How to Write a Report – Format, Topics, and Sample Questions with Answers (CBSE Guide)

Mastering the Art of Report Writing: A CBSE Guide

Ever felt stuck staring at a blank page, wondering how to turn your thoughts or a whole event into a formal report? You're not alone! Report writing is a key skill, especially for CBSE classes, but it's often seen as tricky.

Don't worry! This guide will break down everything you need to know—from the basic format to pro-tips and solved CBSE examples. Let's turn that confusion into confidence.

What is Report Writing?

Think of a report as a formal, factual story. It's a structured way to present information about an event, topic, or investigation. Its main goal is to be clear, concise, and accurate.

Whether you're describing your school's Sports Day or a public incident, your report provides a snapshot for someone who wasn't there. It sticks to the facts and presents them in a logical order.

Types of Reports (for School)

While there are many kinds, for school purposes, you'll mostly deal with these:

1. Newspaper Report

Focuses on an event or incident for the public (e.g., an accident, a new policy). It's factual and objective.

2. Magazine Report

Goes deeper than a newspaper report. It's more detailed, analytical, and might cover a broader topic (e.g., "The Rise of E-Sports").

3. School Report

A formal account of a school event or activity (e.g., Annual Day, Science Fair) written for the school magazine or notice board.

The 5-Step Report Writing Format (CBSE)

Follow this structure, and you'll have a perfect report every time. This is the standard format expected in your exams.

1. Heading / Title

   This is your first impression. It must be brief, eye-catching, and instantly tell the reader what the report is about.

2. Byline

   Simple and clear: "By [Your Name]". If required, you might add your title or class (e.g., "By Rohan, Head Boy" or "By Priya, Class XII").

3. Introduction (Lead Paragraph)

   This is the "5 Ws" paragraph. It must answer:

   • What happened?
   • Where did it happen?
   • When did it happen?
   • Who was involved?

   This paragraph sets the context and gives the reader all the essential information upfront.

4. Body of the Report

   This is where you expand on the introduction. It's usually 2-3 paragraphs. You should:

   • Give a chronological or logical sequence of events.
   • Include key details, quotes from participants or guests, and relevant data.
   • Explain the "How" and "Why" of the event.
   • Keep your facts accurate and be objective.

5. Conclusion

   A brief, one-paragraph summary. Wrap up the event, mention any outcomes, or (if appropriate) state a final quote or a look towards the future.

Pro-Tips for a Flawless Report

• Be Concise: Get to the point. Avoid flowery language or unnecessary details. Stick to the facts.
• Use Simple Language: Write in a formal, straightforward style. Your goal is to inform, not to confuse.
• Stay Objective: Report what happened, not what you *feel* about it. Avoid personal opinions (e.g., "It was the best day ever!").
• Proofread: Always check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and inconsistencies. A clean report is a credible report.
• Mind the Word Limit: CBSE reports often have a strict word limit (e.g., 120-150 words). Practice writing concisely.

Sample Report Topics

• School Events: Annual Sports Day, Science Fair, Debate Competition, Tree Plantation Drive.
• Accidents/Disasters: A Road Accident, A Fire Outbreak, Flood Relief Camp.
• Social Issues: Water Scarcity in Your Locality, Increasing Air Pollution, "Say No to Plastic" Campaign.

Sample Report (School Event)

Annual Sports Day Celebrated at ABC School

By XYZ, Class 12

New Delhi, September 25, 2024: The Annual Sports Day of ABC School was held on September 25, 2024, with great enthusiasm and zeal on the school grounds. The event, which commenced at 9 AM, saw a large gathering of students, teachers, and parents.

Mr. Arun Prakash, an eminent sports personality, graced the occasion as the chief guest and inaugurated the event with a motivational speech. Students from all grades participated in various competitions, including track and field events, basketball, and cricket matches. The highlight of the day was the 100-meter sprint, in which Saurabh from Class 11 won first place.

The event concluded at 4 PM with a prize distribution ceremony, where the chief guest felicitated the winners. The day was a grand success, reinforcing the spirit of teamwork and healthy competition among the students.

Practice Questions (CBSE Samples)

Test your skills! Here are some past CBSE questions. Try writing them yourself before you peek at the answers.

Full Question: You are Karan/ Kirti of L.M. Memorial Public School, Dwarka. Your school has adopted a village as a social responsibility. Students are being taken to teach the children of that village on a regular basis. Write a report, for your school magazine, on the various other programmes organized there in 120 – 150 words.

Sample Answer:

L.M. Memorial Adopts Village

By Karan, Class XII

Dwarka, September 27, 2024: L.M. Memorial Public School, Dwarka, has undertaken a noble initiative by adopting a nearby village as part of its social responsibility. The project, which began in August, aims to uplift the villagers' lives through various community-driven activities.

While students from classes IX-XII regularly visit to teach the village children, several other programmes have also been organized. These include health awareness camps, large-scale cleanliness drives, and tree plantation events. Recently, a health camp provided free check-ups and vaccinations to over 100 residents. Workshops on women’s empowerment and vocational training have also been introduced to promote self-reliance.

This initiative has fostered a spirit of service among students and significantly contributed to the well-being of the village community.

Full Question: MMD School, Nashik, recently organised a science symposium on the topic: ‘Effect of pollution on quality of life’. You are Amit/Amita Raazdan, editor of the school magazine. Write a report on the event for your school magazine. (120 – 150 words)

Sample Answer:

Science Symposium on Pollution's Impact

By Amita Raazdan, Editor

Nashik, September 10, 2024: MMD School, Nashik, hosted a science symposium on the ‘Effect of Pollution on Quality of Life’ on 10th September in the school auditorium. The event aimed to raise awareness about the alarming rise in pollution and its direct impact on human health.

The keynote speaker, renowned environmentalist Dr. Ramesh Kulkarni, delivered an insightful lecture on air, water, and soil pollution. Following this, students presented research projects showcasing innovative solutions, including waste management techniques and renewable energy alternatives. An interactive Q&A session with the expert panel proved highly engaging for the student audience.

The symposium was an eye-opener, successfully inspiring all attendees to take concrete steps toward reducing pollution.

Full Question: Cultural Society Sunshine Public School, Nellore organised an adult literacy camp in its neighbourhood. Write a report in 120 – 150 words on the camp for your school newsletter. You are P.V. Sunitha, Secretary.

Sample Answer:

Adult Literacy Camp Organized

By P.V. Sunitha, Secretary

Nellore, September 20, 2024: The Cultural Society of Sunshine Public School, Nellore, successfully organized an adult literacy camp in the neighborhood from 15th to 20th September. The initiative aimed to empower the local community by helping adults develop basic reading and writing skills.

A team of 25 student volunteers dedicated three hours daily, teaching in the local community hall, which was equipped with chairs and blackboards. The camp saw enthusiastic participation from approximately 40 adults from the neighborhood. The curriculum covered basic literacy and numeracy.

The camp had a significant impact, enabling participants to read simple texts and write their names, boosting their confidence. The event highlighted the importance of education at every age.

Writing a Descriptive Paragraph - Class 10 CBSE Board - Explained with Examples

Writing a Descriptive Paragraph (100-120 words)

CBSE Pattern | British English | Based on Visual or Verbal Cues

What is a Descriptive Paragraph?

A descriptive paragraph paints a picture in the reader's mind using words. It vividly describes a person, event, or situation by focusing on sensory details—what you see, hear, smell, touch, or taste. Descriptive writing should create an atmosphere that allows the reader to visualise the scene or person being described.

Structure of a Descriptive Paragraph

1. Topic Sentence: Start with a sentence that introduces the subject (person, event, or situation) and gives the reader a general idea of what you're describing.

2. Supporting Sentences: Add details to elaborate on your topic. Use adjectives, adverbs, and strong verbs to describe the appearance, feelings, or environment. Focus on at least two or three senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste).

3. Concluding Sentence: Wrap up the paragraph with a sentence that summarises the overall impression or gives a personal reflection on the subject.

Guidelines for Writing

• Stick to the Word Limit: Keep your description between 100-120 words.
• Be Specific: Avoid vague descriptions. Use precise language to create a vivid picture.
• Use Imagery: Think of how an artist paints using a variety of colours—describe your subject with rich details.
• Stay Relevant: Focus on the subject. Avoid unnecessary information.

Example of a Descriptive Paragraph

Person
Viraj always stood out in a crowd with his towering height and deep, thoughtful eyes. His neatly combed hair and clean-shaven face gave him a sophisticated look. Dressed in simple yet elegant clothes, he moved with a calm, assured grace. Whenever he spoke, his voice carried a sense of wisdom that drew people towards him. Despite his reserved nature, there was a kindness in his smile that made everyone feel at ease.

Event
The annual sports day was nothing short of thrilling. The field was a sea of bright colours as students cheered for their teams. The whistle blew, and the race began, with runners dashing across the track. The excitement in the air was palpable as everyone shouted encouragement. The final lap saw a fierce competition, with Riya overtaking her opponents in a dramatic finish, claiming the gold.

Situation
As the sun set behind the mountains, a soft breeze carried the scent of pine through the air. The campsite was peaceful, with only the crackle of the fire breaking the silence. Sitting around the campfire, we shared stories, our faces illuminated by the dancing flames. The night sky, dotted with stars, felt infinite, making the moment feel both magical and serene.

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Practice Exercise

Based on the cues provided by your teacher, write a descriptive paragraph (100-120 words) on the following topics:

1. A person you admire.
2. A family celebration you recently attended.
3. A peaceful place you have visited.

Essay on 'Globalisation' - CBSE - English - Writing Section - 200 words

Globalisation is the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries through the exchange of goods, services, ideas, and information. It has been driven by advances in technology, transportation, and communication, as well as policies that promote free trade and investment.

The benefits of globalisation include increased economic growth and prosperity, greater access to goods and services, and the spread of knowledge and innovation. It has also allowed for increased cultural exchange and understanding between different countries.

However, globalisation has also had its critics. Some argue that it has led to a widening income gap between the rich and poor, as well as the outsourcing of jobs to cheaper labour markets. It has also been blamed for environmental degradation and the loss of traditional cultures.

Overall, globalisation is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has both positive and negative impacts on different societies. While it has contributed to economic growth and cultural exchange, it has also created challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure that the benefits of globalisation are shared more evenly. This includes addressing issues of income inequality and environmental sustainability.

Essay on 'Importance of Reading' - CBSE Exam - 200 words

Reading is a vital skill that is necessary for personal growth and development. It helps to expand our knowledge and understanding of the world around us and can provide a source of entertainment and enjoyment.

One of the main benefits of reading is that it improves our vocabulary and language skills. When we read, we encounter new words and ideas that we may not have come across before. This helps to expand our knowledge of the language and can improve our writing and communication skills. Reading also helps to improve concentration and focus, as it requires us to pay attention to the text and understand it. This can be especially beneficial for children, as it can help to improve their academic performance.

Reading is also an important way to relax and de-stress. It allows us to escape from the demands of everyday life and lose ourselves in a good book. This can help to improve our mental health and overall well-being.

In addition, reading can also help to improve critical thinking and analytical skills. When we read, we are required to think about and interpret the text, which can help us to develop our ability to analyze and evaluate information. This can be beneficial in both personal and professional settings.

Overall, reading is an essential skill that should be nurtured and developed. It has numerous benefits for both personal and professional growth, and is an enjoyable and enriching activity that everyone should participate in.