1. How to prepare better reports
Taken from Essential Study Skills,
Burns & Sinfield pp197/208

2. What is a report? A document designed to deal with the real world
A practical document that describes, details or analyses a situation in the real world
The reader should be able to make decisions or take action at the end of it

3. The “Why” question
Why am I writing this report? – what am I trying to achieve
Why am I writing this report – what do I want my reader to think and do after reading my report?

4. Think about the reader Who is my reader?
What can I expect my reader to already know about this topic?
How can I deal with this in my report?
What can I expect my reader to believe about my topic?
What language, tone, style will my reader respond to?
TIP: When drafting reports, think of the language, evidence and examples that will influence real reader

5. 10 steps to success Prepare to research
Follow the action plan – systematic and targeted research
Review your notes
Plan the body
Write the first draft
Leave it
Review, revise, edit
Proof read
Copy/type and hand in
Getting it back
Tip: You will need to allow time for your seminar tutor to give you feedback on your report – or it will be difficult to reflect on how to improve your work!
Tip: when getting work back always make a note of three things you do well, and three ways you could improve and develop your practice

6. Typical report structure:
Title Page
Contents
Introduction
Methodology
Findings:
- with strap headlines
Conclusion
Recommendations
Bibliography
Appendices
Glossary

7. What makes a report? Title page Abstract
Title and sub-title – usually divided by a colon :
Date – places report in real time
Authors name and position – when you write a report, you are often asked to write as though you are a particular person in an organisation
Distribution list
Abstract
A synopsis or summary is the gist of what your report is about
It could include: overall aims, specific objectives, the task, procedures or methodology, key findings, key recommendations
Tip: as it refers to the whole report – write it last!

8. Contents page
Contents - lists clearly all the major sections of the report, including subsections and appendices – with page numbers
Tip: Check out the contents pages of books – how do they help you as a reader?

9. Introductions and Bodies………..
Introduction – Should help the reader understand the what, why and how of your report. It needs:
Background – why you are interested in the topic or why the report was necessary
terms of reference – aim or purpose of your research
the methodology – research methods you used to put the report together – literature review, or something more practical: interviews, visits
Body – small word, most work! Main part of your report

10. Conclusions and recommendations (nearly finished by now!)
Each part of the body should have a conclusion that points out the implications of your findings,
Each conclusion should lead to a recommendation – recommendations tell the reader what to do about something…

11. And finally: Appendices Bibliography
do not count within the word count!
Use sparingly – they should not be longer than your main work!
To show your reader some of things you have used to compile your report
Bibliography
Use Harvard system
Glossary – a list of unusual words

12. Further assistance: The learning development unit
www/londonmet.ac.uk/ldu
Has tutors that will work with you one to one
You can collect a handout on how to write reports, essays etc etc
Write2learn online guide to academic writing available 24 hours on webCT