9.2 STEPSOF REPORT WRITING
There are generally three steps in the course of writing a business report.
The first step is to get fully prepared for the report writing.The writer should first identify what purpose the report is for，to whom the report is sent，what kind of relationship is between him and the sent-to-person，and how much background information the sent-to-person has about the report.Taking all these factors into account，the writer can decide on the right length and tone of the report.
Next is the step of collecting data.Writing of a report should be based on sufficient information and facts relevant to it.The data can be collected through the author's own observations，surveys，interviews，quotations of some other authoritative reports，or publications.
Before starting to write a report，an outline of it should be drafted to further clarify the main points of the report.In the course of writing a report，the writer should make sure：
●The subject of the report is focused on.
●The purpose of the report is worthwhile.(https://www.daowen.com)
●The appropriate format is used for the report.
●All problems involved are identified in the report.
●The facts are presented objectively.
●Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are put forward on the basis of the data collected and the analysis made.
To add to the credibility of a report，the data used in it should be correct and authoritative.Besides to illustrate the points clear，figures and tables are often used in reports.