Start with structure, then replace every placeholder with information that is true, relevant, and natural for your context. These templates are intentionally skeletal so your final writing does not sound mass-produced.
A strong recommendation report makes the choice defensible: the reader can see the decision criteria, evidence for each option, tradeoffs, assumptions, risks, implementation implications, and why the recommended option fits better than the alternatives—including no action when that is a realistic choice.
Recommendation report Decision: [x] Audience/authority: [x] Current problem/baseline: [x] Criteria: [x] Options: [A/B/C/no action] Evidence by option: [x] Tradeoffs/risks: [x] Recommendation: [x] Conditions that would change it: [x] Implementation/next decision: [x]
Option comparison matrix Criterion | weight if justified | Option A evidence | Option B evidence | Option C evidence | uncertainty
Recommendation rationale Preferred option: [x] Decisive criteria: [x] Strongest evidence: [x] Material disadvantage: [x] Why alternatives rank lower: [x] Condition/trigger: [x] Next step: [x]
Recommendation-report audit Real alternatives? [ ] Same criteria across options? [ ] Assumptions labeled? [ ] Tradeoffs visible? [ ] No-action considered when relevant? [ ] Decision authority clear? [ ]