ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL • WRITING REPORTS •

PURPOSES (1st Sem./ 2nd Qtr.)

CREATED BY: MCSC Report:

- A structured document that presents information,

• CONCEPT PAPER • analysis, findings, and recommendations on a particular
subject or issue.
Concept:
Purpose of a Report:
- A general idea or notion formed by combining
characteristics or particulars. - Inform and convey information.

Types: General concepts, advertising concepts for - Persuade and influence.

marketing campaigns, detailed descriptions for new
- Showcase professionalism.
product development.
Survey Report:
Concept Paper:
- Captures feedback from a specific audience.
- An academic writing summarizing the purpose,
importance, and methodology of a project. - Presents key takeaways through charts and tables.

- Reflects writer's interests, expertise, and serves as a tool - Organized with sections like overview, introduction,
for obtaining funding. methodology, results, and conclusion.

- Can be used interchangeably with the term proposal. Laboratory Report:

Definitions in Concept Papers: - Summarizes experiments, research, or observations in

a laboratory.
- Formal, informal, and extended definitions used to
provide the meaning of a word or term. - Organized components: title page, abstract,
introduction, materials and methods, results, and
- Formal: Term, class, distinguishing features.
discussion.
- Informal: Simplified description (Term & class).
- Requires specific formatting and citation style
- Extended: Essay-length texts showing meaning through adherence.
various rhetorical patterns.
Field Report:

- Provides detailed observations from a specific location

• POSITION PAPER • or project.

Position Paper: - Gathers data through observations, conversations, and

experiences.
- Formally defends an individual's stand or opinion.
- Presents data concisely for stakeholders and decision-
- Based on emotions, facts, or a combination. makers.

- Characteristics include a clear purpose, focused topic, Scientific Technical Report:

organization, reliability.
- Highly technical, includes data tables, graphs, and
Steps in Writing a Position Paper: statistical representations.

- Decide on a topic or issue. - Structure includes an abstract, detailed investigation,

findings, and a bibliography.
- Decide on your position.
- Adheres to industry standards for formatting and citation.
- Research evidence for both sides.
Citation Styles:
- Write the position paper defending your opinion.
- APA (American Psychological Association): Commonly
used in social sciences.
- MLA (Modern Language Association): Widely used in
humanities.

- Chicago: Used in history and some social sciences;

Turabian is a simplified version.

- IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers):

Primarily used in technical fields.

- CSE (Council of Science Editors): Often used in the

natural sciences, provides three citation systems.

Guidelines in Writing a Report:

- Know Your Audience: Tailor language and messaging to

the audience's knowledge and expertise.

- Stay Concise and Clear: Ensure reports are easy-to-

read and understandable by non-experts.

- Use Visuals Wisely: Enhance writing with data

visualizations and images; maintain professional layout.

- Proofread and Edit Thoroughly: Avoid errors and

grammar mistakes; thoroughly review before submission.