Report Writing Lecturer: Mrs Shadha Abbas جامعة كربلاء كلية العلوم الطبية التطبيقية قسم الصحة البيئية University of Kerbala College of Applied Medical Sciences Department of Environmental Health

STRUCTURE Page Number 1.What is a report 2.Types of reports 3.Why you need to learn how to write reports 4.The structure of the report 5.What you needs to include in the report 6.Literature review 7.Writing a Literature review 8.Designing the report

What is a report

A report is a statement of the results of an investigation or of any matter on which definite information is required. (Oxford English Dictionary) Reports are a highly structured form of writing often following conventions that have been laid down to produce a common format. Structure and convention in written reports stress the process by which the information was gathered as much as the information itself. But all the above depends on the methods used to carry out the work, aims and objectives set, subject material investigated, and analyses and techniques carried out.

Types of reports

There are different types of reports, depending upon the subject area which you have chosen. These could include laboratory reports, technical reports, reports of a work placement or industrial visit, reports of a field trip or field work. Reports vary in their purpose, but all of them will require a formal structure and careful planning, presenting the material in a logical manner using clear and concise language.

WHY YOU NEED TO LEARN HOW TO WRITE REPORTS The importance of a report as a means of communication cannot be over emphasised. It is a direct reflection of its writer’s ability and knowledge of the subject.

The Structure of the Report There are subtopics which are essential to every report, these are highlighted accordingly: 1)Title page 2)Abstract 3)Table of contents 4)Introduction 5)Methods and finding

6)Results 7)Discussion 8)Conclusion 9)Summary 10)Recommendation 11)References 12)Appendices

1.Title Page Student Name Module Title Title of Experiment Date Instructor Name

2)Abstract The summary should briefly describe the content of the report. It should cover the aims of the report, what was found and what, if any, action is called for. Aim for about half a page in length and avoid detail or discussion; just outline the main points. Remember that the summary is the first thing that is read. It should provide the reader with a clear, helpful overview of the content of the report.

The aim of the abstract is to: – introduce journal articles – inform readers about article's content – help readers decide whether or not to read article – overview conference programs, abstract collections, and book chapters

– help readers decide whether or not to read article – overview conference programs, abstract collections, and book chapters

Why you need to know how to write Abstracts? 1.Helps you present complex information in a clear, concise manner 2.Helps you read abstracts more effectively 3.Helps you conduct research 4.Helps you write abstracts for future publications 5.Helps you condense report information into a short format.

4) Introduction Your introduction is the first impression your readers will have of your writing. A good introduction will show them that you know what you're talking about and that you're going to complete the task in question.

The introduction sets the scene for the main body of the report. The aims and objectives of the report should be explained in detail. Any problems or limitations in the scope of the report should be identified, and a description of research methods, the parameters of the research and any necessary background history should be included.

A good introduction will: 1- Show that you are going to answer the question or complete the task 2- Show that you understand the issues and their implications 3- Show how you are going to do this by indicating the structure of your answer and making clear the main areas that you are going to write about (your plan).

4- Show evidence that you have carried out some research by making a reference to one of your sources be totally relevant be concise, the total number of words is usually recommended (e.g. 120 words in a 1500 word assignment).

Stages in Report Writing The following stages are involved in writing a report:  Identify your terms of reference  planning your work  collecting your information  organising and structuring your information  writing the first draft  checking and re-drafting.

RESEARCH METHODS Research methods refers only to the various specific tools or ways data can be collected and analysed, e.g. a questionnaire; interview checklist; data analysis software etc.).

TYPES OF RESEARCH  Exploratory  Descriptive  Analytical  Predictive

EXPLORATORY TYPE Exploratory research is undertaken when few or no previous studies exist. The aim is to look for patterns, hypotheses or ideas that can be tested and will form the basis for further research. Typical research techniques would include case studies, observation and reviews of previous related studies and data. For example using the DNA information to identify certain disseises and their curing system

DESCRIPTIVE TYPE Descriptive research can be used to identify and classify the elements or characteristics of the subject, e.g. number of days lost because of industrial action, or because of overloaded labour / officers Quantitative techniques are most often used to collect, analyse and summarise data.

Analytical TYPE Analytical research often extends the Descriptive approach to suggest or explain why or how something is happening, e.g. underlying causes of industrial action or the effects of contaminated environment in the hospitals on the medical crew and patients. An important feature of this type of research is in locating and identifying the different factors (or variables) involved.

PREDICTIVE TYPE The aim of Predictive research is to speculate intelligently on future possibilities, based on close analysis of available evidence of cause and effect, e.g. predicting when and where future industrial action might take place or certain diseases might take place in environmentally effected area