better reports
TRANSCRIPT
How to prepare better reports
Taken from Essential Study Skills,
Burns & Sinfield pp197/208
What is a report? A document designed
to deal with the real world
A practical document that describes, details or analyses a situation in the real world
The reader should be able to make decisions or take action at the end of it
The “Why” question Why am I writing
this report? – what am I trying to achieve
Why am I writing this report – what do I want my reader to think and do after reading my report?
Think about the reader Who is my reader? What can I expect my reader to already know
about this topic? How can I deal with this in my report? What can I expect my reader to believe about
my topic? How can I deal with this in my report? What language, tone, style will my reader
respond to?TIP: When drafting reports, think of the
language, evidence and examples that will influence real reader
10 steps to success1. Prepare to research2. Follow the action plan –
systematic and targeted research
3. Review your notes4. Plan the body5. Write the first draft6. Leave it7. Review, revise, edit8. Proof read9. Copy/type and hand in10. Getting it back
Tip: You will need to allow time for your seminar tutor to give you feedback on your report – or it will be difficult to reflect on how to improve your work!
Tip: when getting work back always make a note of three things you do well, and three ways you could improve and develop your practice
Typical report structure: Title Page Contents Introduction Methodology Body
Conclusion Recommendation
s Bibliography Appendices Glossary
What makes a report?Title page
Title and sub-title – usually divided by a colon :
Date – places report in real time
Authors name and position – when you write a report, you are often asked to write as though you are a particular person in an organisation
Distribution list
Abstract A synopsis or summary is
the gist of what your report is about
It could include: overall aims, specific objectives, the task, procedures or methodology, key findings, key recommendations
Tip: as it refers to the whole report – write it last!
Contents page Contents - lists
clearly all the major sections of the report, including subsections and appendices – with page numbers
Tip: Check out the contents pages of books – how do they help you as a reader?
Introductions and Bodies………..
Introduction – Should help the reader understand the what, why and how of your report. It needs: Background – why you are interested in the
topic or why the report was necessary terms of reference – aim or purpose of your
research the methodology – research methods you
used to put the report together – literature review, or something more practical: interviews, visits
Body – small word, most work! Main part of your report
Conclusions and recommendations (nearly finished by now!)
Each part of the body should have a conclusion that points out the implications of your findings,
Each conclusion should lead to a recommendation – recommendations tell the reader what to do about something…
And finally: Appendices
do not count within the word count!
Use sparingly – they should not be longer than your main work!
To show your reader some of things you have used to compile your report
Bibliography Use Harvard system
Glossary – a list of unusual words
Further assistance: The learning
development unitwww.londonmet.ac.uk/college-of-london/ldu
Has tutors that will work with you one to one
You can collect a handout on how to write reports, essays etc etc
Write2learn online guide to academic writing available 24 hours on webCT