Report Writing

Question 1

Report

Answer 1

bearer of information from one person to another

There are two things to remember:
* The person writing the report knows

Question 2

Steps on Writing a report

Step 1: What is the objective of the report?

Answer 2

Do you need to explain, describe, convince or recommend something to the reader?

Question 3

Step 2: Who is going to read it?

Answer 3

It’s always good to tailor the report style and formatting to suit the audience you are addressing.

Question 4

Step 3: Meet the expectation.

Answer 4

This goes hand in hand with ‘Who is going to read it?’ Ensure you understand what format the report should take and ask for an example if you’re unclear.

Question 5

Step 4: Research and data.

Answer 5

Gather all the information you require, make sure you know how to cite and reference resources and don’t be shy to add graphics or illustrations to highlight or explain your statements.

Question 6

Step 5: Structure the report.

Answer 6

The three basics of any report are always: introduction, the main body of text and conclusion.

Question 7

Step 5: Read it, edit it, read it again.

Answer 7

Check and recheck for grammatical or spelling errors. Try to find additional data or illustrations to add weight to your statements.

Question 8

Report format and Structure

Structure Principles

Answer 8

The important parts can be highlighted with graphics, pictures, varying fonts, and other tools that catch the eye

Question 9

What should the report contain?

Foreword

Answer 9

main content in the report should be readable here

Question 10

Table of contents

Answer 10

List of containing of the report by numbers

Question 11

Introduction

Answer 11

a clear definition of the task. The introduction should also give some background to what was done and why.

Say what you are going to say/do

• Introduce the topic
• Identify the task that you will do
• Provide overview of the structure

Question 12

Background material

Answer 12

contain an overview of things done before within the same area and any history.

Question 13

Main body

Answer 13

This is where you write what you have done during the assignment. The actual solution is presented, investigations are described, and the results are documented.

Say / do it…

Question 14

Summary

Answer 14

contain what was done and the most important results. You should be able to read the summary separately.

Question 15

Conclusion

Answer 15

critical conclusions regarding the project and the results you have found.

Say what you have said / done

Question 16

References

Answer 16

reference all the sources you got information from for the report.

Question 17

Appendix

Answer 17

where we place information that is important but didn’t make it into the report. Examples are larger pictures, configuration files, supporting material, etc.