# Determine the Content

Once you have your purpose sorted out and you know who your audience will be, the next step is to decide how much and what type of content you need.
Determine how much information you need to provide balance for the opinions, judgment or advice in your report. For example, if your purpose is to investigate a problem, you’ll need to give background information about the problem, then provide details of different solutions that have been attempted and evidence of the results.
An analytical report may contain the results of surveys and interviews with experts, as well as data from earlier reports.
If your purpose includes instructions to provide suggestions for alternative solutions, you’ll also need to give your recommendations (based on the information in the body of the report).
If you’re considered an expert in the field, you must ask if your expertise will be accepted by itself or if you have to prove your arguments with evidence from other authorities.