Topic 7
Report Writing
What does a good report
require?
Requires
systematic, structured
and careful thinking accompanied
by careful planning and
preparation
Important steps/tasks in
writing a good report
Gathering
data
Sorting, categorising and
analysing data
Planning and outlining report
Drafting the report
Revising and editing draft
How would you go about
gathering data?
Make
note of how you want your
data presented in the report
Note opinions and information
relating to your project
Document your plan in detail
Keep progress notes
Hw would you analyse and
sort the results?
Write
down all the results and
observations
Note down all the opinions
Note down new ones that you need
Arrange all data in order of importance
Select the data you want in your
conclusion
Support your points with illustrations
as you present them
Outline your final report and draft it
Outlining the Report
3
key words to remember
Subject - title
Scope - coverage
Purpose - reason
Other aspects:
Sections and parts
Relationship/connection btw various parts
discussed
Amount of space to be given to each part
Order of treatment
Places for inclusion of illustrations; and
conclusions
Typical
Technical
Abstract
Apparatus
Introduction
Test
Symbols
Theory
Analysis
specimens
Test procedures
Sample calculations
Discussion
Summary
of results
Conclusions
Appendix
References
Report Headings
Tips for Headings
Be
consistent in grammar
Do not use verbs
Should cover the whole report
May need introductory and
transition paragraphs to make
the report flow smoothly
Writing the Draft
Start
writing as soon as possible,
after finishing the outline, while
ideas are still fresh
Keep writing,; let your ideas flow
Do not worry about minor details
Check for style in second draft
Be honest
Be tactful
Be concise and logical
Revising the Draft
What are the three stages of revision?
Check for material
Data, statistics, opinion, etc
Check
for organisation, mechanics and
conventions
Objectives, subject, method stated clearly
Smooth flow, clear illustrations and labelling
Check
your language
Spelling, grammar and language mechanics
The Report Style
Good reports are:
Clear unambiguous language
Concise not too long
Smooth flowing
Written from an objective point of
view
The Writing Style
Use
simple words. Readers more
interested in WHAT you have to say
than HOW you say it
Arrange your paragraphs
Get to your point quickly
Emphasize your main ideas
Keep your facts and opinions separated
Use only figures and tables that are
essential
Quality is important, not quantity
Tips and Guidelines
Have a catchy title
Include an abstract
Concise, single-paragraph about 200 words
long
Write a good introduction why (pg 101)
State subject
State purpose
State scope and organisation (pg 102)
Style and length
Format
Content and Style
Writers Checklist (pg 104 -105)