Definitions and Classification: Background Reports Prepared by: Dalal Oubraim Ilhame Majdi Mounia Khelloufi Mounia Reda
Background Report Primary Research Report Feasibility Report Evaluation Report Recommendation Report
Background Report Background reports provide background on a topic. They solves real workplace problems and respond to real workplace needs. Background reports focus on a specific topic meeting specific audience needs. The two essential infrastructures of the background reports are definition and classification.
Background Report Technical background reports solve workplace problems by providing information on a topic, satisfiying the needs of the readers. Example: In 1999, HP company wrote a background reports about the use of « nanotechnology » for its clients.
STEP 1: Build a team (As with other types of reports) Background Report STEP 1: Build a team (As with other types of reports)
Background Report Step 2: Find a project requiring a background report. (example: use of new technologies) Example: For a technical background report about « nanotechnologies », there will be no recommendations, instructions or conclusions. There will be only introductory background information for readers.
Step 3: Analyze the audience and purpose Background Report Step 3: Analyze the audience and purpose When you find a subject, think about the specific audience that might read the background report. Taking our example on « nanotechnology », there might be investors, government officials, organizations, marketing analysts.
Step 4: Choose the « packaging » for the report Background Report Step 4: Choose the « packaging » for the report Thinking about the design that will be used for the report, as a memo report, online report, e-mail report, or formal report.
Step 5: Narrow the topic for the report Background Report Step 5: Narrow the topic for the report Summarize all the information gathered, using appropriate words to be undertood.
Step 6: Use the infrastructure to develop a tentative outline. Background Report Step 6: Use the infrastructure to develop a tentative outline. Infrastructure: description,process, causes, effects, definition, classification and persuasion. Example: « manufacturing at the molecular level ».
Step 7: Plan and develop graphics and tables. Background Report Step 7: Plan and develop graphics and tables. When conducting a research on a topic, graphics and tables will be used. DO NO forget to include them in the bibliography.
Step 8: Set up a source list (bibliography) Background Report Step 8: Set up a source list (bibliography) Step 9: Review and revise your rough draft
What is Definition ? Definition means the explanation of the meaning of a potential unfamiliar word. There are 3 types of definitions: Synonym Definitions Formal Sentence Definitions Extended Definitions
Synonym Definitions It is the use of a simple, familiar word in order to provide a quick on-the-spot definistionof a potentially unfamiliar term.
Formal Sentence Definition It is the use of a full sentence to provide a more formal definition of a technical term. Formal sentence definition has a particular structure: Defining the Term. Locate the term in a category. Differentiates that term from other members of that category.
Extended definitions Definitions that take up one or more paragraph to be explained. technical terms ( global warming, big bang theory, nanotechnology etc.) Tools of definition are used to convey the full sense of the term being defined in the extended definition.
How to write and extended definition? Find a simple project requiring an extended definition. Some examples: rain forests, recycling, dyslexia, acupuncture etc. Define an audience and a purpose. Research the term Write a formal sentence definition Choose the tools for the extended definition
How to write and extended definition? Extended definition tool Description Provide description detail about the term being defined Process Explain the steps in one or more processes related to the term Causes Discuss causes related to the term being defined Effects Discuss consequences, results, and effects related to the term Problems Compare the term being defined to relates or opposite things Comparisons Discuss the categories into which the term being defined can be divided Applications Discuss the real world uses of some aspect of the term Benefits, advantages Discuss any benefits or advantages associated with the term
How to write and extended definition? Plan and develop graphics Organize the materials you’ll use to write extended definition Some organizational patterns: - chronological - general > specific or specific>general - theories> applications
How to write and extended definition? Sketch the headings you’ll use and the contents they introduce Plan an introduction Plan a conclusion Consider the format Review and revise your rough draft
Classification Determine the category of the topic, item, concept,… Divide the topic into categories
Location within Category State different potential categories Characteristics of each category Comparison Determine the best category, or make up a new one
Division into Categories Basis of Classification Determine one basis of classification Fulfill readers needs Useful & informative Subject Basis of Classification Categories Diabetes Dependency on Insulin Insulin dependent Non-insulin- dependent
Division into Categories Divide the subject into categories Write a formal sentence definition for each category
Discussion of Categories Discuss each category separately Use tools of extended definition
Format Descriptive title centered at the top of the page Definition of topic Introduction Definition of categories Body paragraphs Use second-level & third-level headings Use lists, notices, illustrations, tables, highlighting, & documentation
Video Subject Basis of Classification Categories “Solar Energy Systems” The use of mechanical power Passive solar energy Active solar energy