26 Questions
Where does the Summary appear in a formal report?
After the Title Page but before the Table of Contents
What is the purpose of the Summary in a formal report?
To encourage readers to continue reading the report
What are some examples of a formal report referred to as?
Feasibility study, investigation report, project report
Where should the Summary be written in the process of creating a formal report?
After the rest of the report has been written but placed at the front of the report
What should illustrations ideally be in a report?
Smaller than a full page to avoid interrupting reading continuity
What is the primary purpose of Conclusions and Recommendations in a report?
To provide a summing-up of the outcome of the discussion
What is the recommended format for presenting subsidiary conclusions?
In point form (in numbered or bulleted subparagraphs)
How should recommendations be presented to make them strong?
Use the active voice and advocate action
What is the purpose of the reference list in a report?
To provide information necessary for locating and retrieving sources cited in the paper
How should reference list entries be organized?
Alphabetized by the last name of the first author of each work
What type of information should be included in the Appendix of a report?
Complex analyses, statistics, manufacturers' data, large drawings and illustrations
How should an appendix be labeled and followed?
With a title that describes the subject of the appendix, centered and bolded at the top of the page
What is the recommended spacing for the reference list in a report?
Double-spaced, just like the rest of the essay
What is the recommended indentation for the reference list entries?
Hanging indentation of one-half inch from the left margin
What is the recommended format for listing authors' names in the reference list?
Inverted, with last names provided first and first/middle names written as initials
What is the recommended label for the page containing the reference list?
References in bold, centered at the top of the page
What is the purpose of including a table of contents in a report?
To help readers find specific information and show the organization of the report
What should the introduction of a report include?
Background, purpose, and scope of the project or study
What should the discussion section of a report ensure?
Reader understanding and acceptance of conclusions and recommendations
What are common pitfalls in report writing?
Using technical terms, failing to answer readers' questions, and underestimating or overestimating readers' knowledge
Why is it important to consider the terms of reference given for a project when writing a report?
To arrange information in a logical sequence based on the readers' interests and questions
What do readers want to know in addition to the facts presented in a report?
How the facts are derived; references should be provided at the end of the report
How do different sizes of bold typeface in a report help readers?
Assess primary and secondary headings and the subordination of sections and paragraphs
What should be considered when inserting illustrations in a report?
Carefully choosing and inserting them
What is the purpose of the report's discussion section?
To arrange information clearly to avoid reader doubt or hesitation and to ensure acceptance of conclusions and recommendations
What should report writers consider about their readers?
The knowledge and interests of their readers to plan a report that addresses their questions and needs
Study Notes
Report Writing Essentials
- A table of contents is inserted in a report to help readers find specific information and to show the organization of the report.
- The introduction of a report includes the background, purpose, and scope of the project or study.
- The discussion section of a report should be clear and logical to ensure reader understanding and acceptance of conclusions and recommendations.
- Common pitfalls in report writing include using technical terms, failing to answer readers' questions, and underestimating or overestimating readers' knowledge.
- Report writers should identify their readers and plan the report to address their interests and needs.
- It is important to consider the terms of reference given for the project and arrange information in a logical sequence based on the readers' interests and questions.
- Readers not only want to be given facts but also want to know how the facts are derived; references should be provided at the end of the report.
- Different sizes of bold typeface in a report help readers assess primary and secondary headings and the subordination of sections and paragraphs.
- Illustrations in a report should be carefully chosen and inserted.
- The purpose of the report is to prepare readers for the details in the discussion and to introduce them to the circumstances leading up to the project.
- The discussion section of a report must arrange information clearly to avoid reader doubt or hesitation and to ensure acceptance of conclusions and recommendations.
- Report writers should consider the knowledge and interests of their readers to plan a report that addresses their questions and needs.
Test your knowledge of report writing essentials with this quiz! Explore the key elements of report structure, from the importance of a well-crafted introduction to the arrangement of information in the discussion section. Brush up on the best practices for addressing readers' needs, choosing illustrations, and avoiding common pitfalls in report writing.
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