[Grammar] which tense is better?

[benevolence]

Dear all,



I have to write an annual report for 2009-2010. The report is expected to be issued by the end of August/early in September). The annual report actually mentions things happened and agenda discussed during the session between September 2009 and July 2010. Shall I use present tense or past tense?

An example is given below:

During the session, the board discusses/discussed various issues, including the business plan for 2009-10, salary adjustments, site visits, etc.

• In this context, is present tense better than past tense or the other way around?

• Is time a concern here? Given that it is still 2010, but the annual report is for 2009-2010.

• Is the issue date or the time I put pen to paper that matters?

• When some issues are ongoing and will continue discussing in the 2010-11 session, is it better to use present tense?

Finally, what are the grammar points for the above questions?

Thanks a lot. :roll:

Yours truly,

Benevolence

 

[benevolence]

Anyone dares to answer :shock::?:

 

[benevolence]

During the session, the board discusses/discussed various issues, including the business plan for 2009-10, salary adjustments, site visits, etc.

Concerning the meaning, what's the difference between discusses and discussed in the above sentence?

 

[BobK]

I don't see the problem. The things took place in the past. Use the past.

b

 

[BobK]

PS Of course, that's not an inviolable rule. There is a thing called 'the historic present'. In some contexts, it's common. For example, a lot of jokes start 'A man walks into a bar...'; what it means is 'A man walked into a bar...'.

But in a formal report for official consumption, use the simple past.

b

 

[benevolence]

Dear Bobk

I'm very much obliged to you for your comments.

Nevertheless, I would like to seek for further clarification on the usage of present/past tense in report writing. And here is a real-life example:

http://www.premierleague.com/staticFiles/7a/71/0,,12306~94586,00.pdf

Between page 7 and 9 is the Chairman's Report. One can see that the Chairman used present tense and past tense interchangeably. Does it constitute inconsistency?

Best Regards,

Benevolence

 

[BobK]

When he's referring to the past he uses the simple past. Which specific sentences bother you? I see no inconsistency.

b