Question

Which of the following best describes the content of the introductory paragraph in a report?
a. It should be the shortest paragraph in the report.
b. It should be the longest paragraph in the report.
c. It should contain the writer’s opinion.
d. It should inform the reader of the event/incident.

Answer 1

Hint: A report is written to inform the public about an event or a function. It expresses the personal views and opinion of the reporter.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
As given in the hint, a report is written for a specific audience in a formal language.
Now, we begin a report with the introductory paragraph that is used to describe the event or the incident about which the report has been written.
Example- If a reporter is writing a report on a school function, he will begin the introductory paragraph by mentioning the date, time, venue and the specific details of the school function.
Let’s examine the given options-
a. It should be the shortest paragraph in the report- We have been asked to choose the option that describes the content of the introductory paragraph. But the given option expresses the length of the introductory paragraph. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
b. It should be the longest paragraph in the report- We have been asked to choose the option that describes the content of the introductory paragraph. But the given option expresses the length of the introductory paragraph. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
c. It should contain the writer’s opinion- A report does not begin with the personal comments and opinion of the reporter. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
d. It should inform the reader of the event/incident- We know that the introductory paragraph of a report indicates the details of the event or the situation. Hence, it is the correct option.
The correct answer is Option ‘d’.

Note: The length of the report is not as important as the content and format. You should always begin a report with the details of the incident or the event.