How do I write a report
How do I write a report?
Report writing differs from essay writing because it has a different purpose. Reports are common communication tools as they assist in the decision-making process. Written for a particular purpose, they usually outline a problem, provide the relevant facts and ideas related to the situation, and then recommend a course of action.
Reports are highly structured so that information they contain can be easily understood. Headings within the report allow the reader to select the parts they wish to read. Headings also enable each section of the report to stand-alone. The structure of a report is enhanced through the use of subheadings, diagrams, tables, graphs, illustrations etc. Reports are highly structured so that information they contain can be easily understood. Headings within the report allow the reader to select the parts they wish to read. Headings also enable each section of the report to stand-alone.
The structure of a report is enhanced through the use of subheadings, diagrams, tables, graphs, illustrations etc.
As a student, you will be asked to write reports to show that you have investigated or researched a particular problem. Although each subject coordinator may have slightly different requirements and/or ways to structure reports, the following is an example of a basic report format. Remember to always check each Subject Outline for individual subject requirements.
A 10-step plan of how to write a report (Sanders 2000, p. 200).
1. Consider the aim of the report and who will read it.
2. Plan your investigational approach.
3. Gather information.
4. Organise the information you have gathered.
5. Analyse the material.
6. Decide your conclusions.
7. Decide your recommendations.
8. Plan your writing.
9. Write your draft.
10. Edit and prepare the final copy.
As presentation of your report is very important, you should:
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follow the guidelines recommended in your Subject
Report writing differs from essay writing because it has a different purpose. Reports are common communication tools as they assist in the decision-making process. Written for a particular purpose, they usually outline a problem, provide the relevant facts and ideas related to the situation, and then recommend a course of action.
Reports are highly structured so that information they contain can be easily understood. Headings within the report allow the reader to select the parts they wish to read. Headings also enable each section of the report to stand-alone. The structure of a report is enhanced through the use of subheadings, diagrams, tables, graphs, illustrations etc. Reports are highly structured so that information they contain can be easily understood. Headings within the report allow the reader to select the parts they wish to read. Headings also enable each section of the report to stand-alone.
The structure of a report is enhanced through the use of subheadings, diagrams, tables, graphs, illustrations etc.
As a student, you will be asked to write reports to show that you have investigated or researched a particular problem. Although each subject coordinator may have slightly different requirements and/or ways to structure reports, the following is an example of a basic report format. Remember to always check each Subject Outline for individual subject requirements.
A 10-step plan of how to write a report (Sanders 2000, p. 200).
1. Consider the aim of the report and who will read it.
2. Plan your investigational approach.
3. Gather information.
4. Organise the information you have gathered.
5. Analyse the material.
6. Decide your conclusions.
7. Decide your recommendations.
8. Plan your writing.
9. Write your draft.
10. Edit and prepare the final copy.
As presentation of your report is very important, you should:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
follow the guidelines recommended in your Subject
References: A listing of all resources referred to in the report; assembled in author alphabetical order. These are not included in the word count. Refer to Topic 9 of this guide for more detail. Appendices The appendices include related materials, if appropriate. These are not included in the word count. These are optional for the reader, that is, the reader can choose whether they refer to them or not. © Learning Skills, Charles Sturt University 2004 2