Technical Writing and report writing

Module 7

Types of report
Technical report Research report or proposal Research dissertation or thesis Case study Book chapter Conference paper Journal paper Articles

Research report
Is a oral presentation or written statement that has the purpose of communicating research findings, recommendations for courses of action, other findings to management or other specific audiences

Report parts

Prefatory parts

Main body of the report

Appended parts

Prefatory parts Title page Letter of transmittal Letter of authorization Table of contents

Summary
Objectives

Results

Conclusions

Recommendations

Summary
Also known as abstract, executive summary. Very important aspect of writing where the reader gets an idea about what the report is all about. It is the window to our report.

Main body of the report

Introduction Methodology Results
Area 1 Area 2 Final area

Limitations
Conclusions and recommendations

Appended parts
Data collection forms Detailed calculations General tables

Bibliography

Graphs and picture

Use properly, graphs, pictures and tables can clarify complex points or emphasize a message. The key is to make them an integral part of the text. The graphics, tables and figures should be explained properly in the text Remember to number your chart, figures and tables

Tables
Table number Title of the table Footnotes Banner heads and stubheads Source Example: Table 2.1 where 2 is the chapter number and 1 is the number of table Referring in the text, we do As we can see in Table 2.1, so and so

Figures and Charts

The same apply for figures and charts except figures and charts are numbered as Figure 2.1

The process of writing

Outline: first figure out what you have to do. What is the topic? Gather materials based on that topic Make a outline of how you are going to progress If it is a research, then follow the procedure for research proposal
Where you have introduction, methodology, literature review and analysis followed by conclusion

Write the first draft Read it properly and check for loopholes. Criticize your work to make it more reader friendly. It is better to ask your friend to give it a reading.

Cut and paste is not writing. Develop the habit of writing in your own words. Referencing is very important. Few tips
Once the guide is allocated, keep in touch with him or her. Start thinking about your topic and try to collect material Understand and write it up and send it to your guide Always remember, identify your research objective at once and collect data on that objective only.

"I have a spelling checker It came with my PC; It plainly marks four my revue Mistakes I cannot sea. I've run this poem threw it, I'm sure your pleased too no, Its letter perfect in it's weigh, My checker tolled me sew." -Janet Minor