1. Chapter 18 Formal Reports
Technical Communication: Strategies for College and the Workplace by Dan Jones & Karen Lane
Chapter 18 Formal Reports
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2. Types of Formal Reports

3. Informational Reports
Provide essential background and other details
Typically do not analyze or dissect a problem
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4. Analytical Reports Evaluate or analyze Issues Problems Conditions
Trends
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5. Background Reports Provide information only
Seldom offer recommendations
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6. Feasibility Reports
Tell the readers whether or not something is practical or possible
Recommend pursuing one or more courses of action (or, in some cases, no action at all)
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7. Recommendation Reports
Analyze a problem
Determine the possible solution(s)
Recommend the best solution(s)
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8. Empirical Research Reports
Relay information collected from:
Tests
Surveys
Experiments
Present an analysis of the compiled data
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9. Scientific Papers

10. Scientific Papers Typically Have Eight Sections

11. Section 1: Title Title of your paper Your Name
Names of any other authors in agreed upon order
Name of your university or company affiliation
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12. Section 2: Abstract Features a brief version of your work
Generally ranges between words.
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13. Section 3: Introduction
Introduces the reader to the need for your research
Gives background information so that the reader can evaluate the importance of your work
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14. Section 4: Materials and Methods
Describes the actions that you took to prove or disprove your hypothesis
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15. Section 5: Results Summarizes your findings
Does not include interpretation
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16. Section 6: Discussion
Interprets the results from the previous sections
Proposes an explanation for the significance of these results
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17. Section 7: Acknowledgments
Acknowledges help with research and preparation provided by others in the form of:
Time
Funding
Expertise
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18. Section 8: References
Gives exact citation information for sources of background information from:
Books
Articles
Other sources
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19. Strategies for Preparing Formal Reports

20. Focusing Analyze your audience. Narrow your subject.
Determine your purpose.
Limit the scope of the document.
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21. Gathering Information
Gather systematically
Gather carefully
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22. Interpreting Information
Immediately upon gathering information, spend some time interpreting it.
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23. Organizing
Use concise and descriptive headings for every section of the report.
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24. Designing and Illustrating
gpo-test:
Image to come?
Designing and Illustrating
Carefully consider the illustrations and design elements you use.
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25. Writing and Revising the First Draft
Expect to write several drafts before having an acceptable final version.
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26. Common Elements for Formal Reports

27. Front Matter Transmittal Letter Cover Title Page Abstract
Executive Summary
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
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28. Body Introduction Methods Results or discussion Conclusion
Recommendations
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29. Back Matter Glossary List of symbols Appendices References Index
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