Report Writing

Description

Practical and concise, this is the essential guide to writing effective reports. It shows students how to tailor report structures and conventions to different audiences and purposes and how to manage changes in format and requirements, so that they have the tools and understanding to write reports with confidence. It includes real-life examples of student reports to illustrate the features of good report writing, and a comprehensive checklist to keep students on track. This is an invaluable resource for students of all levels who are required to write reports as part of their course. Cover Contents Acknowledgements Introduction 1 The purpose of reports Read the brief! Who are the audience? What is the purpose? What do your audience know already? How are reports read? How are reports written? Differences between reports and essays Types of reports What if your report has an unfamiliar structure? 2 Gathering your information Aims and objectives What do you need to find out? How will you find this information out? Planning your time Recording your findings Writing up as you go along Planning your report Managing group reports 3 Structuring your report Which section should this go in? Title and contents pages Abstract / Executive summary Introduction Methods Results Discussion Conclusions and recommendations References Appendices What if your report has a different structure? 4 Business plans, reflective placement reports, project proposals and dissertations Business plans Reflective placement reports Project proposals Projects and dissertations 5 Presenting your findings Tables Graphs Photographs Diagrams Maps and plans Interviews and observations Labelling your tables and figures Referencing unusual sources 6 Demonstrating critical thinking in reports What is critical thinking? Critical thinking in reports Demonstrating critical thinking 7 Writing concisely Give yourself a target Write to express, not to impress! Use technical terms appropriately Use words with accuracy and precision Use of first person Use of tenses Cut unnecessary words Check and proofread Report writing checklist 8 Report writing at work Differences between academic and work reports References Useful sources Index