Appendix B

Handout on Report Writing

Report Writing - Introduction

There has been increasing concern over the sleeping habits of young Singaporeans. The
Straits Times published a newspaper article by Jessica Jaganathan entitled “Sleepless in
Singapore” on June 15, 2007. This article has generated concern about the sleeping habits
of many Singaporeans, and, in particular, school-going youths. These late-night sleeping
patterns may have detrimental effects on a person’s mental and physical health.

The Health Promotion Board is concerned about young Singaporeans’ late-night sleeping
patterns. You have been asked to lead a team to gather more information about the
situation with the aim of coming up with a campaign to encourage more young
Singaporeans to have sufficient sleep. The report has been commissioned by Dr John
Cheng, the Director of Youth Health Division, Health Promotion Board.

You have decided to look into the following aspects of the issue: youths’ sleeping habits,
their nocturnal activities, and their awareness of the consequences of late-night sleeping.

You designed a questionnaire and conducted the survey on 1,000 school-going youths.
You also read several other newspaper articles and various health journals.

Based the information given, write the Introduction of a report and include the following
details:

 Title of report
 Introduction section of the report (including the following):
o Purpose
o Background
o Method of investigation
o Scope

Sherrie Lee
slideshare.net/orangecanton @orangecanton teachersherrie.wordpress.com
LESSON PLAN: WRITING THE INTRODUCTION OF A REPORT 2

A Report on _________________________________________________________

1. _______________________

1.1________________________

The purpose of this report _______________________________________________.

The report will also ____________________________________________________.

__________________________

An article in _____________________________ by Jessica Jaganathan claimed that

____________________________________________________________________.

_________________________________ is concerned about ___________________

____________________________________________________________________.

The report has been ___________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________.

__________________________

Questionnaires ________________________________________________________.

References ___________________________________________________________.

__________________________

Apart from ____________________, this report _____________________________

____________________________________________________________________.
LESSON PLAN: WRITING THE INTRODUCTION OF A REPORT 3

Suggested Answer

A Report on the Sleeping Habits of Young Singaporeans

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this report is to investigate reasons behind young Singaporeans’ habit
of sleeping late. The report will also make recommendation on how to get teenagers
to sleep earlier

1.2 Background

An article in The Straits Times (June 15, 2007) by Jessica Jaganathan claimed that
Singaporeans are sleeping less and this may have detrimental effects on a person’s
mental and physical health. The Health Promotion Board is concerned about the late-
night sleeping habits of young Singaporeans.

The report has been commissioned by Dr John Cheng, the Director of Youth Health
Division, Health Promotion Board.

1.3 Methods of investigation

Questionnaires were issued to 1000 school-going youth. References were also made
to newspaper articles and various health journals.

1.4 Scope

Apart from respondents’ profile, the report looks into three possible reasons for young
Singaporeans’ late-night sleeping habit: sleeping habits, nocturnal activities, and an
awareness of the consequences of late-night sleeping.