Which statement best describes proper sentence structure in a report?

• A. Sentences should be simple.
• B. Sentences should be overly complex.
• C. Sentences should be incomplete.
• D. Sentences should use slang.

Answer: (A)

In a report, sentences should be clear and concise so readers can quickly and accurately grasp what happened. Simple sentences are the best choice because they express one idea at a time in a straightforward way, which reduces the chance of misinterpretation and makes the sequence of events easy to follow for anyone who reads the report—supervisors, investigators, prosecutors, or jurors. Complex or overly long sentences can bury details under clauses and qualifiers, increasing the risk that important facts are missed or misunderstood. Incomplete sentences leave gaps that confuse readers about who did what and when, undermining credibility. Slang or informal phrasing undermines professionalism and can create ambiguity in formal documentation. The goal is to use clear, direct, complete sentences that convey each fact or action plainly, keeping tense consistent and avoiding unnecessary opacity.