teach our students, it is crucial that they develop an awareness of the different approaches required when writing for a variety of purposes. Students need to be able to select the correct tools and structures for the job and this starts with the students defining the text’s purpose.

Information reports present factual information to inform the reader about a specific topic. Examples of information reports may be found in, encyclopedia, reference books, technical texts, social studies books, science books, magazines, and even internet websites. These may all be classed as forms of information texts. Despite this very broad range, it is useful to describe information reports in relation to a number of common features. These we will explore in this article.

WHAT IS AN INFORMATION REPORT?

An information report provides readers with information on choosing a topic by providing them with facts.

Generally, an information report is written to provide facts about a living or non-living object.  It can be an individual object or a group of objects.  Some suggestions are.

• Sea Creatures
• The Bald Eagle
• Aircraft
• The Titanic
• Rome
• Pollution

The challenge in writing a good information report is to provide the audience with plenty of facts and evidence about a topic without providing a personal opinion.  If you do include personal opinion essentially you are writing a persuasive ( also known as an expository ) text.  IF you are writing about a class of objects such as sharks it is important to highlight the differences and similarities between the objects.

INFORMATION REPORTS GENERALLY FALL INTO THREE MAIN CATEGORIES.

Scientific Reports:  Usually focuses on describing of appearance and behaviour of the subject of your report.

Technological Reports:  Usually focus on two main categories of information being the components and uses of the technology.

Social Studies Reports:  Usually focuses on the description of people, places, history, geography, society, culture and economy.

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STRUCTURE AND FEATURES OF INFORMATION REPORTS

STRUCTURE FEATURES

STRUCTURE

INTRODUCTION

Classify your topic, describe the aspects, features or characteristics of the subject.

PARAGRAPHS

Will be used to organise your information report. Use paragraphs to elaborate on your subject.

IMAGES

Labelled diagrams such as maps, diagrams and pictures support and extend your written information.

SUBHEADINGS

Keep your report in a logical state and ordered. It also helps the reader find key information quickly.

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MANAGING YOUR INFORMATION REPORT WRITING TIME

As an information report is a factual piece of writing with a focus on attention to details you will need to ensure your students are provided with an opportunity to research their topic.  Ensure they are using technical language when required and have a collection of useful facts to include.  

Research is going to be a significant part of your lesson time so please ensure you allow this before expecting them to contribute anything worthwhile.

Although we strongly encourage the use of visuals to leave this till all writing has been drafted, written and edited.  It should support a strongly written report first and foremost.

The use of graphic organizers, planning tools and writing checklists will greatly assist the planning and editing time.

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WELL LABELLED IMAGES CAN SAVE YOU A GREAT DEAL OF EXPLAINING AND ENHANCE AN INFORMATION REPORTS VISUAL APPEAL.

IT'S TIME TO GET GET TECHNICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE...

When putting together an information report you need to know your topic well so be sure to do your research beforehand.  If you were writing an information report on the Titanic you might want to find out some of the following facts.

• When & Where was Titanic built?
• What materials was it made from?
• Who were the captain and any other significant people involved?
• Explain the facts around Titanic's maiden voyage such as locations and dates?
• What caused the Titanic to sink ( Remember not to share the opinion just facts.)
• Any important dates and statistics associated with Titanic.