Writing the Report

1. Writing the Report

2. Drafting the Report • Distinguish the Functions of the Report Sections • Ensure Coherence at All Levels of the Report • Acknowledge Data in Report from Secondary Sources • Edit and Proofread the Report

3. Basic Divisions of a Formal Report • Prefatory Parts • Supplementary Parts • The Report Proper

4. Prefatory Parts • Title Page • Letter of Authorisation • Letter of Transmittal • Table of Contents • List of Illustrations • Executive Summary May include:

5. Supplementary Parts • References (Sources) • Endnotes • Appendix May include:

6. The Report Proper • Introduction • Findings • Conclusions • Recommendations Includes:

7. Ensure coherence at all levels of the report • provide introductory comments • use general statements/topic sentences • use transitional devices • incorporate charts & tables into text

8. Acknowledge Data in Report from Secondary Sources • Author-Date System … (Lee, 2000: 67) • Superscript System … led to a 12% • increase in profits.1

9. Edit and Proofread • Check the Substance and Style • Check for Consistency and Errors • Ensure the report is Attractive and Neat

10. Remember the 5 Cs • Clarity • Conciseness • Coherence • Correctness • Courtesy

11. MY SPELLING CHEQUER Eye halve a spelling chequer It came with my pea sea It plainly marques four my revue Miss steaks eye kin knot sea. Eye have run this poem threw it I am shore your pleased two no Its letter perfect awl the weigh My chequer tolled me sew. ~ Sores unknown ~

12. Spell-check Non-errors e.g.too / to / two their / there its / it’s

13. Elements of a Well-written Report • Carefully constructed outline • Logical, consistent content • Complete and accurate information • Clear writing style • Neat and attractive presentation