Writing Field Reports
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A common kind of informational report describes inspections, maintenance, and site studies. Such reports, often known as field reports, explain problems, methods, results, and conclusions, but they deemphasize methods and can include recommendations. The report in Figure 12.2 illustrates a possible variation on this standard report structure.
Because the writer and the reader work for different companies, a letter is the appropriate format for this brief informational report.
The word visual describes the methods.
The writer states the purpose of the inspection.
The writer has chosen to incorporate the words summary and conclusion in the body of the letter rather than use headings as a method of organization.
Informational reports sometimes include recommendations.
The writer concludes politely.
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Responding to Readers’ Questions in a Field Report
When you write a field report, be sure to answer the following six questions:
What is the purpose of the report?
What are the main points covered in the report?
What were the problems leading to the decision to perform the procedure?
What methods were used?
What were the results?
What do the results mean?
If appropriate, also discuss what you think should be done next.