Composition: Writing a Report – Outline and Features (JSS 2 English)
Composition: Writing a Report
JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 1
Lesson Details
- Subject: English Language
- Class: JSS 2
- Term: Second Term
- Week: 1
- Age: 11 – 13 years
- Topic: Composition – Writing a Report
- Sub-topic: Outline and Features of a Report
- Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define a report.
- Identify the types of reports.
- Explain the outline of a report.
- List and describe the features of a report.
- Write a simple report using the correct format.
Keywords
- Report – A formal account of an event or situation.
- Outline – The structured plan of a report.
- Features – Essential elements that make up a good report.
Set Induction (Entry Behaviour)
The teacher asks students if they have ever written a report on an event or incident in school. The teacher then introduces the topic by explaining that reports are used in schools, offices, and daily life for record-keeping and communication.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Sample reports
- Whiteboard and markers
- Charts showing the structure of a report
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Students have previously written informal compositions, such as letters and stories. The teacher connects this by explaining that a report is a formal way of presenting facts.
Embedded Core Skills
- Critical thinking
- Writing skills
- Communication skills
- Organizational skills
Lesson Content
Definition of a Report
A report is a formal or structured piece of writing that presents information about an event, incident, or topic based on facts. Reports are used in schools, workplaces, and government offices to communicate findings and decisions.
Types of Reports
- Newspaper Report – A report about current events.
- School Report – A report on activities, academic progress, or disciplinary issues.
- Accident Report – A report about an accident, often used by police and hospitals.
- Business Report – A report used in offices to summarize financial and business activities.
Outline of a Report
A well-organized report follows this structure:
- Title – The subject of the report (e.g., “A Report on the Annual Sports Day”).
- Introduction – A brief explanation of what the report is about.
- Body – The main part of the report, presenting facts in chronological order.
- Conclusion – A summary of findings or recommendations.
Features of a Good Report
A good report should:
- Be factual and objective.
- Be clear, concise, and well-organized.
- Use a formal tone and simple language.
- Have a logical flow of ideas.
- Contain headings and subheadings for clarity.
- Use past tense when reporting past events.
Class Activity Discussion
10 FAQs with Answers
-
What is a report?
- A report is a structured piece of writing that provides factual information about an event or topic.
-
What are the types of reports?
- Newspaper reports, school reports, accident reports, and business reports.
-
Why do we write reports?
- To provide accurate information, record events, and communicate important details.
-
What are the key features of a report?
- Clarity, objectivity, logical flow, and formal language.
-
What should a report include?
- A title, introduction, body, and conclusion.
-
What tense is used in writing reports?
- Past tense when reporting past events.
-
Can a report include personal opinions?
- No, a report should be based on facts, not opinions.
-
What is the purpose of a title in a report?
- To clearly state the topic of the report.
-
How should a report be structured?
- It should have a clear outline with headings and subheadings.
-
How can I improve my report writing skills?
- By practicing regularly and organizing information logically.
Evaluation (Assessment Questions)
Fill in the blank with the correct option (a, b, c, or d):
-
A report is a formal piece of writing that presents ___.
a) Opinions
b) Facts
c) Stories
d) Songs -
The main sections of a report include ___.
a) Title, introduction, body, conclusion
b) Greeting, body, signature
c) Introduction, dialogue, climax
d) Verse, chorus, bridge -
A report should be written in a ___.
a) Formal tone
b) Informal tone
c) Friendly tone
d) Humorous tone -
A school report is an example of ___.
a) A fictional story
b) An official record
c) A casual letter
d) A diary entry -
The body of a report contains ___.
a) Greetings
b) The main details and facts
c) Personal opinions
d) A letter closing -
A good report should be ___.
a) Factual and well-organized
b) Confusing and lengthy
c) Full of opinions
d) Short and informal -
Reports are commonly used in ___.
a) Schools and workplaces
b) Only on social media
c) Only in novels
d) Only in casual conversations -
The introduction of a report should ___.
a) Summarize the entire report
b) Present the topic briefly
c) Include unnecessary details
d) Be written in bullet points only -
Which of the following is NOT a feature of a report?
a) Clarity
b) Objectivity
c) Imagination
d) Logical flow -
The purpose of writing a report is to ___.
a) Entertain readers
b) Provide factual information
c) Express personal feelings
d) Tell jokes
Presentation Steps
- Introduction – The teacher explains the concept of a report and its importance.
- Development – The teacher discusses the outline and features of a report using examples.
- Student Participation – Students share experiences of report writing, and the teacher guides them in structuring a simple report.
- Practice – Students write a short report about an event in school.
Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities
- Teacher’s Activities: Explain the topic, provide examples, and guide students in writing a report.
- Learners’ Activities: Listen, take notes, ask questions, and practice writing a report.
Conclusion
The teacher reviews key points and asks students to summarize what they have learned. The teacher provides feedback on students’ report writing and corrects errors where necessary.