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?

5. What am I trying to achieve ?
Factual/research:is expected to define or establish a current position perhaps using a methodological approach to testing and research.
Feasibility/exploratory:is supposed to explore a situation and suggest a range of options for further action.
Persuasive:is supposed to investigate a problem/topic and suggest a specific course of action.

6. A persuasive report-use the 5 Ps.
Position: Lead in with sufficient background to the situation and establish your credentials.
Problem: outline the need/problem. It is important to establish a solid base for your case.
Possibilities: Explain the possible solutions to the problems.
Proof: Give as much proof as necessary and list the potential benefits to be gained.
Proposal:Sum up the important points and give recommendations for action.

7. 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

8. 3 Principles of good report writing.
A-accuracy
B-brevity
C-clarity
Reports become difficult to read if they contain:
Long words (obviously need some but be selective and precise.)
Long sentences.
Long paragraphs.

9. 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 Week 13
Getting it back
Note: You will need to give in your draft report in week 9 to allow time for your seminar tutor to give you feedback on your report (p3 module book)
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

10. Typical report structure:
Title Page
Contents
Introduction
Methodology
Body
Conclusion
Recommendations
Bibliography
Appendices
Glossary

11. 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!

12. 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?

13. 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. Use numbered sub-headings.

14. 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…

15. 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

16. 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