Language Studies and Academics The Writing Process Preparing to Write a Formal Report CM 2300

Language Studies and Academics Writing a Formal Report 1. Preparing 2. Collecting 3. Documenting 4. Organizing 5. Illustrating 6. Presenting

Language Studies and Academics 1. Preparing to Write Narrow your topic Know your limitations Develop a clear statement of purpose (or thesis) Consider your audience profile

Language Studies and Academics 2. Collecting Data Research first; write later Secondary Research first; Primary Research later Quality of research determines credibility of report

Language Studies and Academics Collecting Data Secondary Research Always begin with secondary research. Evaluate the sources that you find. Current? Reliable? Relevant? Useful?

Language Studies and Academics Collecting Data Finding Secondary Sources Library’s database Electronic journals Books, periodicals, newspapers Internet (WITH CAUTION)

Language Studies and Academics Collecting Data Primary Research Primary research follows secondary research. Information gathered from observation and experience.

Language Studies and Academics Collecting Data Primary Research Evaluate your primary research for reliability. Primary research appropriate to the subject: Interview Survey Experiment

Language Studies and Academics 3. Documenting Acknowledging your sources  Within the text of the report  “In text citation”  As a list at the end of the report  List of references APA style

Language Studies and Academics Proper documentation Strengthens your argument Establishes credibility for your report Protects your reputation Directs readers to find additional information and detail

Language Studies and Academics 4. Organizing Ideas A. Making Conclusions Generally, a thesis is developed in one of two ways: Deductive Reasoning Inductive Reasoning

Language Studies and Academics Making Conclusions: Deductive Reasoning Begins with a general statement and then moves to a more specific statement. Example “Research shows that the brain is more efficient in the morning, and that students and instructors perform better at that time. Therefore, CNA-Q should drop the 4:30 time slot for classes.”

Language Studies and Academics Making Conclusions: Inductive Reasoning Example “The accident rate in Doha has gone down over the last six months. The rate of deaths and personal injuries due to vehicle accidents has also been reduced. Drivers feel there is less stress and road rage happening on our streets. Therefore, the new traffic laws have been a positive and successful change for Qatar.” Begins with a collection of specific evidence and then moves to a more general statement, or conclusion.

Language Studies and Academics Which strategy will you use in your report? Deductive? Inductive? Most often, you will use the Inductive Strategy. You will present the background, the facts that you have researched, and discuss these facts. Then, you will make conclusions that will lead to recommendations.

Language Studies and Academics Organizing Ideas B. Order (Chronological) Ideas arranged according to time o Past to present: Eg. Growth of a company o First to last: Eg. Following a procedure

Language Studies and Academics Organizing Ideas B. Order (Functional or Topical) Ideas arranged according to function or topic o Eg. Equipment upgrades at Qatar Petroleum o Eg. Job descriptions or changes at Hamad Hospital

Language Studies and Academics 5. Illustrating Data Tables, charts, graphs, illustrations, and other visual aids Summarize, clarify, and emphasize information Variety of methods will appeal to more readers

Language Studies and Academics 6. Presenting the Final Report A. Prefatory Elements Title page Executive Summary Table of Contents List of Illustrations

Language Studies and Academics 6. Presenting the Final Report B. Body Elements Introduction Body with headings Conclusion Recommendations

Language Studies and Academics 6. Presenting the Final Report C. Supplementary Elements List of References Appendices (plural of Appendix)