Lecture # 1. How To Write A REPORT What is a Report?
In academia there is some overlap between reports and essays, and
the two words are sometimes used interchangeably, but reports are more likely to be needed for business, scientific and technical subjects, and in the workplace • Whereas an essay presents arguments and reasoning, a report concentrates on facts
• Essentially, a report is a short, sharp, concise
document which is written for a particular purpose and audience.
• It generally sets outs and analyses a situation or problem, often
making recommendations for future action. It is a factual paper, and needs to be clear and well-structured Reports may contain some or all of the following elements:
•A description of a sequence of events or a situation;
•Some interpretation of the significance of these events or situation, whether solely your own analysis or informed by the views of others, always carefully referenced of course (see our page on Academic Referencing for more information); •An evaluation of the facts or the results of your research; •Discussion of the likely outcomes of future courses of action; •Your recommendations as to a course of action; and Not all of these elements will be essential in every report. If you’re writing a report in the workplace, check whether there are any standard guidelines or structure that you need to use. For example, in the UK many government departments have outline structures for reports to ministers that must be followed exactly. Sections and Numbering : • A report is designed to lead people through the information in a structured way, but also to enable them to find the information that they want quickly and easily. • Reports usually, therefore, have numbered sections and subsections, and a clear and full contents page listing each heading. It follows that page numbering is important. • Modern word processors have features to add tables of contents (ToC) and page numbers as well as styled headings; you should take advantage of these as they update automatically as you edit your report, moving, adding or deleting sections. What makes a good report? Two of the reasons why reports are used as forms of written assessment are: • to find out what you have learned from your reading, research or experience; •to give you experience of an important skill that is widely used in the work place. An effective report presents and analyses facts and evidence that are relevant to the specific problem or issue of the report brief. All sources used should be acknowledged and referenced throughout, in accordance with the preferred method of your department. For further information see the Learning Development guide: Avoiding Plagiarism. The style of writing in a report is usually less discursive than in an essay, with a more direct and economic use of language. A well written report will demonstrate your ability to: •understand the purpose of the report brief and adhere to its specifications; •gather, evaluate and analyse relevant information; •structure material in a logical and coherent order; •present your report in a consistent manner according to the instructions of the report brief; •make appropriate conclusions that are supported by the evidence and analysis of the report; •make thoughtful and practical recommendations where required. Thank You..