What elements are essential in a well-written report?

A well-written report is comprehensive and provides a complete picture of the situation being documented. The essential elements of who, what, when, where, how, why, and action taken ensure that the report addresses all critical aspects of the incident.

Including "who" identifies the individuals involved, "what" describes the events or actions that occurred, "when" indicates the timing of the events, "where" specifies the location, "how" outlines the circumstances or methods involved, "why" provides context or reasons behind the actions, and "action taken" summarizes any response or follow-up measures implemented. This thoroughness is crucial for clarity, accountability, and future reference.

In contrast, focusing only on elements like introduction, body, summary, and conclusion may leave out vital specifics that are necessary for understanding the full context of the report. Similarly, concentrating only on "what" and "how" leaves significant gaps in understanding the scope and impact of the incident. Personal opinions about the event, while potentially interesting, do not contribute to the objective nature of a report and can detract from its effectiveness as a factual record.