Unit 4: Writing Writing Reports

What is a report? A report is a systematic, well organized document which defines and analyses a subject or problem, and which may include: the record of a sequence of events interpretation of the significance of these events or facts evaluation of the facts or results of research presented discussion of the outcomes of a decision or course of action conclusions recommendations

Reports must always be: Accurate Concise Clear Well structured

Reports and essays—what’s the difference? A common problem is that students transfer what they have learned about essay writing to report writing. Both essays and reports need: formal style careful proof-reading and neat presentation introduction, body and conclusion analytical thinking

But there are some essential differences between the two. A Report An Essay Presents information Presents an argument Is meant to be scanned quickly by the reader Is meant to be read carefully Uses numbered headings and sub- headings Uses minimal sub-headings, if any. May not need references and bibliography/reference list Always needs references and bibliography/reference list Uses short, concise paragraphs and dot-points where applicable Links ideas into cohesive paragraphs, rather than breaking them down into a list of dot-points Uses graphics wherever possible (tables, graphs, illustrations) Rarely uses graphics May need an abstract (sometimes called an executive summary) Will only need an abstract if it is very long, or if your lecturer asks for one specifically May be followed by recommendations and/or appendices Seldom has recommendations or appendices

Writing a Report Writing a formal report involves some procedures that students have to follow:- Be formal All points precisely elaborated The address should be clearly written Utilize relevant transitional words

General Rules when Writing a Report An effective book report must be error-free, clear and coherent. Follow these useful tips when writing the report:- Each paragraph should highlight one main point Personal responses should be justified with reasons The report should follow a basic pattern of organization

For example: an introduction, a summary (one or more paragraphs), a personal reaction (two or more paragraphs) and a concluding paragraph Transitional words should be used to link ideas and details Only use quotations when necessary, for instance to highlight the main ideas

The Task You are very disappointed by the condition and services provided by your college café. You decide to write a report to inform your principal about the deplorable conditions and bad services provided by the college café. The points to be discussed are:- vulgar and ill-mannered workers inadequate chairs and tables old and termites infested furniture expensive, stale and non nutritious food no water to wash hands

Thank You