How To-14: How to Write a Report

How to Write a Report

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

This is how to write a simple report for school. For a more complex report, read How to Write a Term Paper.

Steps

1. Prepare an outline. Outline what you want to do on a piece of paper. There should be at least:
   
• An introduction.
  
• Middle sections with headings, detailing your research, ideas and discussion. Keep this at about 3 to 5 different topics--at the most.
  
• A summary and/or conclusion. A summary is a retelling of what you have reported on; a conclusion draws together your feelings or arguments about the topic to reach your final point of view.
  
2. Add a bibliography. Write or type your bibliography (a listing of your report sources) on a piece of paper or if you have a bibliographic page, write it down on that.
   
3. Write a rough draft. Proofread it and mark your errors clearly. Errors are not only spelling and grammar but also jumbled ideas and missing points.
   
4. Rewrite your report. Add pictures if you would like to or if it enhances the look. Use colored print if it is appropriate for the report.
   
5. Print and check for final errors. Bind the report if it is appropriate, or place in a folder.

Tips

• You may need more than two note cards for your research: One for the books and one for the internet.
  
• To catch errors in your typing easily, read the paper to yourself aloud at home before turning it in.
  
• Ask someone else to proofread your paper and offer constructive criticism.
  
• Be sure to rely on more than one source for your information.
  
• When using information from the internet, make sure it comes from a reputable source. Look on the page and make sure you know who wrote the information and why they are providing it.
  
• While writing, assume that your reader knows little to nothing about the subject. Add details and definitions to topics in the paper.

Warnings

• Don't delay your research until the last minute. Report creation takes longer than you might think, especially when you start fiddling with color, photos, borders, headings etc and that's only after the information has been written up properly!
  
• Do not start fiddling with color, photos, borders, headings etc. until the information has been written up properly. If you do, a lot of time can disappear and you will not have time left to write a good report.
  
• Do not take someone's information for your own.
  
• You should list the site references the way the site asks people to.

Things You'll Need

• You will need books and some research equipment.
  
• You will need to know what you are looking for.

Related wikiHows

• How to Write a Book Report
  
• How to Write a Term Paper
  
• How to Write a Speech
  
• How to Write a Report on Paul Revere
  
• How to Write an APA Style Bibliography

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