How to Write an Effective Information Report in Memo Format

ENGL 250 Report Writing

Task

Scenario

After graduation, you are hired by a small company in the Toronto area. Your manager, Carl Hawkings, has asked you to research and write an information report about a recent discovery in your field; this will be shared with your colleagues at an upcoming lunch and learn session.

Instructions

1. Choose a news item based on recent discovery related to your program / field of study. The news item must be recent (i.e., from the past 6 months). Access one of the following library-approved news sites to select your topic and news article.

2. Reserve your topic and article by entering its details in the relevant Google Doc.

3. In addition, find one credible source that provides background on your chosen topic.

4. Write an information report in memo format to your manager, Carl Hawkings, on your chosen news article. Include background information on the topic to help your colleagues understand the relevance of the news item to your field. Follow the report outline (below) carefully to ensure your report is complete.

5. Document your sources in APA format and include a title page, in-text citations and a References page.

6. Use an appropriate tone, technical writing style and correct format. Your writing in this course should be clear, concise, correct, courteous, complete, and concrete (6C’s).

Report Outline

The following components must be included in your report:

Memo format (See – pages 86-91 of textbook)
1^st paragraph – Summary
- Provide a clear, concise overview of the report.
2^nd paragraph – Background
- Provide relevant background information on your chosen topic, citing at least one source.
3^rd and 4^th paragraphs – Facts/Findings
- Summarize the key findings of your news article. Be careful to include the article title and author along with in-text citations for any quoted or paraphrased content.
- Include an explanation of why the news item is relevant to your field of study.
5^th paragraph – Outcome/Conclusion
- Conclude your report.