REPORT WRITING Many types but two main kinds: analytical e.g. recommendations to hospital administration on an issue practical e.g. lab experiment

Report Writing Style Formal style (avoid using slang, colloquialisms and contractions) Have headings and subheadings Have paragraphs Use complete sentences

Key steps in report writing Analysing the task Who is the report for? Why do they want it? What do they need to know?

Key steps in report writing Plan and organise Work back from your deadline How long will it take to find and analyse your information?

Key steps in report writing Do your research or reading Source the information you need Are you using the appropriate structure?

Key steps in report writing Collecting the information Collect and check content (accuracy very important in medicine) Organise references and notes

Key steps in report writing Write up Write up the text DO NOT PLAGIARISE Produce any tables or charts Edit and proofread

Basic Report Structure Title Contents / Abstract / Summary Introduction: background / why are you doing this study / writing this report? Main section: issues / problems / complications / present hard data

Basic Report Structure Discussion and conclusion Recommendations References / bibliography

Key language / grammar issues Passive voice frequently used Present simple and past simple tenses most frequently used Phrases of recommendation and suggestion Modals – may, might, should, ought to, could

Key language / grammar issues If you have problems with definite and indefinite articles: use plural forms where possible

A useful website http://www2.napier.ac.uk/gus/writing_presenting/reports.html#basic