Writing the First Draft ENGL 3100 Dr. Shelley Thomas Based on Dr. Brenda Orbell’s original presentation

Report Writing Structure of Report Body Introduction: Context for reading the report what the report is about why the report is significant to the client how the report is structured

Report Writing Structure of Report Body Body: Results and Discussion vary according to type of report being investigated order should be chosen for understanding of analysis (and sometimes for rhetorical effect) basic content description of problem, solution, criteria methodology results of analysis discussion of what it means

Report Writing Structure of Report Body Conclusions, Recommendations, Plan of Action present a summary of the findings (often by criterion) and what they mean for solving the problem recommend a decision or plan of action that follows logically from the conclusions

Is Solution X a feasible solution for Problem Y? Introduction Description of Problem Y Description of Criteria Required for Effective Solution Methodology Description of Solution X Analysis of Solution X Criterion 1 Criterion 2 Criterion 3 Conclusions Recommendation

Is Solution X or Z a better solution for Problem Y? Introduction Description of Problem Y Description of Criteria Required for Effective Solutions Description of Solutions X and Z Analysis of Solution X Criterion 1 Criterion 2 Criterion 3... Analysis of Solution Z Criterion 1 Criterion 2 Criterion 3 … Conclusions Recommendation

Is Solution X or Z a better solution for Problem Y? Introduction Description of Problem Y Description of Criteria Required for Effective Solutions Methodology Description of Solutions X and Z Analysis of Solutions by Criterion 1 Solution X Solution Z Analysis of Solutions by Criterion 2 Solution X Solution Z Analysis of Solutions by Criterion 3 Solution X Solution Z Conclusions Recommendations

Why is Problem Y occurring and what can be done about it? Introduction Description of problem Needs assessment Methods used to analyze problem Analysis of what is happening Issue 1 Issue 2 Analysis of why Y is happening Cause 1 Cause 2 Conclusions Recommendations or plan of action for solving problem Action 1 Action 2

Why should Client A implement Solution B to solve Problem X? Description of problem, need, or opportunity Needs assessment (goals or objectives) Proposed solution Dismissal of other solutions Benefits of implementing solution Costs of implementing solution Mitigating Factors? Qualifications (may need to place early in report) Statement of work Actions required to implement solution Personnel required to implement solution Facilities and equipment required to implement solution How your work will be evaluated Schedule for implementing solution Conclusions and Call for Action

First Draft of Recommendation Report Length (3 single-spaced pages per team member) text only, save graphics for later Clear structure (use one of the outlines provided) Paragraphs (not one long paragraph for each section) Provide page numbers Sample citations

First Draft of Recommendation Report This draft needs to contain as much of the report body as you can write. Remember this is a DRAFT; you may leave questions for me, notes for yourself, or place holders for graphics. I will award points based on page length. Your team may want to divide up the report information into logical chunks. You will have time to put the report together when you revise.