Which of the following best describes the tone of a well written report?

• A. It is objective
• B. It is emotionally charged
• C. It is humorous
• D. It is biased

Answer: (A)

A well written report should have an objective tone. This means sticking to facts, observations, and evidence without letting personal opinions, feelings, or biases color the narrative. An objective tone supports credibility and reliability because it describes what happened, when and where, who was involved, and how events unfolded, based on verifiable information. To maintain this tone, use neutral, precise language, separate facts from inferences, and indicate sources or evidence for statements. When you include statements from others, present them accurately and distinguish them from your own conclusions.

An emotionally charged tone signals bias or personal feeling, which can distort the facts and undermine the report’s usefulness. A humorous tone undermines seriousness and credibility, making the document inappropriate for official use. A biased tone reveals favoritism or prejudice, which compromises the integrity of the record. So objective is the best fit because it ensures the report is accurate, credible, and fit for investigations, proceedings, or accountability.