# FIRST STEPS

Before you begin, you must be very clear about what you’re expected to do, so ask the person who requested the report plenty of questions, such as:
> What subject matter should I include?
> Am I required to give an opinion or recommendation?
> Who am I writing for?
> How long can the report be?
> When must the report be completed?
You always have a specific purpose when you write a report, and this makes it easy to start — at least you know where you're meant to be going. Your purpose always determines the content and the style you use.