Information Report
(Factual genre)
A report presents information about a subject

Structure
• Opening statement
   - Lead in sentence to state the topic and capture interest
   - may include a short description of the subject
   - may include definition
   - may include classification or categorisation of types
• Paragraphs
   - each paragraph is about a different aspect of the subject.
   - begins with a topic or a preview sentence
   - focus is on facts not opinion
• Conclusion
   - Summarises the information presented
   - Does not include any new information


Language features
• Technical language related to subject
• Formal and impersonal language
• Uses timeless, present tense e.g. Adelaide is popular with international students.
• Often uses the passive voice e.g. “are being created”
• Many “being” and “having” verbs


More information
More ideas and examples of information reports can be found in
•Targeting text (series), Blake Education, Glebe N.S.W.
• Anderson, M 1997, Text types in English, Macmillan, 1998.
• English Elements (series), Jacaranda Wiley, Milton, Qld.
• Whitfield, M 2001, Targeting writing across the curriculum, Blake Education, Glebe, N.S.W.
• Schill, J 1998, On track: working with texts, Heinemann, Port Melbourne.
• Excel essential skills (series), Pascal, Glebe, N.S.W.
• Understanding text types (poster series), R.I.C., Balcatta, W.A.

Interactive example (Jenny Eather)

Printable version