1. A report gives information by stating facts.
2. A report usually consists of two main parts:
- General Classification
This part gives brief information about the focus of the report, it may give a definition of the subject
- Description
This part gives facts about the focus of the report. It may describe the features of the subject (e.g. : what it looks like, where it lives, how it breeds).
3. An example of a report
MARSUPIALS
General Classification - gives definition of the subject (the focus of the report)
'marsupium' means 'pouch', and a marsupial is an animal whose babies complete their development in a pouch on its mother's body. Kangaroos, koala bears and wallabies are the most common marsupials, though marsupial bats and moles also exist.
Description - gives facts about the subject
When the baby marsupial is born, it is small and helpless. It finds it way by instinct to its mother's pouch. There it gets milk from its mother and grows steadily until it is large enough to leave the pouch and fend for itself.
Marsupials developed before placental animals, which complete all their development inside the mother's womb. Placental animals were better able to compete for food than marsupials. Marsupials died out in most parts of the world. Once Australia had become separated from the other continents, placental animals could not easily prey on marsupials any more. This is why marsupials have flourished in Australia. Nevertheless, some are also found in America.